Little Bill

This is a really sweet, charming cartoon based on Bill Cosby's childhood. The animation is unique and evocative of the era. I especially love the relationship between Little Bill and his great-grandmother, whom he calls Alice the Great. A nice little family show.

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.

Little Bill teaches kids to be kids. I think it is also a positive portrayal of Black families.

It shows a strong family bond. I don't think it is stupid at all

This is a great show for kids, again I say for kids. Of course to adults it may seem stupid, but it's not meant for adults it's meant for kids. It teaches children to use their imagination, to be creative, and to accept anyone. In fact my daughter and I just watched one where Little Bill's friend Monty comes to visit. Monty is in a wheelchair and this shows children that even though some one may be a little different they can still be your friend. This is something I think every one could learn from.

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.