Netflix is pretty cool, bringing us easy access to many different television shows and movies we might not have already in our personal DVD collection. One of the best parts of Netflix is that the video on-demand provider allows us access to the ultimate throwback material - the classic television shows we grew up with.
Nothing beat waking up early those Saturday mornings to catch your favorite toons. I spent many mornings, probably to my entire family's dismay, rushing from my bed to make my way to my favorite spot in front of the television. Even when I started doing ballet, I would watch as long as humanly possible before getting dragged to classes.
So do you want a list of televisions that take you on the ultimate nostalgia trip when you're inevitably procrastinating like a champ during Finals? Also are you about 20 something years old and bitter that television cartoons just aren't what they used to be? Well, I've got the seven of my favorite television shows from my childhood (not just exclusively Saturday morning cartoons) that I miss more than anything, ranked from worst to best.
7. "Recess"
These kids were the best to watch on Disney, they were the epitome of squad goals.
They all had a little bit of everything: Gus was the shy kid who was undeniably the most loyal of the group, Mikey had a heart of gold and an amazing voice that we could only dream of all having, Gretchen was incredibly smart and clever in most ways possible, Vince was immensely lovable and was more athletic than I could have ever been at his age, Spinelli was as tough as they come and is hesitant to let people see the emotional side of her. And, of course, there's T.J., a leader who doesn't know how not to have fun.
This were one of my favorites of all time because as a kid, I loved being able to go out everyday to play with my friends. It was a rare moment in our lives, at least for me, where I wanted to enjoy life beyond sitting on my couch and watching Netflix. I mean, the show was just immensely fascinating, with the politics of the playground, that annoying tattletale Randall, and of course the "Scandalous" Ashleys. Also, there was the episode with their girl who was on the swingset and disappeared like Amelia Earhart.
6. "Legends of the Hidden Temple"
If you never say you didn't at least want to try this competition, you're lying.
Trying all the challenges to try to attempt to maneuver your way through Olmec's Temple was the biggest dream many children, like myself, had. For those who survived the initial challenge and somehow came out as the top team, it just seemed that they could never solve that god awful Monkey Puzzle at the end. The tasks always seemed easy enough, but then again, a lot of things seem extremely doable from the comfort of your living room.
If you didn't already know, there's a new live-action movie based on this television competition coming to Nickelodeon pretty soon. So although I'd still never be able to physically keep up with the tasks, I'm hopeful that this new movie will do the old show justice and possibly finally give me the Reg Jaguars related T-Shirt I've always wanted.
5. "Animaniacs"
"IT'S TIME FOR ANIMANIACS!"
All the characters of this beautiful variety television show were some of my favorite things to look forward to every Saturday morning. From Pinky and the Brain to that poor puppy Buttons trying to take care of Mindy to even that appearance of Prince in the show, Animaniacs had it all. There was always a catchy song that went along with each episode and yet, somehow, all the different stories meshed together to follow that episode's story arc.
Perhaps this show was part of the reason I have a small desire to take over the world while making a significant amount of hilarious chaos, but I know my life wouldn't be the same especially without that wheel of morality towards the end. This lovely show is currently on Netflix so you can discover the hilarity that was this show (and also you can get the song about the countries of the world stuck in your head).
4. "Batman: The Animated Series"
Hands down, this was one of the best Batman interpretations of all time.
Not only did this series feature amazing voice work by iconic names like Kevin Conroy as the Caped Crusader and Mark Hamill as the Joker, it did a phenomenal job with story telling. It told incredible stories about Batman, while giving amazing portrayals of the classic villains that terrorize Gotham. It was lighthearted at times, but it also was able to deliver heavy story topics in a classy manner. It had action, it was amazingly drawn and is one of the biggest reasons of why I love Batman so much despite being a Superman fan.
Everything about this original cartoon series just pleased the giant superhero fan that I am today. It was a series that appealed to the young child in me and still holds a special spot in my heart because of how well done the stories appeal to the older individual I have become today. No matter who your favorite hero is or if you're not even a DC fan, this series is most definitely worth watching again and again now that it's the golden age of superheroes.
3. "Justice League"
This is number three on this list, but number one for why I love superheroes.
Many television series seem to stumble when it comes to telling the story of multiple characters in one universe, but this television series didn't. You were able to watch all of the characters in their own respective story arcs while all somehow coming together for when the big bads came into play. It also blessed us by being the beginning before Justice League Unlimited, which went even more into detail with the plethora of superheroes in the DC Universe. Best of all it showed how tough Aquaman was when it came to saving his son. (You don't ever really forget that.)
This successful television series set the standard for all superhero related media. Great art, amazing story lines, incredible characters; this show had everything any nerd could ever ask for. Go on Netflix and watch it right now.
2. "Pokemon"
This original series was the very best, like no one ever was OK?
It was a time that was so much easier. Only 151 Pokemon to remember, all the different episodes as Ash went on the road to become a Pokemon Master. A lot of good moments (like watching Charmander jumping into Ash's arms), some sad ones (I'll still never get over Butterfree being released, it may have been many years but that one hurt) and the unforgettable music selection at the end of the episodes like the PokeRap. This kid was dedicated to his passion to become a Pokemon master. He even proved that even people who might miss out on their original chance to be the best (like sleeping in on one of the most important days of his young life) can still work towards being the best they can be.
He wasn't perfect, this show was far from it. It wasn't completely in accordance with the original manga, but it still held it's own value for the story it told. It had the best/worst villains in the history of television too. It broke my heart to see the original Pokemon I loved eventually be released or forgotten in the new lands, and watching the original trio of Ash, Misty, and Brock go their separate ways had me crying for weeks. In the end, there is nothing like these classic episodes because everybody loves a classic.
1. "A Pup Named Scooby-Doo"
The coolest pup around in the universe, and we got him through a pup named Scooby-Doo.
There is nothing like watching the old Scooby-Doo episodes, but this one was the best things that I had during my childhood. It had put a completely different twist on the characters I already loved by making them even closer to the age I was at. It was great to still get the fun mysteries I already loved from the franchise, but having the great songs and just funny moments that teach you good lessons about life. I'm 22 years old and I still catch myself grinning like a little kid on Christmas morning every time the credits begin and I heard that incredible intro.
This one takes the number one spot because of how much it still means to me. I can still watch this show over and over again even though I know most episodes by heart. It emphasized the idea that kids could do anything, but still make mistakes along the way because we all weren't Velma. It was everything a Scooby-Doo fan could ever want in their life.
Now if anyone needs me for the next couple of weeks, I'll be binge watching most, if not all of them, because I may have lost control of my life. You never really outgrow the cartoons you love more than anything.




























