REVIEW #13: The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello 

A couple days off from school, even if it is school at home, means the kids are going to start to get squirrelly. If you are anything like my wife and I, you may get tired of the endless loop of meaningless children’s media they consume. You might want to try this show on Formed called, “The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello.”

The show reminds us of some of the greats in children’s programming like Mister Rogers or Captain Kangaroo (though not at their status of course). We felt like you could tell a lot of thought went into the content and style of the show. It might just be the kind of show to start a conversation in your house. Check out my review to see if it is right for you. 

Title

The Wonderful World of Benjamin Cello

https://watch.formed.org/benjamin-cello

Presenter

Ensemble cast of creative characters led by Benjamin Cello played by Benjamin Wolaver. 

Length 

Six episode each about 15-20 minutes long

Style of Content

• Musically orientated children’s show with great emphasis on using one’s imagination and often quoting scripture. In addition to human charters played by adults and children, there are also puppets which play a role in the plot at times. 
• TBH - The show is on par with secular children’s shows of this type. Video and sound are great. The sets are generally well done. Occasionally the acting comes across as forced, but it isn’t better or worse than other life action children’s shows of this nature. The overall design and content of the show feels intelligent. 

Content

Benjamin Cello goes on short adventures to learn lessons around faithfulness, friendship, trust, among others. He encounters various other characters that help to teach or explain these lessons. Ultimately this show seeks to reveal to children the satisfaction of focusing on truth, beauty and goodness - the transcendentals. The show uses the beauty of music and art to demonstrate God’s goodness. 

My children found it entertaining and engaging. My almost 3 year old for sure was entranced by the music and colorful sets. My older kids enjoyed it for its sometimes campy nature, but in a good way. Of all the obnoxious shows my kids have watched over the years this one of the least bothersome. Often it crosses over into interesting content for us adults too. 

Scripture 

Philippians 4:8 among others. 

Why you should watch these videos

If you want your kids exposed to beauty in the form of classical music, art, and scripture or faith filled life lessons, then this show is probably for you. 

Why skip it

If you don’t have kids or can’t get past some of the classic kids programming nature of the show, then you probably want to check out something else.