I grew up in the early 90’s. So I was just in the nick of time to experience the golden age of cartoons from Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Disney and so much more. Especially as a kid growing up then, waking up Saturday morning, getting breakfast and head to the TV for my weekly 4-5 hours of the most amazing cartoons of all of people’s childhood and early teens. With so much media these days to consume, You should watch these 3 cartoons that helped shape the quality of media today, but set the standards that any cartoon series should follow. I believe that these 3 cartoons walked so that Adventure Time, Gravity Falls, and Steven Universe could run.

Codename Kids Next Door

This show is every kid’s dream to have: a secret treehouse that adults can’t see so they can do whatever they want and fighting against the adults that us kids back then would see as the fun police. You know how it is, as kids growing up we want to do whatever we want and always saw adults as obstacles to fun. This plot is just surface level, and once you go down deep, it has a really engaging story, with plot twists here and there that rewatching the entire franchise as an adult, you would appreciate it more, not only for the nostalgia, but as a series as well.

Samurai Jack

This cartoon was for most people, including me’s first dive into something sinister and dark from the onset. Where the good guys never win right away, and the bleak setting and Jack’s adventure back to the past, has taught kids about not giving up, grit, determination in times of sometimes which is hopeless to even try. This could rival a lot of existing series right now, and personally this franchise should have its own drawn out live action adaptation. Speaking of having a live-action adaptation..

Avatar: The Last Airbender

The global standard of a great cartoon series. Captivating story. Characters with actual and purposeful character development, and a story that not just captivates kids but everyone. This series is just flat out amazing, and with the news of the Netflix live-adaptation already out, it’s a must that you also watch the original cartoon series that made everyone fall in love with Aang and the Gaang. Seriously, this franchise has the potential to be relevant for a long time, not just because of the original source material, but with entire backstories, prequels, sequels to go through, there’s no shortage of potential lore for this.