Limiting TV Time Could Mean *This* for Kids

Amy Lynch
Aug 16, 2015

Things sure have changed since the days when we were all in elementary school, chilling with our Lisa Frank stickers and drinking juice packs from our lunch boxes. Those of us who are now parents know the pressures of being online and accessible all the time, and it often feels like we don’t have a spare minute to catch a breath. In case you need an excuse to log off and spend a little more time with your kiddos, there’s now a study to back you up, and its premise isn’t something anyone can argue against.

Linda Pagani, a researcher with the University of Montreal, recently published a study in the Journal of Developmental + Behavioral Pediatrics after studying almost 2,000 children and drawing some correlations between television viewing and bullying. In it, she finds that lots of time spent in front of the TV during toddlerhood can result in social skill deficits and take away from meaningful family interactions, robbing some kiddos of valuable opportunities for socialization.

“It is plausible that early lifestyle habits characterized by less effortful interactive experiences, such as early televiewing, can ultimately result in social skill deficits,” Pagani says. “More time spent watching television leaves less time for family interaction, which remains the primary vehicle for socialization.” Specifically, the study reports that every additional 53 minutes of TV time spent per day around the 29-month mark results in an 11 percent increase in the likelihood of bullying later on, in the sixth grade.

Pagani says her findings fall right in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended daily screen time limit of one to two hours per day for kids age two and over. In other words, it sounds as if family playtime is measurably more beneficial than TV time. If extra personal interaction today means happier kids in the future, then it might be time to hit the “off” button a little more often.

What’s your favorite way to spend down time with your kids? Share in the comments below!

Millie Bobby Brown's 'The Electric State' Will FINALLY Satisfy Your '90s Nostalgia

Book adaptations are becoming some of Hollywood’s biggest hits (just take a look at The Idea of You, Killers of the Flower Moon, Tell Me Lies, and more). And we can add another adaptation to our list of most-anticipated 2025 movies. The Electric State trailer has officially dropped, and it’s the perfect watch for sci-fi adventure enthusiasts (and any fans of dystopian fiction, really).

Rated PG-13 for some violence and language, the upcoming film is based on a 2018 book by Simon Stålenhag — it’s even a number one best seller on Amazon. Read on to learn which ultra-famous actors are joining Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt in The Electric State, and the platform that you’ll be able to view it on.


Watch The First 'Electric State' Teaser Trailer

Not only is this new movie for sci-fi fans, but just like MBB's Stranger Things and Chris Pratt's Guardians of the Galaxy, it actually provides a lot of emotion. Millie's character Michelle opens the trailer by telling us everyone lost something after the rebellion: "Robots lost their freedom. Humans lost connection with each other. And I lost everyone I loved."

The Electric State might be set in the 90s but it's a relevant, gripping, and breathtaking story will pull at your heartstrings.

“It’s not the kind of thing that typically gets made to be a blockbuster style movie like this," Chris Pratt said at New York Comic Con, after explaining he had planned to take some time off from acting before reading the script. "It’s so original, it’s a huge swing...I thought that these types of movies might be my last opportunity to be in a big movie like this. I have to look at every opportunity like that. And I did. It’s just such a great story. I was moved to tears reading.”

“It truly takes you on a journey,” Millie Bobby Brown added. “Escapism is huge, and I think it’s so lovely for families to have that moment where they’re able to take themselves out of this world that is so scary and put themselves into a world that is so transformative.”

​What’s The Electric State About?

Netflix

The Electric State Plot

The Electric State is set in the American West in late 1997. Similar to Black Mirror, the United States has fallen victim to a virtual-reality system that leads to a rather high-tech dystopian universe. The story follows an orphaned teenage girl to the edge of the continent while on a mission to find her younger brother. But, she doesn’t do it alone — she’s accompanied by a sidekick, cartoon-looking robot, and a smuggler.

​When and Where Is The Electric State Being Released?

Netflix

The Electric State Release Date

If you're wondering, 'Will The Electric State be on Netflix?' then you're in luck! The Electric State is set to make its Netflix streaming debut on March 14th, 2025 globally. If you’re on the edge of your seat to experience this storyline and don’t want to wait until next year though, then you can always opt for the book version that’s available on Amazon.

Which Big Names Are Starring in The Electric State?

Netflix

The Electric State Cast

You’re very likely to recognize the stars in this film. Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Stanley Tucci, and Giancarlo Esposito are just a few of the frontward facing characters in this movie. Other big name actors that were cast in voice roles include Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, and Jenny Slate. The movie will be directed by Anthony and Joseph Russo, who are known for directing several films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Where does The Electric State take place?

Netflix

The Electric State is set in a retro-futuristic version of 1997. Millie Bobby Brown's Michelle and Chris Pratt's Keats set off on a journey to find Michelle's brother which means we're sure to see a few different states and cities throughout the movie.

Is The Electric State appropriate?

Netflix

According to IMDb, the movie is rated PG-13 for"sci-fi violence/action, language and some thematic material."

Check out the latest news on Stranger Things 5 — and Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven!

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The 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer Is Finally Here & I Have So Many Questions

The cast and crew of Severance are finally returned to the office after months of waiting for production to resume, and we finally have a first look from the new season! Apple TV+ just posted a teaser image from season 2 of cast member Adam Scott holding a bunch of blue balloons. We don't quite know the significance of this picture to the plot, but we do know we are pumped to see it!

Executive producer, Ben Stiller, spread the news about the Apple TV+ series’ return back in January 2024 with a quote tweet simply commenting, "back to work.”

Adam Scott also teased the Severance season 2 production in an Instagram post the same month, saying it’s “lovely being back at the office.” Severance season 2 is officially back on track. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming season!

Watch The Official 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer!

Adam Scott is back in the first teaser trailer for Severance season 2 — and spends the entire trailer running from his problems (relatable). It appears that despite the fact Mark's innie retreats at the end of season 1, it looks like he wakes back up in the elevator and has lots of surprises waiting for him in the office.

Is there a release date for Severance Season 2?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Release Date

Yes, we finally have a release date for Severance season 2! The sophomore season will hit Apple TV+ on January 17, 2025.

What is Severance about?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Plot

Severance is a fictitious psychological thriller TV series that’s focused on a biotech company named Lumon Industries. In the show, Lumon Industries has popularized a procedure called ‘severance’ that separates their employees’ work selves from their personal lives. Essentially, when Lumon employees are at work, they can’t recall anything outside of work, and vice-versa when they aren’t at the office.

The first season of Severance follows Lumon Industries employee, Mark (portrayed by Adam Scott). Throughout the first season’s nine episodes, Mark and his coworkers begin to learn more about the severance procedure, their double-lives, and Lumon Industries’ true objectives – and it all begins to unravel in a mysterious way.

Who stars in Severance?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Cast

Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, and Michael Chernus are all part of the main cast in Severance.

Deadline confirmed in 2022 that Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and John Noble are part of the Severance season 2 cast.

Where can I watch Severance?

Apple TV+

You can stream season 1 of Severance on Apple TV+. If you don’t already have a subscription to Apple TV+, you can try the platform 7 days free before subscribing for $9.99/month.

Why is Severance season 2 taking so long?

Apple TV+

Severance season 2 is taking so long because production was halted in the wake of last year’s writers strike.

The cast and crew began filming season 2 on October 3, 2022, with production shutting down on May 8, 2023. Since SAG-AFTRA has struck a deal with AMPTP studios, it’s “back to work” on the Severance set per executive producer, Ben Stiller.

Is Severance creepy?

Apple TV+

Severance follows the horrors that come with working in an office, so yes, it’s creepy. Just kidding (sort of)!

The surreal tone of Severance definitely makes it creepy. There’s an ongoing feeling that someone – or something – is constantly keeping watch and wants to gain control. This tone, paired with the series’ clean, manicured (yet cold) visuals, chalks it up to be fairly disturbing.

The characters in the show become increasingly aware of this cryptic, surveillant presence, and the building tension definitely adds to the show’s creepiness. It’s also pretty existential, which is the creepiest feeling of them all.

Was Severance canceled?

Apple TV+

Severance was not canceled. (Thank goodness!) The production was put on pause due last May to 2023’s writers strikes, but it’s up and running now. We are enthused about the show’s return!

Never miss a new show or movie announcement by signing up for our weekly newsletter! Keep checking back here for more info.

This post has been updated.

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Christmas Came Early With Chad Michael Murray's Shirtless ‘The Merry Gentlemen’ First Look

Channing Tatum may have to hang up his sexy dancing skills because it looks like Chad Michael Murray is the new reigning champ in his new film, The Merry Gentlemen. You can tell it's going to be a Christmas movie, but we're not talking about Home Alone or Jingle All the Way here. This spicy film feels more like Magic Mike going on a sexy and romantic journey through a small town — which sounds like something we'd watch more than once.

We love watching Chad Michael Murray in Sullivan's Crossing, but we're ready to see him prance around our screens without a shirt, TBH. Here's everything we know about The Merry Gentlemen and what we can expect to see!

What's 'The Merry Gentlemen' about?

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Written by Marla Sokoloff, The Merry Gentlemen is set to follow one former dancer's (Ashley played by Britt Robertson) journey to making sure the Rhythm Room — a "performing arts venue" — doesn't go defunct. It's owned by her parents, so she has personal ties to this small-town source of entertainment, coming up with the bright idea to surprise the community with an "all-male Christmas-theme revue."

Who's starring in 'The Merry Gentlemen'?

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

According to Netflix, The Merry Gentlemenwill feature a host of other faces! We'll see the following:

  • Chad Michael Murray as Luke
  • Britt Robertson as Ashley
  • Michael Gross as Stan
  • Marla Sokoloff as Marie
  • Maxwell Caulfield as Danny
  • Beth Broderick as Lily
  • Marc Anthony Samuel as Roger
  • Hector Rivera, Jr. as Ricky
  • Colt Prattes as Troy

When can we watch 'The Merry Gentlemen' on Netflix?

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

We'll be able to see Chad Michael Murray and more sexy shirtless men give us a show on November 20. We're not sure what it is, but there's nothing like watching Christmas movies right before Thanksgiving to get us in the winter spirit.

What have Chad Michael Murray and Britt Robertson said about starring in 'The Merry Gentlemen?'

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

We didn't think it was possible, but Chad Michael Murray was a little nervous about playing Luke. "I'd never danced professionally or trained by any means," he said (via PEOPLE). Though he has a thing for "going out and dancing," he's never done anything "to this level."

As to why he chose this role, Chad seems to enjoy a challenge. "When I see something and it scares the crap out of me, something in me says, 'Alright, well let's see what we can do.'" He has two thoughts — "'I'm going to fall flat on my face or have a lot of fun doing.'" If you ask us, that's the right spirit to have for a fun Christmas movie.

Britt Robertson was immediately drawn to the script and her role as Ashley. "When I read the script, I was like, ‘This is my kind of Christmas movie,'" she said (via Netflix). She also teased why she can't get enough of the cowboy appeal in the movie. "...I'm Southern...the hats, the boots. There's so much you can work with."

Don't ask us how long we've been drooling over this first look at Chad Michael Murray in The Merry Gentlemen because we're not ready to talk about it yet!

In the meantime, follow us on Facebook to make sure you don't miss updates about this sexy Christmas movie!

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'Nobody Wants This' Season 2 Won't Feature This Controversial Couple

All it takes is a few episodes of Nobody Wants This to realize it's one of the best rom-coms of the year — and that Adam Brody is still super hot. The series, which also stars Kristen Bell, has gone viral for everything from its hilariously relatable approach to dating to "the best kiss of all time" to how eloquently it explains the fear that we're too much for a romantic partner. With an 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb, a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and literally millions of TikTok views, it's no surprise the show was just renewed for a second season. Here's everything we know about Nobody Wants This season 2.

What's going to happen in Nobody Wants This season 2?

Hopper Stone/Netflix

Creator Erin Foster just revealed Nobody Wants This season 2 is actually going to get rid of this tease from season 1: Morgan and Sasha's flirtationship. "I think we’re going to wrap up their weird 'Is it romantic?' thing. Because we want to see them together in season two, hanging out," she tells The Hollywood Reporter. "We want to see Esther. I think we went down that road enough that now we’re going to pull back and reposition so we can have them all in scenes together without [Morgan] being like, a full homewrecker. But we’re going to give Morgan something very fun. Justine [Lupe] came in and we pitched it to her and she was like, 'This is my dream storyline.'"

Is Morgan going to be swept off her feet? Or maybe she'll inherit a huge sum of money and become her own trophy wife. That would be SO Morgan.

Is there going to be a season 2 of Nobody Wants This?

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

Yes on October 10, Netflix announced that Nobody Wants This will be coming back for season 2. And (spoiler!!!) now that Joanne and Noah have decided to be together, and Noah's decided to give up his position as Head Rabbi, I have a feeling they'll have to deal with a lot of opinions. (Namely, Noah's mother).

"Creating Nobody Wants This will forever be a career highlight for me," creator Erin Foster says in a statement. "The incredible cast, crew, producers and executives all made this into the show it is today, and to experience viewers' reactions to this series now that it's out in the world has been more than anything I could have dreamed. I’m so lucky to be able to continue this story, and to do it alongside Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan, who I've been such a fan of since Girls... Justice for healthy relationships being the most romantic!”

When is Nobody Wants This season 2 coming out?

Netflix

We know season 2 is coming out in 2025, but stay tuned for an official Nobody Wants This season 2 release date.

Who's in the cast of Nobody Wants This season 2?

Netflix

The Nobody Wants This cast includes Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Hitchcock, Jackie Tohn, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, and Emily Arlook.

Does Nobody Wants This End on a Cliffhanger?

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Nobody Wants This might not end on the same kind of thrilling, dramatic cliffhanger as Outer Banks season 4 part 1, but it definitely leaves us with a ton of questions. How will Joanne and Noah's families react to the news? What does life look like as a couple? Will Joanne be able to flaunt their relationship in front of all the teenagers? No matter what comes, these two are very much in love, and I can't wait to see them continue to heal and grow together.

Adam Rose/Netflix

Check out 10 Reasons Nobody Wants This Is The Best TV Show Of The Year — and all the other October TV shows to watch this month!

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Curb Your Road Rage! The 'Beef' Season 2 Cast Is Here.

Without a doubt, the best TV shows of 2023 included the emotional end to the Succession saga, as well as the beginning of my attachment to Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us. I got cozy thanks to Sullivan's Crossing and became even more obsessed with The Bear, but the one show I never saw coming was Beef.

The series picked up awards left and right (hello Emmys and SAG Awards!), and thank goodness, we don't have to say goodbye just yet because Beef season 2 is officially on its way! You might be wondering, 'Isn't Beef a limited series?' It was supposed to be — but the internet's obsession pushed Netflix to renew it. Before you catch up on the best new TV shows of 2024, here's everything we know about Beef season 2.

  • Beef was a standout TV show of 2023 — and Beef season 2 is on its way!
  • The Netflix hit will feature two feuding couples, doubling the drama.
  • Charles Melton, Cailee Spaeny, Oscar Isaac, and Carey Mulligan will lead the Beef season 2 cast.

Will there be a season 2 of Beef?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Yes, we're getting a Beef season 2! After waiting to hear whether the show would be back for another installment, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news on October 22. The sophomore season will feature eight 30-minute episodes.

Who's in the Beef season 2 cast?

Mike Coppola/Arturo Holmes/Monica Schipper/Getty Images; Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BFI

Beef Season 2 Cast

This is the craziest part of all: Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny will play one of the feuding couples, with Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan as the other. This is an absolutely insane cast to see onscreen together, and I cannot wait to see how they balance soft-spoken, graceful moments with over-the-top drama. Beef season 2 is going to be as good as its predecessor — if not better.

What is Beef season 2 about?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Beef Season 2 Plot

THR also reports that Beef season 2 will follow a young couple (assuming that's Cailee Spaeny and Charles Melton) who sees a crazy fight between their boss and his wife, “triggering chess moves of favors and coercion in the elitist world of a country club and its Korean billionaire owner.”

When is Beef season 2 coming out?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Beef Season 2 Release Date

We don't have an official release date for Beef season 2 yet, but considering season 1 started filming in April of 2022 and released in April of 2023, we could see the second season as early as winter 2025.

How many seasons and episodes of Beef are there?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

Right now, there is one season of Beef comprised of 10 episodes. Beef season 2 will feature eight 30-minute episodes.

Where can I watch Beef?

Andrew Cooper/Netflix

You can watch all ten episodes of Beef season 1 on Netflix now! You can also watch Unpacking BEEF | Inside the Season Finale and Steven Yeun & Ali Wong Break Down A Scene From BEEF on YouTube for the behind-the-scenes info you've been craving.

What do you want to see in Beef season 2? Let us know on Facebook!

This post has been updated.

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