"They're fun, exciting and silly, but also smart, artistic and insightful." - Doug Walker, Nostalgia Critic: Are Kids Shows Better NOW Than Ever?

Who says you can't be a grown up and enjoy a cartoon? Many of us grew up with the animated classics. Whether it was Looney Tunes, Nickelodeon, or anything Disney related, the memories we had with these shows will be cherished forever.

But what about nowadays? We've seen shows like "The Simpsons," "Family Guy," and "Spongebob Squarepants"go downhill and lose quality. But what about all of those cartoon shows that we may have overlooked? What about the cartoons that, in between the mindless nonsense used to sell merchandise, are high quality, funny, and even thought provoking?

Today, we're going to look at a few recent cartoons that you may have missed or looked past. We all know about great shows like "Adventure Time" and "South Park," but here are a few more that have pushed the boundaries of what we would normally expect from a cartoon.

Steven Universe

A show on the outside that may look like another cartoon just to put your toddler in front of to get them to stop crying. However, what came off as a simple looking toon turned out to be a colorful, funny, and even tragic series. Cartoon Network's "Steven Universe" focuses on a boy named Steven, who is part of a group of magical beings known as the "Crystal Gems," who possess many special powers. Steven's adventures focus on learning to cope with his Gem abilities and help protect the world with his friends. "Steven Universe" dabbles in issues that you wouldn't normally see in a cartoon and helps teach valuable lessons to younger viewers. It also has a lot of bizarre randomness the characters go through every day, and how they go through this world of madness makes this show a masterpiece.

Regular Show

"Regular Show"is another gem (pun intended) you can find on Cartoon Network. The show is about an anthropomorphic blue jay, Mordecai, and raccoon, Rigby, who work at a state park. Often these two look for any way to get out of work and will get mixed into bizarre situations, including battling unicorns, taking on killer hot dogs, and traveling through time and space. Oh, and did I mention that their boss is a talking gumball machine and they work with a yeti voiced by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill)?

It's about as bizarre as it can get...

And that's why it's so good.

"Regular Show" is smart, goofy, and full of jokes to keep you laughing all the way through. After recently hitting its 200th episode mark with a movie on the way, now is a good time to get started on watching it. You won't be disappointed.

Bob's Burgers

Remember that show that you thought was another "Simpsons" knock-off and turned it off while waiting for the next episode of "Family Guy?" Well, "Bob's Burgers" is not that kind of show.

"Bob's Burgers" is about a down on his luck burger chef, Bob Belcher, and his family trying to get their burger restaurant off the ground. It doesn't help though that the entire universe is against this one family, and they end up failing more often then they succeed. The series is not as random or crazy as some of these other cartoons, but there's something about it that makes it stand out: it's charm. Not to mention the fact that it is much more pleasant to watch than the shows it's put up against on Fox.

The best part of "Bob's Burgers" is its characters. Series creator Loren Bouchard does a tremendous job with the interactions and real-life situations the Belcher family go through. Bob works as hard as he can, but there's always someone or something bringing him down. However, when push comes to shove, Bob's hard work and determination keeps him in the game. You also got his eccentric and upbeat wife Linda and his three kids: awkward but good-natured Tina, lovable goofball Gene, and manipulative and psychotic Louise. Despite conflicting personalities, the Belchers work together to get through whatever life throws at them. They are too close and loving of a family deep down to be torn apart. "Bob's Burgers" is a great show with clever humor and characters, not to mention a lot of sweetness and likability that'll keep you coming back for another helping.

Rick and Morty

A dark comedy with a few dramatic undertones, Justin Roiland's "Rick and Morty" may not be for kids, but it is definitely worth watching if you're a little older. I mean, it airs on Adult Swim, so it can't be for kids.

It's a show about a crazy scientist, Rick, and his grandson, Morty (both voiced by Roiland), as they embark on many adventures through space, multiple dimensions, and alternate realities. The tension between the two creates a lot of depth, as family issues, Rick's hidden depression, and Morty's traumatic experiences dimension hopping often come into conflict. It's a show with great stories and a lot of sick humor for those looking for some edge. Once you watch "Rick and Morty," you're going to be quoting it for weeks.

Also, Roiland arguing with himself back and forth while playing Rick and Morty is about as funny as it sounds.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

If you are one of many who didn't know what the heck was happening in the "Star Wars" prequels, this series is for you. "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" fits in the "Star Wars" story line between "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith." It serves as setting up the events for Episode III and for developing the characters from the prequels who we barely know anything about (Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, etc.)

Some of the series best episodes are the ones that focus on the Clone troopers. Before the days of the Imperial Stormtroopers, the galaxy had the disposable army of Jango Fett clones. These poor, disposable guys were put up against a disposable army of droids starting a galactic war; and since the Jedi didn't really seem to care that the clones bit it by the thousands in the movies, why should we care?

Now we have "The Clone Wars," which gives the Clone troopers the spotlight. Finally we can know: Who are they? Who is this Sifo-Dyas guy who ordered them for the Republic? Do they have names? Personalities? What do they think about the war? What about Order 66? The show's writing and direction does a tremendous job helping explain all the clutter in the prequels. We identify with these clones along the way, learn about them, and look forward to the next episode to see where they go from there. You want to see these guys survive in the end. "The Clone Wars" helps us care about a bunch of generic, similar looking men who were created in a lab. And that takes effort. It has great characters, awesome battles, and some cool villains. The series may be over, but you're in luck if you have Netflix to see what you've been missing!

The Legend of Korra

Remember "Avatar: The Last Airbender" on Nickelodeon? Of course you do, it was one of the greatest cartoon shows of all time. In fact, the same guys who made that show made "The Legend of Korra."

"The Legend of Korra" follows the same philosophies and ideas of "Airbender" and expands upon them. Korra is the next Avatar, master of all four elements (water, earth, fire, and air). Naive and a bit of a hothead, Korra must learn to master the elements through "bending," along with dealing with spirits, oppressive governments, and crazed radicals.

All of what made "Airbender" so great is here. It explores new ideas, hard truths, and things you wouldn't normally see in a kid's show (similar to "Steven Universe") and has as strong cast of characters (and voice actors) who keep you invested. There a lot of hot topics and ideas explored, with the show's characters on either side and representing what could happen. It's especially a lot edgier, yet stunning too. The animation is beautiful to look at; the characters movements, fighting styles, and action (whether it's bending or even guys in robotic suits duking it out) suck you right in. I guess Nickelodeon didn't see that, though, as they pulled the show from the air and moved it to online (probably to shovel out more important shows like "Breadwinners"...)

Unlike that show, though, "The Legend of Korra" treats you and kids like people with functioning brains and was still able to make an impact. Even when Nickelodeon pushed it to only be viewed online, had their air dates/direction messed with, and supposedly had their budget cut for an episode. You can't bring Korra down!

Gravity Falls

Lastly, I have my new favorite show, "Gravity Falls" on Disney Channel. A continuous mystery show about two twins, Dipper and Mabel Pines, who spend the summer in Gravity Falls, Oregon with their great uncle (Grunkle) Stan, owner of a tourist trap known as the Mystery Shack. Things aren't what they seem in this small town, though. The twins encounter many strange and wondrous things over the summer, including gnomes, monsters, magic, and clues to a conspiracy that could destroy the whole world.

Like the shows mentioned above, "Gravity Falls" has an ongoing story line. There is a lot of continuity, and everything doesn't reset after one episode. We grow up and learn with these characters along the way. It's not all about mystery, either. The show has some heavy moments, action, and comedy to keep you excited, not to mention good morals and lessons for kids and adults. The pacing is just perfect, and the mystery aspect keeps you looking forward to the next episode. There are even hints and clues in the credits to keep you wondering and part of the journey.

Sadly, the series finale is almost upon us, as the show is only based in the one summer Dipper and Mabel are spending with Grunkle Stan. It's almost like having your summer end and having to go back to school. If you haven't already, check out this show before the finale to see what you've been missing. But be warned, you may end up watching the entire series in one sitting if you're too curious.