Top 20 Times Nickelodeon Shows Tackled Serious Issues
#20: Saying Goodbye to a Friend
Top 10 Times Nickelodeon Shows Tackled Serious Issues
“The Adventures of Pete & Pete” (1991-96) Although “Pete & Pete” possessed a surreal edge, there was always a sense of honesty to the characters, scenarios, and suburban setting. Not every kid can identify with having their own personal superhero like Artie, the Strongest Man in the World. Sooner or later, though, everybody must learn to say goodbye to a friend. In Season 2, Artie finds that Little Pete is big enough to stand up for himself, deciding to seek out another kid who needs a hero. It’s the last we ever see of Artie in the series, making his departure all the more impactful. Where most kid-centric shows revert to the status quo, Artie’s exit taught us that things change, but oftentimes that’s necessary to awaken our inner heroes.
#19: Having Divorced Parents
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“Clarissa Explains It All” (1991-94) Not long before landing the role of Clarissa, Melissa Joan Hart’s parents divorced and she moved to Manhattan with her mom. Somewhat mirroring Hart’s life, the show tackled divorce on multiple occasions. In Season 2, Clarissa fears her parents might split amid a fight. Although their marriage survives, Clarissa’s best friend Sam understands what it’s like to have divorced parents. Living with his father, Sam is distraught when his estranged mother returns, wanting to take him back to Seattle. The show doesn’t vilify Sam’s mom, who wants a relationship with her son. Sam would like that too, but not at the expense of leaving his life behind. The two come to a mature and relatable resolution, albeit with more roller skating than one might expect.
#18: Leaving for College
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“Blue’s Clues” (1996-2006) The internet is swarming with rumors as to why Steve Burns left “Blue’s Clues.” The truth is that Burns, who was almost 30, simply felt he was getting too old for the role. This was reflected through his balding head, which he wanted to shave. Steve passed the notebook to Donovan Patton, who played his little yet taller brother, Joe. The showrunners saw this as a learning opportunity for the audience. Rather than unceremoniously write Steve out of the show, a three-part episode explained that he was leaving for college… on a hopscotch scholarship. We could’ve majored in that?! Steve’s departure could resonate with young viewers who had older siblings leaving for school while also preparing them for the day they leave home.
#17: Accepting Adulthood
“The Fairly OddParents” (2001-17) When you’re an animated character like Timmy Turner, you can remain a perpetual ten-year-old. On occasion, though, the “Fairly Odd” franchise has contemplated what it’d be like if Timmy grew up. The most poignant example is the TV movie “Channel Chasers,” in which Timmy attempts to escape the inevitability of reaching adulthood and losing his fairies. Upon meeting his future self and reconnecting with his parents, Timmy accepts that life can’t always be like a TV show. The ending is bittersweet as Timmy becomes an adult and forgets about his childhood fairies. However, Cosmo and Wanda keep close to Timmy by looking after his children. Some fans would argue that this could’ve served as a fitting series finale, seeing Timmy come of age.
#16: Finding a New Home
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“Caitlin’s Way” (2000-02) “Caitlin’s Way” stood out from Nickelodeon’s usual live-action fare as a teen drama. Being a Nick show, the content wasn’t as risque as what you’d see on the WB. The setup was quite mature for early 2000s Nickelodeon, however. 14-year-old Caitlin was abandoned by her father at age 4 and lost her mother at 8. She spends several years jumping between foster parents, who merely see her as a free check. After a run-in with the law gets her expelled, the city girl goes to live with her estranged relatives in Montana as an alternative to juvenile detention. The series regularly tackled themes such as grief, adjusting to a different environment, and overcoming the stigma of being a “troubled teen,” taking Nick to bolder territory.
#15: Steroid Use
“CatDog” (1998-2004) You wouldn’t expect a Nicktoon about a conjoined canine and feline to address many serious issues. Yet, the episode “Pump” paints a surprisingly believable, even uncomfortable, portrait of steroid side effects. To stand up to the Greasers, Cat gets Dog hooked on a protein drink, which in retrospect is a pretty obvious stand-in for steroids. While the drink gives Dog enough muscles to make Cujo cower in fear, it also changes him from a pacifist to a bloodthirsty animal. After Dog takes things beyond the usual realm of cartoon violence, Cat intervenes as the voice of reason, telling him that aggression isn’t the answer. The lesson is clear, but there’s one thing we don’t get. The protein shakes are chocolate-flavored. Isn’t that fatal for dogs?
#14: Normalizing LGBTQ+ Characters
“The Loud House” (2016-) Growing up in the 90s and 2000s, kids rarely if ever saw LGBTQ+ characters represented on networks like Nickelodeon. “The Loud House” has sought to rectify this with characters like Howard and Harold McBride, the first married gay couple in Nicktoon history. The show took its depiction of same-sex couples another step further in the episode “L is for Love,” as Luna attempts to profess her feelings for a student named Sam. Although it’s suggested that her crush is male, Sam is revealed to be a girl and she reciprocates Luna’s feelings. Sam isn’t a one-off character either. Future episodes establish Sam as Luna’s girlfriend with her family providing support, showing children that it’s normal for love to flourish in many different forms.
#13: Discrimination in Sports
“Nickelodeon Sports Theater with Shaquille O'Neal” (1996-99) Despite having a high-profile host in Shaq, this anthology series had a brief run and hasn’t been made widely available since the 90s. Regardless, the show was praised upon release for its honest depiction of overcoming adversity in sports. The characters felt real, as did their challenges. The first installment, “4 Points,” centers on a 4-foot-11 teen attempting to prove his worth on a high school basketball court. The show also received a Humanitas Prize nomination for its second episode, “First Time.” Taking place in 1947, African American Troy Davis aspires to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers, but others see this as a pipedream due to his skin color. If Jackie Robinson proved anything, though, it’s that barriers can be broken.
#12: Disabilities
“Rocket Power” (1999-2004) From one sports show to another, “Rocket Power” revolved around various extreme activities. In Season 2, the kids meet a group of snowboarders with disabilities, including a girl with a metal leg named Lizzie. Although Lizzie stands out from the “Rocket Power” crew, she’s just as competitive and every bit as capable on the slopes. The kids also learn about a surfer who continued to pursue his passion after losing his eyesight. Reggie is nonetheless compelled to throw a race. While her heart was in the right place, Reggie finds that Lizzie just wants to be treated equally. The episode effectively gets this message across, earning an award from TASH.
#11: Body Insecurity
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“Doug” (1991-94) 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.
#10: 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 Heffer was adopted, the Wolfe family is sent into turmoil. Granted, Rocko thought Heffer knew since the rest of his family are wolves. Of course, Heffer 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, Heffer finds that family and biology aren’t always a package deal. The Wolfes may’ve wanted to eat Heffer at first, but they came to care for him as a member of their pack. That’s family.
#9: A Missing Child
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“The Ren & Stimpy Show” (1991-96) 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?
#8: 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.
#7: Dying Young & Letting Go
“Are You Afraid of the Dark?” (1990-96; 1999-2000; 2019-) Five years before “The Sixth Sense,” “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” produced an episode with a similar twist and message about death. Teenager Johnny is drawn to the mysterious Donna, who’s either a dream girl or a nightmare. He eventually pieces together that Donna is a ghost, but that’s not the whole story. Johnny was in the same accident that claimed Donna’s life and he’s a ghost as well. The episode isn’t just about Johnny coming to terms with his premature death. His sister Erica, the only living person who can see him, wanted to keep Johnny by her side beyond the grave. Erica ultimately accepts that her brother needs to pass on, leaving us with one of the show’s grimmest yet still hopeful endings.
#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
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“Rugrats” (1991-2004) 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
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“Nick News with Linda Ellerbee” (1992-2015) 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
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“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08) 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.
