There is nothing that every 90s kid relishes more than the iconic Cartoon Network series. There is still something very grabbing about those series we all grew up watching. Not only that the animations were unique to their time, but the parallels and metaphors were profound and spot on.
The character archetypes explored in the shows were ahead of their time. We see the manifestations of them in our adult lives and think back to that time. The cartoon shows these days are pretty great but they do not give competition to the cartoon shows of our childhood.
You can still catch the re-runs of these shows on Cartoon Network. However, some shows have not had a re-run in years. For those shows, you can stream online with a fast and reliable connection. Fidium Internet is one provider that does not leave you hanging, staring at the annoying buffering circle.
With this, letโs dive in and discuss some of the most celebrated shows of our time and see which one rings the loudest bell:
1.ย ย ย ย ย Dexterโs Laboratory
The child science prodigy, Dexter runs an underground and elaborate laboratory from his basement where he concocts world-saving inventions. Often interrupted by his mischievous older sister, Dee Dee, or his nemesis/antihero Mandark. This show was highly relatable to all young brainiacs who often felt isolated and misunderstood.
2.ย ย ย ย ย Samurai Jack
From the creators of Dexter, Samurai Jack is the story of an old-timey samurai who is sent to the future. This is the doing of an evil wizard Aku who then becomes responsible for massive destruction. Jackโs mission is to find the portal back to the past and defeat Akuโs people along the way. His ultimate goal is to destroy Aku himself.
3.ย ย ย ย ย Power Puff Girls
These tiny, city-saving girl superheroes were created by a good-natured scientist by accident. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup have distinct personalities that manifest themselves in their endeavors to save the city from several recurring villains like Mojo Jojo, Him, Gangreen Gang, Amoeba Boys, etc. Their character development and personal lives make for a very good watch and instilled empowerment in young girls that followed them.
4.ย ย ย ย ย Courage the Cowardly Dog
This tiny timid dog lives on a farm with his owner Muriel and her ever-disgruntled husband Eustace. While being excessively afraid of sinister adversaries that plague the vicinity, Courage, as ironic as it is for a name for such a character, fights his fears to protect his unsuspecting owners and often gets in trouble.
5.ย ย ย ย ย Scooby Doo
A team of teens moves about in their wagon โMystery Machineโ to solve crimes with paranormal origins. They uncover many villains posing as monsters or ghosts for a variety of motives. The best and most entertaining angle of the show is the titular character, Scooby Doo, a canine that loves to eat and hang out with his human friend, Shaggy. Together, Scooby and the gang move about the country solving one crime after another, having adventures, and making movies.
6.ย ย ย ย ย Fosterโs Home for Imaginary Friends
This show revolved around an orphanage with imaginary friends, as the name suggests because their human friends outgrew them. Like any other orphanage, these imaginary friends were adopted by new kids.
The main character, Mac, is growing up and is being pressured by his mom to let go of his imaginary friend Bloo. So, Mac finds a way to visit Bloo at the foster home, which allows him to befriend more imaginary friends. This show was filled with bittersweet feelings, exceptional storyline, and humor and was very deep for a kidsโ cartoon but in a good way.
7.ย ย ย ย ย Codename: Kids Next Door
A group of 5 kid-friends, namely kids next door, run a covert operation from a treehouse savvy in its way concealed from parents and other adults. They engage in silly missions, building contraptions out of all kinds of materials they can find, from plans, spare tires, and tools, held together by super glue, mismatched screws, and bubblegum.
8.ย ย ย ย ย Johnny Bravo
With an excess of confidence and nothing to be ashamed of, we remember laughing at Johnny Bravo working his non-existent charm and striking out with the ladies ever so often. A classic chad with his big hair, muscles, and the IQ of a fruit fly, Johnnyโs humor didnโt quite age well. What everyone did enjoy was his classic karate chop gestures with recurrent bull-whip sound effects that tied everything together.
9.ย ย ย ย ย Adventure Time
Twelve-year-old Finn goes about battling evil with his loyal dog, Jake, in the magical land of Ooo. His main mission is to protect Princess Bubblegum from the Ice King who has sworn to marry her. The princess does not want to be wed to him so it falls on Finn and his buddies Jake and Lady Raincorn to save this catastrophe from happening. The best part about this show is the understanding of fundamental principles of good and evil, honor and valor, that kids started to recognize at an early age.
Concluding Thoughts
Not all of these shows were ground-breaking. But they all delivered one thing or another apart from entertainment in their capacity. With this refresher course on all your favorite cartoons from your childhood (or your parentsโ) which one would you like to catch next?
