Safe TV

Does anyone remember when TV cartoon characters would break character, look directly into the camera and say, “Kids, we’re trained professionals. Don’t try this at home.”?

I wonder how creators felt about that. It seemed like an unnecessary interruption in an otherwise entertaining show. On one hand, I guess it could have made kids feel they had a more personal connection to the cartoon character. On the other hand, I think it could have put off some kids and confused them about the story or the character, especially if the character was a villain.

I think it was a government issued requirement of the time.