Top 10 '90s Cartoons That Deserve A Reboot
For this list, we'll be going over the cartoons from the 1990s that we think could or should be rebooted. We'll be excluding those shows that already have reboots in the works as of writing, like “Rugrats.” Our list includes Johnny Bravo, Recess, Doug, Tiny Toon Adventures, Dexter's Laboratory and more! Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for the Top 10 '90s Cartoons That Deserve A Reboot.
#10: “Johnny Bravo” (1997-2004)
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One of Cartoon Network’s early hits, “Johnny Bravo” follows the titular macho, wannabe ladies’ man in various misadventures that usually see his bravado be for naught. The show was ahead of its time in terms of style, its rapid-fire humor, and many pop culture references, so we think a reboot could easily appeal to kids of today. In addition, its sly adult humor would definitely fit right in today since many modern cartoons try to appeal to everyone. It is a little sad that Johnny being a parody of Elvis would probably go over some kids’ heads, though.
#9: “Tiny Toon Adventures” (1990-92)
One of several Warner Bros. variety shows produced during the 90s, “Tiny Toon Adventures” depicts the antics of the young protégés of many “Looney Tunes” characters who attend school to learn how to be better cartoons, while also engaging in adolescent misadventures along the way. The show’s mix of screwball comedy, pop culture references, and relatable kids’ humor was a winning one when it first aired, and we think it could be again. Plus, we’d be interested to see a revamped version of that addictively catchy theme song!
#8: “Rocko’s Modern Life” (1993-96)
An animated sitcom about the eponymous nervous wallaby, as well as his friends and neighbors, “Rocko’s Modern Life” is a bizarre and very entertaining series. Rocko and company frequently get into strange, exaggerated situations involving everyday life. The show’s use of adult humor, as well as frequent caricature, social satire, and parody, could all prove to be popular today. A TV special entitled “Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling” was announced nearly two decades after the initial series ended. We’re keeping our fingers crossed this paves the way for a soft reboot or even full-blown a reboot, guaranteeing more shenanigans in O-Town.
#7: “Dexter’s Laboratory” (1996-2003)
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One of Cartoon Network’s other flagship shows, “Dexter’s Laboratory” follows the titular scientific child genius on many adventures, both fantastical and ordinary, as well as several shows within the show. Dexter makes for a thoroughly entertaining protagonist regardless of the decade, with his inexplicable accent, mad scientist attitude, and social naiveté, and we’re certain children and the young at heart will get a kick out of seeing he, Dee Dee, and the rest return to television. And hey – at least any reboot of this show is bound to be better than the “Powerpuff Girls” reboot, right?
#6: “Recess” (1997-2001)
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A show about a group of elementary school students and their classmates primarily set during outdoor recreation time, “Recess” is just as fun as its namesake. The students of this school have created a social hierarchy and rules that mimic that of adults, with some childish aspects thrown in. This creates plenty of opportunities for satire and parody, which is interspersed with some good messages about friendship and a great sense of adventure throughout. We’d love to see how their playground dynamics would work with today’s technology and culture.
#5: “TaleSpin” (1990-91)
Following the highflying escapades of Baloo the bear from “The Jungle Book” and his friends at an aerial delivery service, “TaleSpin” is one of several animated TV shows that took established Disney characters in a new direction. A standout of the Disney Afternoon, the series combined screwball comedy aspects and interesting character dynamics with an inventive adventure serial type setting and airborne battles. Whether they stay true to the show’s roots or have another tale to spin, we hope Disney will consider giving this classic show a reboot.
#4: “Doug” (1991-94; 1996-99)
Another animated sitcom from Nickelodeon, “Doug” follows its title character Doug Funnie, as well as his friends and family, during the course of their lives. Featuring a literally colorful cast of characters, as well as a quirky soundtrack made up of almost entirely vocals, “Doug” would definitely stand out among even among today’s already varied cartoons. In addition, a reboot would no doubt retain its relatable and meaningful messages and situations. Though hopefully the new show wouldn’t take quite so long for Patti Mayonnaise and Doug to get together…
#3: “Gargoyles” (1994-97)
One of the darkest and most mature things Disney has ever produced, “Gargoyles” is about a living group of the title statues who awaken in the modern world and do their best to find their places in it, while also battling crime and villains of various kinds. The series’ excellent use of story arcs has become the norm for many cartoons these days, as has a more adult outlook, so now is definitely a great time to bring back “Gargoyles,” even if Disney has arguably become even more reticent about adult subject matter in its properties since it first aired.
#2: “Pepper Ann” (1997-2000)
An animated sitcom following the eponymous tween protagonist and her family, friends, and classmates, “Pepper Ann” was another cartoon that was ahead of its time. Besides being quite funny, the show also tackled weightier subjects than its contemporaries aimed at a similar demographic, such as divorce, death, and cultural sensitivity, yet still managed to be relatable and occasionally pretty weird. Although current cartoons have managed to do much of the same, we’re sure that any reboot of “Pepper Ann” would still “be like one in a million!” Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “Mummies Alive!” (1997) “Cybersix” (1999) “Freakazoid!” (1995-97)
#1: “Darkwing Duck” (1991-92)
When there’s trouble, you know who to call! [“When there’s trouble you call D.W.!”] A superhero cartoon comedy about the title hero, “Darkwing Duck” is an affectionate parody of many superheroes, particularly Batman, though Drake Mallard definitely seeks out the limelight more than Bruce Wayne. Full of excellent comedic moments and featuring several standout recurring characters and villains, “Darkwing Duck” is a prime candidate for a rebooted series and fans have been salivating for one ever since it appeared as a show within a show on the rebooted “DuckTales.” We could be in a new golden age for animated ducks!
