Discover the 10 Most Obscure Fox Kids Shows from the ’90s That You Totally Forgot About!

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Initially called Fox Children’s Network and later Fox Kids Network, Fox Kids was a children’s television programming block operated by the Fox Broadcasting Company (Fox) and its associated networks. To this day, it remains the sole form of daytime TV programming (excluding sports) that Fox has ever aired. It is particularly renowned for popular ’90s shows such as Power Rangers and Action Man. Fox Kids was eventually phased out in 2002, replaced by the FoxBox block produced by 4Kids Entertainment. By 2008, Fox had entirely ceased producing children’s programming.

The era of Fox Kids has passed, yet it continues to be fondly remembered for providing entertainment or joy that brightened the faces of many viewers and their children. However, just like with any popular network or programming block, not every show made a lasting impression on audiences. Some remain forgotten due to mediocre quality or brief airtime, while others’ lack of success remains unexplained.

Fox Kids is no more, but it will always be remembered for either entertaining people or making their children happy. Not all shows from this era left a lasting impression on viewers, though. Some were not well-liked because they weren’t very good, didn’t air long enough to make an impact, or their lack of popularity remains a mystery.

10
‘NASCAR Racers’ (1999 – 2001)

The storyline, NASCAR Racers, focuses on two fierce competitors, Team Fastex under Mark “Charger” McCutchen, and Team Rexcor with Garner Rexton, as they go head-to-head in the advanced NASCAR Unlimited Division. Unlike traditional NASCAR tracks which are oval shaped, the circuits in this series vary from mountainous roads to desert terrains, and more.

High-Speed Awesomeness

The animated show is an astonishing blend of intelligence and imagination, appealing to both young and old. Kids will be captivated by the massive, vibrant candy-scaped setting, while adults will appreciate the strategic elements. You don’t need to be a fan of actual NASCAR or car-themed stories to find yourself enchanted at every twist. Despite moments where things might become overly simplified, NASCAR Racers delivers insightful conversations about the value of perseverance and triumph. It’s a shame there are only two seasons available.

9
‘The Avengers: United They Stand’ (1999 – 2000)

In “The Avengers: United They Stand,” you might want to moderate your anticipation since it doesn’t feature characters like Hulk or Thor. Instead, this series spotlights a team that resembles the West Coast Avengers, which includes Ant-Man, Wasp, Wonder Man, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Tigra, Falcon, and Vision. Despite the difference in characters, they continue to face off against some of Marvel’s most formidable villains.

Not Marvel’s Proudest Moment

The reason United They Stand failed was that its foundation was flawed from the start. The animated series was primarily designed to challenge Batman Beyond, a highly acclaimed show characterized by a potent ambiance and subtle symbolism. Similar to DC’s production, Marvel’s show was also set in the future. However, it lacked popular characters and compelling storylines, failing to live up to its competitor. Fans criticized it as just a cheap copycat, and eventually, after several months, it was taken off the air.

8
‘Attack of the Killer Tomatoes’ (1990 – 1991)

The film titled Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is a sequel, though loosely based on the 1978 horror comedy with the same name, where tomatoes were portrayed as having humans for meals. In this storyline, a mad scientist and his assistant, Igor Smith, perform experiments that transform the tomatoes in the town of San Zucchini into man-eating beasts. Trying to thwart him are the young Chad Finletter and his companions.

Tables Turned

A fresh, high-quality remake of the classic movie “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” proves that even a seemingly absurd concept can deliver plenty of entertainment value. Boasting robust vocal performances and an excellent score, the show manages to captivate its young audience. Moreover, it’s filled with countless amusing pop culture nods. As a fun fact, the second season was also the first animated Saturday morning cartoon series to be computer-generated.

7
‘Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century’ (1999)

In the sci-fi series “Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century,” a replica of crime mastermind James Moriarty is wreaking chaos. To counter this, Inspector Beth Lestrade resurrects the iconic Sherlock Holmes employing diverse cellular revitalization techniques. Accompanied by a robotic version of Dr. Watson, the revived Holmes embarks on a mission to bring tranquility back to New London.

Fish Out of Water?

In case you’re not familiar, there’s a lesser-known Sherlock Holmes TV series that offers an intriguing twist – our detective grapples with applying his Victorian-era sleuthing techniques in a modern, tech-savvy world. It’s a delightful blend of nostalgia and novelty, with Bond-esque gadgetry adding to the enjoyment. While it may not be the most iconic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, it certainly caters to a younger audience in an engaging way.

6
‘Red Planet’ (1994)

In Robert A. Heinlein’s namesake novel, Red Planet narrates the story of young Jim Marlowe along with his alien companion in the year 2053. They strive to dismantle a sinister scheme aimed at exploiting the fictional New Aries planet. As Jim uncovers a group of malicious corporations plotting to seize control, he resolves to prevent this takeover, recognizing that such an action would cause devastation for both native life and colonists living on the planet.

Vanquishing the Greedy

Three significant aspects make this series exceptional: first, the animation team’s remarkable skill with color and their exceptionally creative palette. Second, the plot twists keep you hooked. Third, the series provides an accurate depiction of basic space travel details. Unfortunately, its popularity waned due to it only having three seasons, adhering strictly to the original novel without succumbing to network’s expansion demands. Fingers crossed for a movie adaptation in the future.

5
‘Silver Surfer’ (1998)

According to the Marvel universe conceived by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character known as Silver Surfer modifies the original comic lore, with the Fantastic Four noticeably absent from the storyline. Instead, the Silver Surfer is depicted as the solitary defender of Earth, safeguarding it from the destructive appetite of Galactus. Recurring characters such as Ego the Living Planet, Pip the Troll, The Watcher, Drax the Destroyer, and Adam Warlock are also integral parts of this narrative.

A Regrettable Cancelation

As a film enthusiast, I’d say there’s nothing quite like the visual grandeur of “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” or the pulse-pounding drama of ’90s superhero animated series. However, “Silver Suffer” stands out in a unique way – it’s rough around the edges with its messy frames and less linear plots. Yet, it masterfully intertwines survival and heroism themes with breathtaking action sequences and witty dialogue that are nothing short of marvelous. Sadly, its run was cut short due to a legal disagreement between Marvel and Saban Entertainment.

4
‘Mad Jack the Pirate’ (1999)

The story of “Mad Jack the Pirate” revolves around a timid and inept pirate named Jack (Bill Kopp), who remains optimistic even amidst his constant setbacks. This buoyant attitude is no doubt influenced by Snuk, a lively but not-so-bright anthropomorphic rat companion, voiced by Billy West. Together, they continue their journey across the vast ocean on their ship, the Sea Chicken.

Jack the Cowardly Pirate

This sweet, heartfelt animated series maintains a unique charm and innocence, and the sincere exchanges between its primary characters are accentuated by touching melodies. While there seems to be influence from the ’80s BBC comedy series Blackadder, the show carves out its own path with its unusual comedic slapstick elements. It’s a shame it didn’t run for longer.

3
‘Eek! The Cat’ (1992)

In the imaginative city of McTropolis dwells a benevolent purple feline named Eek, who embodies the philosophy, “It’s better to help than not.” However, it seems that Eek’s selfless deeds often lead to unforeseen accidents instead. Yet, through all the mishaps, Eek remains optimistic and unchanged in spirit.

Fate Hates this Helper

In the realm of 20th-century cat-centric cartoons, it seemed like nothing could compete with the legendary duo of Tom & Jerry. The competition was tough. However, if you’re seeking an entertaining alternative that still delivers on the zany factor, look no further than “Eek! The Cat.” This show manages to blend its whimsical antics with solid character growth, creating a fast-paced, intelligent, and fun viewing experience that is sure to keep you hooked.

2
‘Xyber 9: New Dawn’ (1999)

In the science fiction series called “Xyber 9: New Dawn“, events unfold in a time where technology and sorcery are intertwined. However, under the oppressive rule of King Renard, life is unbearable for everyone. A defiant young man named Jack decides to challenge this tyranny, following his discovery of a potent AI system known as “Xyber 9“.

A Perfect Sci-fi and Fantasy Blend

In a fresh and imaginative fashion, Xyber 9: New Dawn delivers an engaging tale steeped in fantasy, keeping viewers captivated until the very end. Despite its seemingly predictable foundation, the creative minds behind it manage to make it stand out with unconventional storylines and strategic setting selections. With talented voice actors like René Auberjonois and Tim Curry on board, you can expect a delightful visual and auditory journey throughout the series.

1
‘Spider-Man Unlimited’ (1999)

In the series “Spider-Man Unlimited”, John Jameson, son of J. Jonah Jameson, embarks on a space journey to the world known as Counter-Earth. When Spider-Man learns that Venom and Carnage have taken control of the spaceship, he attempts to prevent this, but communication is lost. As a result, suspicion falls on him, causing him to travel to Counter-Earth in search of answers.

More of ‘Spider-Man Limited’

The series stands out for hardcore Marvel comics enthusiasts due to its exploration of rich backstories beyond basic facts. Unfortunately, it didn’t gain widespread popularity as it faced stiff competition from Pokémon: Spider-Man Unlimited. Being a secondary project, it received minimal attention from its creators. Essentially, it was produced under contractual obligations, intended to satisfy both Fox and Marvel Entertainment.

Since Marvel had made a film deal with Sony, many characters were off-limits. It’s unfortunate, as the series could have been something significant and impressive if these limitations hadn’t been in place.

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2025-02-22 22:02