Top 20 kid shows from the 80s & 90s

Remember the innocence of childhood? The birthday parties. The water gun fights. The sleep overs. And of course, the bevy of nostalgic television shows.

This is a countdown of the Top 20 kids shows from your childhood. This countdown will specifically cover shows that debuted roughly between the mid 80s and mid 90s. There are some exceptions, though, and they are as follows:

Though excellent shows, programs such as Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse, Sesame Street, and Mr. Rogers are absent from this list. This isn’t just because they premiered decades ago, but also because their target demographic was roughly children six and under, rather than kids aged seven to fifteen which this countdown represents.

Similarly, this is a countdown of kids shows—meaning shows that were specifically targeted for kids only. As beloved as programs like The Cosby Show and Family Matters were, they won’t be on this countdown as those kinds of shows appealed to a much broader age demographic.

Lastly, though everyone loves a good hero, classic superhero shows (X-Men, Batman, Spider-Man) are absent as well because these characters have been established for years, already have a rich legacy and fan following, and are so universally beloved that they would unfairly skew the countdown. This list also won’t include old favorites such as The Flintsones and Tom and Jerry for similar reasons.

With that long disclaimer behind us, it’s time to get nostalgic!

20) Ren & Stimpy

This was most certainly an atypical kids show. Created in 1991, “Ren & Stimpy” became just the third Nickelodeon cartoon (a.k.a Nicktoon) to ever be aired on the network. This animated series followed a neurotic Chihuahua in Ren Hoek and a dimwitted cat named Stimpson J. Cat (Stimpy). The two were an unlikely pair as they experienced countless wild and bizarre adventures together. What made this show a hit with kids was its off-beat sense of humor. Whether an episode dealt with odd scenarios like Ren using Stimpy’s body fat to enhance his own pectoral muscles in season four, or the series’ concept of faux commercials featuring characters such as the melodramatic superhero and breakfast spokesman Powered Toast Man, the series was no doubt a bold gamble by Nickelodeon. And it worked.

19) Legends of the Hidden Temple
This series aired from 1993 to 1995 on Nickelodeon and was a physical challenge game show for kids. The set resembled Ancient Central American iconographies and included a giant animatronic talking head named Olmec. As kids were split into teams of two and given animal names (silver snakes, green monkeys, etc), Olmec would speak of a particular historical figure and any artifact that he or she used. The six teams would then battle it out for the chance to enter the temple and retrieve the hidden artifact from its chambers. The appeal of the show was that it was a mix of trivia knowledge and physical competition. Taking place in an artificial temple setting, the series allowed kids to be immersed in a world only seen in Indiana Jones films.

18) Hey Dude
Any great kids show must have a catchy theme song, and “Hey Dude” is no exception. People who grew up in the 1990’s not only remember this unforgettable tune, but can probably still recite it word for word (“Singin' yippee tai aie ay, Yippee tai aie what?!”). Debuting in 1989, this show centered on a fictional Bar None Dude Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. It portrayed the lives of a sweet but dim witted ranch owner in Mr. Ernest, his often dejected son Buddy, and a staff that included smug Ted, saccharine Melody, privileged Brad and even-tempered Danny. The series ended in 1991 due to Nickelodeon having just put the finishing touches on its Nickelodeon Studios in Orlando, Florida. The network wanted to keep costs for its shows down by filming them all at their new sunshine state home, and “Hey Dude” was unfortunately filmed on location in Arizona. Still, this show was beloved due to the characters. Whether it was seeing Ted’s undying quest to score a date with Brad, or witnessing Mr. Ernest bumble his way through a mid-life crisis, this series deserves a spot in the top 20.

17) Guts
Networks like Nickelodeon were smart to realize early on that what young people wanted to watch was kid versions of adult programming. In “Guts,” the series’ concept was very much like the original television run of “American Gladiators” (1989-1996). Nickelodeon’s “Guts” debuted in 1992 and was an action sports game show that featured three kids competing against each other in four athletic challenges for points. Hosted by the energetic Mike O’Malley (Yes, Dear) and with the help of English referee Moira Quirk, this show had kids competing in baseball, basketball, football, and water events. Oftentimes though, the challenges required kids to wear elastic harnesses, as they were told to jump incredible heights or climb intimidating walls. And who can forget the Aggro Crag? The fifth and final event, this last challenge always decided the winner. Contestants would have to climb an artificial mountain while activating a series of lights on the way to the peak. Along the way, the kids were forced to deal with artificial lightning storms, rock avalanches, and raining confetti that would simulate a snow effect. A year after the show was cancelled in 1994, a spinoff titled Global Guts began which allowed child contestants from other countries to participate. In the end, “Guts” made sports and athleticism fun, all the while remembering that even if you don’t win, there are no losers.

16) Tiny Toon Adventures
Produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment and Warner Brothers Animation, “Tiny Toon Adventures” hit the small screen in 1990 on FOX. Tiny Toon Adventures was set in the fictional city of Acme Acres, where most of the characters attended Acme Looniversity. In the series, the university was founded to teach cartoon characters how to become funny, with graduates receiving a "Diploma of Lunacy," giving them the opportunity to become full-time cartoon characters. The original Looney Tunes characters played a role in this series as they taught the classes that the Tiny Toons attended. Most of the Tiny Toons characters were designed to resemble younger versions of Warner Brothers’ most popular Looney Tunes, as Buster Bunny was a Bugs Bunny clone and Plucky Duck was modeled after Daffy Duck. Though utilizing past characters, “Tiny Toon Adventures” certainly had originality. Who can forget Montana Max, the ill-tempered, money hungry tycoon who became the character that viewers loved to hate (and was voiced by Danny Cooksey, best known for his character of Budnick on the Nickelodeon show “Salute Your Shorts”). Or Elmyra Duff, the clueless red-headed animal lover girl whose overexcitement and oblivious nature caused her pets great harm. Whichever character you liked, Warner Brothers was able to take classic Looney Tunes characters and successfully re-tool them for a new generation of kids.

15) Animaniacs

This series was the second animated show produced by Steven Spielberg in 1993 and it was definitely “Wakko.” Featuring the Warner Brothers siblings (Yakko, Wakko, and Dot), and a host of other characters, this show consisted of two or three cartoon shorts that involved pop culture references, slapstick humor, and cartoon violence similarly found in older shows such as “Tom and Jerry” and “Looney Tunes.” The show, though, would also have educational segments, like when Yakko would rapidly name countries all over the world while attempting to make them rhyme with accompanying up-tempo background music. Who can forget great characters such as “Pinky and the Brain,” a segment about two genetically engineered mice who reside in a cage at the Acme Labs research facility. In every episode, the megalomaniac Brain devises a plan for world domination that always ends in failure (Stewie Griffin, anyone?). Pinky is his cockney accented side kick who always just seems happy to be along for the ride. These characters and many more made “Animaniacs” a hit with both children and adults alike. Though the show ended in 1998, it was wildly successful and even won eight Daytime Emmy Awards.

14) Doug
Doug Funnie. Skeeter Valentine. Patti Mayonaise. Roger Klotz. Porkchop. These are the characters of “Doug,” a sweet coming of age animated series that premiered on Nickelodeon in 1991. Doug Funnie was a recently relocated sixth grader in the fictional town of Bluffington. Most episodes often started with Doug writing in his journal about recent life events, and then the episode would be a flashback of said events which were narrated by Doug himself. In this sense, the show seemed to have an animated “The Wonder Years” vibe to it. Regardless, Doug would tell stories about his affection towards Patti, his great friend Skeeter, and his troubles with rival and bully Roger Klotz. Doug’s faithful companion was his dog, Porkchop. The show not only featured characters with unusual names, but unusual skin tones. Doug’s skin was white, yet his best friend was blue, his love interest was dark brown, his bully was green, and even his mother was purple. Nevertheless, Doug was an endearing character due to his wild imagination. Oftentimes, Doug’s imagination would allow him to become his alter ego, Quail Man (Quail Man was essentially Doug wearing his underwear on the outside and a belt around his head, but he was capable of doing great things). “Doug” was loved by its viewers because the series focused on how one deals with being the new kid in town. Almost every kid can relate to that awkwardness and anxiety, and “Doug” helped kids across America get through those hardships with laughter.

13) Fraggle Rock

A show for kids in the 7-12 demographic, this program was a little more grown up than its “Sesame Street” counterpart. Running from 1983 to 1987 on HBO, this series was a Jim Henson production that utilized a new cast of puppets for the world of “Fraggle Rock.” With every character having a precise personality and yet an undefined visual distinctiveness, “Fraggle Rock” subtly dealt with complex issues such as tolerance and personal identity. Similar to Henson’s other productions in “Seasame Street” and “The Muppets,” “Fraggle Rock” became a worldwide hit. The success was due of course to the Muppet characters themselves. Although the Fraggles were an entirely new creation, kids had become familiar with the look and sound of these characters due to previous Henson productions. The appeal of the show, though, was in the peculiar world that the Fraggles inhabited. Living seemingly in an underground universe, the “Fraggle Rock” community consisted of the Fraggles themselves, the giant Gorgs, and the Doozers. The show certainly allowed a kid’s imagination to soar to new heights, which was almost certainly Jim Henson’s goal.

12) You Can’t Do That on Television (YCDToTV)
Using unknown child actors, this sketch show debuted in 1979 in Ottawa, Canada. In 1981, Nickelodeon took a chance on YCDToTV and it quickly became one of their highest rated shows. The series slowly began to decline in Canada but was so successful in America that Nickelodeon aired the program five nights a week. In the 1990’s, and even today, Nickelodeon is best known for its green slime. The network can thank YCDToTV for this, as the show would dump green slime on the heads of anyone who uttered the phrase “I don’t know.” The show is beloved by many people to this day, and arguably had one of the biggest impacts in the young network’s lifespan. Kids of all ages eagerly tuned in to see what kind of fun, wacky sketches would be unleashed on the show.

11) Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
No doubt similar to the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” premiered in 1993 on FOX. Donning colorful suits and slick helmets, the Power Rangers had the unique ability to morph into powerful warriors drawn from the spirit of dinosaurs, protecting the world from the forces of space witch Rita Repulsa. The Power Rangers themselves were teenagers who grappled with school, relationships, and, well, saving the world. The series has since gone through more than a dozen incarnations, and currently airs on Toon Disney. The success of the series is not difficult to understand. The show appealed to kids due to the superhero concept, but also the fact that the protagonists on the show were almost of the same generation as the viewers who watched at home. Loaded with action and a diverse cast that included two female rangers, an Asian heroine and a black male hero, the show did a brilliant job of reaching a broad audience. A mix of Ninja Turtles and Transformers, these Power Rangers were certainly a fresh breed of superheroes for a new generation of kids.

10) Double Dare
In 2001, TV Guide released a list of the top 50 Greatest Game Shows of All Time. “Double Dare” placed #29. Debuting in 1986, and hosted by Marc Summers (who ironically later admitted to suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder, as he was a self proclaimed “neat freak”), “Double Dare” featured two teams of kids competing for cash and prizes. The show involved Summers asking a given team a trivia question, upon which they could either attempt to answer or dare the other team to take a stab at it for double the dollars. If the second team was clueless, they could double dare the first team to answer, allowing them the opportunity to win four times the amount of money. If that team still couldn’t come up with an answer, they could choose to participate in a physical challenge. The challenges were often messy, sometimes involving catching cream filled balloons or some other difficult dare. The team that won the entire game got to compete in the Obstacle Course—a course consisting of eight obstacles and only sixty seconds to complete them all. Everything from digging up a giant nose full of green goo resembling boogers in search of a flag to riding a baby sized tricycle, this show successfully incorporated the need for both trivia knowledge and athletic prowess.

9) Inspector Gadget

Debuting in 1983, “Inspector Gadget” was an animated series that centered on an absent-minded, hapless inspector who worked for the Metro City police department. Oh, and he was also a cyborg who had various gadgets built into his anatomy. That’s the norm, isn’t it? Gadget’s main nemesis was Dr. Claw, leader of the evil organization MAD (though the audience never caught a full glimpse of this wicked man). Unbeknownst to Inspector Gadget, he is often helped by his niece Penny and her dog Brain in solving crimes. What kid didn’t love this show? The ability for Gadget to have helicopter blade propellers emerge from his hat, roller skates appear at the bottom of his shoes, and an instant inflatable trench coat were deeply desired by every Generation Y kid in America. Go, Gadget, Go!

8) The Adventures of Pete & Pete

This massively quirky show was one that confused some, yet was beloved by many. The series debuted on Nickelodeon in 1993 and centered on two brothers, both named Pete Wrigley, who lived in the fictional town of Wellsville. The series followed their wild and often bizarre interactions with their friends, family, and even enemies. There was a lot within this often surreal show that appealed to kids across America, namely the underlying theme of overcoming unfavorable odds. The ability to empathize with Pete & Pete’s struggle to prevail over bullying attacks or other dominating authority figures in their lives was always an important component within the show. Another beloved aspect that kept kids coming back was the pure imagination of the program. Events such as a bowling ball attacking a man's jugular, a girl becoming a dot, and a woman having spatulas attracted to the magnetized metal plate in her head were always the norm to the inhabitants of Wellsville. And that was the fun of the show. The idea that the series created an imaginary wonderland full of humor, wit, and absurd premises was the perfect recipe for a classic kids program.

7) Rugrats
“Maybe this isn’t such a good idea, Tommy!” An all too familiar catch-phrase uttered by fan favorite Chuckie Finster, an anxiety ridden two year old. Premiering in 1991 on Nickelodeon, “Rugrats” was about a group of toddlers who frequently broke out of their playpen in hopes of discovering and deciphering the world around them. Often able to slip away due to an adult’s oversight, these babies were comprised of Chuckie, two twins named Phil and Lil, and fearless ringleader and diapered toddler Tommy. The only foe for these inquisitive babies was three year old Angelica, a spoiled girl who would always bully the rugrats and was rarely punished by her parents. The show’s appeal was in the separation of two worlds—adult and child. The perspective of children unable to properly understand their parents’ conversations, and vice versa, was a huge draw for the series. The desire of these toddlers to want to know what lies outside their playpen, and even their house and sometimes neighborhood, created a never-ending quest for answers that kept kids coming back week after week. The characters themselves were also well executed. Though the youngest, Tommy was the schemer of the group and the one that held the clan together. Chuckie was the voice of reason, but only due to sheer trepidation. Phil and Lil were twins, and were alike in every single way—except when they verbally fought. And Angelica was the sweet-faced villain that the babies had to consistently overcome. The parents of these children, though, did play a significant role. Often oblivious to the true wants and desires of their kids, it was always a mystery to understand how such seemingly responsible parents could be so clueless about their own children. But that was the appeal of the show. These kids lived in their own world, and they were dead set on exploring its surroundings.

6) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Who didn’t love these heroes in a half shell? Based on the 1984 comic book created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” animated series took on a life of its own. Premiering in 1987, and trading in the dark tone of the comics for more light hearted fare, the show exploded and became an instant hit. Becoming entrenched in popular culture, and teaching young boys and girls across America the meaning of “Cowabunga,” this show took the world by storm. With success leading to movies, video games, toys, and countless childhood Halloween costumes throughout the late 80’s and early 90’s, the impact of the Ninja Turtles is still being felt today. The Ninja Turtles were certainly a new brand of superhero for a new generation. With four starkly different personalities that sometimes clashed (Raphael, anyone?), the Ninja Turtles were no doubt lovable heroes. With their odd lingo and bizarre origins, kids couldn’t get enough of the green guys who constantly consumed pizza. And yet a hero is meaningless without an equally strong foe. In the diabolical Shredder, the turtles always faced a menacing challenge. Mixing cool with sinister, the Shredder’s intimidating exterior and deep baritone voice was enough to summon any hero. Carefully trained by surrogate father and sewer rat Splinter, and aided by TV reporter April O’Neil, the turtles always found a way to save the day in style.

5) Clarissa Explains It All
This series secures a top five spot on the countdown for many reasons, one of which is that this show helped pave the way for many other programs that came after it. Debuting in 1991 and airing for five seasons, “Clarissa Explains it All” is heralded as being the first Nickelodeon series to feature a female lead. The show helped open doors for programs such as “The Secret World of Alex Mack” and “The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo.” The show earned high ratings for a cable kid’s show, and was a headliner on Nickelodeon’s SNICK (Saturday Night Nick) lineup. On “Clarissa,” the show centered on the life of an adolescent girl (Clarissa Darling) and her attempt to deal with the complexities of being a teenager. The show was unique in that Clarissa would break the fourth wall as she looked directly into the camera and spoke to viewers. The series allowed a rare glimpse into the world of a girl having to deal with everyday problems (an annoying brother, school, and teenage crushes). The appeal of the program was certainly in the title. Instead of watching passively, viewers were engaged because Clarissa spoke openly and honestly, allowing for many intimate moments. Clarissa willingly allowed viewers into her quirky world that was full of off-kilter parents, a bratty sibling, a loyal best friend, and a bunch of problems that she could only process by explaining them all to the audience.

4) Kenan & Kel

Awww, here it goes! The show “Kenan & Kel” debuted on Nickelodeon in 1996 and ended in 2000. Through its 61 episodes, it would usher in catch phrases (“who loves orange soda? Kel loves orange soda!”), and develop a deeply passionate following for years to come. Kenan Rockmore and Kel Mitchel were very much like a modern day Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz. On “I Love Lucy,” Lucy would find ways to entice her best friend into engaging in ridiculous schemes that often went awry. Ethel would know better and have reservations, but would always capitulate in order to aid her best friend. Kel is analogous to Ethel Mertz—except that he has the brains of Kelly Bundy. And that’s what made the show work. On the series, Kenan is a high schooler who works at a local grocery store called Rigby’s. Kel, a sweet yet foolish young man, is Kenan’s best friend. Oh, and he loves orange soda. A lot. The show had its two protagonists engulfed in self inflicted shenanigans, fighting for ways to comfortably resolve each problem. The show caught on with viewers immediately. With a theme song rapped by Coolio, and a weekly opening sequence that involved Kenan and Kel playing, literally, to an audience of hundreds before every episode, this show was unique from anything else on television that was geared to kids. With a mix of excellent chemistry, comedic timing, and slapstick, “Kenan & Kel” easily deserves a spot in the top five.

3) Salute Your Shorts
“Camp Anawanna, we hold you in our hearts, and when we think about you it makes me wanna”...well, you know the rest. This series debuted on Nickelodeon in 1991 and produced just 26 episodes, yet the show made a huge impact on kid viewers. “Salute Your Shorts” was about a group of teenagers who go away to Camp Anawanna for the summer. The cast of characters and funny storylines is what made the show a true gem. Whether it was the intelligent nerd Sponge, the environmentally conscious ZeZe, the rabble-rouser Budnick, the snooty Dina, or the overweight slob Donkeylips, these television characters were some of the most memorable to ever grace Nickelodeon. Seeing these kids undermine authority figures like camp counselor Kevin “Ug” Lee was certainly a highlight of the show. Watching the kids attempt to fit in with each other, though, was just as fun. The early tension and eventual appreciation between Budnick and new camper Michael was unique. Seeing Donkeylips have a crush on the pretty yet self-absorbed Dina was both hilarious and ultimately heartwarming. And don’t forget the episodes themselves. Donkeylips being too fat and slow for a game of capture the flag, yet ultimately becoming the hero? The kids attempting to sneak cheeseburgers into camp without Ug knowing? Budnick telling his fellow campers a ghost story involving Zeke the Plumber, giving the entire camp nightmares? One thing is certainly clear: if you know someone who didn’t like this show, give them an “Awful Waffle!”

2) Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Remember the creepy cigar smoking clown named Zeebo, who died in a fire at the circus? Of course you do, as that episode is forever burned into your memory. Very much a “Twillight Zone” for kids, “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” debuted in 1992 on Nickelodeon’s SNICK. The series revolved around a young group of adolescents who met at a secret site in the woods every week to tell each other scary stories. Calling themselves “The Midnight Society,” the storyteller would begin each tale by throwing special sand into the fire, causing the flames to erupt. The episode would then begin, and usually would revolve around ghosts, magic, haunted houses, or paranormal phenomena. The show aired for five seasons, ending its run in 1996 before being resurrected in 1999 for two short seasons with a new cast. The original run of the show, though, remains a classic for 90’s childhood television. A show that was scary without being horrifying, it presented creative stories that often involved some kind of moral by episodes’ end. The show also allowed viewers to become completely immersed in the series. Airing weekly on Saturday nights, some kids purposefully turned off the lights when the show came on. Others would watch with their friends or family. And some enjoyed the program because, when viewing it every week, they too felt as if they were part of The Midnight Society. Most of all, though, the show tapped into something simple yet inherent in all of us regardless of age—the desire to experience the adrenaline rush of a good scare without fearing for ones’ safety. If you can’t remember whether or not the show accomplished this feat, just watch the opening credits again.

1) All That

By now you’ve realized that Nickelodeon practically had a monopoly on quality kids programming in the 1990’s, and this show at the number one slot is no exception. Often referred to as a kid’s version of “Saturday Night Live,” “All That” is a kids show classic. Responsible for launching the careers of Kenan Thompson, Amanda Bynes, and Nick Cannon, and creating a handful of Nickelodeon spin-off shows and even a movie (Good Burger), “All That” certainly lived up to its name. Debuting in 1994 with its theme song sung by TLC, the show featured memorable characters such as the poorly spoken Frenchman Pierre Escargot, the lactose intolerant superhero Superdude, the hapless Repair Man, and pea obsessed lunch lady Miss Piddlin among countless others. The young actors who comprised the cast of this variety show had impeccable timing and wonderful chemistry. The fact that this was a kid’s show that didn’t lower itself to just toilet humor was a testament to not only the writing staff, but the talent of all the actors involved. The show also featured a famous musical guest at the end of each episode, which ranged from rap to rhythm and blues, and even rock. In 2005, Nickelodeon hosted a 10th Anniversary show that brought back popular “All That” alumni, including Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. The special aired classic “All That” episodes, and even had the alumni re-create beloved sketches such as “Good Burger” and “Repair Man.” The series came to an end in 2005 with a completely different cast. After a television run that lasted a decade, “All That” is a series that has certainly aged well. If you’re fortunate enough to catch a repeat of “All That” on television or the Internet, you’ll find that it can still make you howl in laughter as if you were a kid again.

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This article by Michael Langston Moore can also be seen on Starpulse.com