25 Forgotten ’80s Cartoons That Will Make You Miss Saturday Mornings

In the ’80s, Saturday mornings were like heaven for cartoon lovers. A whole generation grew up cherishing their sugar-coated breakfast cereals, cozy pajamas, and a 24-inch TV filled with the most fantastic cartoons of the time. It’s an era that has long passed, leaving us with memories we can only revisit in our dreams.

Instead of those cartoons, which have been largely overshadowed by time, what were among the most cherished ones from that era? These days, they might be considered classics for parents and grandparents alike, evoking a sense of nostalgia when recalled. Can you count how many you remember, and can you list as many as you can?

This Beloved Cartoon Focused on Two Sets of Fun-Loving Cats

Prior to the popularity of Garfield, another orange cat named Heathcliff brought laughter to children all over. Unlike the laid-back Garfield, Heathcliff was quite the schemer, always concocting plans to acquire whatever he desired. The series often featured another group of alley cats called The Catillac Cats, who were equally ambitious and had their own schemes for financial gain.

Heathcliff proved to be another hit for DiC Enterprises, as they not only produced enough episodes for syndication in 1984 but also secured a second season shortly afterward. The show continued to thrive on cable networks for many years and was even broadcast on Nickelodeon during the ’90s. Watching cats cause mischief never gets old!

Richie Went on Zany Adventures Relying on His Limitless Funds

Richie Rich, a character dating back to the 1950s, wouldn’t have been unexpected to secure a TV show in the ’80s. Since its creation by Hanna-Barbera, the show was quite versatile due to the various segments it incorporated. Each episode blended brief humorous skits with extended storylines for a balanced mix of entertainment.

The main character, Richie Rich, was the primary focus, but as the series progressed, it introduced a substantial ensemble cast. Besides his family members and pet, viewers also witnessed him working alongside a butler, robot maid, and resident scientist. Airing from 1980 to 1984, Richie Rich was one of the most amusing children’s shows during that period.

This Show Took Viewers All Around Bedrock

Following its debut in the 1960s, “The Flintstones” spawned several sequel series. By the 1980s, their universe had grown so vast that they required a variety show to accommodate all characters. Thus was born “The Flintstone Comedy Hour”.

For two consecutive years, between 1980 and 1981, “The Flintstone Comedy Show” aired, showcasing our beloved characters like The Flintstones, Captain Caveman, and the Frankenstones in distinct episodes. Fortunately, Hanna-Barbera’s expertise with blend shows prevented the series from feeling overly crowded. Instead, it was delightful to revisit Bedrock for additional escapades featuring everyone’s favorite Stone Age family.

Alvin and the Gang Split Their Time Between Scheming and Performing

Back in the mid-80s, I found myself captivated all over again by the irresistible charm of the Chipmunks. Their resurgence catapulted them to unprecedented heights, turning them into cultural icons. The series cleverly positioned the trio, these singing chipmunks, in everyday situations, often with Alvin landing his brothers in trouble due to his cunning schemes. And then, they added another exciting dimension – the Chipettes! These fabulous females served as both rivals and potential love interests for Alvin and the gang, making the storylines even more intriguing.

Alvin and the Chipmunks achieved immense popularity, airing for eight consecutive seasons from 1983 to 1990. The show continued to be broadcast in syndication for quite some time after its initial run, until certain rights related to their musical parodies expired. With its abundance of cultural references and parodies, this was a definitive cartoon series that truly embodied the spirit of the ’80s.

In The 13 Ghosts, All the Monsters Were Real

In a daring departure from the traditional Scooby-Doo series, the 13 Spooky Specters of Scooby-Doo aimed to shake things up. Unlike any show before, these ghosts were made tangible. The story unfolds as Shaggy and Scooby inadvertently open a chest, releasing thirteen genuine supernatural beings. As a result of their unintentional mistake, the powerful sorcerer Vincent Van Ghoul compels them to track down and recapture every one of these eerie entities.

The outcome was a sequence that had an eerie, unexpected vibe while maintaining its traditional Scooby-Doo appeal. Remarkably, the team behind it would refine their approach and later produce other timeless animated shows such as “A Pup Named Scooby-Doo” and “Animaniacs”. This series remains a must-watch for Scooby-Doo enthusiasts throughout the franchise’s multi-decade run.

The Candy-Sweet Bears Produced Some Equally Sweet Adventures

It might feel a little disheartening when an entire species of cartoon characters, like the Gummi Bears from Gummi Glen, are presented as the last remnants of a once-powerful race. However, during the 1980s, such thoughts weren’t commonly expressed (at least not openly), so children didn’t give it much thought. Whether they were right to ignore it or not is still a matter of discussion. Regardless, the Gummi Bears were charming and kind-hearted creatures who aspired to live harmoniously with humans, even though they weren’t always treated kindly in return.

Originally, the ancestors of Gummi Bears were the noble royal family who once coexisted peacefully with humans. But as evil human factions surfaced, the original Gummi beings mysteriously disappeared from the world, leaving behind scattered tribes that continued to live among humans. The show’s charming, lovable, and thrilling aspects made it a hit with younger animation enthusiasts, and due to Disney’s involvement in its success, the series remains popular online today.

The Odd Little Underwater Creatures Marched to Their Own Beat

In a vibrant underwater world called Snorkland, there reside a small yet lively race of sea creatures resembling humans, known as the Snorks. They move swiftly through their aquatic environment thanks to the snorkels on their heads. Although created by the same studio that brought numerous global hits, The Snorks cartoon series didn’t quite achieve the same level of popularity.

Although The Snorks weren’t merely swimming beneath the ocean surface, they utilized their snorkels not just for swimming but also to create music. Despite the 1984 cartoon being lively and entertaining, it seems many fans have overlooked The Snorks. The characters were distinct, and although their stories often adhered to conventional plots, the series managed to infuse its own imaginative flair into them. With a strong dose of nostalgia attached, The Snorks serves as an enjoyable choice for binge-watching sessions that offer comfort.

The Groundbreaking Series Brought Anime Storytelling into the Living Room

A television series, originally inspired by an anime that premiered in 1984, revolves around the storyline. Unlike typical anime adaptations, this series presents a complex narrative. The plot centers around five robot lions, each controlled by a pilot, joining forces to create Voltron – the mightiest of robots. (Imagine it as a precursor to the Transformers franchise, before Michael Bay reimagined it.) These pilots are on a mission to save their planet Arus from the malevolent ruler King Zarkon.

In addition to its intricate plot, there’s a sorceress named Haggar who summons dangerous creatures that endanger the planet governed by Princess Allura and her fleet. Known for its thrilling, action-packed storytelling and power to engage young viewers, it grew into a highly successful franchise. It also demonstrated that extended narratives could thrive on children’s TV, and that complex stories weren’t exclusive to one-off episodes. Regrettably, the show is now largely overlooked, with only a small circle of anime enthusiasts remembering it today.

Don Adams Delivered the OG Bumbling Cybernetic Detective

Inspector Gadget served as a platform for comedian Don Adams, who gained popularity in the 1960s through the live-action spoof of James Bond titled Get Smart. The animated series provides him an ideal secondary persona, that of a perplexed police inspector equipped with various high-tech gadgets. On a regular basis, his superior Chief Quimby entrusts him with new missions aimed at thwarting Doctor Claw and the nefarious organization M.A.D. Despite frequently brushing death by the whiskers, Gadget usually fails to accomplish the mission. In fact, it’s his niece Penny who typically resolves the crisis, while her loyal dog Brain is often responsible for saving Gadget from his own predicaments.

The formula remained constant, yet it performed exceptionally well every single time. Gadget’s cybernetics were amusing and imaginative, often causing humorous glitches when they failed to work properly. Adams’ voice acting was a perfect fit for the character, ably supported by the legendary Frank Welker, who lent his voice to both Claw and the Brain, whose personality bore a striking resemblance to Scooby-Doo. The show sparked two live-action films, comic book adaptations, and an animated revival in 2015.

What Started as One Scene Turned Into a Classic Muppet Creation

A whole generation of children encountered Jim Henson’s Muppets in their cartoon baby phase, which ran for eight highly successful seasons since 1984. This show featured infant versions of Kermit, Piggy, and their pals living in a nursery under the supervision of a human “Nanny”. In every episode, they employed their creativity to convert their environment into various worlds – ranging from the Old West to outer space – and collaborated to tackle challenges.

The idea originated from a musical scene within “, “, yet it was the cartoon that demonstrated the concept’s enduring strength. Although less chaotic or subversive than their adult escapades, the Muppet Babies remained distinctively peculiar and eccentric. Even older kids could be won over by their sweet, playful behavior in this series. A revival of the show was initiated in 2018, but the original remains a cherished aspect of Jim Henson’s adored creations.

2025-04-30 00:59