Target Audience Research

 In this post I will be analyzing current children's animated TV shows that are similar to or were inspirations for my animated TV series.

My main inspiration for my animated TV series is Cartoon Network's The Amazing World of Gumball.

Based on the TV review by Emily Ashby at Common Sense Media, The Amazing World of Gumball is appropriate for ages 8+, Ashby saying, "Colorful cartoon is full of silly laughs and scrapes." She also states in the "Parents Need to Know" section that "absurdity is a constant in this unpredictable cartoon... The show's colorful animation and unusual characters will make an impression on viewers, and the exaggerated troubles that Gumball finds himself in may be relatable to kids' experiences with handling responsibility and following directions." The violence in the series is said to be "pretty unrealistic."

As my series is planned to be for ages 2-8, this is a helpful bases for the maturity level and themes of my cartoon. I don't plan on including much violence, complex comedy, or extreme immaturity as the series is meant to teach young kids on the importance of healthy relationships and fostering community.

Another big inspiration for my animated children's TV show is both Care Bears (1985) from DIC Entertainment and Boomerang's Care Bears: Unlock the Magic.

                                        Care Bears (1985)            Care Bears: Unlock the Magic.                        

According to the Common Sense Media TV review by Jenny Nixon, Care Bears: Unlock the Magic is for ages 7+, Nixon saying, "Generic yet adorable reboot of '80s classic." She also states that "the content is very mild, focused on positive lessons about feelings and communication and the power of working together."

My animated series is planned to have very similar themes and lessons, meaning my age range of 2-8 years old is an accurate rating.

My final inspiration for my cartoon is Split Studio's Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures.

Based of user reviews of Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures at IMDb, the show is mainly aimed at a younger audience but can be enjoyed by all ages. This YouTube series is also said to include endearing stories, cute animation, charming writing, funny visual gags, and playful directing.

My children's TV show is similar in the way that it is planned to be able to be enjoyed by all ages. Although made for ages 2-8, I wouldn't create a show that my friends and myself couldn't also enjoy.

Works Cited

Ashby, E. (2012) The Amazing World of Gumball TV Review, Common Sense Media. Available at: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/the-amazing-world-of-gumball (Accessed: January 6, 2023).

IMDb (2022) Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures, IMDb. IMDb.com. Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13352178/reviews?sort=curated&dir=desc&ratingFilter=0 (Accessed: January 7, 2023).

Nixon, J. (2020) Care Bears: Unlock the Magic TV Review, Common Sense Media. Available at: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/care-bears-unlock-the-magic (Accessed: January 6, 2023).