15 Childhood Shows That’ll Transport You Back in Time
Back in the day, kids looked forward to the weekend so they could binge-watch their favorite cartoons. There’s always something for everyone, as the programs range from educational to plain silly. Here are 15 childhood shows that many viewers hold dear and near to their hearts even today.
Art Attack
Neil Buchanan’s creative genius brought art to life in this beloved show. Little boys and girls eagerly awaited each episode, ready to get into new DIY projects. From giant outdoor masterpieces to clever crafts using household items, Art Attack sparked imagination worldwide.
The Little Lulu Show
Mischievous and quick-witted, Little Lulu captured hearts with her animated antics. Based on Marjorie Henderson Buell’s comic strip, the show followed Lulu’s romps with her friends in a small American town.
Arthur
This show discussed real-life issues with heart and humor while teaching little ones valuable lessons along the way. Its significant plots and characters fascinated kids. Arthur’s memorable theme song, sung by Ziggy Marley, still gets stuck in our heads.
The Powerpuff Girls
Sugar, spice, and everything nice—plus Chemical X! Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup burst onto screens to save Townsville from monsters and villains. Their girl power message inspired a generation of young viewers.
Hey Arnold!
Football-headed Arnold and his urban escapades captivated audiences with their wit and banter. The cartoon’s diverse cast of characters reflected real-life city dynamics, tackling relevant concerns like poverty and family struggles.
The Ren & Stimpy Show
This bizarre and often controversial cartoon took bold risks when it comes to children’s entertainment. Ren, the irritable chihuahua, and Stimpy, his dimwitted cat friend, got into outrageous situations. Some folks actually quote Ren’s famous “You eediot!” tagline even today.
Courage the Cowardly Dog
Set in the middle of “Nowhere,” the eerie atmosphere and spine-chilling villains gave young ones delightful shivers. Courage’s trademark scream and catchphrase, “The things I do for love!” became instantly recognizable.
Barney & Friends
The big purple dinosaur danced and sang his way into the hearts of preschoolers everywhere. Barney’s catchy songs and positive messages taught kids about kindness and imagination. Meanwhile, some adults may have found him annoying.
Rugrats
Tommy, Chuckie, and the gang’s baby quests enamored audiences with their unique perspective on the world. The show’s brilliant writing appealed to both tots and parents, often including jokes that went over children’s heads.
Bear in the Big Blue House
This gentle puppet show invited preschoolers into a world of warmth and wonder. Bear and his friends taught important concepts about friendship, emotions, and daily life. Their final “goodbye song” to Luna the Moon tugs at heartstrings years later.
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
As a spooky anthology series, The Midnight Society gave young audiences chills and thrills every week. The campfire stories ranged from mildly creepy to genuinely frightening, with the opening sequence remaining iconic.
Goosebumps
R.L. Stine’s bestselling book series came to life in this horror collection. Each episode highlights a new tale of terror and features everything from haunted masks to living dummies. Many adults still get goosebumps when they remember the obscure theme song and opening credits.
The Magic School Bus
Ms. Frizzle and her class took viewers on wild educational adventures in their shape-shifting bus. The show made science fun and accessible, covering topics such as the human body and outer space. Lily Tomlin’s energetic voice performance as Ms. Frizzle added to its charm.
DuckTales
Scrooge McDuck and his grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie went on globe-trotting trips in search of treasure. Youngsters got hooked by the show’s storylines and theme music. DuckTales was able to blend action-comedy and family values.
Dexter’s Laboratory
Boy genius Dexter and his meddling sister Dee Dee drove scientific hilarity to cartoon fans. Creator Genndy Tartakovsky’s smart writing and vibrant animation are distinctly different from other children’s programming.
