[TheFightingSpirit]

I find a kids show often "tries" to be childish, over the top, babying, or purposefully simple in morality.

A show for all ages can be many of these things, but it'll probably not stay quite as simple. Gaim in the beginning was a perfect example of this. It was silly and fun, but it never once tried to dumb down on the seriousness.

I've found Japan is pretty good for producing all ages kids shows, as opposed to painfully kiddy shows. Sentai is often for kids, while I think other franchises, Kamen Rider been the obvious example, aim for a wider breadth of viewership.

P.S. For me the archetypal show for all ages was always The Simpsons. Just simple enough for kids to love with a whole bunch of adult jokes and references thrown in for good measure.