Geena Davis is the patron saint of the intentional watch list because she turned "vibes" about representation into hard data that proves what your kids see shapes what they think is possible. If you want to know why your kid’s favorite show features a cast of ten where only two are girls—and both are defined by their relationships to the boys—Davis is the one who has the receipts and the tools to help you fix it.
TL;DR
Geena Davis and her Institute on Gender in Media provide the data-backed lens parents need to move past default programming. By auditing your kid’s media for representation using their "See Jane" metrics, you can swap stereotypical content for high-quality alternatives like Hilda or Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts. The goal is a media diet that reflects the real world, helping kids build a self-image that isn't limited by outdated Hollywood scripts.
Most parents have a moment where they look at a "classic" kids' movie and realize the gender balance is abysmal. Geena Davis had that moment while watching cartoons with her daughter in the early 2000s. Unlike most people who just complain about it, she commissioned the largest study ever done on gender in family media.
The result was the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. They don't just guess; they use automated tools to count screen time and speaking time. Their research consistently shows that when kids see a world where men occupy the vast majority of leadership roles and "cool" jobs, they internalize that as the natural order. Davis’s mantra is "If she can see it, she can be it," and her work is the gold standard for parents who want to be more than passive consumers of the algorithm.
You’ve probably heard of the Bechdel Test (does a movie have two named women who talk to each other about something other than a man?). It’s a low bar, and a lot of modern media still fails it. Davis’s institute goes deeper with the "See Jane" tool, which analyzes representation across gender, race, LGBTQ+ identity, disability, and age.
When you audit your kid’s watch list, you aren't just looking for "girl power" episodes. You’re looking for:
- Occupational representation: Are the scientists, world-leaders, and adventurers diverse, or is the "expert" always a white man?
- Speaking time: Does the female lead actually drive the plot, or is she a "smurfette"—the lone woman in a group of men?
- Character depth: Are the diverse characters fully realized people, or are they sidekicks and comic relief?
The reason this audit matters is that the algorithm is lazy. YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+ are engineered to give you more of what you already watched. If your kid starts on a show with narrow representation, the platform will keep feeding them that same narrow world.
Intentionality means breaking that loop. It’s about realizing that "default" isn't neutral. If you aren't choosing media that represents the world, you’re choosing media that reinforces stereotypes by omission.
If you’re ready to refresh the queue, skip the lazy reboots and look for shows and games that build a wider world without making it a "lesson."
This show is a masterclass in lead character design. Hilda is adventurous, messy, empathetic, and driven by her own curiosity rather than a romantic subplot or a need to fit in. The world-building is rich with folklore, and the female characters occupy every role from librarian to world-class adventurer without it feeling forced. It’s the perfect antidote to the "damsel" trope.
For older elementary and middle school kids, Kipo is a vibrant, post-apocalyptic joyride. It features a diverse cast where race and sexuality are part of the characters' identities but aren't the only thing about them. It’s a show about leadership and community building that actually reflects what a modern friendship group looks like.
In the world of cozy games, this one stands out. You play as Claire, a bird on vacation. There’s no combat, no "rescue the princess" mission, and no gendered expectations. It’s about exploration and small acts of kindness. It’s a great example of how a game can be compelling without relying on the traditional hero’s journey tropes that often default to male leads.
If you want to go back to the source, Davis’s own filmography is a great starting point. This movie remains one of the best examples of a story that centers women's competence and camaraderie. It’s a sports movie that doesn't need a male lead to validate the stakes.
An audit doesn't mean you have to ban every show that fails the See Jane test. That’s a losing battle. The move is co-engagement. Watch the "mid" show with them and ask questions that turn on their critical thinking:
- "I noticed only one of the superheroes is a girl. Why do you think the creators made that choice?"
- "Who do you think is the smartest person in this show? Why?"
- "If we swapped the roles of the main characters, would the story still work?"
You’re building their internal algorithm. You want them to get to the point where they can spot a lazy stereotype on their own and say, "This feels off."
Q: Is the Geena Davis Institute just for girls? No. The research shows that boys are just as affected by representation. When boys only see men as aggressive or emotionally distant leaders, it limits their own emotional development. Seeing diverse roles for everyone helps boys build empathy and a more realistic understanding of the world.
Q: At what age should I start worrying about representation? Earlier than you think. Kids start forming ideas about gender roles as early as age 3. You don't need to give a lecture to a preschooler, but you can be intentional about the books and shows you pick. Our digital guide for preschoolers has picks that avoid the most common early-childhood stereotypes.
Q: What if my kid only wants to watch shows that I think are stereotypical? Don't make it a taboo. Watch it with them, but introduce "bridge" content. If they love a stereotypical princess show, try She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. It has the magic and the outfits but adds massive depth, diverse body types, and complex female relationships.
Q: Does representation actually affect a kid's career choices? The data says yes. The "Scully Effect"—named after Dana Scully from The X-Files—famously led to a measurable increase in women entering STEM fields. What kids see on screen acts as a "possibility model."
Geena Davis isn't asking you to be the fun-police. She’s giving you the data to be a more effective curator. The "real reason" to audit your kid’s watch list isn't just to be "correct"—it's to ensure your kid's imagination isn't being cramped by a Hollywood board room’s outdated ideas of who gets to be the hero.
- Check out our best shows for kids list for titles with high WISE scores for representation.
- Run a quick "See Jane" audit on your kid’s top three favorite shows tonight.
- Get more recommendations for diverse media
