gdgt

That really would depend on how much you want to spend. Apple TV is a streaming device, but except for a very few other selections like Netflix and MLB. Mostly it's a iTunes Service that allows you to watch all the shows and movies you've bought or rented on iTunes on your TV. So if your willing to rent and or buy the other shows then it would most definitely work. While I think the Apple TV is a good choice for someone that wants Netflix in the living room and uses Apple products; so already has a varied collection of iTunes content. If you are going to leave your Cable service behind, I think other devices would better suit your needs.

Roku for one, still has Netflix, but it also has the classic cartoon channel, that is only 2 bucks a month, it also has a free channel called Kidlet which has a number of cartoons, some of which used to be quite popular. With Roku you can also stream channels such as BBC World News and CNN International. Which I find these to be the better services for the Adult that wants to end their cable service. Heck, I can even get my local news streamed on my Roku.

Also, another device is Boxee, while I haven't used the Boxee box, I have used the software on a computer system. Much of the same content that can be found on Roku can also be found on Boxee, however I had many issues with Boxee, but in all fairness it was mostly issues regarding the PC and the software not getting along, That being said thou, I didn't dive deeply into the Boxee channel service because of my issues, But this could also be a viable alternative device for you. I'm sure the actually Boxee box works much better than my installed version did.