Kid Cartoons that Won’t Bore Parents to Death

It’s inevitable. You sit down to watch cartoons with your children and, as they giggle and laugh, you’re left wondering what’s funny.

Many cartoons allow ridiculous antics to trump a solid plotline, leaving them devoid of anything educational or emotional. It’s enough to leave you scratching your head, cartoon style.

To be fair, our parents probably wondered the same thing with some of the television we grew up on. However, today’s animated shows are diverse enough that there’s no question even parents can find material they enjoy. Here are a few that will keep you and your children entertained for hours.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars — The show has run its course, so don’t expect new episodes, but six seasons of the animated “Star Wars” television show on DVD is worth the investment. With the newest movie grabbing the attention of the world, some parents might be hesitant to allow their children to see it. While the animated version contains its own version of violence, it’s not nearly as graphic as the violence you’ll see on the big screen. You’ll recognize classic characters, while your children will enjoy new additions like Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s young, wise-cracking Padawan.

Related: Star Wars Keeps Its Secrets

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — The “heroes in a half shell” have been around for nearly 30 years and since obtaining the license, Nickelodeon has given the reptilian brothers the attention they deserve. The fourth season of the newest show just kicked off in October, with a fifth on the way next year. The lighthearted comedy uses CGI rather than the classic animation we remember, but if you were a fan growing up, you’ll undoubtedly recognize many of the same characters that once had you practicing karate in your underwear. (You know you did.)

All Hail King Julien — A spin-off from the popular “Madagascar” movie series, this one falls under the “Netflix Originals” umbrella, meaning the only place to watch is on the popular streaming service. With two seasons already released, the series features the same lovable lemurs from the movie version, complete with wacky humor and a mostly original voice cast. They return to share their adventures in this fun, but not nonsensical, show, striking a perfect combination of qualities that will keep your attention.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic — As the equestrians share their tales in Ponyville, “My Little Pony” is a welcome change to some of the more violent cartoons that are popular among youngsters today. Many episodes focus on individual morals and making the right choices, setting a foundation for your children that will be useful throughout their lives. Most impressive, it doesn’t talk down to the audience, but rather tells their story in a way that children will understand and absorb, and even parents can appreciate.

Inspector Gadget — Fighting the evil Dr. Claw is never-ending, much like the theme song once it gets stuck in your head. Another “Netflix Original,” the reboot of the classic cartoon is brilliant. The premise sees Dr. Claw return, thanks to the help of the newest character, his nephew “Talon.” He’s a handsome, charismatic young man, which plays off of Gadget’s niece, Penny. The two are rivals, brilliant and skilled, but on different sides, though they have a “forbidden crush” on each other. Featured are classic gags like Brain, the dog, constantly watching out for Gadget, and the Chief getting “blown up” every episode, it’s a great new take on the show that originally aired in 1983.

Phineas and Ferb — After four seasons and more than 220 episodes (and one movie), the popular Disney series came to an end in June. The finale, aptly titled “The Last Day of Summer,” gave the brothers one last day to enjoy their vacation, as their sister inevitably attempts to “bust” them. Despite that shtick being used in every episode (and one movie), the hijinks between the brothers and their pet platypus-secret special agent Perry is entertaining and interesting for the entirety of each episode. Parents and children alike can relate to the characters, and the episodes can be viewed individually or at intervals without losing track of the storyline.

It’s challenging to find entertainment you can share with your children, given differences in tastes and maturity. Therefore, finding material you can share and mutually enjoy is priceless. These are part of the memories you’ll look back on and be grateful to recall together.

Aside from this list, it’s reasonable to expect to see many more remakes and reboots of cartoons from your own childhood hitting the airwaves. Bear in mind that many of the writers on these shows today grew up watching the “old school” versions, too. What could be better than reminiscing about your childhood favorites alongside your own children, watching a version of the same show made specifically for them?