As a child of the ‘80s, I can wholeheartedly say that these three underrated animated shows truly captured the essence of our era and deserve recognition. “David The Gnome” was a gentle reminder to respect and cherish nature, teaching us important lessons about ecology and compassion in a way only a tiny gnome doctor could.
The 1980s witnessed a transformative period in television animation, with children’s programming evolving from casual weekend fare to a thriving multi-million dollar industry. Cable networks and syndication outlets stepped up their game, prompting even network television to follow suit. Households were spoiled with numerous animated shows like He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Voltron, and DuckTales.
Regrettably, numerous timeless animated TV series were overlooked amidst a cluttered animation scene from the ’80s. These remarkable shows didn’t receive the acclaim or attention they merited, much like their underappreciated animated counterparts from the 1990s. However, here is a list of 10 significantly underrated ’80s animated TV series that deserve recognition.
Danger Mouse (1981-1992)
For ten seasons, a humorous take on British spies was broadcast on ITV in Britain, eventually making its way to Nickelodeon as their first fully animated series in the U.S. This satire was heavily influenced by classic British spy stories such as “Danger Man” and James Bond. The show centers around a miniature MI6 agent and his team of spies, who battle Baron Silas Greenback and his wicked criminal organization.
Although the spy parody show enjoyed widespread popularity and critical praise, it often seemed absent from discussions about the top British animated imports. The series masterfully combined English wit with action and sci-fi elements. Its humor catered to kids yet maintained an adult appeal, making for a delightful viewing experience shared by children and their parents alike. In contrast to many other 1980s animated series, the main cast in this show displayed exceptional camaraderie, character development, and intriguing dynamics, with Danger as the central figure.
The entire series is available to stream through a Peacock subscription.
Heathcliff And The Catillac Cats (1984-1985)
This quirky animated sitcom, based on a popular comic strip, ran for two seasons and was one of Chuck Lorre’s early works in television. The French-American production was the third cartoon adaptation by Lorre, who is known for his soft-hearted but tough approach to storytelling. The show consisted of short, humorous episodes that centered around Heathcliff, a neighborhood cat, and his interactions with various outsiders, including his complicated friend, Spike.
Back in its day, the show certainly had its moment in the spotlight, but it doesn’t often make the list of top comic-to-screen adaptations alongside contemporaries such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. My personal favorite, Heathcliff, was always taking charge and dealing with his own insecurities in a humorous way through his escapades. Despite being the titular character, the series also showcased an eccentric supporting cast, including the gentle Hector and the rhyming Wordsworth. It actually came before the hugely successful Garfield and Friends, leaving behind a catchy theme song that still rings in my memory.
The episodes of the original Orange Cat are available through a Paramount+ subscription.
The Wuzzles (1985)
The children’s show titled “The Wuzzles” represented Disney TV Animation’s initial venture under the leadership of then-CEO Michael Eisner. This animated series, unfortunately, had only one 13-episode season due to CBS deciding not to continue it. The story revolved around a group of half-animal characters living their daily lives on a secret island paradise.
Despite its success, the show didn’t last long, and it’s now rarely found on animated TV lineups. It was one of the trailblazers (alongside The Adventures of Gummi Bears) in Disney’s push for animated TV shows during the 1980s. In a sea of action-packed series, this animal gang stood out as a friendly choice, much like Care Bears did at the same time. Its storylines followed the 1980s trend of simplified moral lessons aimed at children.
Watch the entire series by buying/renting on streamers like Amazon Prime Video.
Snorks (1984-1989)
Back in the day, I was hooked on this series called “Smurfs under the Sea.” Originating from the creative minds at Hanna-Barbera, it was a unique blend of Belgian and American production. It first graced our screens for two seasons on NBC, but later moved to syndication for its final seasons. Unlike its distant relative, this show centered around a lively group of teenage Snorks (with Allstar Seaworthy leading the charge) who were busy maintaining and safeguarding their vibrant underwater paradise called Snorkland.
The Smurfs’ influence made the show seem less remarkable, as it combined contemporary amenities with a tranquil underwater atmosphere. However, this television series tended to favor the heroics typical of many 1980s animated programs. The heroic endeavors propelled its eccentric group of teenage characters, including adventurous Allstar, intelligent Casey Kelp, and awkward Dimmy Finster, towards fame.
Buy/rent the entire series on streamers like Amazon Prime Video.
Mister T (1983-1985)
Every Saturday morning, this cartoon show endorsed by celebrities was a must-watch on NBC. It broadcast three episodes weekly from 1983 to 1985. The series centered around Coach Mr. T and his gymnastics team, who traveled globally for competitions while unraveling mysteries each week, leveraging the show’s title character’s fame and personality.
In the 1980s, the show leveraged his widespread fame, featuring him as both the voice actor and provider of live-action moral guidance. The morals were common in ’80s animated children’s shows. The series stood out with its whimsical mystery-solving storylines, which resembled the quirky style of Scooby-Doo. Like many other shows from the ’80s, it was filled with corny jokes and humor for kids.
You can buy/rent the entire series through an Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Ulysses 31 (1981-1982)
In simpler terms, “Ulysses 31” was an animated series that blended Japanese and French styles to depict a futuristic retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Odysseus (known as Ulysses in this version). This space odyssey aired for one season between 1981 and 1982, and it centered around Captain Ulysses and his crew’s quest to find the Kingdom of Hades while encountering various Greek gods along their journey.
In the 1980s, when anime experienced a comeback, this sci-fi series contributed significantly. Yet, it’s not often discussed in classic anime discourse. The series managed to seamlessly blend action-adventure, science fiction, and fantasy using an anime-inspired style combined with 2D French animation. What truly set it apart was its darker narrative as Ulysses and his son Telemachus embarked on a perilous space journey, with the compelling overarching storyline being a key factor in its success.
You can buy/rent the entire series through an Amazon Prime Video subscription.
The Littles (1983-1985)
The popular children’s show, The Littles, was adapted from a cherished collection of books for kids and broadcast on ABC from 1983 to 1985 across three seasons. This family-focused series centered around the Little family’s mishaps as they shared their home with the Bigg family, who were much larger than them, with Henry being one of the sons.
In contrast to the widespread acclaim, discussions about the top children’s programming from the 1980s often overlook the animated family series. Unlike many other shows of that time, this particular show was characterized by a mix of family-friendly humor, action-adventure, and comedy. The animated series centered around the Littles and their human counterparts, delving into the unique dynamics as they navigated coexistence in two distinct worlds.
Don’t forget to buy/rent every episode of The Littles through an Apple TV+ subscription.
The World Of David The Gnome (1985-1986)
David the Gnome’s World promoted environmental awareness, being based on its famous Dutch origin. A Spanish production, it was broadcast on Dutch television from 1985 to 1986 for more than two dozen episodes, later airing on Nickelodeon from 1988 to 1995. This eco-friendly series followed the life of gnome doctor David and his family as they preserved and explored the wonders of nature.
As a gamer, I’ve always held this animated series close to my heart, yet it rarely makes an appearance in global discussions about top-tier animation. Unlike Captain Planet, it didn’t preach, but rather subtly wove ecological and animal issues into its narrative. It managed to seamlessly blend morals, humor, and heartfelt moments, making it a unique and engaging experience for younger audiences. The bond between humans and nature, as well as family values, were the backbone of this series, with our little hero serving as the guiding light for us all.
Watch the entire series by buying/renting it on DVD.
Maple Town (1986-1987)
Back in the day, I got my hands on a classic Japanese export called “Maple Town.” This charming show took us on a journey through the peaceful life of a quaint countryside village. It initially ran for 52 episodes from ’86 to ’87, and then bounced around American TV networks like syndication, Nickelodeon, and eventually The Family Channel (which is now known as Freeform).
As Japanese culture regained popularity, this particular series embraced that wave of interest. However, it didn’t become a timeless children’s show. By employing adorable kawaii styles, the series found a suitable place within wholesome family programming. It combined elements of growing up, humor in family dynamics, and heroism by focusing on the daily goings-on of the village. The narrative was deeply rooted in community values, with friendship and family serving as its core themes.
You can buy the entire series on DVD.
The Mysterious Cities Of Gold (1982-1983)
The Mysterious Cities of Gold was an entertaining and thrilling television show, representing one of the earliest successful instances of blending education and entertainment aimed at children. This French-Japanese production originally aired 39 episodes between 1982 and 1983 on international TV, later airing from 1986 to 1990 on Nickelodeon. The historical action-adventure series followed young Spanish explorer Esteban and his crewmates as they sailed across the Americas in search of his missing father and the fabled Seven Cities of Gold.
Similar to Maple Town and Ulysses 31, this historical fantasy series contributed significantly to the anime revival in the 1980s. Yet, its worldwide acclaim doesn’t guarantee it a spot among the greatest animation imports. By merging anime styles with French animation, the series seamlessly depicted historical events, scientific, and sci-fi elements. This method complemented the show’s action-adventure and kid-friendly humor, setting it apart from other animated series. What truly distinguishes this series is its focus on a classic hero’s journey through a heartwarming father-son relationship.
Watch every episode of The Mysterious Cities of Gold by buying/renting on Amazon Prime Video.
As a child of the ’80s, I vividly remember the vibrant world of animation that captivated my imagination and shaped my childhood memories. Some of the most underrated animated shows from that era were hidden gems, yet they deserve recognition for their timeless storytelling and artistic brilliance. To this day, I still find myself revisiting these treasures, appreciating them even more than I did back then.
Read More
- BODEN PREDICTION. BODEN cryptocurrency
- GHST PREDICTION. GHST cryptocurrency
- BETA PREDICTION. BETA cryptocurrency
- STRD PREDICTION. STRD cryptocurrency
- Mango Markets Exploiter Found Guilty Of Fraud And Manipulation
- GBP EUR PREDICTION
- MATIC PREDICTION. MATIC cryptocurrency
- LOOKS PREDICTION. LOOKS cryptocurrency
- BRN/USD
- TNSR PREDICTION. TNSR cryptocurrency
2024-08-17 16:08