Cartoon Network has always been like a magic box full of fun and exciting stories. It’s like a playground where imagination runs wild! Since the 1990s, this cool TV channel has given us lots of shows that are not just fun to watch but also make us think and dream. These shows are like a rainbow of different stories – from superhero battles and magical adventures to funny comedies and heart-touching tales.
In this article, we’re going to explore some of the most awesome and famous shows that Cartoon Network has ever made and find out what makes them super special.
A Journey Through Animation Excellence
Let’s jump into our time machine and take a trip through Cartoon Network’s world of wonders. These shows are not just ordinary cartoons; they are super cool in so many ways! They have won lots of awards and have fans all around the world.
We’re going to look at shows from the golden days of Cartoon Network, where the stories were really exciting, the drawings were super cool, and the characters were like our best friends. From the cool gadgets in “Dexter’s Laboratory” to the magical fun in “Adventure Time,” these shows teach us how to dream big and let our imaginations soar.
1. Dexter’s Laboratory (1996-2003)
“Dexter’s Laboratory” is a classic animated series that showcases the adventures of Dexter, a young genius with a secret laboratory. Dexter constantly battles for his privacy and sanity against his bubbly and intrusive older sister, Dee Dee. The show is renowned for its clever humor, unique animation style, and engaging storylines that appeal to both children and adults. The series also explores themes like sibling rivalry, creativity, and the challenges of growing up.
- Program creator: Genndy Tartakovsky
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Science Fiction
- First episode date: April 28, 1996
- Final episode date: November 20, 2003
- Network(s): Cartoon Network
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Annie Awards | Best Animated Short Subject | Hanna-Barbera (for “Changes”) | Won |
| Best Individual Achievement for Storyboarding in the Field of Animation | Genndy Tartakovsky | Nominated | ||
| 1997 | Annie Awards | Best Individual Achievement: Writing in a TV Production | Jason Butler Rote and Paul Rudish (for “Beard to Be Feared”) | Won |
| 1998 | Golden Reel Awards | Best Sound Editing in Television Animation – Music | Dexter’s Laboratory | Nominated |
| 2000 | Annie Awards | Outstanding Achievement in a Primetime or Late Night Animated Television Program | Hanna-Barbera | Nominated |
| Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Television Production | Christine Cavanaugh (as Dexter in Dexter’s Laboratory: Ego Trip) | Won | ||
| 2004 | Golden Reel Awards | Best Sound Editing in Television Animation – Music | Brian F. Mars and Roy Braverman (for “Dexter’s Wacky Races”) | Nominated |
2. The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005)
“The Powerpuff Girls” centers around three kindergarten-aged girls with superpowers: Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup. Created by Professor Utonium, they use their powers to fight off villains and protect their city, Townsville. The show is celebrated for its strong female characters, vibrant animation, and its blend of action, humor, and heart. It’s a groundbreaking series that has inspired numerous spin-offs and merchandise.
- Program creator: Craig McCracken
- Genres: Animation, Superhero, Action, Comedy
- First episode date: November 18, 1998
- Final episode date: March 25, 2005
- Network(s): Cartoon Network
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or Less) | Craig McCracken, John McIntyre, Amy Keating Rogers, Jason Butler Rote, and Genndy Tartakovsky (for “Bubblevicious/The Bare Facts”) | Nominated |
| 2000 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation | Don Shank (for “Twisted Sister/Cover Up”) | Won |
| 2001 | Annie Awards | Outstanding Individual Achievement for Music Score an Animated Television Production | James L. Venable, Thomas Chase, and Steve Rucker (for “Meet the Beat Alls”) | Won |
| Outstanding Individual Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Television Production | Don Shank | Won | ||
| 2005 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation | Frank Gardner (for “West in Pieces”) | Won |
| 2014 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation | Cartoon Network Studios (for “Dance Pantsed”) | Won |
| 2015 | Annie Awards | Outstanding Achievement, Writing in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production | Dave Tennant, David P. Smith, Chris Mitchell, and Will Mata (for “Dance Pantsed”) | Nominated |
3. Johnny Bravo (1997-2004)
“Johnny Bravo” tells the story of a muscular, narcissistic, and somewhat dim-witted man who is convinced he’s a gift to women. Despite his macho behavior and often misguided efforts to impress, Johnny rarely succeeds in his romantic pursuits. The show is known for its tongue-in-cheek humor, pop culture references, and its unique take on male vanity and courtship.
- Program creator: Van Partible
- Genres: Animation, Comedy
- First episode date: July 14, 1997
- Final episode date: August 27, 2004
- Network(s): Cartoon Network
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Annie Award | Best Individual Achievement: Voice Acting by a Male Performer in a TV Production | Jeff Bennett | Nominated |
| 1998 | Outstanding Individual Achievement for Writing in an Animated Television Production | Steve Marmel | Nominated | |
| YoungStar Award | Best Performance in a Voice Over Talent | Mae Whitman | Nominated | |
| 2000 | Annie Award | Outstanding Individual Achievement for Directing in an Animated Television Production | Kirk Tingblad | Nominated |
| Outstanding Individual Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Television Production | Mary Hanley | Nominated | ||
| 2001 | Golden Reel Award | Best Sound Editing — Television Animated Series — Sound | Glenn Oyabe, Kerry Iverson, Jesse Aruda, and John Bires | Nominated |
| 2004 | Best Sound Editing in Television Animation — Music | Roy Braverman | Nominated |
4. Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999-2009)
“Ed, Edd n Eddy” focuses on three preteen boys who share variations of the name ‘Ed’, but have distinctly different personalities. The series revolves around their daily lives in the suburban cul-de-sac where they reside. The show is known for its distinctive animation style, humorous depiction of childhood, and for its exploration of themes like friendship and social dynamics among kids.
- Program creator: Danny Antonucci
- Genres: Animation, Comedy
- First episode date: January 4, 1999
- Final episode date: November 8, 2009
- Network(s): Cartoon Network
Awards and nominations
| Date | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, 1999 | Reuben Awards | Best Television Animation | Danny Antonucci | Won |
| May 6, 2000 | Leo Awards | Best Director in an Animated Production or Series | Won | |
| May 11, 2001 | Best Musical Score of an Animation Program or Series | Patric Caird for “Ed in a Halfshell” |
Nominated | |
| May 27, 2005 | Leo Awards | Best Musical Score of an Animation Program or Series | Patric Caird | Won |
| March 29, 2008 | Kids’ Choice Awards | Favorite Cartoon | Ed, Edd n Eddy | Nominated |
| November 23, 2009 | SOCAN Awards | International Television Series Music Award | Patric Caird | Won |
5. Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999-2002)
“Courage the Cowardly Dog” follows a timid, easily frightened dog named Courage. He lives with his elderly owners in a remote farmhouse and finds himself facing bizarre and supernatural events. Despite his fears, Courage must find the courage to protect his owners from various dangers. The show is acclaimed for its dark humor, unique storytelling approach, and its ability to blend horror and comedy.
- Program creator: John R. Dilworth
- Genres: Animation, Horror, Comedy
- First episode date: November 12, 1999
- Final episode date: November 22, 2002
- Network(s): Cartoon Network
Awards and nominations
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy Awards | |||
| 1995 | John R. Dilworth For short film “The Chicken from Outer Space” |
Best Animated Short Film | Nominated |
| Annie Awards | |||
| 2000 | John R. Dilworth For episode “A Night at the Katz Motel” |
Outstanding Individual Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Television Production | Won |
| Golden Reel Awards | |||
| 2000 | For episode “The Duck Brothers” | Best Sound Editing—Television Animated Series—Sound | Nominated |
| 2001 | For episode “Courage in the Big Stinkin’ City” | Best Sound Editing—Television Animated Series—Sound | Won |
6. Samurai Jack (2001-2017)
“Samurai Jack” is an animated series that tells the story of a time-displaced samurai named Jack on a quest to defeat the tyrannical demon Aku. The show is lauded for its artistic visual style, minimalistic storytelling, and its blend of various genres, including science fiction, action, and adventure. “Samurai Jack” is noted for its mature themes and cinematic approach, setting it apart from other animated shows.
- Program creator: Genndy Tartakovsky
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure
- First episode date: August 10, 2001
- Final episode date: May 20, 2017
- Network(s): Cartoon Network
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour) | Won |
| 2003 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour) | Won |
| 2004 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour) | Won |
| 2014 | Annie Award | Best Animated TV/Broadcast Production For Children’s Audience | Won |
| 2017 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation (Scott Wills) | Won |
7. Adventure Time (2010-2018)
“Adventure Time” follows the story of Finn, a young human boy, and his best friend Jake, a dog with magical powers. Set in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo, the show combines surreal humor with an adventurous spirit. Known for its imaginative storytelling, quirky characters, and deep emotional depth, “Adventure Time” has garnered a cult following and critical acclaim.
- Program creator: Pendleton Ward
- Genres: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy
- First episode date: April 5, 2010
- Final episode date: September 3, 2018
- Network(s): Cartoon Network
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Short-format Animated Program | Won |
| 2018 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Short-format Animated Program | Won |
| 2018 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation (Lindsay Small-Butera) | Won |
| Numerous | Annie Awards | Various Categories | Won |
8. Regular Show (2010-2017)
“Regular Show” features the lives of Mordecai, a blue jay, and Rigby, a raccoon, who work as groundskeepers at a park. The show often takes ordinary situations and escalates them into absurd, surreal adventures. It’s known for its adult humor, pop culture references, and for addressing relatable themes like friendship and work-life balance.
- Program creator: J.G. Quintel
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Adventure
- First episode date: September 6, 2010
- Final episode date: January 16, 2017
- Network(s): Cartoon Network
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 38th Annie Awards | Best Animated Television Production for Children | Regular Show | Nominated |
| British Academy Children’s Awards | Kids Vote Powered By Yahoo! – Top 10s – Television | Regular Show | Nominated | |
| 2012 | 39th Annie Awards | Storyboarding in a Television Production | Benton Connor | Nominated |
| 64th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards | Outstanding Short-format Animated Program | “Eggscellent” | Won |
9. Steven Universe (2013-2020)
“Steven Universe” is a groundbreaking series that revolves around a young boy, Steven Universe, who lives with the Crystal Gems in Beach City. The show is celebrated for its musical elements, inclusive representation, and its themes of love, identity, and family. It’s notable for its emotional storytelling, complex characters, and for tackling mature topics in a thoughtful way.
- Program creator: Rebecca Sugar
- Genres: Animation, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Musical
- First episode date: November 4, 2013
- Final episode date: January 21, 2019
- Network(s): Cartoon Network
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | GLAAD Media Award | Outstanding Kids & Family Programming | Won |
| 2019 | Peabody Award | Children’s & Youth Programming | Won |
10. The Amazing World of Gumball (2011-2019)
“The Amazing World of Gumball” blends various animation styles to tell the story of Gumball Watterson, a blue cat, and his misadventures in the fictional city of Elmore. The show stands out for its innovative use of mixed media, irreverent humor, and its satirical take on family life, school, and social issues.
- Program creator: Ben Bocquelet
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family
- First episode date: May 3, 2011
- Final episode date: June 24, 2019
- Network(s): Cartoon Network
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Annecy International Animated Film Festival | Best Television Production | “The Quest” | Won |
| British Academy Children’s Awards | Animation | The Amazing World of Gumball | Won | |
| Writer | Jon Foster and James Lamont | Won | ||
| 2013 | British Academy Children’s Awards | Writer | The Amazing World of Gumball writing staff (Ben Bocquelet, Jon Brittain, Tom Crowley, Jon Foster, Mic Graves, Chris Garbutt, James Lamont and Tobi Wilson) |
Won |
| 2014 | Hall of Game Awards | Best Cartoon Boogie | Richard Watterson | Won |
| 2015 | British Academy Children’s Awards | Animation | The Amazing World of Gumball | Won |
| 2016 | British Animation Awards | Best children’s series and Children’s Choice Award | “The Shell” | Won |
| British Academy Children’s Awards | Animation | “The Money” | Won | |
| Writer | “The Origins Parts 1 & 2” writing staff (Ben Bocquelet, Mic Graves, Louise Coats, Nathan Auerbach, Daniel Berg, Joe Parham, Tobi Wilson, Ciaran Murtagh, Andrew Jones) |
Won | ||
| 2018 | Promax BDA Global Excellence Award 2018 | Micro Video Content | “Christmas” | Won |
| 2019 | British Academy Children’s Awards | Writer | The Amazing World of Gumball writing staff | Won |
| 2022 | British Academy Children’s Awards | Writer | Joe Markham, Mic Graves, Tony Hull | Won |
Reflecting on Cartoon Network’s Legacy
As we wrap up our fun journey through Cartoon Network’s coolest shows, it’s clear how each one is special in its own way. These shows are more than just something to watch when we’re bored; they take us to different worlds, introduce us to amazing friends, and tell us stories that we’ll remember forever. These shows have really made a big splash in the world of cartoons and have even inspired artists and writers. They’ve helped shape a whole generation of storytelling, making sure that Cartoon Network’s magic will keep enchanting us for a long, long time.
Conclusion
Looking back at these amazing Cartoon Network shows is like flipping through an old photo album. They’re more than just cartoons; they’re like a piece of art that still makes us smile and think. These shows broke new ground and showed us that cartoons can tell really deep and meaningful stories. They’re not just for kids – they’re for everyone who loves great stories and cool characters. These shows from Cartoon Network have left a lasting mark on TV history and keep inspiring new cartoons and stories.
