Top 20 Cartoons You Should NEVER Watch in Front of Your Parents

Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Cartoons You Should NEVER Watch In Front Of Your Parents. For this list, we’ll be looking at the edgiest and most mature animated shows that you wouldn’t want to watch on the family tv. Which of these adult shows were you banned from watching when you were younger? Let us know in the comments below.

#20: “Ren & Stimpy "Adult Party Cartoon" (2003)

The duo of Ren and Stimpy first raised eyebrows with their self-titled show on children’s network Nickelodeon. It was full of rude violence, innuendos, and plenty of gross bodily functions. Writers and animators were somehow able to make the show even harder to watch when it returned as “Ren & Stimpy "Adult Party Cartoon”. This program tripled down on the disgusting animation and gross out gags. If they could somehow get past the gross imagery, the constant cartoon violence the lead duo suffered might push parents to turn the channel. This mature franchise revival was clearly not worried about pushing the boundaries of good taste.

#19: “F is For Family” (2015-21)

Despite being a comedy centered on a family’s misadventures, it’s probably best to watch this when you’re alone. Bill Burr stars as an abrasive dad living in the 1970s who isn’t afraid to lash out at people around him with coarse language and offensive observations. Since his kids take after their dad, viewers will often hear mature things coming from surprisingly young voices. Outside of the language, there’s tons of references to illicit substances placed throughout the episodes. The show’s realistic exploration of married couples going through hard times might also not be appealing to parents. While f may be family, it can also stand for: “forget about watching this with everyone at home”.

#18: “Harley Quinn” (2019-)

If you want a Max show with DC comics characters that’s safe for all ages, watch “Adventures with Superman” instead of the very adult “Harley Quinn”. The anti-heroine’s show has its fair share of mature gags and scandalous scenes. But what really might put parents off is the extremely high amount of violence. Characters have been tormented by the Joker, lost their heads to Harley and been slain in practically every way imaginable by King Shark. Fans estimate that over 7,000 living beings have perished over the course of the show’s first three seasons. With the body count likely to grow, it’s best to ask anyone you’re watching with how they feel about non-stop violence before diving into this fantastic and bloody DC parody.

#17: “Archer” (2009-)

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to watch this show with people who raised you without throwing in the towel. This hilarious spy series is full to the brim with self-referential humor, great running gags and shots at genre cliches. But it also has a lot of adult encounters. Not only are characters often scantily clad, but characters like Dr. Krieger often make explicit references to bizarre bedroom activities. There’s also a good deal of realistic injuries that are played for laughs and brutal deaths used as punchlines. Instead of wading through this mature minefield, it’s best to put on a less risque spy comedy during the next familial gathering.

#16: “Metalocalypse” (2006-13)

We had a feeling that an Adult Swim show about a heavy metal band named Dethklok was going to be hardcore. But even if everyone in your family is accepting of the musical genre, they might have trouble with the bizarre and brutal imagery. While some of the harsh animation is symbolic, plenty of characters get some savage wounds. Dethklok fans have it the worst by far. In any given concert, it’s almost a guarantee that at least one spectator will die in a horrific way. There’s been so many deaths during the series that it’s a miracle people are still around to buy tickets. It might be best to steer your parents away from the absolute onslaught of carnage featured on “Metalocalypse”.

#15: “Æon Flux” (1991-95)

This dystopian animated series raises a lot of moral and ethical questions about censorship and oppression. However, parents might not be able to see the depth of the program through the show’s adult elements. Throughout the program, lead heroine Aeon Flux is highly oversexualized. She’s often either drawn in a mature way or just finds herself in very compromising situations. And Aeon is far from the only character treated this way. Even without the sexual content, the absurd art style of the series won’t appeal to everyone in the living room. As much as we love Aeon’s adventures, we’re not quite ready to introduce her to our parents.

#14: “The Boys Presents: Diabolical” (2022)

Since this cartoon is an anthology series, each episode has a different reason why you shouldn’t share it with your parents. One episode literally focuses on toilet humor by telling a story of a girl who hangs out with sentient waste. Multiple narratives show so-called superheroes committing graphic amounts of violence against non-powered individuals. However, the worst one of all to watch at home is an episode where a disgruntled group slays all of their parents. While there are a couple of stories that could be accepted by everyone, it would be impossible to watch the entire series without running into one scene that will raise your family’s eyebrows.

#13: “Stripperella” (2003-04)

Just in case the title didn’t make it obvious enough, this show was firmly aimed at adult audiences. The animated program follows an adult dancer named Erotica Jones who moonlights as a superhero named Striperella. Since most of the show is focused on giving viewers an eyeful of the heroine, we can’t imagine this would be comfortable to watch with parents. Outside of the mature camera work, the show is packed with adult jokes and innuendos. There are plenty of sharp jokes and great parody bits hiding underneath the surface of the racy content. But you might get strange looks if you choose “Striperella” as your family’s entertainment.

#12: “Superjail!” (2008-14)

Within the walls of this animated prison, senior staff members subject the residents to a wide variety of inhumane punishments. If the sound of that premise alone doesn’t scare your parents away, they’ll probably run as soon as they watch a single second of it. It’s astonishing how much gore the show is able to fit into 11 minute segments. Every time it seems like the program will run out of ways to kill off characters, they’ll shock you with an even more depraved death. Although there is a narrative connecting all the grotesque imagery and brutality together, we doubt many families will be willing to listen to the explanation that justifies all the violence.

#11: “Rick and Morty” (2013-)

Although this sci-fi parody is no stranger to violent scenes, it’s the show’s habit of diving headfirst into taboo topics that makes it unlikely for the family tv. Characters joke about hot button issues like religion and geopolitical conflicts that are usually avoided at the dinner table. The dysfunctional main family also has many discussions about divorce and extended abandonment. Speaking of the Smith clan, the series has put the family members into such boundary pushing situations with each other that we can’t discuss the details here. If you’re unsure what we mean, trust us when we say you don’t want to explain Naruto to your folks. You’re better off portalling away to another show on your list.

#10: “The Boondocks” (2005-14)

Satire has a way of making people feel uncomfortable. If your parents can’t handle a raw satirical comedy about American society, this show is not for them. The show is based on a comic strip about a black family moving to the predominantly-white suburbs. While in their new setting, the Boondocks roasts social issues, pop culture and contemporary trends. It also makes sure to address many of the problems Black people face in America. As the show gained popularity, its sharp criticism of racial and political issues also attracted plenty of controversy. The language alone will make some viewers cringe. Only families willing to look at serious subject matter in a real way should hang out in the Boondocks.

#9: “Spawn” (1997-99)

There are few adult superhero shows that come close to being as bleak and graphic as this beloved classic. In a city teeming with sadistic villains and criminals, Spawn endeavors to take out the worst of the trash with harsh and often deadly means. While the main hero is otherworldly, the imagery is incredibly realistic. That’s why you might find it hard to convince everyone at home to gather around for a series full of good and bad people suffering. It’ll also be a no go for your folks if they’re not a fan of seeing the outsides and insides of human anatomy. Admittedly, “Spawn” wasn’t exactly made for all audiences. So, we wouldn’t recommend trying to make required viewing after family game night.

#8: “Robot Chicken” (2005-)

This is absurd sketch comedy at its finest. Unfortunately, parents may not appreciate the show's crude language and dark disturbing humor. With rapid fire sketches on sex, death, cannibalism and more, you will be hard pressed to find a taboo subject that Robot Chicken hasn’t touched on. The fact that each segment can feature extremely mature and warped versions of popular characters doesn’t help either. While the pop culture references are great, it may put off older audiences who don’t want to see their favorite icons exaggerated. Overall, if you’re a child, a parent, or an adult who takes things too seriously, you should probably stay away from this show.

#7: “Big Mouth” (2017-)

Going through puberty is awkward enough. But watching a show about it with your parents might be even worse. This Netflix animated comedy is based on the creators’ own tween years, growing up in the suburbs of New York City. The characters deal with the embarrassments of puberty and their giant "hormone monsters”. These beings endorse their allies to watch adult entertainment, make out, and explore their own bodies. The show also features frank discussions on sexuality, with plenty of humor and images to go along with them. While the show is full of awkward scenes, the ones about getting intimate with oneself top the list of those you don’t want to watch with Mom and Dad.

#6: “Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-)

When it comes to shows accessible on prime-time television, this one’s a parent’s nightmare. Although the satirical animated series is a hit among viewers, its twisted, dark humor and political incorrectness are too offensive for some. It has been a target of angry adults since its beginnings. At one point, the Parents Television Council even urged Fox to cancel the show. The group has even named multiple episodes “The Worst TV Show of the Week.” So if you want to keep your parents pleased and proud of you, avoid watching this show with the family after a nice Sunday dinner.

#5: “Drawn Together” (2004-07)

This cartoon is not for the faint of heart. Best known for its shock comedy, this was advertised as the first-ever animated parody of reality TV shows. Drawn Together covers a whole list of uncomfortable topics such as: racism, murder, mental illness and sexuality - just to name a few. Since it bluntly addresses real-life issues and pushes…or rather blows right past boundaries, some may find the show quite offensive. The show also allows its characters to get very, very physical. All the overt sexual scenes would make watching this show with your parents super uncomfortable, let alone everything else that makes this comedy so crude.

#4: “Beavis and Butt-Head” (1993-97; 2011)

One of the original satirical cartoons, this show had a major influence on youth in the '90s, and it was rarely a good one. MTV ultimately aired this show with a disclaimer at the beginning of each episode, which hilariously demeaned the characters and clarified that viewers should NOT emulate them. Beavis and Butt-Head are destructive teens who are into sex, drugs, metal, violence and death. They are crude, sexist, and twisted, with a very immature shared sense of humor. We’re not saying don’t watch it… we’re just saying save it until after the folks have gone to bed. The sheer stupidity of these guys might cause your parents to question your morals.

#3: “Mr. Pickles” (2013-)

Some people have trouble wrapping their minds around this one. Although the show is about a cute dog, it is the opposite of family-friendly. Mr. Pickles is a satanic Border Collie who enjoys committing horrific acts of violence and keeping macabre trophies. The sex, gore, dark humor, and crass subject matter make this horror cartoon comedy too extreme for many viewers, especially moms and dads. Do yourself and your parents a favor and don’t get caught watching this show. No matter how old you are, your parents will likely be totally disturbed and disappointed in you.

#2: “Happy Tree Friends” (1999-)

Hopefully no child has stumbled upon this show while watching Netflix. This dark, horror comedy would traumatize little kids while seriously disturbing and angering parents. The show even had a disclaimer warning that the cartoon violence was not recommended for small children and “big babies”. Happy Tree Friends is about a group of cute forest animals who end up experiencing graphic violence and death on a daily basis. These animals get dismembered, decapitated, and killed in the most horrific and gory ways. While you may find the show to be hilarious, your parents probably won’t.

#1: “South Park” (1997-)

For a show that offends many, it sure is a hit. This cartoon is so offensive it has a disclaimer at the beginning of each episode. Brilliantly satirical and notorious for pushing boundaries on TV with its dark humor, South Park makes fun of relevant but usually taboo or politically incorrect topics. It has delivered countless controversial episodes, giving it a bad rep with parents and media alike. Whether graphic violence makes your mom squirm, or the lewd sexual behaviors make you blush, you should definitely save this show to watch alone or with friends.