Some cartoons endure for generations of viewers, providing the next generation with amazing animation skills, voice acting talent and absurdist scenarios which could never happen in real life.
Even though cartoons are traditionally perceived as entertainment for kids, many cover adult-oriented topics as well. Steven Universe seamlessly incorporates issues such as sexuality, racism and depression into its episodes without sensationalizing them.
1. “Adventure Time”
Wcofun has captured the hearts of both children and adults thanks to its breathtaking visuals, imaginative storytelling and off-kilter humor. Even more impressively, Adventure Time has even managed to break through into “prestige TV”, thanks to overarching story arcs such as Finn searching for his birth parents or undead sorcerers from another dimension posing threats that must be battled off against.
The show, an adaptation of a Frederator Studios animated short of the same name, follows Finn as he navigates his way through adolescence with help from Jake, his magically shape-shifting dog. Together they explore Ooo – an intriguing land with few rules and many eccentric inhabitants who inhabit its surface.
2. “Hey Arnold!”
As a child, Helga took inspiration from both of her parents – an alcoholic mother and an overbearing bully father – in her behavior as well as Olga her younger sister’s irritating behavior.
Helga was deeply in love with Arnold despite the chaos surrounding her. Being the first one to notice and care about her, Helga managed to keep their affair hidden from others in her life.
From 1996 to 2004, 100 episodes and a theatrical film were broadcast, featuring voice actor Lane Toran in many episodes as Arnold before being replaced by J.D. Daniels, Phillip Van Dyke, Spencer Klein or another surprise sixth actor.
3. “Harvey Birdman”
Space Ghost Coast to Coast is Cartoon Network’s inaugural off-the-wall adult cartoon series and follows an erstwhile superhero turned third-rate attorney at Sebben and Sebben law firm. Featuring many Hanna-Barbera characters such as Galaxy Trio members and Birdgirl as clumsy partners.
Even though some characters, such as Peanut and X the Eliminator, remain from Harvey’s previous career as a superhero, most of the Birdteam members are new. It is refreshing that its creators did not include unnecessary relics from past episodes in this show.
4. “King of the Hill”
After the success of MTV’s Beavis and Butt-Head, series creator Mike Judge decided to develop another animated sitcom. King of the Hill follows an average American family living in a fictional small town in Texas while exploring themes such as family, friendship, loyalty and justice.
Hank Hill, an assistant manager of Strickland Propane who sells propane and accessories, resides with his wife Peggy and son Bobby (an aspiring comedian) along with their naive niece Luanne in Philadelphia. Hank often struggles to balance traditional conservative values with modern hedonism and sarcasm.
5. “Phineas and Ferb”
Phineas and Ferb, stepbrothers from an animated show created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, explored all kinds of high-concept contraptions during their summer vacation adventures, providing viewers with plenty of exciting action-packed episodes.
Perry the Platypus may look like just any household pet but he’s actually suave Agent P, deftly taking down Dr. Doofenshmirtz with ease. In the series there are also subplots with O.W.C.A agents disguised as kangaroos, frogs and turkeys working against Dr. Doofenshmirtz.
Marsh describes this act of tribute to Avery as his mentor. The show incorporates many artistic features from Avery that include geometric forms incorporated into characters, objects and backgrounds – an homage to him from Marsh.
6. “The Venture Bros.”
The Venture Bros.” is an adult comedy/drama/adventure series set in Space Age fiction that blends elements of humor with drama. The show follows emotionally insecure super scientist Dr. Thaddeus “Rusty” Venture’s attempts at managing his underachieving teenage fraternal twin sons Hank and Dean as well as bodyguard Brock Samson, Henchmen 21-24, and Sergeant Hatred who all make up Team Venture.
Hank is more adventurous and headstrong, which often gets him into trouble; Dean is more bookish and shy, often turning out clones of Hank and Dean controlled by computer programs.
7. “South Park”
South Park, with its crude cut-out animation style and topic range spanning Mormonism to explosive snowmen, has long been one of the most polarizing, controversial, and hilarious shows on television. Producing each episode within six days allows creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker to satirize current events and pop culture quickly and precisely.
In the early 2000s, The Simpsons quickly become a hit series, becoming known for being “vulgar and not appropriate for kids to watch”. Over the course of its 15-year run, its cartoon has taken aim at everyone from Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden to celebrities and politicians as its subjects of mockery.