Top 10 Times Nickelodeon Shows Tackled Serious Issues
Top 10 Times Nickelodeon Shows Tackled Serious Issues
Top 10 Times Avatar: The Last Airbender Tackled Serious Issues
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Times Nickelodeon Shows Tackled Serious Issues. For this list, we’ll be looking at episodes where the “First Kids’ Network” took its younger audience to more adult territory, providing vital information about life, death, and growing up. Which serious issue do you think Nick handled the best? Let us know in the comments.
#10: Body Insecurity “Doug” (1991-94)
Top 10 Hilarious TV Body Swaps
From the titular character’s big nose to his bad hair days, “Doug” often tackled the physical insecurities that we experience. “Doug Tips the Scales,” in particular, will resonate with anyone who’s ever had reservations about being seen in a swimsuit. Putting on some extra pounds, Doug attempts to shed them in time for a pool party. He takes his diet and exercise into overdrive, all while having nightmares about his weight and how others will view him. Even after getting back to his original weight, Doug remains insecure. Arriving at the party, though, Doug finds that he isn’t the only self-conscious one, motivating everyone else to be comfortable in their own skin. The “Doug” crew further explored this issue upon making the leap to Disney.
#9: Learning You’re Adopted “Rocko’s Modern Life” (1993-96)
Even when your family loves you, learning that you’re adopted can come as a life-changing blow. It’s a sensitive topic that needs to be approached with care. So, when Rocko accidentally spills the beans that Heffa was adopted, the Wolfe family is sent into turmoil. Granted, Rocko thought Heffa knew since the rest of his family are wolves. Of course, Heffa isn’t the sharpest steer in the herd. Creator Joe Murray drew inspiration from an adopted friend and the emotions he worked through. Although he initially feels betrayed and lost, Heffa finds that family and biology aren’t always a package deal. The Wolfes may’ve wanted to eat Heffa at first, but they came to care for him as a member of their pack. That’s family.
#8: A Missing Child “The Ren & Stimpy Show” (1991-96)
Top 10 Times Award Shows Speeches Tackled Important Issues
Nickelodeon was full of unique family dynamics, from wolves raising steers to a cat giving birth to a fart. After passing gas for the first time, Stimpy’s beloved Stinky disappears into thin air. It sounds ridiculous and immature and… yeah, it is. Despite being a satire of melodramas, the episode does capture the very real grief of losing a child. Stimpy sinks into a great depression, hopelessly searching the snowy streets for his “son,” even though everyone tells him that it’s a lost cause. While not every separated parent and child reunite, Stimpy and Stinky have a happy ending. As soon as Stimpy gets Stinky back, he must learn another valuable lesson: the importance of letting go. Who says heart and farts can’t go together?
#7: Pandemics “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
In 2014, President Barack Obama theorized that a pandemic may be on the horizon. “SpongeBob” was even further ahead of the curve, as the show explored the nature of contagious outbreaks in 2007. Okay, so we doubt the creators made this episode with the mindset that a global pandemic could happen in the next decade or so. Watching it today, however, it’s hard not to see the real-world parallels. What starts with a seemingly insignificant hunk of fungus grows out of control when SpongeBob infects himself and subsequently endangers others by going to work. By the time SpongeBob is quarantined, the fungus is already spreading. Sounds eerily familiar, doesn’t it? If only a snail could come along and “de-ick” our current situation.
#6: PTSD “The Legend of Korra” (2012-14)
In the 80s and 90s, we occasionally saw “Very Special Episodes” that would address serious issues in half an hour. In an era of serialized storytelling, though, serious issues can be explored over multiple episodes. The fourth and final season of this series was largely dedicated to Korra’s emotional turmoil following a nearly fatal encounter the previous season. On the road to recovery, Korra finds that psychological trauma and physical trauma are more closely linked than she realized. Initially fleeing into isolation, Korra eventually sees that she needs to accept help from others and confront her fears to move forward. While Korra can’t undo the trauma that she endured, she does regain her fighting spirit, emerging a balanced person again.
#5: Depression “As Told by Ginger” (2000-06)
“As Told by Ginger” is another Nickelodeon show that received praise for its continuity, character development, and mature themes. This Emmy-nominated episode touches upon the dark side of the preteen experience. For a contest, Ginger writes a beautiful yet bleak poem about a girl who wishes to disappear. Ms. Zorski fears that the depressing poem may reflect Ginger’s own turmoil, suggesting that she see the school psychologist. Ginger finds that there may indeed be a part of her in the poem, but these feelings aren’t uncommon. By discussing them with others, Ginger emerges with a better understanding of herself while also seeing that she isn’t alone. Creator Emily Kapnek based the episode on a play she wrote in 7th grade, adding to the authentic emotions.
#4: Neglectful Parents “Hey Arnold!” (1996-2004)
This Nicktoon frequently explored serious issues, especially ones involving parent-child dynamics. From Mr. Hyunh giving up his daughter during the Vietnam War to Arnold feeling abandoned by his parents, the show spoke to adults and children alike. Helga stands out as the character with the most emotional baggage, hiding her insecurities behind a fist. When one violent encounter lands Helga in a psychologist’s office, she discusses her problems at home. Helga has always felt like an outsider in her family, carrying that sense of unwantedness everywhere she goes. Helga’s family doesn’t pay attention to her, but Dr. Bliss reassures her that there are others who will listen. She encourages Helga to keep expressing herself and open up about her feelings at her own leisure.
#3: The Loss of a Parent “Rugrats” (1991-2004)
Top 10 Times Rugrats Tackled Serious Issues
When you’re a baby, learning to master the potty is usually your biggest problem. Some children are forced to grow up faster than others, however. Before even turning three, Chuckie Finster confronted death multiple times. Not long after his beloved pill bug Melville dies, Chuckie learns about his mother. Nickelodeon had previously rejected pitches for episodes that would’ve revealed Chuckie’s parents were divorced or his mom had passed. Following co-creator Paul Germain’s departure, the network finally signed off on a special dealing with the loss of Chuckie’s mom. Just as Nickelodeon was initially reluctant, Chaz attempts to shield Chuckie from the truth. He ultimately finds, though, that Chuckie deserves to know about his mom. It may hurt, but addressing pain can leave you with comfort.
#2: HIV & AIDS “Nick News with Linda Ellerbee” (1992-2015)
Top 10 Times The Golden Girls Tackled Serious Issues
Although aimed at a younger demographic, this news program covered a wide range of important issues, from politics, to sexism, to global warming. The most daring episode ever produced explored HIV and AIDs. Airing several months after publicly announcing that he was HIV-positive, Magic Johnson sat down with host Linda Ellerbee and several children to answer their questions. At a time when misinformation remained widespread, Johnson provided an honest portrait of living with HIV/AIDS. It builds to an especially powerful moment when Johnson comforts a little girl with HIV, Hydeia Broadbent, assuring her that she’s normal. In addition to giving all the facts, the episode encourages its audience to be compassionate. It’s a message people needed in 1992 and still need now.
#1: War “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
Top 20 Times Nickelodeon Shows Tackled Serious Issues
A world war provides the backdrop of this groundbreaking show, which combined fantastical elements with real-world horror. Early in the series, the titular Last Airbender learns that his entire nation was wiped out, making him the sole survivor. The fact that we actually see the skeletal remains of Aang’s mentor only adds to the tragedy. “Avatar” would further tackle imperialism, dictatorship, and colonialism throughout its three-season run. Being a prisoner of war was also a common theme. Lake Laogai even derives its name from “Láodòng Gǎizào,” or “reform through labor,” a criminal law system employed by the People’s Republic of China. At its core, “Avatar” is about knowing when to fight and when to seek peace, finding the balance needed to move beyond war.
