Classic cartoon TV shows to show the kids!
Before Octonauts there was Snorks. Before Peppa Pig and Olivia there were The Flinstones and The Jetsons. Come and relive the cartoon shows that we were all loving before the latest generation of animation took over our screens and captured the attention of our children.
You loved our post on movies from our childhood to rewatch with your kids, so we figured we would bring you another batch of nostalgia, this time in the home baked goodness of classic cartoon shows. So grab a packet of Samboys, put on your Ninja Turtle slippers and reminisce over these classic cartoons that got you out of bed early every Saturday morning.
Classic 90s
- Darkwing Duck (1991-1992)
- Animaniacs (1993-1998)
- Pinky and the Brain (1995-1998)
- Rugrats (1990-2006)
- Recess (1997-2001)
- The Magic School Bus (1994-1997)
- Dexter’s Laboratory (1996-2003)
Classic Late 80s
- Thundercats (1985-1989)
- Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers (1989-1990)
- Transformers (1985)
- The Wuzzles (1985)
- Pound Puppies (1986-1988)
- Babar (1989-2002)
- She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985)
- Jem (1985-1988)
- The Care Bears (1985-1988)
- My Little Pony (1986-1987)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1996)
- Duck Tales (1987-1990)
Classic Early 80s
- Astro Boy (1980-1981)
- Strawberry Shortcake (1980)
- The Smurfs (1981-1989)
- Danger Mouse (1981-1992)
- SuperTed (1983-1986)
- Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (1984-1985)
- He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983)
- Bananaman (1983-1986)
- The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show (1983-1986)
- Inspector Gadget (1983-1986)
- Snorks (1984-1989)
- Voltron (1984-1985)
- Rainbow Brite (1984-1986)
Classic 70s and late 60s
- Scooby Doo: Where Are You? (1969)
- Josie and the Pussycats (1970-1971)
- The Jetsons (1962-1988)
- The Yogi Bear Show (1961-1988)
- Hong Kong Phooey (1974-1975)
- George of the Jungle (1967-1970)
- Wacky Races (1968-1969)
- The Pink Panther Show (1969-1980)
And the really old
- Popeye the Sailor (1960-1962)
- Top Cat (1961-1962)
- The Flintstones (1960-1966)
- Kimba and the White Lion (1965-1967)
- Roger Ramjet (1965)
- Looney Tunes (1930)
Many of these classics have been revamped with brighter costumes and better graphics and while it’s nice to see that our favourites from our childhood are still around, they are not nearly as awesome as their original forms (naturally).
The good news for all Gen X parents out there is that most of these shows can still be found on YouTube (and their theme songs to boot).
They just don’t make cartoons like they used to. What was your favourite TV show as a kid?
