How ‘CoComelon’ became a mass media juggernaut for preschoolers
UC children’s media expert Nancy Jennings cited in L.A. Times article
Every generation has its cartoon favorites. What appears to be all the rage now is “CoComelon”, with a big-headed, animated toddler named JJ as the main character.
According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, in 2023, “CoComelon” ranked fifth on Nielsen’s list of top 10 overall streaming programs, bested only by the legal drama “Suits,” the Australian animated series “Bluey,” the long-running procedural “NCIS” and the medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” Beyond its presence on Netflix, the brand also commands massive engagement on its native YouTube. By 2020, “CoComelon” was the most-watched YouTube channel in the world, with more than 3.5 billion average monthly views.
“It’s heartwarming; it’s easy to digest,” Nancy Jennings, a professor at the University of Cincinnati and director of its Children’s Entertainment and Education Research Lab, says in the article.
“There’s not a lot of dialogue that you have to follow, and with the songs too, a lot of the characteristics of the show are attractive to kids in general,” said Jennings.
Professor Jennings is an often-cited expert resource on children's entertainment for articles and news reports.
Read the article, which also focuses on the economics of children’s entertainment.
Feature photo at top of boy looking at a screen: iStock Photo/Kemal Yildirim
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
'There's a strong community here:' UC transfer student finds place in College of Arts and Sciences
October 23, 2026
This week marks National Transfer Students Week, and the College of Arts and Sciences celebrated those students Thursday. Olivia White, assistant director of recruitment, said around 13-15% of students at UC are transfer students, and with that comes its own set of challenges.
UC Foundation celebrates 2026 philanthropy winners
October 23, 2026
The University of Cincinnati Foundation recognized its Outstanding Philanthropic Volunteer Award honorees at the George Rieveschl Recognition Dinner on October 22, 2026.
AI breast cancer survival model from Cancer Center could improve accuracy and personalize care
October 23, 2026
UC Cancer Center researchers, including lead author Wedad Alatebi, developed a deep learning survival model for breast cancer that combines detailed clinical and genetic information, potentially offering physicians a more accurate tool to guide treatment decisions.