Little Bill

It was nice to see the tribute to his tragically killed son, Ennis, by including "Hello, friend". People that know his story and his closeness with his family could appreciate his subtle references in this fun cartoon. Others will find it lighthearted and cute. No matter what, it's Bill Cosby, a genius of comedy.

It's safe for parents to let their kids watch TV again. With the hundreds upon hundreds of shows that cable puts at our fingertips, my wife and I have to be careful what we let our kids watch. Shows like Sesame Street are great for kids, but one can only take so much of Elmo and his monster pals before one wants to perscribe a bottle of ritalyn to them all. The gamut of afternoon cartoons is okay, but there's really nothing there to engage the imagination. Enter Nick Jr. I really like what my 2-year-old son and 9-month-old daughter watch during the few hours that Nickelodeon tones down for little kids. Shows like Blues Clues and Dora the Explorer are great for helping them with problem solving skills, and Bob the Builder shows kids that working together to get things done is really the way to go.

But of all those shows, Little Bill has to be my favourite. Sure, I've been a big fan of Bill Cosby ever since I watched the original Cosby Show when I was a kid (that'll date me). But one day in a hotel room, we stumbled upon Little Bill. I was amazed! It's a modern cartoon that promotes strong family relationships, self confidence, honesty, and social acceptance. The mom and dad are in love with each other, they love their three kids, the kids love the parents, and everyone loves Alice the Great, the grandmother that lives with them, but doesn't interfere with the parents doing their job as parents. In this day in age where TV teaches that gay relationships, philandering spouses, promiscuous singles, and selfish back-stabbers are not only okay, but healthy, it's nice to have "safe" TV for your kids. And no only safe TV, but edificial TV.

Score 1 for the families.

A wonderful, realistic depiction of a family living in the city, this show takes it's time with human interactions in a way that is refreshing and enjoyable. There seems to be no end of realistic topics that are covered. I highly recommend it. It is the best thing I have watched with children in years.

Little Bill's older sister and bother are great kids; but they lose their patience, get tired and grouchy, snip at each other while the mother patiently but firmly guides their actions, sometimes leaving decisions to the three of them to work out. Little Bill's friends in school reflect the diversity of the city while the teacher's role reflects the challenges and rewards of the job.

First, Fat Albert. Then, Picture Pages (I know he didn't create it, but do you think of anyone else when the topic comes up?). Then, Bill Cosby creates Little Bill, and cements his legend as not only an entertainer, but and educator. Except for Fat Albert (which I recommend highly), my son has seen both of these works and also catches "The Cosby Show." Believe me, if I had to pick one entertainer that ends up my son's favorite TV star, thank goodness it's Bill Cosby. Even his bad films, like Leonard Part 6 and Ghost Dad, are pretty OK for kids as entertainment. And knowing him, there's been a positive message of some sort in both those films for kids all along that we've been missing.

Bill Cosby, with his clean way of getting things across does it again. But this time with a children show, parents can now let their children watch tv without fear once more. Back in the early 90's tv was great to watch, it was clean and pure and focused on good family values, but in the late 90's it has started to deteriorate, but with good shows like this for the children to watch, who knows ;)

Summary: Good for the children, the adults will tolerate it, teens don't watch this show at all.