Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
It takes a special blend of creative spirit to develop the kinds of programming that appeals to children. Sure, there are certain stylistic flourishes—think vivid colors, think repetitive silliness, think catchy tunes—that should be in one’s creative arsenal, but the most important trait these folks possess is the ability to drop all of the baggage that has come to burden one’s adult self and get in touch with that inner child of theirs.
In an interesting twist, these cues that play so well with toddlers ALSO tend to appeal to people who have been taking hits from the bong. In honor of the national holiday for stoners, 4/20, here’s are 10 instances of children’s programming that you might want to consider firing up the next time you get stoned to the bone.
IS THIS FOR KIDS OR STONERS? Both!
TELL ME MORE...: You're familiar with the concept of "irie," right? Well, everything about this show—which follows the adventures of the titular Rastamouse (who, we should mention, fights crimes!!!)—is irie.
WHERE CAN I STREAM THIS? Netflix
IS THIS FOR KIDS OR STONERS? Both!
TELL ME MORE...: Bright colors? Check. A complete lack of plot? Check. Nonsense words? Check. A terrifying yet strangely soothing Baby Sun God? Pass the bong.
WHERE CAN I STREAM THIS? Netflix
IS THIS FOR KIDS OR STONERS? Both!
TELL ME MORE...: A sponge, a starfish, and a squid go on adventures in an underground fantasy land called Bikini Bottom. Sounds like a Stefon fever dream!
WHERE CAN I STREAM THIS? Amazon Prime Instant Video
IS THIS FOR KIDS OR STONERS? Both!
TELL ME MORE...: Jim Henson may or may not have done a bunch of psychedelic drugs during the sixties, but we're betting on the "may" part. Shout out to Madame Trash Heap.
WHERE CAN I STREAM THIS? Amazon Prime Instant Video
IS THIS FOR KIDS OR STONERS? Both!
TELL ME MORE...: What do you get when you cross an emotionally unstable chihuahua with a dimwitted cat? A total masterpiece, that's what.
WHERE CAN I STREAM THIS? Amazon Prime Instant Video
IS THIS FOR KIDS OR STONERS? Both!
TELL ME MORE...: This Cartoon Network show has been praised by everyone from toddlers to supremely baked college kids to The New Yorker. No, really! TNY TV critic Emily Nussbaum called it "one of the most philosophically risky and, often, emotionally affecting shows on TV."
WHERE CAN I STREAM THIS? Amazon Instant Video (Available for purchase)
IS THIS FOR KIDS OR STONERS? Both!
TELL ME MORE...: Mordecai the blue jay and Rigby the raccoon are two best friends who happen to also work together as groundskeepers. Like our other stoner duos, these two slackers often get into questionable misadventures that are DEFINITELY influenced by marijuana.
WHERE CAN I STREAM THIS? Amazon Instant Video (Available for purchase)
IS THIS FOR KIDS OR STONERS? Both!
TELL ME MORE...: Three words for you: Hyper-intelligent rats! This is pretty violent and scary, regardless of your age.
WHERE CAN I STREAM THIS? Netflix
IS THIS FOR KIDS OR STONERS? Both!
TELL ME MORE...: There's a lot of heavy, heavy stuff in this tale about a bunch of rabbits whose warren is being destroyed. Shout out to General Woundwort, who has haunted my dreams for damn near 35 years now.
WHERE CAN I STREAM THIS? Hulu Plus
IS THIS FOR KIDS OR STONERS? Both!
TELL ME MORE...: Classic music + animation + some naked female centaurs? Heck, maybe the "old, weird Disney" isn't for kids after all!
WHERE CAN I STREAM THIS? Netflix
