Go-go parental nostalgia?
Netflix has officially given the classic 80s cartoon "Inspector Gadget" a facelift for a new generation of kids, releasing 16 episodes this month. With its new CGI Gadget, Penny, Brain, Chief Quimby and Dr. Claw, Netflix told CNN it hopes not only to attract young viewers, but also foster co-viewing with parents who remember the original.
But parents who love older cartoons can extend the experience beyond the new "Gadget" with other classics found in the Netflix children's TV library.
Here are a few examples:
1. The Magic School Bus (1994)
What kid doesn't love Ms. Frizzle, the teacher behind the wheel of the Magic School Bus? Begun as a Canadian and American Saturday-morning cartoon show in the 90s, the show takes Frizzle and her class on educational field trips through everything from the central nervous system to outer space.
2. Garfield and Friends (1988)
Based on the popular comic strip, "Garfield and Friends" took the stories of Jon Arbuckle, Garfield and Odie off the page and onto the screen. The show had comedy, memorable music and was often a satire of pop culture adults and kids could enjoy.
3. Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986)
While it's not a cartoon, "Pee-wee's Playhouse" is about as close to a cartoon as live-action can get. It invaded American Saturday mornings in the late 80s and became a classic with craft projects and games like "Secret Word of the Day," which allowed kids to play along at home.
4. Mickey and the Beanstalk collection (1934-1947)
If the kids love Mickey Mouse and want to see something new (to them), Netflix has a compilation of classic Mickey Mouse short films parents might remember from watching "The Wonderful World of Disney" and "The Disney Channel." Five short films fill out the collection, including "Mickey and the Beanstalk," "The Brave Little Tailor," "Thru the Mirror," "Gulliver Mickey" and "Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip."
Netflix has officially given the classic 80s cartoon "Inspector Gadget" a facelift for a new generation of kids, releasing 16 episodes this month. With its new CGI Gadget, Penny, Brain, Chief Quimby and Dr. Claw, Netflix told CNN it hopes not only to attract young viewers, but also foster co-viewing with parents who remember the original.
But parents who love older cartoons can extend the experience beyond the new "Gadget" with other classics found in the Netflix children's TV library.
Here are a few examples:
1. The Magic School Bus (1994)
What kid doesn't love Ms. Frizzle, the teacher behind the wheel of the Magic School Bus? Begun as a Canadian and American Saturday-morning cartoon show in the 90s, the show takes Frizzle and her class on educational field trips through everything from the central nervous system to outer space.
2. Garfield and Friends (1988)
Based on the popular comic strip, "Garfield and Friends" took the stories of Jon Arbuckle, Garfield and Odie off the page and onto the screen. The show had comedy, memorable music and was often a satire of pop culture adults and kids could enjoy.
3. Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986)
While it's not a cartoon, "Pee-wee's Playhouse" is about as close to a cartoon as live-action can get. It invaded American Saturday mornings in the late 80s and became a classic with craft projects and games like "Secret Word of the Day," which allowed kids to play along at home.
4. Mickey and the Beanstalk collection (1934-1947)
If the kids love Mickey Mouse and want to see something new (to them), Netflix has a compilation of classic Mickey Mouse short films parents might remember from watching "The Wonderful World of Disney" and "The Disney Channel." Five short films fill out the collection, including "Mickey and the Beanstalk," "The Brave Little Tailor," "Thru the Mirror," "Gulliver Mickey" and "Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip."
