Breed your own genius... (Discovery Kids)

Member Name: nikidoran

Product:	Discovery Kids
Date:	19/10/01 (280 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Varied programming, suits all ages , Cheap!

Disadvantages: Thin on UK programmes, Toy adverts :(

If you want them to grow up to be rocket scientists, then let them watch Discovery Kids. At least that's what Discovery Kids says in it's own ad breaks! So, what is it really like?

I'd very much say that this is a real mixed bag. There are some excellent programmes, catering for all ages and interests. UK programmes are a bit thin on the ground. There are some great international efforts (lots of Aussie programmes, not too many Yankee ones)all of which strive to have at least a passing go at educating your junior couch potato. My trainee junior couch potato ("you're not watching tv all day" "YES! I like to..") is approaching three, so it is mainly the Discovery mini-kids section we watch, and therefore that's where the majority of my experience lies.

Mini-kids? Yes, cute isn't it! This starts at about 8.30 am. There is Theodore the Tugboat (like Thomas, only with all-American boats), the Wiggles (four failed Aussie pop-stars who decided to make kids musical programmes and are now multi-millionnaires - smart move guys)and Magic Mountain (hmm- quite bizzare dressed-up animal thing to name my son's most favouritest.
All very entertaining for tots whilst Mum is busy (yes, yes, I know the TV is not a baby-sitter, but you'd be amazed at the difference half an hour makes.

Bigger Kids - there are lots of animal and environmental interest programmes here, both serious kids documentaries and "famous five" style adventures (no lashings of ginger beer though. During long holidays, these replace much of the mini-kids programming.

The ads - it actually spends a lot of time advertising itself! It also has periodic "did you know" slots in breaks. Apart from that, it's the usual "kids, pester your parents to buy this piece of tat for an extortionate price.." advertising, which I personally detest.

On Sky, this channel is 618, and it comes as part of
the family package and, I believe, the Kids and Music package. Obviously it's part of Sky World. As it's part of the most basic packages, I'd say it's excellent value for money!

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