Do children's TV producers not understand suspension of disbelief?

Question

In fiction, unrealistic things happen all the time. Suspension of disbelief is an implicit contract between a writer and the reader (or producer/viewer - just depends on the medium) whereby the reader ignores the fact that some aspect of the story is not realistic, in order to better enjoy the story.

For example, in Star Wars, we ignore the fact that these characters who live in a galaxy, far, far away, all look human and speak English. And by suspending our disbelief, we are able to enjoy the story. The writer (or producer) breaks this implicit contract when they make things more unrealistic than necessary, or suddenly introduce new aspects of unrealism. For example, people complain that in Episode III, when some characters have a fight near a stream of molten lava, that they don't get skin burns.

It seems like childrens' TV writers/producers habitually break he contract. Children watching probably don't mind much, but these shows are also watched by adults (with their children) who must notice.

An example is Bob the Builder. Bob and his colleagues are builders. Their anthropomorphic vehicles (cement mixers, cranes, steam rollers, etc) all have their own distinct personalities. OK, so far, so good. There's also an anthropomorphic scarecrow. Why?

Another example is a more recent show: Octonauts. A polar bear, cat, penguin, dog, sea otter, rabbit and octopus work as undersea explorers and adventurers. Sounds OK so far. The kitchen is staffed by five half-animal half-carrot creatures. Why?

Are children's TV producers simply bad writers? Or do they just not think anybody will notice?

Answer 1

I'm sure they understand it. They also understand their audience has practically no attention span.



Children love Star Wars too. Mostly for the light sabres and space fights, not so much the drama and deep philosophical metaphors about the force.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

If you were a member of the target audience for this kind of programming, I doubt you'd be complaining as much. Were you bothered by the Roadrunner cartoons that, long ago, depicted ridiculous and incredible, physically impossible goings-on? Or by Micky Mouse, Donald Duck, and Speedy Gonzales the impossibly fast chihuahua?

Answer 4

The children's "programming" is actually 30 or 60 minute segments of advertisement. Watch for the Octonaut toys, lunch-boxes, t-shirts, baseball caps, etc., etc.

Bob the Builder toys and other trademark items already exist.

Answer 5

In star wars english is called galactic basic, the official language of the galaxy,

Answer 6

I agree she desires you no longer college. she will have the flexibility to be at school for a minimum of 12 years and you ought to make it longer? She has time to be with you and your husband and you prefer to take that faraway from her and you? i does not. i does not bounce to the top that she does not understand you i could decide for the undeniable fact that shes in all threat ignoring you. If she replaced into babysat and not talked to then she only isn't used to communication yet. the superb thank you to coach a toddler something is via talking. The extra you talk the extra they hear. you ought to consult along with her and permit time to respond to. do no longer attempt to rigidity her to respond to yet only pause whilst a question is asked and ask them in many cases. remember at 2 there is not any time-honored for talking. some wait some only initiate blabbing. It has no longer something to do with television or climate shes sensible adequate to talk. Even mentally disabled infants talk whilst they are waiting to. wait and see and attempt to resign blaming issues or human beings. only consult along with her and spend as lots time along with her as you are able to.