Top 10 Animated Shows That Defined Saturday Mornings
#10: “Garfield and Friends” (1988-94)
There’s no denying Garfield the Cat is a true cultural icon, and that he played a big part in defining our childhoods. “Garfield and Friends” was a staple of the Saturday morning animated lineup, anchored by Lorenzo Music’s expert voice work as that lazy, lasagna-loving feline. Storylines on both the “Garfield” and “U.S. Acres” segments of this show could occasionally be subversive, often absurdly funny, and featuring well-written jokes. It didn’t matter whether certain punchlines went over childrens’ heads, or were more physically-based, wacky nonsense. “Garfield and Friends” was the best.
#9: “ThunderCats” (1985-89)
The 1980s were a big decade for toy marketing disguised as Saturday morning animated fare. This takes nothing away from the importance or legacy of these shows, of course, with “ThunderCats” enduring as one of the best. The show was full of adventure, memorable character designs, and a great opening. “ThunderCats” was one of those shows that was just intense enough for older kids, while also possessing enough moments of levity. Additionally, the animation was gorgeous, particularly the atmospheric monster design of Mumm-Ra, avatar for the Ancient Spirits of Evil. “ThunderCats,” had it all on lock.
#8: “X-Men: The Animated Series” (1992-97)
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Kids of a certain age probably remember how “X-Men: The Animated Series” not only helped make their Saturday mornings more fun, but sparked a love of superheroes. The topics were often mature, and the way each episode fed the next was a big deal. As a result, kids of all ages were able to watch these Marvel mutants touch on topics such as prejudice, while also enjoying amazing action. The animation for its part, was fluid and captivating, possessing a palette as colorful as the characters themselves. Meanwhile, the opening sequence and theme that introduced Gambit, Rogue, Cyclops and more to Saturday mornings endures in our hearts.
#7: “Animaniacs” (1993-98)
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What can we possibly say about “Animaniacs” that hasn’t already been said? Watching it was something of a ritual for many kids. After all, no matter what was going on, we knew we could count on its trademark, anarchic humor to bring us joy. The Warner Brothers and their sister Dot were true agents of the uncanny, bringing an “anything goes” sentiment to Saturday mornings. The show’s storylines were often absurdist and silly, and even went places that would make adults crack a smile…or raise an eyebrow. “Animaniacs” was truly an ensemble piece, as well, boasting an impressive array of ancillary characters who truly shone.
#6: “The Transformers” (1984-87)
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The line is gloriously blurred between the original “Transformers” toy line and the Generation 1 television series. Each sort of serviced the other, really – it was a symbiotic relationship of art and commerce. But that probably meant little to kids watching during the original run. All we cared about was giant robots, fighting for supremacy. Naturally though, the combination also worked perfectly for ‘80s audiences, with the breakneck pace and action resulting in trips to the toy store. That tradition continues today, as well, of course, but “The Transformers” helped turn this business model into an art form.
#5: “The Smurfs” (1981-89)
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There’s just something pleasantly nostalgic about the innocence of “The Smurfs.” This classic kids’ show didn’t rely too heavily on heavy-handed themes or boundary-pushing action set-pieces to be entertaining. Oh, there was conflict with the evil sorcerer Gargamel, sure, but “The Smurfs” was more about its wonderful world of characters. This was a beautifully crafted show with plenty of imagination that delivered moral life lessons in a way that never felt preachy or ham-fisted. It was essentially fairytale-style entertainment in the old-school way that both kids and parents could enjoy on Saturday mornings.
#4: “Alvin and the Chipmunks” (1983-90)
Music has always been a big part of what draws kids to animated stories. “Alvin and the Chipmunks” proves this in spades, building upon a quirky premise by giving it an imaginative life. These singing chipmunks emphasized just how important the arts are for growing minds, and they did it through some certified bangers to boot. The visuals were also nothing short of wonderful, infusing the series with plenty of style. Speaking of “style,” the personal idiosyncrasies of Alvin, Simon and Theodore were also well-crafted, giving each chipmunk their own distinct identity. “Alvin and the Chipmunks” lives on as a brand, proving that this wasn’t just a novelty act.
#3: “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” (1983-86)
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The folks at Hasbro have always been kings of marketing. “G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero” was the perfect show, with the perfect toys, at the perfect time. This was the 1980s, the Cold War still raged, and pro-American sentiment was at an all-time high in the United States. As a result, “G.I. Joe” captured something in the zeitgeist. It became a staple of Saturday morning action that saw things in simple terms — black and white, good guys vs. bad guys. Through it all though, the show still felt sincere, and definitely burned some important lessons about issues like fire safety into the minds of its audience.
#2: “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” (1969-70; 1978)
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There’s one key to the success of Hanna-Barbera’s “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” It’s similar to “The Simpsons”, in that Mystery Incorporated stays the same. It’s just everything around them that changes. This makes the storylines feel immortal, since we know how Shaggy, Scooby and the gang are gonna react to the shenanigans they encounter. The original “Scooby-Doo” was creative, with plenty of flair. It’s what made it so perfect for watching in PJs early on Saturdays. Subsequent iterations have tinkered with the formula just enough while retaining the IP’s heart and soul. Your grandkids are probably still going to be watching “Scooby-Doo,” and that’s a great thing. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“The Jetsons” (1962-63; 1985-87)
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“He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” (1983-85)
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“DuckTales” (1987-90)
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“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1987-96)
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“Tom & Jerry Kids” (1990-93)
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#1: “Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)
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The “Looney Tunes” gang have been packaged and repackaged a lot over the years, including the fantastic “The Bugs Bunny Show.” Whether you were watching that, “The Porky Pig Show”, “The Road Runner Show”, or another offering when you woke up on Saturdays, there was and still is no denying the timelessness of the programs. There’s a reason generations upon generations continue to enjoy them. “Looney Tunes” has become a fabric of our collective society, a patchwork quilt of catchphrases, animation styles and hilarious characters. Everyone has a favorite, from Bugs and Daffy Duck to Wile E. Coyote and beyond. The comfort they brought us as we ushered in the weekend will never be forgotten.
