Iconic ’80s Cartoons That Will Bring You Back to Saturday Mornings

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If you’re seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, ’80s cartoons are the perfect remedy. Whether you were the type to only tune in on Saturday mornings or spent your childhood immersed in animated adventures, there’s no denying that this decade produced some unforgettable shows. It truly represents the golden age of animated television! If you were a fan of Muppet Babies, you likely owned the books and eventually moved on to The Muppet Show. For the aspiring rock star, Jem was your ultimate idol, even if the recent live-action movie left much to be desired. Did you ever munch on Smurfs cereal or snuggle with a Bumblelion from The Wuzzles? The variety of ’80s cartoons is impressive, and they were all fantastic.

The enduring popularity of these shows is proof of their legacy. The Simpsons, which premiered in 1989, continues to be a mainstay in the television landscape today. Additionally, numerous reboots, including Care Bears and My Little Pony, have kept these classics alive. And let’s not forget the recent revival of The Muppet Babies. You probably still find yourself humming along to Alvin and the Chipmunks’ holiday tunes, even if we won’t dwell on the unsettling “live-action” adaptations.

It might be nostalgia or perhaps just the brilliance of ’80s creativity, but today, it’s easier than ever to enjoy both new and classic versions of your favorite childhood cartoons. Isn’t it time to introduce your little ones to Inspector Gadget? Once they grasp why you often say, “Go, go, gadget arms,” continue the animated journey with the rest of the best ’80s cartoons. These classics might just be some of the greatest cartoons ever made.

Introduce Your Kids to These Classic ’80s Cartoons

  1. Muppet Babies (1984-1991)
    Henson Associates
    We can’t mention Muppet Babies enough! The catchy theme song is likely playing in your head right now, and the show itself was heartwarming. The clever concept of only showing Nanny’s legs was brilliant, and each character had such memorable personalities—even for young viewers.
  2. DuckTales (1987-1990)
    Buena Vista Television
    Were Huey, Dewey, and Louie the best nephews? Not quite. Uncle Scrooge wasn’t exactly the ideal uncle either. This quirky family, despite their flaws, always aimed to do right by each other and the world. You probably still have a solid Scrooge McDuck impression!
  3. Inspector Gadget (1983-1986)
    Lexington Broadcast Services Company
    Do dodo dodo do doo doo doo doo… What more needs to be said?
  4. Chip’n Dale: Rescue Rangers (1988-1990)
    Buena Vista Television
    This show’s standout character was definitely Gadget Hackwrench. Unlike many ’80s cartoons filled with feminine characters, Chip’n Dale offered us a resourceful female hero who saved the day instead of needing saving herself.
  5. Alvin and the Chipmunks (1983-1990)
    Warner Bros. Domestic Television
    Although Alvin and the Chipmunks predated the ’80s, their animated series was an absolute jam. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore were the ultimate trio, and we all aspired to be like Alvin, even if many of us felt more like Simon or Theodore.
  6. Jem (1985-1988)
    Claster Television
    Was anyone cooler than Jem and the Holograms? They embodied the rock star lifestyle every ’80s kid dreamed of, inspiring wild fashion choices and requests for electric guitars.
  7. Snorks (1984-1988)
    Worldvision Enterprises
    While the Smurfs got the spotlight, the Snorks were where the real fun was. These cheerful underwater creatures had kids everywhere searching for Snorkland.
  8. Rainbow Brite (1984-1986)
    LBS Communications, Inc.
    With a girl named Wisp, a sprite called Twink, and a talking rainbow horse named Starlite, this series inspired countless homemade costumes and a love for colorful characters.
  9. ThunderCats (1985-1989)
    Warner Bros. Television Distribution
    As the planet Thundera faced destruction, the cat-like humanoids embarked on a wild adventure. Cheetara still radiates fierce energy!
  10. The Wuzzles (1985)
    Buena Vista Television
    Unlike the Popples, the Wuzzles featured adorable hybrid characters that captured the hearts of many. Just be ready for your kids to ask for a Butterbear!
  11. Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (1979-1983)
    American Broadcasting Company, Warner Bros. Television
    This spin-off showcased Scooby and Scrappy on thrilling adventures, adding an adorable twist to the beloved mystery-solving formula.
  12. The Simpsons (1989- )
    Fox Film Corporation
    This iconic series, which began airing in late 1989, has become a staple of animated comedy, following the hilarious escapades of the Simpson family in Springfield.
  13. The Flintstone Kids (1986-1990)
    Hanna-Barbera Productions
    Ever wondered what Fred and the gang were like as kids? The Flintstone Kids showed us their adorable antics in a kid-friendly format.
  14. The World of Strawberry Shortcake (1980-1985)
    Muller-Rosen Productions, Murakami Wolf Swenson
    Although it wasn’t a consistent series, this collection of specials followed the sweet adventures of Strawberry Shortcake in a whimsical world.

Even More Amazing ’80s Cartoons

He-Man and The Masters of the Universe, Garfield and Friends, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Adventures of the Gummi Bears, Dinosaucers, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, Super Friends, The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Dungeons & Dragons, The Care Bears, Mister T, The Transformers, and many more!

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Summary

This article celebrates the nostalgic charm of ’80s cartoons that defined Saturday mornings for a generation. From Muppet Babies to Jem, these shows left a lasting impact and continue to be beloved by both Gen X and Millennials. The enduring popularity of these cartoons makes them perfect for introducing to a new generation.