movies/tv Can a children's Cartoon with a college protagonist work?

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

Children's Cartoons tend to feature kids, teenagers (especially), and in the case of talking animal and super hero shows, adults. But do you think there should be a children's cartoon where the protagonist(s) is a college student? I think a college character can make a good role model for kids, but should it?

[Moon Sugar 532]

I think so--I'd say that using MLP as an example it works. I'd argue that the mane 6 are college-aged. 

[Kiri 7,295]

I think it would be a cool idea, so long as the protagonist and their story remains relatable to the target audience.

[Trinitron Keys 89]

Totally. In my original time period, plenty of kids' shows had young adult heroes and they were great. Crossover appeal is a bonus.

[cmarston1 5,964]

It depends on the execution of the show's writing and or whether the show ends up being marketed well or not.

[Odyssey 5,719]

It depends on the theme of the show, I think. If a kid's story about a college student is lighthearted, then it would be a perfect show, so as long as the main lead is likeable. But if they were to make it more serious, then they would have to change the age demographic towards older kids. That's not to say that a younger crowd cannot handle this sort of stuff, but a lot of problems that happen in college, and not just stuff like workloads. It's best if children get cartoons about elementary school, since it'll be easier for them to relate to both what happens in school and the main lead.

[Denim&Venöm 20,477]

I thought that's what Code Lyoko originally did. 

[Roughshod 721]

'Child' is a pretty vague term, it technically applies to anyone under eighteen which is obviously a far reaching demographic. Five year olds and fifteen year olds are probably going to be looking for different things in their choice of entertainment. If we're talking about children like those who comprise the main target audience of MLP, then yes I believe a college themed show could work. It all comes down to format and how you approach the idea.

 

The only thing I think would work a problem is marketing. Why would a young kid want to watch a show about people in college? You'd have to utilize a very unique approach with relatable characters for it to work, something that could be a challenge considering the presumed age difference between the cast and the audience.

 

Maybe if it was like Doogie Howser, M.D. where there was a young kid in college as the main character it could work.

[powerpuff-tsubasa 448]

it might feel weird if a "kids" cartoon consists of college student. not appropriate to fit into this category

[Phanact 333]

I don't think so

 

There are a lot of things that can occur at college that probably wouldn't benefit children to see/hear about

[Merion 783]

Well, Monster's University was fairly successful and I don't think anybody questioned the characters' age , so... why not?

 

With good writing, anything could work!

[Emiko Gale 200]

It has worked before...With the original Max Steel where the main character is 19 and in college.