i agree, i don't really like television that is supposedly "for children". when our 6-year-old does watch tv it's usually a documentary (netflix has a bunch) about the planet, dinosaurs, how things are made (topics that interest her). she loves them and they're fun for us too.

I just posted this for another threat: Common Sense Media is an awesome resource for this. They have a detailed rating system that really lets you (parent) know what is going on in the media. There are three Common Sense Media folks on this site with good interviews about media and kids. Personally, I have been buying DVD sets of the tv shows I grew up with and showing these sitcoms to my kids!!

Common Sense Media will be your lifesaver on this one!