Best Kids' TV Shows on Amazon Prime Instant Video→

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Common Sense Media
2016

Looking for awesome kids' TV shows you can watch on demand? Amazon Prime members have instant access to this list of winning kids' TV shows, as well as oodles of great movies. From kid- friendly cartoons to laugh-out-loud comedies, there are plenty of options for the entire family. If you're not a Prime member or want more options, check out Amazon's Instant Video library for hundreds of popular shows available to rent. Many of these shows have multiple seasons available, so be sure to create screen-time rules to prevent kids from binge-watching. Check back here often for regular updates!

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW

Parents need to know that Ready Jet Go! is a science-based series that teaches kids about astronomy and technology through the experiences of a young alien who's taken up residence on Earth with his family. Concepts such as force and energy are defined and given practical examples within the context of the stories, and kids see how the characters' curiosity yields many learning opportunities. There are strong messages about teamwork and friendship, and there's some diversity among the characters. Jet's friends do keep their space travels hidden from their parents, so it's worth talking to them about if and when it's appropriate to keep secrets from grown-ups.
 

WHAT'S THE STORY?

In READY JET GO!, Jet Propulsion (voiced by Ashleigh Ball) and his family leave their home planet of Boltron 7 to pose as earthlings and experience the planet up close. Jet quickly befriends neighborhood kids Sean (William Ainscough) and Sydney (Dalila Bela), both of whom have a passion for science and are eager to swap knowledge with Jet. Together they explore how things work on Earth, both scientifically and with regard to human relationships. In some cases, they also get to hop aboard Jet's family's van, which doubles as a spacecraft that takes them to the outer reaches of the solar system to visit other planets.
 

IS IT ANY GOOD?

Thoroughly engaging and packed with educational content, this exceptional series is a fun way for kids to learn about science and astronomy. Jet's excitement for the human experience is matched only by Sean and Sydney's eagerness to learn all about outer space; put the three of them together, and it's a true celebration of the joy of discovery. Whether it's executing a rescue mission for a Mars rover or combining daily chores with experiments in force, Jet and his friends have a lot to teach kids through their own experiences.

On the more humorous side, Jet's parents' learning curve is filled with funny misunderstandings of the human ways of things, and both kids and parents will have a lot of fun watching them get the hang of "throwing a salad together" and understanding the "string" part of beans. Their Amelia Bedelia-like follies are good for some laughs, but they also reflect the challenges of immersing yourself in a culture that's different from your own.

 

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT ...

FX Picks Up New George Lopez Sitcom In 10/90 Deal With Lionsgate/Debmar-Mercury

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Deadline
 4/18/2013
Nellie Andreeva

After venturing into the 10/90 sitcom model with the Charlie Sheen comedy Anger Management, FX has closed another 10/90 deal with the companies behind Anger Management, Lionsgate TV and Lionsgate’s television distribution company Debmar-Mercury, for a half-hour sitcom starring and co-created by actor-comedian George Lopez. Under the pact, FXhas given an initial 10-episode order to the project, titled Saint George. If it meets pre-set ratings thresholds over the 10-episode run, the network will trigger an additional 90-episode pickup the way it did last year on Anger Management.

Lopez originally signed a deal with Lionsgate TV and Debmar-Mercury to co-create, star in and executive produce a Latino family sitcom in early 2012. In February, he teamed with Roseanne creator Matt Williams after Lionsgate signed a first-look dealwith Williams and his Wind Dancer Films earmarked for the Lopez show. Created and co-written by Williams, his Wind Dancer partner David McFadzean and Lopez, Saint George revolves around the chaotic life of a recently divorced working class Mexican-American turned successful entrepreneur (Lopez), who struggles to balance his demanding ex-wife, his 11-year-old son, his overbearing mother who just moved in, and his uncle, as well as his new role as a philanthropist “giving back” by teaching history once a week at a night school. “In the tradition of George’s frank and fearless standup comedy, Saint George will reflect his no-holds-barred comedic take on the tensions surrounding race, class, sex and family life in Los Angeles through the eyes of a man straddling two separate cultures,” said Lionsgate TV Group President Kevin Beggs said.  Production of the 10-episode order begins in August.

Saint George marks Lopez’s return to the sitcom world. He was the star, co-creator and executive producer of his eponymous comedy series, which aired on ABC for six seasons and 120 episodes. While not a major hit in its original run on ABC, George Lopez has enjoyed a strong afterlife in syndication. A decade after its ABC premiere, the show, which was co-created/ran by Anger Management showrunner Bruce Helford, continues to do well in primetime on cable, Nick at Nite and a Spanish-language version on MTV’s Tr3s, and in the afternoon in broadcast syndication. That wasn’t lost on FX brass who have been using 10/90 original sitcoms as an alternative to buying off-network comedies. “George Lopez is an incredibly gifted actor-producer and one of the most talented comedians in the business,” the network’s EVP Chuck Saftler said. “The 10/90 model requires a unique individual who has the ability to pull off this kind of daunting schedule. George is that guy and we couldn’t be happier that he chose FX as the home for his new project.” Sitcoms under the 10/90 model are produced on an accelerated schedule, with the goal to quickly amass enough episodes for the sitcom’s launch in broadcast syndication. The 100 episodes in the deal are usually filmed within two years. Anger Management, which premiered on FX last June, has already shot over 40 episodes.

Saint George will be produced by Lionsgate TV in association with Wind Dancer Films, Travieso Prods. and 3 Arts Entertainment. Lopez, Williams and McFadzean executive produce with Lopez’s manager, 3 Arts’ Michael Rotenberg. “I’m excited about my new show, couldn’t think of a better group of people or better place to create than FX,” Lopez said. “Now to get ready… Back to Pilates!” Saint George joins Debmar-Mercury’s previous 10/90 successes with ethnic family sitcoms: Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne and Meet The Browns and Ice Cube’s Are We There Yet?  “Our business model is all about finding unique talent and broad concepts that have the best chance of succeeding both on networks and later in off-net syndication,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein. “George Lopez’s broad appeal and strong following from the rapidly growing Hispanic audience, combined with the unmatched experience and track record of Matt and David, makes us extremely confident they can deliver our next big hit.”

Williams began his TV career writing and producing for The Cosby Show before co-creating A Different World, creating and executive producing Roseanne and, under the Wind Dancer banner with Carmen Finestra and McFadzean, co-creating Home Improvement, Carol Burnett’s Carol & Company, Dave Chappelle’s Buddies and Dan Aykroyd’s Soul Man. He is repped by WME. In addition to his television career, CAA-repped Lopez continues to perform as a standup comic and to record comedy albums.

AFM: Wind Dancer Films To Finance, Produce ‘The Keeping Room’, Daniel Barber Will Direct→

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Deadline
The Deadline Team
10/30/12

LOS ANGELES, October 30, 2012 – Wind Dancer Films announced today that it has come on board to finance and produce THE KEEPING ROOM with Gilbert Films and Anonymous Content. Sierra/Affinity will handle international sales, introducing buyers to the film at this week’s American Film Market. WME Global arranged financing and will represent North America.

The film, written by Julia Hart and to be directed by Daniel Barber (HARRY BROWN, starring Michael Caine), will star Olivia Wilde (TRON: LEGACY, RUSH), Academy Award® nominee Hailee Steinfeld (TRUE GRIT, ENDERS GAME), and Nicole Beharie (SHAME, 42). Jordan Horowitz of Gilbert Films and Matt Williams, David McFadzean, Judd Payne and Dete Meserve of Wind Dancer will produce. Gary Gilbert of Gilbert Films and Michael Sugar of Anonymous Content will Executive Produce, and Nicole Romano and Trevor Adley of Anonymous Content will serve as Co-Producers.

THE KEEPING ROOM tells the story of three Southern women – two sisters and one African American slave – who, left without men in the dying days of the Civil War, are forced to defend their home from the onslaught of a band of soldiers who have broken off from the fast approaching Union Army.

Principal photography is scheduled to begin in March in North Carolina.

“I am thrilled to be working with these three fantastic actors, and very excited to be directing this great script,” said Daniel Barber.

Noted Jordan Horowitz: “THE KEEPING ROOM is a cinematic, thrilling, and dangerous piece of material, and we could not be more excited with the team that has come together to bring this unique story to the screen.”

Added Sierra/Affinity CEO Nick Meyer: “We are thrilled to be part of this special project filled with profound themes. Barber is a talented up-and-coming filmmaker, and we look forward to seeing his vision of the material realized.”