Should They Watch It?
104 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 48 ratingsBefore you commit to what could be your child's next favorite TV show, we’ll break down the good, the bad, and the downright annoying of the many TV programs available to your little ones.
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Episodes
Ep. 81: Snake Discovery
August 15, 2023 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBIn this week's podcast, we discuss Kara and Michael's favorite YouTube channel...Snake Discovery! Kara takes us on a tour of their own little reptile zoo and fills us in on her true feelings about Snake Discovery.
Ep. 80: Jillian and Addie
August 01, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBThis week we go where the podcast hasn't gone before...YouTube! We're starting off with Brina and Arthur's favorite channel...Jillian and Addie! Haven't heard of it? Neither had Kara. So tune in and learn together! And while we're here...let's talk all things YouTube and parenting, shall we?
Ep. 79: Mecha Builders
July 18, 2023 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBDid you know three popular characters from Sesame Street have been turned into robots and given their own show? Kara didn't know either - but thankfully Brina brought Mecha Builders to the podcast for us to review! This preschool hit from 2022 seems like a slam-dunk YES...but is it? Tune in to Should They Watch It to find out!
Ep. 78: Ready Jet Go!
June 20, 2023 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBThis week, we're reviewing Ready Jet Go! from PBS Kids. Our review leads to a conversation about Brina's son's new glasses and Kara's kiddo's new hobby. Let us know what you think about this week's review!
Ep. 77: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
June 06, 2023 05:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBOn this week's podcast, we're headed to 1982 California to see if Steven Spielberg's beloved E.T. still holds up today. There may be a few things you don't remember from this classic that might be inappropriate for younger viewers. Plus, we take a deep dive on fun facts from filming you may not know about!
Ep. 76: Star Trek: Prodigy
May 23, 2023 22:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBThis week, we're going to boldly go where no podcast has gone before with our review of Star Trek: Prodigy. This most recent journey with the Star Fleet is aimed at those 7-plus, and we're going to let you know if it's worth the trip into the great beyond. Tune in and let us know what you think!
Ep. 75: Matilda the Musical
May 09, 2023 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBYou may remember the 90's hit, Matilda starring Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman. Netflix has now brought us Matilda the Musical, based more closely on the original novel and the broadway musical of the same name. A musical? For kids? Seems like a slam-dunk, right? Well, it's not going to be right for ALL kids and we'll break down the details as to why in this week's podcast.
Ep. 72: Paw Patrol
April 25, 2023 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBThis week, Brina and Kara are diving into the MEGA hit - Paw Patrol. Your kids are likely eating out of their Paw Patrol dishes while wearing their Paw Patrol jammies and playing with their Paw Patrol playset...but what do we think of this series overall? And exactly how does this lead to a conversation about capitalism and our government?! Oh boy, we're bringing all the crazy theories and fun facts this week - tune in!
Ep. 74: My Dad the Bounty Hunter
April 11, 2023 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBNetflix has a new original show: My Dad the Bounty Hunter, which brings us space exploration, alien battles, and some intense family drama - all in one! This very original CGI animation is one you won't want to miss...but there are some things you should be aware of before viewing with your younger children. We'll let you know all of our thoughts (there are definitely spoilers) and wrap it up with a discussion about a couple of classic books Kara recently read with her son that may or may no...
Ep. 73: Beetlejuice
March 28, 2023 05:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBThis week, we're headed back to the late 80's to discuss a movie from our childhoods...Beetlejuice! Starring Michael Keaton, Geena Davis, Catherine O'Hara, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin and more, does this star-studded movie hold up in today's world? We'll dissect it and see! Trigger Warning: death, grief, and suicide
Ep. 71: Super Kitties
March 14, 2023 05:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBSuper Kitties debuted on Disney+ in January of this year. Have you seen it yet? Brina and Kara let you know if your kids should watch it, while also discussing their own Super Kitties at home...and an hot news topic making the rounds right now. Tune in and let us know what you think!
Ep. 70: Sonic Prime
February 28, 2023 06:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThis week, Brina and Kara review the new Netflix original, Sonic Prime! Brina grew up with the Sonic franchise - so she's very excited to dig in and share her thoughts on this new series. Our host's review ends in a discussion about children's birthday parties...tune in and let us know how you feel!
Ep. 69: Peppa Pig with our NEW Co-Host
February 14, 2023 06:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBWe are so excited to welcome Kara's new co-host, Brina Palencia to the podcast! Brina has over 20 years experience in the entertainment industry and is also a mom that loves to watch TV with her son! While Brina has spent decades working in theatre and TV, she is most well-known for her voice work in some of the most popular anime in the country. So what better way to start her off than by reviewing one of the most well-known toddler TV shows, Peppa Pig! Our host's opinions might surprise yo...
Ep. 68: 2022 Recap with Kara and her son, Michael
December 29, 2022 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBThank you for joining us throughout 2022 as we reviewed dozens of your kiddo's favorite TV shows and movies! As you may have seen on social media, Laura has made the decision to leave the podcast to focus on work and family and we wish her all the best in her new adventures. We'll be announcing Kara's new cohost in January, with new episodes headed your way in February! With 2022 coming to a close, Kara asked her son Michael to join her for a year-end review of their favorite (and least fa...
Ep. 67: Mighty Ducks: Game Changers
November 15, 2022 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.3 MBLaura and Kara will be taking a little break for the holidays (returning January 17th), but before they leave you to your turkey, holiday gifts and Should They Watch It episode-catch-up time...they are reviewing Mighty Ducks: Game Changers on Disney+. Emilio Estevez returns to reprise his role as Gordon Bombay, and we have thoughts about this updated version of a classic underdog story. Does it hold up? Is it worth the watch? Tune in to find out!
Ep. 66: Drop Dead Fred w/ Nate Newman
November 08, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 43 MBWho could have dreamed we'd have so much to say about 1991's Drop Dead Fred?! Joined by Nate Newman from the (Not So) Secret Dads Business Podcast, we dive deep and cover topics from mental health to fascinating facts about the original casting. So grab your favorite imaginary friend and join us for one wild ride!
Ep. 65: AlphaBlocks with Satirical Mommy, Alexis
November 01, 2022 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBAlexis from popular Instagram, Satirical Mommy, joins us to discuss one of her favorite educational programs: AlphaBlocks! This might seem like a slam-dunk yes, but one of our hosts has some serious concerns about this show. IS it going to teach your kids to read properly? We've consulted a phonics expert to find out. Plus, the ladies give you additional apps, toys and games that will help your children learn to read. We'll share a lot of laughs in this E-P-I-S-O-D-E, so please J-O-I-N us!
Ep. 64: Hilda
October 25, 2022 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBBring your Earth-tones, your love of nature, and your best British accent...we are reviewing the Netflix hit, Hilda! Clearly, this show has a LOT of fans...but what do Laura and Kara think? Grab your favorite troll bestie and tune in to find out!
Ep. 63: Ms. Marvel
October 18, 2022 05:00 - 48 minutes - 33.1 MBThe Marvel Universe has a new saga aimed at tweens and teens- Ms. Marvel - showing on Disney+. Fans online are giving this show mixed reviews, but what do Laura and Kara think? Kara is transported back to her childhood after watching, and we also learn Laura's husband is a Marvel Mega-fan. What do you think? Tune in and let us know! Plus - Laura watched Hocus Pocus 2 and gives us her review at the end of the podcast...yay Spooky Season! Links to topics mentioned in podcast: Pop Culture Happ...
Ep. 62: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Swanka Burnette
October 11, 2022 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBWe know you've heard of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - it's a monster of a franchise that's been around for decades! But this week, we're headed back to 1990 to discuss the original TMNT movie. How does it hold up in today's world? Joining us is Swanka Burnette from The Quick Critic - who happens to be a GIANT fan of this movie and is ready to defend why he thinks it's a must-watch for everyone! But will the ladies agree? Will we have our first STWI argument? Cowabunga, Dude!
Ep. 61: Lost Ollie
October 04, 2022 05:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBLost Ollie premiered on Netflix to critical acclaim. Fans seem to love this limited series! But before you allow your kids to watch it...Laura and Kara have some serious concerns. Who exactly IS the audience here? The ladies will do their best to figure that out, and along the way they'll discuss mental health, imaginary friends, and...when exactly does this show take place?! Tune in for an interesting journey in this episode of Should They Watch It?
Ep. 60: Avatar: The Last Airbender w/ Eric O'Keeffe
September 27, 2022 05:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBLaura and Kara have finally decided it's time to take a hard look at the MEGA hit - Avatar the Last Airbender, along with special guest and huge Avatar fan, Eric O'Keeffe. Eric is a producer, podcaster and voice actor from the popular children's podcast, What If World! While you may think this is an obvious "yes", our team takes a look at the good, the bad, and the surprising from this martial-arts, anime inspired 2005 classic.
Ep. 59: Octonauts with Marshall Escamilla
September 20, 2022 05:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBThis week, we 'dive' into an 'ocean' full of fun with* Octonauts* and special guest, Marshall Escamilla. Marshall is an educator, musician, father, and podcaster. You can hear him co-host Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, a science podcast for the entire family. So who better to help us "swim" through all the science-based knowledge kids can 'fish' for in Octonauts!
Ep. 58: The Land Before Time
September 13, 2022 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MBThis week, Laura and Kara take a deep look into the 1988 mega-hit, The Land Before Time. This movie is full of important messages for social-emotional learning, as well as how to deal with loss and grief. Laura has a lot of thoughts about how to use movies and TV to help your kids navigate various complexities through life, and Kara brings some interesting (and even tragic) facts about the movie. But first, the Missouri School District has reinstated spanking, and our mamas have THOUGHTS. ...
Ep. 57: Spirit Riding Free
September 06, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBThis week, Laura and Kara discuss the horse-loving mega-franchise, Spirit Riding Free. Are there any potential issues with this series? The internet seems to think so and the ladies are digging in to see if they agree! But first, Kara's voice is currently heard in one of the top movies in the country...but is everyone impressed? (Not exactly) Tune in to this week's podcast to learn more!
Ep. 56: Gravity Falls with guest Nate DuFort
August 30, 2022 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBThis week, Laura and Kara welcome special guest Nate Dufort to discuss one of his favorite animated series - Gravity Falls! Nate is a writer, producer, director, and voice actor who splits his time between Detroit and Chicago. Nate is the Founder and Executive Producer of Soundsington Media, a children's podcast company focusing on quality audio programming for young audiences and the young at heart. His podcasts REACH: A Space Podcast for Kids, My Neighbors Are Dead, and Unspookable have b...
Ep. 55: The Hidden Lives of Pets
August 23, 2022 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MBThis week, Laura and Kara delve into The Hidden Lives of Pets - a 4 episode series on Netflix. This, of course, leads Kara to talk about her menagerie of pets throughout her life as well as some interesting pet facts she's learned along the way. Laura comes with stories about being accused of cheating, and how the government may be responsible for our allergies...what?! Tune in and let us know what you think of this week's podcast!
Ep. 54: Babe w/ Bill Childs
August 16, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBWe are thrilled to have special guest Bill Childs, host of Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child on our podcast this week to discuss the 1995 classic, Babe! You may think you know this movie, but Laura, Kara, and Bill are bringing interesting trivia as well as a list of potentially problematic things you should be aware of before watching with your children. This week's podcast is laugh out loud fun (no really, get ready for our hosts to laugh out loud...a lot!). That'll do, podcast. That'll do. ...
Ep. 53: DuckTales (Woo-oo!)
August 09, 2022 05:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBDuckTales The new iteration of DuckTales tracks the globetrotting adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his nephews Huey, Dewey, Louie and granddaughter, Webby. Donald Duck, Launchpad McQuack, and Mrs Beakley also make their returns to round out this this star-studded and entertaining cast. Also to return? Hijinks! But the plot is much more substantial. Did they Sing It? Kara has never been more excited to sing a theme song and the ladies sang over half of this one. If you’ve never seen this Du...
Ep. 52: T.O.T.S.
August 02, 2022 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBT.O.T.S., short for Tiny Ones Transport Service, is a Disney Plus computer animated series about Pip the Penguin and Freddy the Flamingo, the organization’s very first non-stork birds tasked to deliver baby animals to their new families. TV-Y The Positives The show is well-written entertainment for kids. Messages of the importance of inclusion and the benefits of diversity. Representation of diverse family structures. Teaches problem solving, teamwork, and perserverance. Fluffy or Educ...
Ep. 51: Sea of Love
July 26, 2022 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBNetflix’s brand new Sea of Love is a colorful new animated series about a group of adventurous sea friends. TV-Y The Positives Netflix is embracing diversity among their creative collaborations, as Sea of Love is the first Thai pre-school animated series created by two Thai moms. Teamwork and friendship are at the forefront of this show, making these characters positive role models for young children. The show teaches important messages, like how to give your friends space or “alone tim...
Ep. 50: Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia
July 19, 2022 05:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBFor our 50th episode (and first of Season 2!) the ladies begin with a revisit to a previous episode: Stranger Things. Is it possible Kara has changed her review? Tune in to find out! The hosts then move onto their review of Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia. Available on netflix ages 8+ Summary This Guillermo Del Toro produced animated fantasy series follows a teenage boy, Jim, and his friends as they explore a mysterious realm of trolls and other fantastical creatures. Ultimately, the teens...
Summer Break Re-Play: Crocodile Dundee
July 12, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBWhile on their summer break, Laura and Kara are re-playing some of their favorite episodes from 2022. I don't think any review had the ladies laughing quite as hard as Crocodile Dundee! We'll return next week with a brand new episode: Troll Hunters!
Summer Break Re-Play: Daniel Tiger
July 05, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 46.7 MBDuring their short summer break, Laura and Kara are re-playing some of their favorite episodes from 2022! This week: Daniel Tiger...look for new episodes to return on July 19th! This week, Laura and Kara discuss the much-loved pre-school hit, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Laura brings her therapist hat to this episode, providing parents with a lot of ideas on how to use this series to help with their children's emotional development. And while Kara begins with her arms crossed over her love...
Summer Break Re-Play: Cocomelon
June 28, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 47.3 MBDuring their Summer Break, Laura and Kara will re-play some of their favorite episodes from 2022. Enjoy this look back at Cocomelon (our most listened-to episode!) , and we'll see you for new episodes on July 19th! Laura and Kara invite their first guest onto this week's podcast, the incredible Brina Palencia! No one is better equipped to review the MEGA hit series - Cocomelon. Brina is an actor, a musician, a song-writer, a singer, and a very popular voice actor. So she knows her stuff whe...
Ep. 49: Jurassic Park (1993)
June 21, 2022 05:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MBThe new Jurassic World: Dominion movie has finally hit theaters, so Laura and Kara decided to take things back to 1993 and discuss if the original Jurassic Park movie still holds up in today's world. Join the ladies as they whistle along to the Jurassic Park’s classic theme that became an distinctive song for kids during that time. Summary Jurassic Park Jurassic Park, released in 1993 and directed by Stephen Spielberg, is about a scientist who is brings Dinosaurs back from extinction. He...
Ep. 48: Stranger Things
June 14, 2022 05:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBThis week, the hosts discuss the widely popular 80’s supernatural show Stranger Things aka (our preferred title) Spooky Goonies. The hosts could help but gush over this show as they reminisce over the past episodes and provide un-spoilered details of the most recent season. Summary If you haven’t seen Spooky Goonies by now, then you’re missing out on America’s favorite horror/sci-fi adventure show. Netflix’s flagship show just released its fourth season and it’s a doozy. Psychokinetic ...
Ep. 47: Maya And The Three
June 07, 2022 05:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MBWe are so excited to welcome back voice and television actress Brina Palencia, (My Hero Academia, One Piece, Borderlands) who had joined us for our Cocomelon episode. As is tradition, our guests recommend their favorite show and Brina brought us a GEM in Maya and the Three. Summary Maya and the Three is a one season Netflix series of nine 30 minute episodes. This animated mesoamerican fantasy-adventure show features fifteen year old warrior princess Maya embarking on a journey to save huma...
Ep. 46: Crocodile Dundee
May 31, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBThis week the ladies review a movie for the older kids in the 1986 worldwide phenomenon Crocodile Dundee. The movie was based on the real-life adventures of Rod Ansell, who may have had a wilder origin story than Crocodile Dundee. He and his dogs survived for two years on cattle blood and bees that he lassoed and tracked to their hives for honey. True story or tall tale? We’ll never know. Ansell would ultimately be killed in a police shootout. Seriously. The Good Croc is kind to animals....
Ep. 45: Super Pupz
May 24, 2022 05:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MB“Theres no time for lollygaggin so lets get crackalackin” SuperpupZ: From the creators of Airbud, comes a live-action series about four super-powered dogs that team with kids and an alien to save the world (we think that’s the goal? We are confused!). Silly special effects and plot holes galore charm the ladies. Today’s guest: We’re excited to welcome Heather Tune, co-host of the I Can’t Mom Today Podcast and mother of four-year-old Baker. I Can’t Mom Today is a podcast for moms, with a ...
Ep. 44: The Creature Cases
May 17, 2022 05:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MBSUMMARY This week, Laura and Kara are in the studio to review the brand-new Netflix children’s show The Creature Cases. This animated series follows two detectives, Sam Snow and Kit Casey, as they solve mysteries and provide plenty of animal education along the way. The 30-minute episodes target the 4–8-year-old set with an ideal blend of adventure and useful facts. OUR THOUGHTS The Creature Cases theme song is all instrumental, leaving the ladies without an opportunity to lead the sho...
Ep. 43: Gabby's Dollhouse
May 10, 2022 05:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBThis week, the ladies are full of ALL the theories about the children's mega-hit, Gabby’s Dollhouse. . What is Gabby's REAL story? Where exactly is she? Who's in charge? And most importantly - are your kids safe watching this show? Our Thoughts The show reminds Laura and Kara of Blue’s Clues in that the characters interact with the audience by asking questions and through meaningful pauses. Gabby’s solitary living situation reminds Kara and Laura of the disturbing late 80’s drama Flowers...
Ep. 42: Carmen Sandiego
May 03, 2022 05:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBSummary Dust off your spy gear because this week, the ladies are in the studio to review the animated children’s show Carmen Sandiego, a reboot of the franchise that should have Gen Xers and Millennials nostalgic for their childhoods. The newest iteration of Carmen is as mysterious and exciting as ever, but she has turned over a new leaf. With the help of her trusty sidekicks, she travels the world foiling high dollar criminal capers and donates the funds to noble causes. Laura and Kara s...
Ep. 41: The NeverEnding Story and Old Enough
April 26, 2022 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MBIn this two-for-one, the ladies review the 80s classic The NeverEnding Story and the long-running Japanese show Old Enough. The chart-topping and infectious hit theme song from the NeverEnding story is caught in Kara and Laura’s heads as they enter the studio! Based on the German novel, The NeverEnding Story is about a boy who submerges himself into an incredible fantasy adventure inside a mysterious book where the protagonist must fight off an evil force called The Nothing. Nobody can t...
Ep. 40: Team Umizoomi
April 19, 2022 05:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MB“A watch that’s as easy as pi” SUMMARY Today, the ladies are in the studio to review the math kid's show Team Umizoomi: an educational program geared toward a younger audience that teaches counting, shapes, patterns, and measurements. It's widely available on streaming apps, including Paramount Plus, Amazon, and the Roku channel. OUR THOUGHTS Kara hasn't been this unfocused since Puffin Rock, but she can appreciate that there's an audience for a math kid's show like this one. She also co...
Ep. 39: Making Fun
April 12, 2022 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBMAKING FUN “Hulk Mom and the Angst Cocoon” This week, Laura and Kara review Making Fun, a new grown-up-friendly children’s show about 4 adult buddies who engineer kid’s ideas into real life creations. The first season features ideas that could only come from a child’s mind such as the Unicornicyle, Dino Taco Toilet and the Catapoop. Showing up with wildly different levels of energy for this episode (we’ll get to that later), the ladies are split on this show. It’s a hit with Kara and h...
Ep. 38: Larva and Larva Island
April 05, 2022 05:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MB“Larva would have been a better fit for Adult Swim- where the mushroom eaters go to watch their shows” The ladies are back in the studio to review the children’s show Larva, based on the adventures of two gassy gutter-dwelling…you guessed it…larva! Each season takes place in a different location, with season 4 leaving us on Larva Island. Based on the show’s popularity, we can only guess where they will end up next, but Laura puts her money on Larva in Space. Will adults like it? Laura ...
Ep. 37: Ace Ventura, Pet Detective
March 29, 2022 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBThe Should They Watch It ladies are changing it up this week and dial the way back machine to 1994 to rewatch the Jim Carrey classic Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Does it hold up? In case you missed it, Ace Ventura is about an off-kilter pet detective who is on the case of a missing Miami Dolphins mascot named Snowflake. An early-career Courteney Cox is featured as his love interest, with rapper, Tone Loc, and superstar QB, Dan Marino, also dipping their toes in the acting pool. It’s peak m...
Ep. 36: Turning Red AND Shimmer And Shine
March 22, 2022 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBShimmer and Shine: "Fluffier than a cake cloud raining gumdrops." The ladies are back from spring break! They start off with a quick chat about the highly-discussed Turning Red, and then it's time for Laura to indoctrinate Kara into the world of Shimmer and Shine! Turning Red: The Disney/Pixar flick Turning Red is a coming-of-age movie with a nod to the inevitability of menstruation, which is causing some discomfort among some parents. The ladies feel any controversy behind this one i...
Ep. 36: Shimmer And Shine
March 22, 2022 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBThis week, Laura and Kara dive into the love-it-or-hate-it series: Shimmer and Shine! The show may have been canceled, but it's four seasons are certainly still alive and well in all of our homes. Did our hosts love it or hate it? Listen to find out! But first - the ladies discuss the movie EVERYONE is talking about: Turning Red. Let us know what you think!