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Have you ever come across a really great show, but felt a sense of apprehension telling people you watched it because the show was created for children? Or you could be like me, have no shame, and shout it from the roof tops.
From the past and present there have been different shows that have been broadcast across airwaves that hit a chord with both the targeted younger audiences and their adult counterparts.
Here are 14 of those shows, and let me know in the comment section if I got yours, or missed it.
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Spongebob Squarepants
When “Spongebob Squarepants” first debuted in 1999, I don’t think that a lot of people thought that the chipper sea sponge was going to be so lovable, but he was.
Most fans loved the show, but felt that there was a decline in quality with more recent seasons. However, with the release of the seasons, Spongebob is proving that he’s worth his weight in gold for both children and adults viewers.
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Adventure Time
I honestly didn’t think that I would like this show, but I love it!
“Adventure Time,” which follows a young human boy named Finn, and his magical dog named Jake, as they handle life in the Candy Kingdom in the Land of Ooo.
Adventure Time’s appeal is due to it’s comedy, intelligence, and the occasional heartfelt episode (like my favorite: I Remember You, can’t watch that episode without shedding a few tears).
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The Regular Show
“The Regular Show” is one of the best children’s shows I’ve seen in a very long time. The show tends to cater to children’s sense of absurdity, while also appealing to adults with the jokes, writing, and the common emotions that we all feel.
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Rugrats
Now for a blast from the past, “Rugrats” was a show about babies who could only talk to themselves, and their toddler/bully counterpart, Angelica, as they maneuvered their way around the world.
The show was adorable and fun for younger viewers, and clever for adult ones; great writing, just all around.
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Rocko’s Modern Life
Now this is my all time favorite show! “Rocko’s Modern Life” focused on a wallaby, his dog Spunkey, and his two friends Heffer the steer and Filbert the Turtle.
As I’ve mentioned before, though the show was targeted to children, there were plenty of adult jokes and innuendos that appealed which it made it popular for all audiences.
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The Looney Tunes Show
This reboot of the classic “Looney Tunes” series was fantastic. It took popular characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and others, and placed them in a modern landscape. They also introduced a non-basketball playing Lola Bunny as Bugs’ girlfriend (who was voiced by Kristen Wiig), and Tina Russo as Daffy’s girlfriend.
Though the show only lasted for two seasons, children, adults and critics loved the show due to the writing and different story lines for the characters.
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Gravity Falls
This article was inspired by “Gravity Falls.” I stumbled across this show one night, and then promptly wondered: “Where have you been all my life?!”
“Gravity Falls” features Dipper and his twin sister Mabel while the deal with the crazy, supernatural happenings in the town Gravity Falls.
The characters are hilarious, the writing is witty, and it’s a show that both my daughter and I enjoy.
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Teen Titans Go!
As a fan of all things Batman and DC Comics I had to include this great show. When the popular series “Teen Titans” ended, featuring the young superheros of Jump City, it was revamped into a more comedic series named “Teen Titans Go!”
The show focuses on the more ridiculous things that the teens go through while also fighting crime.
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Batman Beyond
I don’t know if I’ve ever been more in love with a series like I’ve been with “Batman Beyond.”
Years into the future, when Bruce Wayne is too old to continue to wear the Batsuit, Terry McGinnis dons the suit and reclaims Gotham City in the name of justice.
“Batman Beyond” had brilliant writing, sleek designs, and had children, teen, and adult viewers, still to this day.
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Phineas & Ferb
What do you do when the “104 days of summer vacation” can become tedious? You create your own fun, like the titular characters from this popular series.
With writing and comedy that appeals to children and adults, “Phineas & Ferb” manages to maintain an audience across all age groups.
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Samurai Jack
How can you describe “Samurai Jack” in a way that gives it justice? The show would vary between deep, serious tones, to fun and playful ones, while the title character, who was transported into a world in the future, tries to find his way home.
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Ren & Stimpy
Though “Ren & Stimpy” was airing on Nickelodeon, the show seemed to definitely cater to an adult audience. However, there were fun things that kept children oblivious to the adult jokes and innuendos (like the “Happy Happy Joy Joy” song).
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My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
I honestly didn’t think any adults were paying attention to this show until I saw the documentary “Bronies.” Wow… some men take the “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” revamp unbelievably serious. Just… wow… no judgment though!
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Powerpuff Girls
I remember walking in the mall in high school with a “Powerpuff Girls’ shirt, and being stopped by a woman asking me where I got it. After talking to her, and finding out that she didn’t have children, and she wanted the shirt for herself, (“Do you remember if they have bigger sizes? If I gave you money, could you go to the juniors department and get one for me?”) was when I knew how popular the show was.
The appeal for the show was universal as the girls made from sugar, spice, everything nice (and chemical X) were popular globally.
Did I mention your favorites? Let’s chat about it in the comment section!
