SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Common Sense Media, the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology, is announcing the Common Sense Seal for TV, an honor recognizing standout new TV series and specials that offer unique or exceptional media experiences for families with kids age 2 to 17.
The 25 inaugural Seal awardees have met Common Sense Media's highest editorial standards for overall quality based on entertainment value, engagement, and impact, along with worthwhile themes, messages, and role models. They include three TV movies, one miniseries, two specials, and 18 episodic series chosen from more than 300 titles targeted at children, tweens, teens, and families. They debuted between January 1, 2015, and October 1, 2015, and currently are available on network, cable, and streaming/online platforms.
"The proliferation of platforms and cable networks has made it a very complex media landscape for families to navigate," said Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense. "There's a lot of content being created, but the quality isn't always there. For families with young teens especially, the options, this year, are few and far between."
The majority of 2015 Seal-winning shows (11) are aimed at preschoolers (age 2–4). Titles for kids age 5–7 received five Seals; those for kids age 8–9 received four; and those for kids age 10–12 received three. Notably, of all the TV series/specials reviewed by Common Sense Media so far this year, most were rated as appropriate for teens (13–17 years), yet only two of these titles received the Seal.
Significantly, streaming platforms debuted eight Seal-worthy shows in 2015, led by Netflix, which earned six Seals. Netflix has more new, quality series for kids in their 2015 lineup than any other platform, broadcast channel, or cable network across all age groups, from preschoolers (age 2–4) to young teens (age 13+).
"We're honored to be in such great company and have six of our original TV series receive the Common Sense Media Seal for TV," said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix. "We're proud of the diverse slate we've created for families, from Puffin Rock and Dinotrux for younger kids to Project MC2 and Dragons: Race to the Edge for older kids, and even Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which both teens and their parents are loving."
By platform, the most Seal-honored shows (14 in all) air on cable, led by Disney-owned channels, which have five shows recommended for 3-to 8-year-olds. Disney-owned ABC also airs two Seal-honored shows.
"The Disney brand is built on the foundation of trust that we have established with parents and families around the world," said Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer of Disney Channels Worldwide. "This recognition by Common Sense Media further underscores the fact that we continue to deliver on that trust."
The inaugural Common Sense Seal for TV awardees are:
Puffin Rock, Netflix, Age: 3, Release date: 9/1/2015
H20: Mermaid Adventures, Netflix, Age: 7, Release date: 7/10/2015
Dinotrux, Netflix, Age: 7, Release date: 8/14/2015
Project Mc2, Netflix, Age: 7, Release date: 8/7/2015
Dragons: Race to the Edge, Netflix, Age: 8, Release date: 6/26/2015
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Netflix, Age: 14, Release date: 3/6/2015
Bad Hair Day (TV movie), Disney, Age: 6, Release date: 2/6/2015
Descendants (TV movie), Disney, Age: 6, Release date: 7/31/2015
Teen Beach 2 (TV movie), Disney, Age: 8, Release date: 6/26/2015
Super Wings Sprout, Age: 3, Release date: 3/14/2015
Clangers, Sprout, Age: 3, Release date: 6/20/2015
Nina's World, Sprout, Age: 3, Release date: 9/26/2015
Fresh Off the Boat, ABC, Age: 10, Release date: 2/5/2015
Marvel's Agent Carter, ABC, Age: 12, Release date: 1/6/2015
Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins (TV special), PBS, Age: 3, Release date: 5/1/2015
Wallykazam!: The Big Goblin Problem (TV special), Nickelodeon, Age: 3, Release date: 2/6/2015
Fresh Beat Band of Spies, Nick Jr., Age: 4, Release date: 6/15/2015
Miles from Tomorrowland, Disney Jr., Age: 4, Release date: 2/6/2015
Goldie and Bear, Disney Jr., Age: 3 ,Release date: 9/12/2015
Wishenproof!, Amazon Prime, Age: 4, Release date: 8/14/2015
Wonder Quest, YouTube, Age: 4, Release date: 4/25/2015
Good Witch, Hallmark Channel, Age: 8, Release date: 2/28/2015
We Bare Bears, Cartoon Network, Age: 8, Release date: 7/27/2015
I Am Jazz, TLC, Age: 12, Release date: 7/17/2015
Book of Negroes (TV miniseries), BET, Age: 15, Release date: 2/16/2015
About the Common Sense Seal
Seal selections are determined by Common Sense Media's in-house team of seasoned reviewers, editors, and child-development experts based on the proven rubric for independent, age-based ratings deployed across more than 24,000 reviews of movies, TV shows, and other media since Common Sense Media was founded in 2003. The TV Seal will be given to a select number of titles each spring and fall. The Common Sense Seal for TV is an expansion of the Common Sense Seal initiative, which launched in October 2014 with a Seal for movies and has honored 39 films to date. More information is available at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/seal.
About Common Sense Media's Ratings
Common Sense Media rates and reviews media based on a combination of two factors: age-appropriateness and quality. We rely on developmental guidelines culled from some of the nation's leading authorities to determine which content is appropriate for which ages. Common Sense Media reviews feature a content grid that evaluates specific elements of each title, including messages, role models, violence/scariness, sex, language, consumerism, and substance use. We know every family and every child is different, but all families need information to make great media choices. Common Sense Media reviews also include suggested discussion points for families, providing an opportunity for parents to talk about themes and issues that arise and to convey their own views and values. Common Sense Media ratings and reviews are available on our website, through our mobile app, and through our distribution partners. Our unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and are not influenced by the content creators or by our funders.
About Common Sense
Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families and educators thrive in a world of media and technology. We rate, educate, and advocate on behalf of kids, families, and schools.
Common Sense offers the world's largest and most trusted library of age-based ratings and reviews of all types of media content targeted at kids, and our research-based curriculum and tools are used in more than 95,000 U.S. schools. For more information, go to www.commonsense.org.
Press contacts:
Crista Sumanik
415.806-5184
csumanik@commonsense.org
Michelle Hernandez
925.285-2994
mhernandez@commonsense.org