Top 10 Nickelodeon Moments That Made Us Happy Cry
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at the heartwarming and epic scenes that had us bawling like babies with joy on the First Kids’ Network. Expect spoilers ahead if you’ve never shed a tear for any of these scenes.
#10: Chase & Zoey Finally Kiss
“Zoey 101” (2005-08)
It’s prom season at PCA and Zoey doesn’t have a date, having broken up with her boyfriend, James. She might have to skip the dance until she gets a call from Chase. He tells her to turn around... and there he is, waiting for her. Following an awkward, clumsy reunion, the moment fans have been waiting for since the beginning finally happens – Zoey and Chase’s first kiss. After so many years, Chase’s feelings for Zoey are finally reciprocated, and one of the most iconic friendships in the show has blossomed into a full-fledged romance. It's about time if you ask us!
#9: “Floating With You”
“The Fairly OddParents” (2001-17)
In the musical TV film, “School’s Out”, Cosmo and Wanda have landed in hot water more than ever before. Jorgen tells Wanda he’ll let her leave if she blames Cosmo... but instead, the couple break into a soft duet about their love. We see the earliest days of their relationship, their wedding, and more importantly, how much they mean to each other. The song turns out to be a distraction so they could distract Jorgen, but that doesn’t make its message any less true. Despite their dysfunctional differences, Cosmo and Wanda unironically belong together. The only one crying over this song harder than we are is Jorgen.
#8: Danny’s Parents Still Love Him
“Danny Phantom” (2004-07)
Can you imagine anything more ironic than being half-ghost while your parents are professional ghost hunters? Unfortunately for Danny, that’s his life in a nutshell, forced to hide his abilities from his mom and dad. However, he didn’t count on the whole world discovering his double life… INCLUDING Jack and Maddie. When they finally get a chance to talk to him… all of Danny’s fears are put to bed. Jack and Maddie understand why he hid his powers from them, but they assure him that they love their son no matter what. While Danny wipes their memories at the end, they learn the truth again in the series finale, and again, their love for Danny is unconditional.
#7: Santa Kenan
“Kenan & Kel” (1996-2000)
It’s Christmas time and Kenan is excited to buy a mountain bike – he even becomes a department store Santa to earn some extra money. However, everything changes when one kid asks “Santa” for a new bike for his little sister. Kenan can’t get his mind off the poor kids. So, instead of getting his mountain bike, he plays Santa for real – he uses his money to bring a little Christmas joy to a family that needs it the most. While Kenan is a hilarious troublemaker, seeing him go out of his way to help someone else warms our hearts to the core. And in the end, Kenan gets a dose of good karma from the REAL Santa.
#6: “Sweet Victory!”
“SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
There isn’t a SpongeBob fan alive who doesn’t recognize this scene. Squidward has been struggling to turn the citizens of Bikini Bottom into a successful marching band – and it goes about as well as you’d expect. But with SpongeBob's encouragement, the townsfolk band together to put on the show of a lifetime. They pull out all the stops and perform David Glen Eisley's "Sweet Victory" in an epic, heart-stopping, triumphant halftime show. Between the song itself and seeing the unlucky Squidward win for a change, there isn’t a dry eye in the house when this episode ending comes on. It's no wonder fans insist on them playing this song during the Super Bowl.
#5: Luna’s Crush
“The Loud House” (2016-)
Inspired by their parents’ romance story, the Loud kids secretly leave love letters to their respective crushes. The last scene shows Luna leaving her letter to someone named Sam. In a surprise twist, we learn that Sam is another girl. The episode purposely left Sam’s identity vague but made the revelation feel both natural and heartwarming. Not only does this confirm that Luna –a main character in a Nickelodeon series - is LBGTQ+, but her family knows as well and still loves her as she is. Not only is this another progressive step for Nickelodeon, but it also cements that the Loud family’s bond is unbreakable.
#4: Melinda Finster
“Rugrats” (1991-2004)
The Mother’s Day episode of “Rugrats” is a tearjerker in every aspect. It’s heartwarming to see the babies showing their mommies how much they mean to them, but heartbreaking to find out what happened to Chuckie’s mom, Melinda Finster. So, when do the happy tears start flowing? While Chas is telling Chuckie about his mom, he reads a poem she wrote to her only son. Narrated by Melinda herself, the poem tells Chuckie how even when she’s gone, she’ll never stop loving or looking after him. Eventually, Kira enters Chuckie’s life, and now the young Finster lives happily ever after with two mothers to look after him.
#3: Colonel Shay
“iCarly” (2007-12)
Since the show’s beginning, Carly and Spencer have lived on their own while their dad is away with the Air Force. During the series finale, Carly is sad that she’ll have to skip the annual father-daughter dance with her dad being so far away. That is until she – and the audience - get a big surprise. Colonel Shay all dressed up for the dance and waiting to hug his daughter. Finally, after so many mentions, we finally see the man himself. His first on-screen appearance tugs at our heartstrings with one of the sweetest family reunions in Nick sitcom history. Best of all... Gibby can stop saying that Spencer was Carly’s Dad.
#2: Zuko & Iroh’s Reunion
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
Undoubtedly, Uncle Iroh was the best paternal figure Prince Zuko ever had. Unfortunately, their relationship is strained when Zuko lets Iroh be imprisoned for treason against the Fire Nation – just to gain his real father’s approval. However, sometime after he joined Team Avatar, Zuko finally mustered up the courage to face his uncle and apologize. They had been apart for so long that Zuko believed Iroh hated him... but we know better. He immediately pulls Zuko into a tearful embrace, telling his nephew he was afraid he lost his way, and how proud he is of the man he became all by himself. This short but sweet reunion reduced us to blubbering messes after following Zuko’s entire arc.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Rachel Bighead, “Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling” (2019)
Rachel Reveals Her Transition & the Gang Are Thrilled for Her
Gary Comes Home, “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
Any Pet Owner Can Understand How Satisfying This Reunion Was
Arnold’s Happy Ending, “Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie” (2017)
Over a Decade Later, Arnold Finally Gets His Happily Ever After
April Comforts Donnie, “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2018-20)
April Reminds Donnie Why He Matters to the Team
“You’re Lincoln Loud,” “The Loud House” (2016-)
Lincoln’s Sisters Give Him Some Much-Needed Encouragement
#1: Mr. Hyunh's Christmas Miracle
“Hey Arnold!” (1996-2004)
Arnold has the perfect idea for a Christmas present for his fellow tenant, Mr. Hyunh – to reunite him with his long-lost daughter, Mai. Unfortunately, Arnold’s efforts proved fruitless… or so he thinks. Come Christmas morning, Mai turns up for a tender reunion with her father, thanks to Arnold’s ‘Christmas Angel’ – Helga. We’re not sure which melted our hearts more – the actual reunion, Arnold going out of his way to help his neighbor, or Helga sacrificing her own gift to help Arnold without taking credit. Either way, if you’re having a blue Christmas, we guarantee there won’t be a dry eye at the end of the episode, but plenty of holiday cheer.
Which Nick moment made you sob the hardest? Let us know in the comments.