Streaming Services: So Many Choices So Many Pitfalls

There are so many movies and series on the streaming services today. What's a parent to do?  How can a parent be aware and wary of what their kids might be watching on Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, Prime TV, and so on. Many of these programs are very suitable for either kids or youth depending on their content but some are definitely not suitable. We are able on this website to review the latest movies in theaters and recommend them or not, but it is impossible to keep up with everything that is available on the streaming services. So how is a parent to know? We recommend that parents stay  in touch with what's new on the streaming services through by subscribing at no cost to the following two web pages:
  • NEW! Safe and Smart Streaming for Kids (Octane Seating)
    This is a great resource that offers parents evaluations of the major streaming services in terms of the content they offer for kids but it also offers specific guidance for setting up parental controls on each msajor service.  Theree is also a cost analysis. ​
  • Common Sense Media Has reviews of the latest movie and TV  programs with recommendations for parents. Check their list of movies that tackle racism HERE. Common Sense Media:  Best Kids TV, games, videos, etc.   Another great resource offered by Common Sense Media is their Best of Lists.    This listing covers all oof the primary streaming services and the films, TV series and documentaries that are suitable for families in each.  Check it out!
  • Unplugged Online  Has reviews of movies and programs on the streaming services from a Christian point of view.   This site also reviews video games.
Up TV Faith and Family 
Are you looking for a streaming service where you know the content is appropriate for your family?  UP TV ,might be the answer to your search.  This service has curated  its programs so they are high quality and also appropriate.    You can sign up for a free trial. 

​Spooktacular Podcasts for Kids   (Common Sense Media)
Are you looking for that scary story to tell to your kids on Halloween?  Look no further.  Common Sense media has found a graveyard full of them.  

Bluey (Disney+)
Looking for a series that is entertaining for kids and even for their parents and allso has a good message ina short 7 minute program?  Try this one.  Bluey is a favorite of my grasnddasughter snfd she has repeasted thigs she has learned on it to me.  

Bubble (Pluggedin Online)​
For those of you whose kids love anime, this might be the movie for you.  Bubble is very well produced with wonderful artwork.  The storyline is a bit thin and ill conceived but the kids probably won't mind that.  The film does not offer a lot in terms of message to discuss but the fun of just spending time together might be enough.   This is on Netflix so you can enjoy it and eat pop corn cheaply at home.   

​​Polar Bear (Pluggedin Online)
The environment is changing but who cares right?  What can we do about it anyway?  We don't want to scare the kids!  Common responses in the face of real problems thast we all must face.   This documentary from Disney does a greast job of introducing all of us to the effects that the changing environment are now having in the lives of polar bears.  Any this movies is not just a scary warning it is a celelbration of the beauty of creation and how it is a gift that is worth preserving. 
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The Chair (NCR Culture) 
​This series currently on Netflix is a artful presentation of the struggles that female women of color experience as faculty members on college campuses. Many of us might think that these women have made it... finally a professor at a liberal college. Not so says the cshow and the reviewer who found it surprisingly emotional. This show would be one to watch with your teenage girl who is looking forward to work as a college professor or in the corporate world.

Squid Game  (Common Sense Media)
This series somehow has become a rage among many young people across the country. Its country of origin is Korea. It might remind people of The Hunger Games in a way but it is much more violent. It is very intriguing and fast paced but parents beware. It is certainly not recommended for anyone younger than 16.  See the video review using the link in the title above.  See also the review on Pluggedin Online.