1961 Television
The introduction of television in the late 1940s coincided with America’s “baby boom,” and use of the technology expanded rapidly throughout the ‘50s. By 1961, the vast majority of American families owned a television, and Woodland Christian Church passed along viewing recommendations for “parents who care.”
Children’s programs were ranked from Excellent to Poor...to Objectionable…and even to the Most Objectionable – without an explanation of why.
Excellent programs included Captain Kangaroo, Ding Dong School, Leave it to Beaver, Huckleberry Hound, Yogi Bear, Romper Room, Shari Lewis, National Velvet, and of course, my favorite, Rocky & Bullwinkle.
Good programs included Bugs Bunny, Dobie Gillis, Mr. Magoo, and Quick Draw McGraw.
These programs were listed as Fair: Bozo the Clown, Dennis the Menace, Heckle and Jekyll, Mighty Mouse, and Lassie.
Felix the Cat was rated as Poor.
So what were the Objectionable programs? Well some were the most popular, like Rin-Tin-Tin, Roy Rogers, Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, and Sky King, along with the Little Rascals, the Lone Ranger, Popeye, Soupy Sales, and the Three Stooges.
And the Most Objectionable of all - also among the most popular - Superman. Why do you think that was?
Children’s programs were ranked from Excellent to Poor...to Objectionable…and even to the Most Objectionable – without an explanation of why.
Excellent programs included Captain Kangaroo, Ding Dong School, Leave it to Beaver, Huckleberry Hound, Yogi Bear, Romper Room, Shari Lewis, National Velvet, and of course, my favorite, Rocky & Bullwinkle.
Good programs included Bugs Bunny, Dobie Gillis, Mr. Magoo, and Quick Draw McGraw.
These programs were listed as Fair: Bozo the Clown, Dennis the Menace, Heckle and Jekyll, Mighty Mouse, and Lassie.
Felix the Cat was rated as Poor.
So what were the Objectionable programs? Well some were the most popular, like Rin-Tin-Tin, Roy Rogers, Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, and Sky King, along with the Little Rascals, the Lone Ranger, Popeye, Soupy Sales, and the Three Stooges.
And the Most Objectionable of all - also among the most popular - Superman. Why do you think that was?