Unlike people a few years (or decades) older than me, my first introduction to Mark Hamill wasn’t through Star Wars but instead Batman: The Animated Series. The legendary actor’s take on the Joker in the all-time great cartoon will always be my favorite version of the Clown Prince of Crime, as well as my go-to Hamill performance. Well, now I have another role to add to the list of great and unforgettable voice performances from Luke Skywalker: The Flying Dutchman in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.

Going into the new 2025 movie, I somehow avoided all the news that Hamill was going to be playing the villainous, ghostly pirate trying to trick SpongeBob SquarePants. Little did I know before walking into the movie that I’d be seeing one of the funniest kids movies of the year, but also Hamill’s best villain role in years. Let me explain…

Mark Hamill’s Take On The Flying Dutchman Was Out Of This World

I recently stumbled upon an interview Mark Hamill gave on Kelly & Mark Live talked about how much fun he had playing the Flying Dutchman (he replaced Brian Doyle Murray, who had voiced the role for years) in the new SpongeBob movie, and his comments make total sense. I kid you not, Hamill’s performance is out of this world and one of the most bonkers and hilarious things I’ve experienced all year.

Whether it’s when he’s trying to escape the underworld by tricking the gullible SpongeBob into switching places following an absurdly long and difficult challenge, or when he’s being a real jerk to his ghostly crew, the character is just all kinds of ridiculous. You can tell Hamill was having fun, and it makes the performance that much more hilarious.

The Performance Is Up There With His Joker From Batman: The Animated Series

Don’t get me wrong, I love everything that Mark Hamill has been doing in recent years (his work in multiple 2025 Stephen King movies was outstanding), but his Flying Dutchman was above and beyond my favorite thing he’s done in years. In fact, I’d put this right up there with his version of the Joker, he’s played for well over 30 years now. The inflections in his voice, the personality he adds to the character, and the sense of enjoyment and fun that comes through his performance are just something.

While the spectre doesn’t rob any banks with oversized guns, get away from Batman after the Batmobile lost its wheels, or get in the head of Caped Crusader like “Mr. J” in the Arkham games, SpongeBob’s foil is devilish, cunning, and just so dang entertaining. A movie, especially one with a hero’s journey, is only as great as its villain, and Hamill’s Flying Dutchman does just that.

Near the end of the movie, Mark Hamill is dressed up like the Flying Dutchman in one of the most genuinely insane and entertaining sequences I’ve seen all year. No, it’s not super off-putting like the live-action scenes in The Plankton Movie, but instead like a real-life Scooby-Doo chase that left everyone in the theater in stitches.

Go see The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Not only is it a great way to spend time with your kids (and watch the amazing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey), but also your opportunity to experience one of Mark Hamill’s best performances ever.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: Search For SquarePants just arrived as one of the last 2025 movie releases. It’s a real treat for longtime fans of the show, because it’s the first time The Flying Dutchman is the villain on the big screen. CinemaBlend chatted with the voices of SpongeBob and Patrick, Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke about the long-running character, and I learned so much about the ghostly pirate.

Tom Kenny Talks The Origins Of The Flying Dutchman

Have you ever wondered why The Flying Dutchman is in SpongeBob to begin with? Here’s what Tom Kenny (aka the voice of SpongeBob) had to say:

Of course, The Flying Dutchman didn’t start on SpongeBob, though it might tend to be introduced to kids that way these days. It’s a piece of Dutch maritime folklore from the 17th century. In the folktale, the captain of the ship apparently defied God or the Devil, and he and his crew received the fate of eternal damnation in return. Apparently Hillenburg was fascinated with pirate lore and decided it would be fun to add a comedic version of The Flying Dutchman to the TV show. Kenny also said this:

Mark Hamill takes on the role of The Flying Dutchman in Search For Squarepants, and that turns into another great SpongeBob live-action cameo. As far as the history of The Flying Dutchman in SpongeBob, the character first appeared on TV screens in Season 1, Episode 11 “Squidward the Unfriendly Ghost” briefly in a comic book. His physical debut is two episodes later in "Scaredy Pants,” when he tells patrons of the Krusty Krab to stop dressing like him for Halloween.

Kenny And Bill Fagerbakke Share Early Memories Of The Character

When I asked the voices of SpongeBob and Patrick, who’ve been working together for over 25 years now, they shared their first memories with The Flying Dutchman. As Kenny added:

Oh, that’s an popular one. He’s talking about “Shanghaied” from Season 2, where SpongeBob and Patrick have to escape being captured by The Flying Dutchman. It’s definitely one of those episodes that has become a meme, so I’m not surprised his mind went there. Here’s what Fagerbakke had to say:

The Flying Dutchman is such a hilarious and fun character, so it’s no wonder he’s been a staple of the show for so long. You can see what adventure he leads SpongeBob and Patrick on in The SpongeBob Movie: The Search For SquarePants, in theaters now.

This year has been a pretty good one for family friendly movies, with options like The Minecraft Movie, KPop Demon Hunters and the SpongeBob spinoff Plankton (streaming with a Netflix subscription), to name a few. But before we flip over to the 2026 movie calendar, there’s one more animated option — and it’s one that might appeal to viewers of all ages — The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Critics have seen the latest movie based on the popular Nicktoon, and they say we’re in for some “nautical nonsense.”

The previous SpongeBob SquarePants movies have been a lot of fun, and in his latest adventure, the titular sea sponge goes on an adventure through The Underworld with ghost pirate The Flying Dutchman in order to prove he’s a “big guy.” Hold on to your lucky bricks, because Matt Zoller Seitz of RogerEbert rates the movie a perfect 4 out of 4 stars, calling it “sublimely silly” and writing:

Rachel Leishman of The Mary Sue is equally delighted with the movie, giving it 4 out of 5 bubbles. More than just a cash grab, Search for SquarePants feels like a warm hug and even sneaks a meaningful message into the adventure. Leishman writes:

Soren Andersen of the Seattle Times rates it 3 out of 4 stars, writing that audiences of all ages will appreciate its nonstop action and giggle at the below-the-belt rudeness. In Anderson’s words:

For Luke Darling of The Only Critic, the movie earns a B for its “absolutely stunning” animation and an ability to keep both kids and adults engaged. Its one hiccup, Darling says, is “a relentless amount of butt jokes.” It’s not the sophomoric nature of the jokes, but the fact that the same gags are repeated multiple times throughout the film. The critic continues:

Alison Foreman of IndieWire gives it a C, writing that The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants looks and feels like imitation seafood, but director Derek Drymon produces a colorful, witty wasteland, proving the pineapple dweller is still enjoyable. Foreman says:

It sounds like younger moviegoers and older fans who grew up with SpongeBob should find a lot to like in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants — depending on your mileage for butt jokes, apparently. This latest theatrical spinoff is out on big screens as of Friday, December 19, if you want to check it out.

We’ve been loving the influx of new SpongeBob movies in recent years, and since the latest one, Search For SquarePants, is part of 2025 movie releases this weekend, it’s a great time to think about the property’s 25+-year legacy. When CinemaBlend spoke to the voice of SpongeBob and Patrick, Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke, we learned a hilarious bit about what adult fans were scared of about the show growing up.

Remember Patchy The Pirate? Apparently It's Nightmare Fuel

Original fans of the SpongeBob SquarePants television series will remember the various appearances of the live-action character Patchy The Pirate and his pet parrot, Potty, throughout the show. If you didn’t know, Tom Kenny was actually the actor who played the pirate role. While talking to Kenny and Fagerbakke about Search For SquarePants, I brought up Patchy to ask the SpongeBob voice if he was shocked the character isn’t in the new movie centered on being a pirate. Here’s one thing he told us:

As a fellow grown-up fan of SpongeBob SquarePants who grew up with the show and Patchy The Pirate, I never would have guessed this response from Kenny, but apparently he’s heard it enough. Patchy scared a lot of kids for some reason!?! If you feel like going down memory lane, check out this compilation of Patchy:

Patchy has had a lot of great moments over the years, from his first appearance in the Season 2 Christmas special “Christmas Who?” to tons of other funny moments over the years.

Tom Kenny Talks Patchy The Pirate Being Left Out Of Search For SquarePants

Patchy may not have gotten a role in Search For SquarePants, but the new movie does give the Flying Dutchman his first SpongeBob movie role, with none other than Mark Hamill taking on the role Brian Doyle-Murray voices on the TV show. You can also look for an appearance from the voice of Mr. Krabs, Clancy Brown, who plays a live-action pirate at the top of the movie.

During our interview, Tom Kenny shared he’s all in for more Patchy in future SpongeBob projects. In his words:

The voice of Patrick, Bill Fagerbakke, also shared his love for the character, sharing that the SpongeBob B.C. (Before Comedy) special from 2002 is one of his “favorite half hours of the show.” Kenny also shared this funny anecdote from playing Patchy The Pirate in real life:

I guess depending on your own reaction to Patchy the Pirate as a kid would probably determine whether you’ll be on the BPB train. Either way, Tom Kenny and Bill Fagerbakke’s iconic characters get a lot of pirate fun in for The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants, out on Friday, December 19.

TV characters may often lead more exciting lives than the average person, but they're just as susceptible as anyone to relaxing on the couch while watching their own televisions. Most of the time, those shows-within-shows are completely fictional, as not to cause any copyright friction, which can lead to some hilariously weird and inspired creations.

So, in the vein of fake bands we love listening to, fictional brandings we love promoting, and commercials for faux products, let's now celebrate fake TV shows that might just be as watchable as the real ones.

Married...With Children - "Psycho Dad"

Perhaps Al Bundy's favorite TV show, the "simple saga of a guy run amok in the Old West" was somehow a PBS series (and then a Fox one), despite being one of the most violent shows on TV, which the theme song alludes to. Didn't stop the spinoff Psycho Mom from happening, though.

Gravity Falls - "Duck-tective"

If it walks like a duck and solves mysteries like a detective, it can only be Gravity Falls' fine-feathered sleuth Duck-tective, who heads up the titular mystery series that relies heavily on bad puns and cheap effects, like so many shows of the '80s and '90s.

Community - "Inspector Spacetime"

Despite Community's Abed having once worn a Doctor Who T-shirt, his preferred sci-fi time-travel saga is Inspector Spacetime, a very on-the-nose homage to the long-running UK fave. (The American version introduced years later was portrayed by Luke Perry.) I'd wager I.S. has more canonical backstory than almost any other show-within-a-show, with lots of background for fans, real and otherwise, to dig into.

South Park - "The Terrance And Phillip Show"

Two of the biggest celebrities within South Park that aren't parodies of real-world celebs are Sir Phillip Niles Argyle and Sir Terrance Henry Stoot, best known to the Canadian comedy lovers as Terrance and Phillip, who have their own TV show that's a real gas...gas...gasssss.

Extras - "When The Whistle Blows"

One of the funniest things about Ricky Gervais satirizing BBC sitcoms in HBO's Extras is how little it feels like a parody, and how believable it would be as a real-world series with its lowest-common-denominator jokes, forever cementing "Are you 'avin' a laugh?" into the annals of love-to-hate TV catchphrases.

Saturday Night Live - "TV Funhouse"

Saturday Night Live has featured loads of fake movie trailers, songs, TV shows, etc., but perhaps the only applicable recurring sketch to get spun off with its own shows-within-a-show concept was "TV Funhouse," as created by Robert Smigel. Later a standalone series on Comedy Central, the OG run gave the world the Ambiguously Gay Duo, "Bambi 2002," and other SNL classics from the '90s and 2000s.

The Big Bang Theory - "Professor Proton"

I'd have to imagine Big Bang Theory's Sheldon Cooper would have loved Mr. Wizard's World or Beakman's World if he were real, as his favorite small-screen personality was the science educator Professor Proton (real name: Arthur Jeffries). For viewers, Proton's excellence was naturally due to comedy legend Bob Newhart being cast. And you can't forget his puppet pal Gino the Neutrino, even if it's best not to bring up the puppeteer.

Parks And Recreation - "The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show"

Chris Pratt's Andy Dwyer brought Johnny Karate to life initially as a guitar-playing act for children's birthday parties, but that just wasn't musical or explosive enough, so of course he got his own inspirational TV show. Johnny may have been a doofus, but alter-alter ego Jonathan Karate is the one who has it all together.

Rocko's Modern LIfe - "Meet The Fatheads"

Within Rocko's Modern Life, the Bigheads' lives were fictionalized as The Fatheads, a family sitcom centered on pretty awful and stereotypical characters. Amusingly enough, the revival special Static Cling also featured the in-universe revival of The Fatheads, which not everyone was a fan of.

Home Improvement - "Tool Time"

One of TV's ultimate "How-Not-To" characters, Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor somehow kept his job hosting the Detroit-set series "Tool Time," despite being shockingly consistent at destroying property and electrical equipment with ease. It's just as shocking that co-host Al Borland didn't quit or suffer grave injuries during that run.

Only Murders In The Building - "Brazzos"

No one remembers the detective series "Brazzos" as well as Only Murders in the Building's Charles-Haden Savage, the actor who donned the iconic hat for its surprisingly long run. (Okay, perhaps his loyal stunt double Sazz remembered it just as fondly.) But who else could have spun these banal words into an oft-ish-repeated catchphrase: "This sends the investigation into a whole new direction." So many new directions for this guy.

Rugrats - "Oodles The Talking Poodle"

As an avid Rugrats fan during the NickToons era, it's been 30+ years since I've been able to hear the world "poodle" without hearing a light "ding" behind it, as it goes in the talking dog's theme song. "OOdles. OOdles the TALking POOdle. Ding." How is this not a movie by now?

Stargate SG-1 - "Wormhole X-Treme"

While Stargate SG-1 didn't always show off its funny bone so directly, the self-spoofing 100th episode "Wormhole X-Treme," which focuses on the action-geared sci-fi series that provided the ep's title. I wish every show I love had a parody as faithful and fan-friendly as this one.

The Simpsons - "The Krusty The Clown Show"

If not for Krusty the Clown's quality-questionable variety show, Bart, Lisa and Simpsons fans around the world might never have been introduced to the hyperviolent "Itchy and Scratchy Show," which superceded its own source clown's popularity, with former sidekick Sideshow Bob amassing more notoriety.

Murderbot - "The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon"

It's easy to see why Alexander Skarsgård's sentient SecUnit just wants to spend all day, all 397 (at least) episodes of the sudsy space opera "The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon." With legit talents like John Cho, Clark Gregg and DeWanda Wise heading up the How to Get Away with Murder-esque series, this is easily worthy of a standalone spinoff to keep viewers rapt.

Young Justice - "Hello, Megan!"

Who knew superheroes would get into such normalcy as the sitcom "Hello, Megan!" A by-the-books sitcom from 1979-1980, the show follows a pretty cheerleader, her BFF, hunky boyfriend, and parents, and not even for large-scale adventures, but just everyday plots like taking care of the school frog. Okay, fine, I completely understand why everyone is obsessed.

Channel Zero - "Candle Cove"

The worst kind of TV show, I think we can all agree, is one that inevitably brings you harm just by watching it. So it goes for the first season of the excellent horror anthology Channel Zero, where "Candle Cove" is a pirate-based puppet show that may only exist in the minds of its viewers. Watch out for The Skin-Taker, that's all I'm saying.

Steven Universe - Crying Breakfast Friends

If you don't know the value of watching "Crying Breakfast Friends," then I don't suggest mentioning it to Steven Universe's titular crystal being. He adores watching the various food items, leaking both tears of joy and tears of sorrow. Glum Glass and Weeping Egg Cup are all of us, really.

Supernatural - "Ghostfacers"

Supernatural, a show that legitimately crossed over with the animated Scooby-Doo gang, brought an equally silly spin to the never-ending number of paranormal investigator series that took over cable in the 21st century. Founded by the Ghostbusters-homaging Harry Spangler and Ed Zeddmore, the Ghostfacers appeared quite a few times over the years, and even sparked a web series of shorts.

BoJack Horseman - "Horsin' Around"

For as dramatically serious and maudlin as BoJack Horseman could get, none of that was to be found in the cornball hijinks of the in-series sitcom "Horsin' Around," centering on three kids adopted by a horse, obviously. It fights right alongside fare like Punky Brewster, with a slew of wonderfully groan-worthy lines perhaps best exemplified by the pun "Now, that's a horse of a different...crueller."

Twin Peaks - "Invitation To Love"

Oh, to explore around inside David Lynch's brain to see all of the things he might have been thinking about for the expertly crafted soap opera "Invitation to Love," which was a favorite amongst some of the characters inhabiting Twin Peaks' titular town. The fact that the storylines reference the characters' lives only makes it more interesting.

Seinfeld - "Jerry"

While Seinfeld's show-within-a-show "Jerry" really only existed as a pilot and not as a fully ordered network-aired series, given the actions of its characters, its ridiculous plot is enough to make it one of the more memorable faux TV series out there. Jerry gets into a car accident, and the other insurance-less driver has to become Jerry's butler, making "Because he's MY butler" one of the more logically accurate fake TV catchphrases.

Family Guy - "Jolly Farm Revue"

With an aesthetic that mashed up the Teletubbies with other pastoral children's fare, Family Guy's faux UK series "Jolly Farm Revue" became an obsession of Stewie's, as he believed its characters actually existed, only to find them to be less real than his teddy bear Rupert. I prefer the American remake with that li'l cutie Karina Smirnoff.

Arrested Development - "Mock Trial With J. Reinhold"

Arrested Development's melting pot of humor is well-exemplified by Michael Bluth having a legal case heard as part of a courtroom reality show fronted by Judge Reinhold (who definitely isn't a real judge), with a theme song sung live on-set by William Hung and a backing band. Should this have turned into an actual series? "I'm going to allow it," even if it pretty much rips on a gag from Clerks: the Animated Series.

SpongeBob SquarePants - "Mermaid Man And Barnacle Boy"

Not only was the superhero series "Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy" a fun show-within-a-show for SpongeBob SquarePants' characters, but the titular characters were a treat outside of their televised exploits as well. For one, they were originally voiced by legends Ernest Bornine and Tim Conway, and later boasted '60s Batman icons Adam West and Burt Ward in the respective hero and sidekick roles at one point or another.

30 Rock - "MILF Island"

A fake TV show that will likely exist before this sentence is finished, 30 Rock's reality TV-aping romance competition MILF Island was sold with the disturbing tagline "25 Super-Hot Moms, 50 Eighth Grade Boys, No Rules." Okay, maybe we should just keep this one hidden behind a locked door back in 2008.

Lost - "Exposé"

Lost's storylines didn't just flash backwards, forwards and sideways. They also went internal for the show-within-a-show Exposé, a '70s-esque action-adventure series in which Kiele Sanchez's Nikki was guest-starring. (With Billy Dee Williams as the lead of the faux show.) We see just enough to make me want more, although that would never happen, as audiences' dislike of Nikki and Rodrigo Santoro's Paolo was strong enough to get them killed off during the same season in which they were introduced.

DuckTales - "Ottoman Empire"

A TV parody that is too close to the real thing to be entirely comedic, DuckTales' "Ottoman Empire" centers on two twin rooster brothers, Johnny and Randy, who design custom ottomans for customers. It's like Property Brothers with a punnier title, and you know, roosters.

Drake And Josh - "Drew And Jerry"

Drake & Josh entered sitcom doppelgänger territory in Season 2 when Drake Bell and Josh Peck's namesake characters took a friendly break from each other, only to befriend someone else with the exact same personality. By the end, the titular teens were buds again, while their "others" were somehow given their own TV show that looks exactly like D&J. Presumably with its own Season 2 doppelgänger plot.

My Name Is Earl - "Estrada Or Nada"

We're at a point where real-life game shows are about as ridiculous as anything fictional, but My Name Is Earl's "Estrada or Nada" is still pretty special. Basically, anyone can challenge the CHiPs star to any imaginable challenge, from shooting basketballs to eating hot dogs to looking like Erik Estrada.

Futurama - "Everybody Loves Hynotoad"

I love Hypnotoad. You love Hypnotoad. Everybody loves Hypnotoad. Everybody loves Hypnotoad. Good show.

Garfield & Friends - "The Binky Show"

Hey, kids! No fake TV clown seemed quite as intent on waking everyone in the hosue up as Garfield & Friends' Binky the Clown, whose show seemed to be on at literally all hours. Because it was of such high production value, I can only assume.

In many cases, a satisfying story sees the protagonist undergo a dramatic change. Sometimes, this means the character adopts new personality traits, for better or worse, but there are also some notable instances in which they change from the outside, often in wild and even unsettling ways. If you have the stomach for it, come relive some of the most bewildering physical transformations from the big and small screen.

Sherman Klump (The Nutty Professor)

Star Eddie Murphy underwent multiple, incredible physical transformations, thanks to Rick Baker's Oscar-winning makeup, to portray various roles in director Tom Shadyac's remake of 1963's The Nutty Professor. However, his central role is Sherman Klump, a scientist who creates an instant weight loss formula that not only changes his appearance but causes him to unlock an alternate persona that begins to grow increasingly independent.

Walter White (Breaking Bad)

Walter White, Bryan Cranston's four-time Emmy-winning lead role on Breaking Bad, is the ultimate example of a TV character whose personality takes a complete 180 over time. However, the chemistry teacher-turned-criminal not only changes from within, but also on the outside when he shaves his head and grows a goatee early on in Season 1.

The Joker (Batman)

Some iterations of Batman's archnemesis depict him as a man who puts on the face of a clown with makeup and hair dye, but not in Tim Burton's 1989 classic. Jack Nicholson's Jack Napier becomes The Joker when he falls into a vat of acid that turns his hair green and his skin white and leaves a permanent smile on his face.

The Doctor (Doctor Who)

The title hero of Doctor Who may hold the record for the highest number of dramatic physical transformations for a single TV character, having completely altered his appearance at least 15 times in the series' decades-long history. Every few seasons or so, the immortal Time Lord regenerates, appearing in a whole new form and portrayed by a new actor.

Prince Adam (Beauty And The Beast)

Beauty and the Beast, the acclaimed 1991 Disney animated movie classic based on the timeless fairytale, is a story that reminds us that there is more to a person than meets the eye. The titular Beast used to be a handsome, but cruelly arrogant, prince named Adam before he was afflicted with a curse that could only be broken by finding true love with Belle.

Steve Urkel (Family Matters)

You could argue that making Jaleel White's nerdy Family Matters character the star of the show ruined the otherwise beloved TV sitcom, but, admittedly, Steve Urkel did prove himself to be a genius in many entertaining ways. Most notably, he invented a transformation chamber that could replicate his DNA and make him into a more suave alter ego known as Stefan Urquelle.

Steve Rogers (Captain America: The First Avenger)

I believe that none of the Marvel movies in order are more inspirational than 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, in which the 5'3", 115-lb Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) gets his wish to defend his country in World War II. All it takes to get him qualified is an injection of a special "Super Soldier" serum that allows his inner strength to also become his outer strength.

Mac (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia)

For the seventh season of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rob McElhenney (who legally changed his name to Rob Mac in 2025) thought it would be funny if his character, Mac, gained a great deal of weight. The actor, and his role, would later alter his physical appearance once again when he dropped 60 pounds and achieved a shredded physique.

Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith)

Few characters from the Star Wars movies look quite as unsettling as Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), who once had an entirely different appearance (and I am not just talking about when another actor played him in The Empire Strikes Back). The prequel trilogy reveals that the Sith leader actually looked human before the Force lightning he used to kill Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) reflected back on him, giving him withered white skin, jagged teeth, and yellow eyes.

Sean Archer And Castor Troy (Face/Off)

In one of the all-time wildest premises for an action movie, John Woo's 1997 hit Face/Off sees grieving FBI agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) undergo a revolutionary procedure that allows him to convincingly pose as the comatose Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage). Unfortunately, he comes to discover that the notorious terrorist has awakened and has undergone the same surgery in order to look like him.

Seth Brundle (The Fly)

Arguably, the quintessential body horror movie is director David Cronenberg's (who else?) 1986 remake of The Fly. The stomach-churning classic stars Jeff Goldblum as Seth Brundle, a physicist whose instant transportation experiment goes wrong when his DNA is accidentally fused with an insect, causing him to slowly become a grotesque creature.

Henry Creel (Stranger Things)

The fourth season of Netflix's Stranger Things was chock-full of mindblowing revelations, including how all of the trouble in Hawkins has been caused by a frightening creature referred to as Vecna. A big twist on top of that big twist is that the powerful, decrepit ruler of the Upside Down used to be a human named Henry Creel (Jamie Campbell Bower) until Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) pushed him through a portal to the alternate dimension, causing his transformation.

Sméagol/Gollum (The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King)

Andy Serkis' performance in The Lord of the Rings movies is not entirely achieved with performance capture. The actor appears in his practical form in The Return Of The King for a haunting flashback that explains how the creepy little creature known as Gollum used to be a hobbit named Sméagol before he was corrupted by the One Ring.

Chuck Noland (Cast Away)

In 2000's Cast Away, FedEx employee Chuck Noland loses quite a bit of weight and never has an opportunity to shave or trim his hair while stranded on a desert island for four years. Robert Zemeckis actually took a break from production to film What Lies Beneath while waiting for Tom Hanks to lose 50 lbs.

The Gremlins (Gremlins)

In the classic 1984 horror-comedy movie, Gremlins, Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) learns why you should never feed a Mogwai after midnight the hard way. The cute, cuddly, one-of-a-kind creatures mutate into the eponymous, menacing green monsters who cause anything but a silent night around Christmastime.

David Banner (The Incredible Hulk)

In the classic TV adaptation of the Marvel comic, The Incredible Hulk, Bill Bixby plays David Banner, a physicist who is dangerously exposed to gamma radiation. As a result, if his stress levels rise too high, he transforms into a green behemoth played by bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno.

Elisabeth Sparkle (The Substance)

One of the best horror movies of 2024 (and most acclaimed films of that year, period), The Substance, is a cautionary tale of vanity sealing one's downfall, told from the perspective of Oscar nominee Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle. The actor uses a black market drug to create a younger alter ego named Sue (Margaret Qualley), who begins to take over her life, disrespecting the balance and, literally, draining every last drop of her youth until she becomes a completely unrecognizable, old crone.

Alex Murphy (RoboCop)

In 1987's RoboCop, police officer Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) suffers an incident that leads him to become part-man, part-machine... but mostly machine. Since much of his physical form was destroyed, just about everything from the neck down is replaced with robotic parts, turning him into the ultimate crime-fighting tool.

Melvin Junko (The Toxic Avenger)

Troma's cult-favorite superhero flick, 1984's The Toxic Avenger, is the story of an awkward, geeky custodian named Melvin Junko (Mark Torgl). After falling into a vat of toxic waste, as the result of a disastrously cruel prank, the 98-pound weakling transforms into a hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength, which he uses to make his crime-ridden community a better place.

Edward Lemuel (A Different Man)

In the acclaimed A24 movie, A Different Man, Sebastian Stan plays Edward Lemuel, an actor born with neurofibromatosis, which causes him to grow abnormalities on his face that he has removed with reconstructive surgery. However, he soon begins to experience an identity crisis when an actor with the same affliction (played by Adam Pearson) is cast to portray him in a play based on his life.

Ben Grimm (Fantastic Four)

Like in the beloved Marvel comic that inspired it, 2005's Fantastic Four sees a group of people suffer a strange accident during a space mission that causes them to gain powers like elasticity, invisibility, and pyrokinesis. However, Ben Grimm (Michael Chiklis) is a special case because, in addition to gaining super strength, his skin turns to an impenetrable, rock-like substance.

Dr. Henry Jekyll (Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde)

One of the few actors to win an Academy Award for a horror movie is Frederic March, who starred in 1931's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as both the ambitious scientist and his grotesque, murderous alter ego.

David Kessler (An American Werewolf In London)

Cinema's gold standard for lycanthropic transformations occurs in 1981's An American Werewolf in London when David Kessler (David Naughton) undergoes a painful metamorphosis from man to animal under a full moon, courtesy of Rick Baker's Oscar-winning makeup effects.

Gwynplaine (The Man Who Laughs)

In 1928's The Man Who Laughs, Conrad Veidt plays the son of an executed English noble, whose face is surgically altered into an unsettling permanent grin, which would serve as the inspiration for the comic book villain, The Joker.

Thackery Binx (Hocus Pocus)

Hocus Pocus is recognized as a kid-friendly movie about witches, but the Sanderson Sisters (played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) cast some truly dark and cruel spells. For instance, they curse Thackery Binx (played as a human by Sean Murray and later voiced by Jason Marsden) to live forever, but as a black cat.

Squidward Tentacles (SpongeBob Squarepants)

When SpongeBob Squarepants (Tom Kenny) accidentally injures Squidward's (Roger Bumpass) face, it heals in such a way that he appears more conventionally attractive, with a smaller nose, smooth cheekbones, and a chiseled jawline. However, the blessing begins to become a burden, and SpongeBob tries to help by recreating the same incident, which ultimately makes him look like he was molded in clay. I actually think "Handsome Squidward's" final form is a little creepy, but I guess I would have to be a sea creature to understand the appeal.

Shrek (Shrek 2)

The first Shrek ended with Princess Fiona's (Cameron Diaz) nightly transformation into an ogre becoming her permanent form after admitting her true feelings for Mike Myers' title character. However, in the 2004 sequel, the couple both take on human characteristics after he drinks a special potion.

Delenn (Babylon 5)

Mira Furlan stars on the sci-fi series Babylon 5 as Delenn, who is a type of extra-terrestrial called a Minbari. However, in Season 5, she undergoes a procedure that turns her into a half-human hybrid.

Jason Voorhees (Jason X)

In the tenth installment of the Friday the 13th franchise, 2001's Jason X, hockey-masked iconic horror movie villain, Jason Voorhees (Kane Hodder), is cryogenically frozen and awakened in the future on a spaceship, where he is nearly destroyed, only to be resurrected with a new look by nanobots.

Wallace Bryton (Tusk)

In writer and director Kevin Smith's odd A24 horror flick, 2014's Tusk, Justin Long stars as arrogant podcast host Wallace, who thinks he has found the perfect subject for his next episode in retired sailor Howard Howe (Michael Parks). However, much to his horror, Howe intends to surgically transform Wallace into a walrus, and the result of the process is nothing short of unsettling.

Gustav Graves (Die Another Day)

In the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day, the MI-6 agent (played by Pierce Brosnan in his last 007 appearance) faces off against the Caucasian, English-accented Gustav Graves (Toby Stephens). However, near the end, he discovers the foe is really North Korean Colonel Tan-Sun Moon (Will Yun Lee), who faked his death, underwent intense reconstructive surgery, and reinvented himself as a wealthy diamond magnate within a matter of months.

Wikus Van De Merwe (District 9)

In Neill Blomkamp's acclaimed 2009 alien invasion movie, District 9, Sharlto Copley plays Wikus Van De Merwe, who is accidentally sprayed with some mysterious substance. As a result, he begins to slowly mutate into South Africa's oppressed extra-terrestrial visitors, known as Prawns.

You know how there are just those friendships on television that you watch, and you sit there like, “Dang, I need to have friends like that!” Here are some of the best that I’m sure you’ve loved time and again.

Troy And Abed (Community)

When I was thinking of names for this list, Troy and Abed were the first two that came to mind. When it comes to the Community cast, the chemistry among them is utterly perfect; however, the best is undoubtedly Donald Glover and Danny Pudi as Troy and Abed, respectively. I could think of no better friendship duo than these two and their weirdness – I even have a mug of them saying, “Troy and Abed in the mooorning!”

Steve And Dustin (Stranger Things)

While they are indeed the among the friendships with the most significant age gaps on this list, I can’t leave out Steve and Dustin. I feel like we were all introduced to what these two could be in Season 2 when Steve started to enter his whole “mom” era (as the memes online would say) with the kids. But throughout the four seasons, we’ve seen their friendship grow in specific ways that make it a million times better. I love this duo so much.

Chandler And Joey (Friends)

Yes, really, the entire Friends cast is something I genuinely love, but speaking specifically, Joey and Chandler are the epitome of “best friends forever.” These two have been through it all, and I swear, the episode where Chandler moves out is one that always hits me hard in the feels. They are goofy in every way.

Eleven And Max (Stranger Things)

When we watched Eleven and Max together on Stranger Things in Season 3, something was healed in our souls. There’s just something so sweet about watching two teenagers go out and live their lives and become close friends without any boys to bother them. I love these two so much.

Ekko And Powder (Arcane)

While Arcane is one of the best shows to binge on Netflix, it wouldn’t be on that list without its impressive character connections, and one of those is Ekko and Powder. That’s right, not Jinx, of course, but Powder before she went through all the trauma – and especially in that different reality in Season 2. These two had a special connection unlike any other, and my only wish was that we got more.

Cristina And Meredith (Grey’s Anatomy)

Duh. I think when anyone thinks of TV best friends, they think of Cristina and Meredith from Grey’s Anatomy. These two stuck together through thick and thin and went through some of the most dramatic instances that characters in a medical TV show could experience. You can’t get better than them.

Jackie And Donna (That ‘70s Show)

I love these two because the best thing about Jackie and Donna is that they weren’t friends at first. They did not like each other. But throughout the show, they ended up getting really close. And really, I think that’s an excellent way for a friendship to start in a show – where they see the worst versions of each other but choose to become friends anyway when they realize how much they have in common.

Ted And Coach Beard (Ted Lasso)

The Ted Lasso cast has plenty of great friendships, but one that I have to give special praise to is the one between Ted and Beard. At first, it feels like they wouldn’t get along because Beard is just so…weird in so many ways. But they vibe on a different level, and it’s a friendship that truly stands the test of time.

Jack And Liz (30 Rock)

The 30 Rock cast is so talented, but the main friendship that I’m sure we all love is Liz and Jack. Why? Because these two are brutally honest with each other. They always show up for each other in times of need, and they’re not afraid to tell each other how it is. That’s a true friend.

Jess And Cece (New Girl)

God, the list of times that these two have gone through ridiculous drama because of the boys that Jess lives with is endless. But you want to know the best part? Jess and Cece were always there for each other. Whether it was Cece dealing with Schmidt, Jess with Nick, or whatever other crazy shenanigans they went through, it was always these two.

Veronica And Fiona (Shameless)

I will literally always love Veronica and Fiona. The entire Shameless cast essentially defined my college years, as I loved the show. But these two? They were great friends. Fiona was hyped about V just as much as Veronica was about her. They were not afraid to get dirty in order to protect one another. I love ‘em.

Leslie And Ron (Parks And Recreation)

The best thing about Leslie and Ron in the Parks and Recreation cast is that they are always there for each other. Often, with many of these office shows, friendships can turn romantic in the blink of an eye, but they were always just hilarious together in so many ways. I can’t help but love them.

Bellamy And Clarke (The 100)

While a part of me will never forgive this CW show for not putting these two together because the chemistry was amazing, there’s a lot to love about Bellamy and Clarke from The 100. They went through some of the worst things together, but no matter what, they always stood by each other and let them live their lives, even if they didn’t necessarily agree with their choices. It’s perfect.

Sam And Dean (Supernatural)

Is it cheating because they’re brothers? I don’t know. To me, I think Sam and Dean’s friendship is one of the highlights of the Supernatural cast. It wouldn’t be a great show if it weren’t for Sam’s quips, Dean’s sarcastic comments, or how they work so incredibly well together. I mean, it had fifteen seasons. Of course, their friendship was amazing.

Jake And Finn (Adventure Time)

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. Jake and Finn have a friendship that’s special in so many ways. They are friends forever, and you can’t take that from me.

Aang And Sokka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

When it comes to rewatching Avatar: The Last Airbender, one friendship I particularly love is that of Aang and Sokka. You’d think it'd be because they are always there for each other. Sokka will support Aang no matter what, and Aang will protect his friends as if they were his family. But the real reason is that they are just idiots together – and I mean that in the best way possible. They come up with the silliest plans. And it’s something that makes me laugh every time.

Will And Carlton (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)

While they were cousins, they did not have to be friends. However, watching the evolution of Will and Carlton’s friendship throughout The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is something that I will always love. A begrudging respect began to form, and by the end, the two of them had become truly close friends, having been through a lot together.

Lily And Robin (How I Met Your Mother)

I think a reason why a lot of people like Lily and Robin from How I Met Your Mother is that, in reality, they feel like a lot of real-life friendships – especially with me. Whether it’s cracking jokes, drinking wine, or needing someone to rant to, these two were each other’s person, and that’s something we can always be grateful for.

Ted And Rebecca (Ted Lasso)

Were Ted and Rebecca close from the start? Not at all. But I love it when the grumpy x sunshine dynamic finally comes around, and these two are the epitome of that, where even Rebecca starts to see how great Ted is. By the end of the series, she was crying as she watched him leave to return to America. Now that’s a friendship.

Jimmy And Gaby (Shrinking)

The Shrinking cast has some memorable friendships, but I have to point out Jimmy and Gaby. Sure, they did have their moments of possibly having a fling, but in reality, these two are just funny together. They have some hysterical moments that make me snicker. And it’s something I rewatch when I need a laugh.

Rachel, Phoebe And Monica (Friends)

I couldn’t just pick a duo for these three because, in reality, they’re all great friends. I feel like each of them has stuck their neck out for the other on any occasion because they care so deeply. There’s something so special about having three friends who would do anything for the other, and these three take the cake.

Jimmy And Paul (Shrinking)

Does Paul continuously say they aren’t friends? Of course. Does that stop Jimmy? Nope! Watching these two interact is the highlight of my week whenever new Shrinking episodes come around, and I would fully watch an entire series dedicated to just them, with Paul turning grumpy as Jimmy’s pestering continues.

Grace And Will (Will And Grace)

Of course, I had to put these two on this list. The titular characters of Will & Grace are so iconic that they came back around in a revival back in 2017. Their friendship is hysterical, and they are always there for each other, no matter what.

SpongeBob And Patrick (SpongeBob SquarePants)

SpongeBob and Patrick are the epitome of how two characters can be as dumb as rocks, but they vibe so well. I love ‘em to death, no matter how stupid these two are together and the trouble they get into. Some of the best SpongeBob memes revolve around their friendship.

Scott And Stiles (Teen Wolf)

As someone who lived during the Teen Wolf era, Scott and Stiles were EVERYWHERE. And I mean everywhere. I looked on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr (that’s right, you remember her), and I couldn't escape their friendship – or the people shipping them.

Turk And J.D. (Scrubs)

If the term ‘bromance’ had a picture in the dictionary, it would be Turk and J.D.. They were hilarious in every way and perfectly captured what it was like to be just two guys who vibed well and absolutely loved each other. They are what made Scrubs so good.

Charles And Jake (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

There are plenty of friendships I could point to in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast, but one that always stands out to me is Charles and Jake. I really don’t think they were the brightest bulbs when they were together, but somehow, they always managed to get the job done hilariously.

John And Sherlock (Sherlock)

Because, of course, I have to put these two together. Did Sherlock drive John out of his mind? Of course, he did. But Sherlock would also do anything to protect John and his family, and we see that even if Sherlock himself was practically unable to show emotions. That’s the kind of true friendship we all need.

Steve And Robin (Stranger Things)

Yes, because we love Steve and Robin. The hilarious part about these two is that everyone thought Robin and Steve were going to become the next big romantic thing when Season 3 came around. Still, nope, it turns out Robin was actually a lesbian, and these two ended up becoming besties – and are always there for each other.

Lorelai And Rory (Gilmore Girls)

Okay, so while they are mother and daughter, I’m pretty sure we can all collectively agree that Lorelai and Rory are best friends as well. That’s kind of the whole premise of the show. Mothers and daughters would dream of the close relationship that these two had.

Eddie And Dustin (Stranger Things)

Eddie was a true all-star of Stranger Things Season 4, but one of the biggest reasons for that is because of his friendship with Dustin. Eddie got to him on a personal level (one different from Steve's), and that friendship will always be remembered.

Toph And Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Toph and Katara have a powerful friendship. Not only do they bring out the best in each other with their powers, but they constantly challenge each other, especially in the beginning when they don’t get along. But it would be a friendship that would last a lifetime.

Ugh, now I feel like I have to rewatch all of these shows to see these guys again. I think it’s time for a marathon.

Animated and cartoon titles used to often be classic Disney and Saturday morning staples, or raunchy adult counterpoints. Though there was some common ground, it was sparse (and dependent on a kid’s guardian’s perspective--this list included). Today, a lot has changed–the once semi-no man’s land has ballooned to offer plenty of palatable watches for all ages. Below you’ll find cartoon pioneers, today's hits, and some stellar hidden gems outside of typical Disney titles, because that could be a whole separate list! Without further ado, let's get surfing through some great picks.

Peanuts

Charlie Brown and co. are another one of those enduring and endearing cartoons that continue to win generations' hearts. While most of us only consider watching any Peanuts fodder during the holidays, there’s plenty more to choose from, including the 2015 film The Peanuts Movie. And let’s face it, we’re all holding on hope that one day Charlie won’t be tricked by Lucy.

Batman: The Animated Series

Plenty of classic comic book characters could’ve filled out this list with some ease, but Batman naturally won top spot to rep the DC list. The 1992 series was a true highlight for Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, even though it only ran for four seasons. And though there were plenty of BAM!’s and POW!’s to go around, minimal footage of foes being hurt was shown.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Like DC, Marvel’s top comic goes to Spider-Man. And though there are endless iterations, the 2018 film following Miles Morales’ experience getting bitten is an exciting refresh. Regardless of whether you’re a newcomer or a vet of the Peter Parker world, it’s nice to see a new angle on him.

Scooby-Doo

Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Fred and Daphne, aka “Mystery Incorporated,” have been a sustaining staple since their 1969 introduction. The gang has a huge, comedic, family-friendly franchise that spans multiple shows and movies, and continues to win audiences time and again through their humorously balanced sleuthing skills. Those meddling kids and their dog nailed simple storylines with smart but accessible jokes.

Tom And Jerry

As more or less the OG ‘cat and mouse’ duo, Tom and Jerry are Hollywood royalty. With roots tracing back to the 1940s, their frenemy relationship entertained countless kids, who then, in turn, shared it with theirs. Whether it’s a nostalgia watch or some regular weekday fodder, these two still make the cut.

The Smurfs

Another great vintage cartoon, which has been introduced through a series of blockbuster franchises, is The Smurfs. The comic turned show turned movie is a nostalgia fun fun-filled ride that continues to appeal to old and new fans alike. Although I’m sure, for some stans, Rihanna’s first new song in quite some time being included in the Smurf’s new trailer doesn’t hurt things.

Robin Hood

From a historical standpoint, Robin Hood may be the oldest and, without a doubt, the most recognizable name on the list. With roots tracing back to the 1300s, the Prince of Thieves continues to be a world everyone can enjoy, especially the animated Disney version.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Brothers Mario and Luigi have long been a staple for generations of gamers. Sweetly animated and endlessly fun, they’ve gone on to create quite a world beyond saving Princess Peach from Bowser. This 2023 blockbuster pays homage to the sibling plumbers’ legacy.

Shrek

Boy, does this ogre have layers. When Shrek arrived on the scene in 2001, it was bursting at the seams with bathroom humor created a lot of discourse. Behind it though, was a compelling reimagine of classic fairy tale tropes that left many wanting more. Even though he’s rough around the edges to some onscreen and off, his character arc is genuine and magnetic. Those makings cemented the fictional world and the big green guy himself to sustain in pop culture.

SpongeBob SquarePants

From the jump, everyone’s favorite animated sea sponge has been ready to win the hearts of his audience, both young and old. And to his luck, many continue to adore him and his silly, silly friends of Bikini Bottom long after we grew out of kids' TV. A prime example of how SpongeBob influences a much wider audience is that Nosferatu’s director, Robert Eggers, cited the Nickelodeon icon's influence for the 2024 remake.

The Yogi Bear Show

Like the other vintage pulls on the list, Yogi Bear has lived on and been introduced to new generations of viewers over the decades. The picnic basket-loving bear and his pal Boo-Boo’s antics are simple and routine, yet they continue to steal the hearts of their viewers.

Arthur

As one of the best animated shows ever, Arthur, his family and pals showcased a lot of social, emotional and mental topics in inclusive ways. PBS paired that with realistic familial and friend relationship dynamics (D.W. fan here), which galvanized Marc Brown’s fictional aardvark in an honest way for the masses.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Since its premiere, the Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender has been a fan favorite. Many regard this as one of the ultimate cartoons, noting that it again has a perfect blend of adventure, humor and heart. It’s not your typical easy animated series, but prepare for a great ride.

Bluey

Disney really hit it out of the park with their blue dog show (no offense to Blue of Blue’s Clues). While clearly marketed, made and designed for kiddos, the themes and honest reflections of familial relationships hook plenty of those who have aged out of tuning into the Mouse Ears channel.

Power Puff Girls

I don’t think you can get much better with sugar, spice and everything nice when it comes to a stellar kids’ cartoon. The lab-created superhero sisters of Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles were a thrill from their unmistakable theme song to defeating Mojo Jojo (or any other foe) before the credits rolled. I’m not the only one who believes it’s a show from the ‘00s that still holds up watching as an adult.

How to Train Your Dragon

As one of DreamWorks' best animated movies, How to Train Your Dragon really hits all the right notes of adventure, humor and heart, perfect for a universal audience. Hiccup and his sweet but brave dragon, Toothless, continue to draw crowds 15 years later. And the live-action remake, coming out later this month, is expected to do the same.

The Lego Movie

This kid's favorite toy-turned-movie is the perfect homage to illuminating all there is to create with the plastic blocks. Pair that with some comedy giants a la Will Ferrell, and you’ve got a blockbuster anyone from age 5 to 95 can enjoy.

Ponyo (many other Studio Ghibli films)

Hayo Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli offer a whole collection of exhilarating animated movies, though not all may be suitable for everyone. Ponyo, though, is essentially a Ghibli counterpoint to The Little Mermaid (although it’s not a musical). Although Ponyo, the magical fish girl, doesn’t have sea-faring friends who accompany her after she comes ashore.

Recess

For some, Recess was a paramount Saturday Morning classic during the late 90s-00s. As the title implies, the show centered around every elementary school-aged kid’s favorite part of the day and the goings-on during that quick 20-minute block. T.J. and his friends are funny yet kind, making it a perfect watch for anyone with a nostalgic bone that needs to be itched or can directly identify with the gang.

Wallace & Gromit franchise

The British claymation duo is another visual world that has found its place in pop culture. Now, with seven titles to their name, the dog and owner pairing continue to find new ground (their 7th was made in partnership with Netflix). While the duo seems straightforward, there’s plenty to take away from each installment.

Phineas And Ferb

Another Disney Channel hit for the masses is Phineas and Ferb. It’s aimed roughly at an age group who’ve graduated from Bluey-esque television but still need pretty straightforward content. What makes the jump into watchable territory for all the silly stepbrothers is the smart writing and goofy jokes, and possibly having a platypus as a family pet.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Fantastic Mr. Fox, the movie, based on the short children's book and directed by Wes Anderson, is just as magical as the Roald Dahl classic. The retelling has a perfect kid-friendly stop animation aesthetic blended with an A-list cast including George Clooney and Meryl Streep.

The Little Prince

Another excellent book adapted into a movie (a couple of times over). This French classic has been collecting fans of all ages since 1943 worldwide, and the 2015 flick continues to carry on that torch. The simple and sweet story reminds us all that it’s the connections we make that matter most while exploring fantastical worlds.

Over The Garden Wall

As one of the great under-the-radar animated shows out there, 2014’s Over the Garden Wall has earned quite a fan base. Brothers Wirt and Greg accidentally find themselves in a captivating, somewhat spooky, and at times adventurous world after jumping over a mysterious wall. From start to end, it’s a simple but compelling tale of the bros finding their way home.

The Hobbit

While the Lord of the Rings trilogy may be the most well-known J.R.R. Tolkien movies based on modern literature, it’s not the only one. For the purposes of this list, we’ll stick to the subject at hand and highlight the 1977 animated version of The Hobbit. While it does depict some violence via battles, it’s a classic gem that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Gravity Falls

Gravity Falls came to Disney long after many of us had moved on, but it hasn’t stopped its popularity among adult audiences. The Pines twins visit their uncle in the Pacific Northwest for the summer, only to unlock a longstanding mystery. It’s a perfect blend of silly-sweet kid humor braided with PG Twin Peaks vibes (be warned, for some kids, there is one dark moment on the Mouse Ears show near the end). You may come for the mystery but you’ll stay for Mabel, Dipper, Grunkle Stan and Soos.

Adventure Time

What starts as a candy-colored quest quickly unfolds into an emotional, often existential journey. With layered characters, sharp humor, and simple but profound themes, it’s a show that’ll appeal to all. There’s something in the Land of Ooo that'll speak to any viewer, exactly why Adventure Time endures.

Klaus

We all knew at least one Christmas movie had to make the list, for good measure. Compared to some of the classics, Klaus could’ve easily gotten lost in the shuffle for many. The Netflix original is a story following a down-on-his-luck postman who befriended a toymaker and set up a deal to help one another.

The Secret Of The Kells

The Secret of Kells is a visual and emotional Irish treasure, first premiering in 2009. Its stunningly hand-drawn animation, paired perfectly with mythic storytelling, holds kid and adult viewers equally. Cellach and Brendan’s story is filled with creativity, fear, and hope as aggressive Vikings near and a revered illuminator comes to town.

Wolfwalkers

Like The Secret of the Kells, Wolfwalkers is another animated Irish folk-like tale that comes to life. While there are a bit of dark tones throughout the film, including hunting wolves, the fairy-tale-like story that follows Robyn as she meets Mebh is true magic.

The Iron Giant

Don’t be fooled by the animation style or color palette for young ones, The Iron Giant is an epic adventure for all to enjoy. The cast is stacked (Vin Diesel, Jennifer Aniston, Christopher McDonald, Harry Connick Jr) and the gentle sincerity of the giant will have you head over heels. Just be warned, it is a tear-jerker!

The Secret of NIMH

Another vintage gem presented as a children's story with a more complex storyline. The Brisby family experiences some strife as conflict arises in the surrounding area, and they must seek help from an unlikely friend. Admittedly, I haven’t watched this, but it’s now on my list!

Hollywood has conditioned audiences to expect two central characters of similar romantic preferences and with great chemistry to fall in love by the end of a film or at some point in a TV series’ run. Thus, it is typically more refreshing to see these protagonists remain compatible but without giving in to a forced will-they-won’t-they dynamic. In that spirit, here is a thankful tribute to pop culture’s best platonic couples.

Max And Furiosa (Mad Max: Fury Road)

For the fourth installment of his beloved franchise of post-apocalyptic thrillers, 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road, writer and director George Miller introduced a female hero to serve as the title character's equal in another road war. Not once is there a hint of any romantic connection between Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) and Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), and the modern action movie classic is beloved all the more for it.

Jerry And Elaine (Seinfeld)

One key way Seinfeld established itself early on as a groundbreaking comedy was doing away with any will-they-won't-they gimmick between Jerry Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld) and Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) by starting them off as a couple, breaking them up before the show even started, and seeing them remain friends through the run. While the beloved TV sitcom occasionally dropped hints at rekindling their romance for laughs (such as when they became friends with benefits or Jerry's impromptu marriage proposal), there is no doubt they are stronger as pals.

Marlin And Dory (Finding Nemo)

Finding Nemo could have easily incorporated the typical "widowed father finds love again" trope by seeing Marlin (Albert Brooks) and Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) fall into a charming interbreed romance during their search for his eponymous son (voiced by Alexander Gould). However, I think most would agree that making the clownfish and Blue Tang nothing but friends is an essential aspect of what makes the Oscar winner one of Pixar's best movies.

Leslie And Ron (Parks And Recreation)

At the Paley Center for Media, Parks and Recreation co-creator Michael Schur shared that Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson were initially conceived as the "mom and dad" of the Pawnee Parks Department office, but without any intention of giving them romantic chemistry. The closest the co-workers have ever come to being more than professional is when Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman pretend to make out for the sitcom's gag reel.

Harry And Hermione (The Harry Potter Movies)

The Harry Potter movies may be named after Daniel Radcliffe's "Boy Who Lived," but the young wizard would not be able to achieve what he does at Hogwarts without the help of his very best friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). In any other blockbuster franchise, the title character might end up with the girl in the end, but the thought never seems to cross their minds, and instead, Hermione and Ron come to develop feelings for each other.

Joey And Pheobe (Friends)

There always seemed to be romance in the air for the members of the Friends cast, from Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) rocky, on-again-off-again relationship to Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler's (Matthew Perry) marriage, and even Rachel and Joey's (Matt LeBlanc) attempt at being more than roommates. However, Joey and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) were practically brother and sister, even though they did kiss when he thought she was her twin sister, Ursula, and he did offer to marry her when he thought she was pregnant. That is, thankfully, the closest they ever came.

Hawkeye And Black Widow (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Natasha "Black Widow" Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and Clint "Hawkeye" Barton (Jeremy Renner) share a deeper bond than most characters from the Marvel movies in order can claim, having known each other long before forming the Avengers together. The ultimate sign of their undying, platonic love for one another is in 2019's Avengers: Endgame when neither is willing to let the other sacrifice themselves to retrieve the Soul Stone, only for Clint to fall apart when he is forced to say goodbye to Nat.

Liz And Jack (30 Rock)

They may have gotten off on the wrong foot in the pilot for 30 Rock, but TV writer Liz Lemon (series creator Tina Fey) and her boss, Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), eventually come to form a respectable professional team. I cannot imagine anyone would have ever expected these characters to fall for one another, but it was the mere unlikelihood of their romance that made their bond one of the comedy's strongest elements.

Bob And Charlotte (Lost In Translation)

I honestly feel like I might be cheating by including Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson's characters from the 2000s-era movie classic, Lost in Translation, because the oft-discussed ending of Sofia Coppola's Oscar-winning dramedy suggests their bond evolves into something more. However, up until then, they share a friendship that each desperately needed and anyone would be lucky to have.

Mal And Zoë (Firefly)

One of the many issues that led to the premature cancellation of cult sci-fi series Firefly was creative demands from Fox executives, such as one note requesting that Zoë (Gina Torres) not be married to Wash (Alan Tudyk) to leave room for any romantic potential with Nathan Fillion's Captain Mal Reynolds. Thankfully, creator Joss Whedon stood his ground and adamantly refused, allowing the interplanetary outlaws to remain thick and thieves in the purest sense.

Ripley And Hicks (Aliens)

Writer and director James Cameron's second chapter of the Alien movies franchise introduced one of cinema's most revered platonic couples in the form of Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) and Cpl. Dwayne Hicks (Michael Biehn). There are more than enough hints at the Xenomorph survivor and the marine sharing a romantic connection, but the sci-fi movie classic leaves their level of affection ambiguous instead of ending with a big, celebratory smooch like any other filmmaker might have pushed for.

Don And Peggy (Mad Men)

With how many women on the Mad Men cast Don Draper (Jon Hamm) had affairs with, one might have expected something to happen between him and his assistant/protege, Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss). Of course, that was never on the cards for them, as the 1960s ad executive saw her as more of a daughter, sharing with her many winning professional successes and tender personal moments throughout the hit AMC series' run.

Daisy And Hoke (Driving Miss Daisy)

Driving Miss Daisy from 1989 traces the longtime relationship between a grumpy older woman, Daisy Werthan (Jessica Tandy), and her chauffeur, Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman). Seeing their friendship survive racial and ageist adversaries in the mid-1900s South makes this Best Picture Oscar winner an enduring inspiration.

SpongeBob And Sandy (SpongeBob Squarepants)

As a marine biologist like SpongeBob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg would know, sea sponges do not require mates to reproduce (which does make the inclusion of the title character's parents a bit nonsensical, admittedly). Nonetheless, nothing could have ever happened between SpongeBob (Tom Kenny) and his squirrely pal, Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence), anyway, even if some adult viewers of Nickelodeon's beloved animated series have theorized their shared passion for martial arts was a form of foreplay.

Rey And Finn (The Star Wars Movies)

It took some time for the Star Wars movies to embrace the idea of purely platonic relationships between characters of the opposite gender, specifically when the franchise was revived in 2015. In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, loner Rey (Daisy Ridley) and reformed Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega) become fast friends and remain allies in the fight against the First Order in the last of the sequel trilogy.

Will And Jack (Will & Grace)

During the revival seasons of Will & Grace, there were hints at Will Truman's (Eric McCormack) relationship with his friend, and fellow gay man, Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes), evolving into something more. However, that would have undermined the entire spirit of the sitcom because, as Will, the duo are meant to be "girlfriends, not boyfriends."

Jimmy And Dottie (A League of Their Own)

According to SlashFilm, director Penny Marshall shot a kissing scene between Tom Hanks as Jimmy Dugan and Geena Davis as catcher Dottie Hinson for the 1992 sports movie favorite, A League of Their Own. The scene was ultimately cut, maintaining the characters' strong bond as a baseball player and her coach.

Ted And Rebecca (Ted Lasso)

In the hit Apple TV+ original series, Ted Lasso, Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) initially hires the eponymous American football coach (played by Jason Sudeikis), hoping that he will ruin the football team her ex-husband cherished. Instead, she comes to appreciate the good he does for the team on and off the field, and a trusting, loving friend in and out of the office develops.

Shang-Chi And Katy (Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings)

Succeeding Black Widow and Hawkeye as the definitive platonic couple of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is arguably Xu "Shaun" Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and Katy (Awkwafina). In 2021's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, when Shaun tells his best friend/co-worker/karaoke partner that he has to leave town to help protect his younger sister, she insists on coming with him without a second's hesitation.

Jake And Rosa (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

Having come up at the police academy together, Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) and Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz) share one of the closest bonds among the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cast. Refreshingly, the New York detectives' relationship never evolves into anything beyond strict professionalism and deeply supportive friendship, as Jake eventually marries Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero) and Rosa goes through various relationships with both men and women, having come out as bi-sexual in Season 5.

Drax And Mantis (Guardians Of The Galaxy Movies)

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Drax (Dave Bautista) makes it abundantly clear that he has no romantic interest in Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and, in fact, is physically repulsed by the idea of being with her. In turn, the cosmic Marvel heroes prove to have a great brother-sister dynamic, especially when they team up to find Peter "Star-Lord" Quill (Chris Pratt) the perfect holiday gift in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.

Jack And Chloe (24)

No one had Jack Bauer's (Kiefer Sutherland) back like Chloe O'Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub) on 24. The CTU agent's relationship with the analyst was, essentially, one-sided at first before they became strong allies and even best friends.

Dredd And Anderson (Dredd)

To even describe Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) and Judge Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) from 2012's underrated comic book flick, Dredd, as friends would be far from accurate. However, as law enforcement officials, they could not be a better match as partners, evidenced by their impeccable compatibility while working to bring down the wonderfully over-the-top action villain, Ma-Ma (Lena Headey), and her drug operation.

Joan And Sherlock (Elementary)

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson make up one of the most iconic and influential partnerships in pop culture history. A modernized, gender-swapped reinterpretation of the characters in CBS's Elementary, starring Johnny Lee Miller as Holmes and Lucy Liu as Joan Watson, has also been recognized as a pairing for the ages.

Arthur And Iris (The Holiday)

In the acclaimed rom-com, The Holiday, Iris Simpkins' (Kate Winslet) love interest is Jack Black's L.A. film score composer Miles Dumon. However, the visiting Brit spends most of her time in the States with elderly former screenwriter Arthur Abbott (Eli Wallach), which quickly becomes the most charming relationship in Nancy Meyers' 2006 holiday season favorite.

Lexi And Stefan (The Vampire Diaries)

In his many, many years as an ageless creature of the night, Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) took many lovers throughout the years, but there was one female The Vampire Diaries character he called one of his best friends. Arielle Kebbel plays fellow bloodsucker Lexi Branson, who, essentially, serves as Stefan's moral compass and bonds with him over the shared passion for the music of Bon Jovi.

Edgin And Holga (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves)

What made 2023's Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves such a blast, especially for experienced players of its namesake role-playing game, was the strong sense of unity and teamwork among its cast of heroes. No characters in the fantasy adventure represent those qualities better than Edgin (Chris Pine) and Holga (Michelle Rodriguez), who are endlessly loyal to one another from the start.

Veronica And Wallace (Veronica Mars)

Kristen Bell's title hero from the teen mystery drama Veronica Mars first met Wallace Fennel (Percy Daggs III) when she saw him duct-taped to a flagpole and came to his rescue. This marked the beginning of a friendship that few high schoolers can claim.

Charly And Mitch (The Long Kiss Goodnight)

In The Long Kiss Goodnight, amnesiac mother Samantha Caine (Geena Davis) discovers, with help from private eye Mitch Henessey (Samuel L. Jackson), her past as a deadly top agent. From then on, the 1996 thriller from director Renny Harlin becomes a fun buddy action flick as "Samantha" embraces her true identity as Charly Baltimore.

Maddie And Simon (School Spirits)

The acclaimed Paramount+ original series School Spirits is a ghost story from the perspective of a ghost, namely 17-year-old Maddie Nears (Peyton List), who is unable to interact with the living... except for one person. Her unbreakable bond with her best friend, Simon Elroy (Kristian Ventura), allows him to see her, making him the only one who can help solve the mystery of her death, which she has no memory of.

Preston And Denise (Can't Hardly Wait)

Any other fun party movie would have the nerdy teen protagonist pining for the popular girl end up with his female best friend instead. However, in Can't Hardly Wait, Preston (Ethan Embry) does end up with his dream girl, Amanda (Jennifer Love Hewitt), while his best friend, Denise (Lauren Ambrose), forms an unexpected connection with Kenny (Seth Green) after getting locked in a bathroom together.

Meredith And Alex (Grey's Anatomy)

On a medical drama in which most people seemed to be getting into bed with each other, it was refreshing to see two characters from the Grey's Anatomy cast, namely Justin Chambers' Alex Karev and Ellen Pompeo's Meredith Grey, sharing a relationship that was purely friendly.

Are you ready, kids? Because I don’t think my gut is after how much I’ve been laughing the last few days.

Like basically any other person in my generation, I grew up on SpongeBob SquarePants. It was either that or Avatar: The Last Airbender and while I would recommend the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe to anyone who watches it for the first time, I’m always a little more hesitant about SpongeBob SquarePants.

It’s not because I don’t want people to watch it. It’s because I think there are later seasons that really aren’t as good as some of the earlier ones, and I need to pick out the proper episodes that are awesome. There are plenty of great SpongeBob SquarePants episodes, but what are the ones that are the funniest?

Some of these are just that, and it’s where several – and I mean several – memes from the franchise came from. Trust me when I say that no matter which one of these episodes you watch, you’ll have a fun time.

“Little Yellow Book” (Season 9)

Whenever I think of a SpongeBob meme, this is one of the first few I think of, which is ironic because this meme isn’t even from an earlier season. It's from way later in the franchise, and I find that absolutely hysterical.

The moment happens when SpongeBob and Squidward are making fun of a new plaid kilt that Mr. Krabs has on, but now the meme has just essentially turned into the “Mocking SpongeBob” meme, where you use the picture if you’re mocking someone else.

“Home Sweet Pineapple” (Season 1)

As someone who pretty much has turned into Squidward as years have gone on – because I think we all do at some point – some of these memes are great because they involve him. One of my personal favorites was when Squidward’s eyes slammed open in this Season 1 episode.

SpongeBob needed a new home, so he snuck into Squidward’s house to try and stay there. Of course, Squidward kicked him out once he fully woke up (hence the wide eyes). The moment is hilarious and has become a staple meme: you use it whenever you realize something late in bed or suddenly remember an important thing.

“SB-129” (Season 1)

I don’t even need to talk that much about “SB-129” for you to understand how hilarious it is. It’s another meme in which Squidward travels back in time to the past and runs into caveman versions of SpongeBob and Patrick.

It was as if they weren’t already annoying enough to Squidward, but the moment cemented itself in meme history with how often we see the two cave-men versions of these classic cartoon characters. It’s funny because I’ll watch some of the best SpongeBob SquarePants specials, and yet there are moments like these from the first silly episodes that make me snicker even more.

“Nature Pants” (Season 1)

This is a curious one because this episode actually has two memes that we focus on: SpongeBob looking tired and leaning against a coral wall, and Patrick splaying out against the ceiling of a cave, looking heavily down at SpongeBob. Both of these happened in the same episode, and yes, they are just as hilarious as you would expect them to be.

The entire episode really focuses on how SpongeBob tries to be one with the Jellyfish and leaves Patrick behind to try to catch them on his own. This evolves into the hilarious episode that we all know and love now.

“The Smoking Peanut” (Season 2)

This is the first instinct where the meme really has nothing to do with the context of the episode. "The Smoking Peanut" is actually a pretty big commentary on the treatment of enclosed animals within zoos because SpongeBob throws a peanut at a clam, which causes it to have a tantrum and a lot of drama.

But it’s what leads him to sitting on the couch and watch television about a news segment regarding the clam that leads to the meme, but he doesn’t actually say anything about leaving, as the meme says. It’s just a snapshot.

You know, it’s funny because moments like this remind me why adults watch SpongeBob SquarePants. I really never would have known since I haven’t seen this episode in years. For some reason, my mind always assumed SpongeBob said something close to that, but nope. It was never said.

“Arrgh!” (Season 1)

I genuinely cannot think of another episode that more sums up the humor of SpongeBob SquarePants than this moment in “Arrgh!” when Mr. Krabs tosses a customer out of the Krusty Krab because he’s more focused on finding treasure on a treasure hunt.

It’s a moment that has literally lived on in the show for years because it’s one of the first times that we hear the “My leg!” guy, a sound bite that is spread throughout so many episodes. Heck, I think I’ve even heard him in the new SpongeBob SquarePants movies because he’s so iconic.

“That Sinking Feeling” (Season 7)

The last meme I knew I had to hunt down was this one, and I was surprised to see that this was actually from Season 7 of the show. The meme’s context is that it’s used when someone feels like they’re missing out on something as they stare out at others having fun, but that’s not what the episode is about at all.

In this moment, Squidward is instead glaring at Patrick and SpongeBob because they are running back from house to house and playing in Squidward’s yard. It’s kind of funny to think that the context has nothing to do with what actually happens in the episode.

While SpongeBob SquarePants has been running for 25+ years at this point, there are even more memes out there that I didn’t cover here. Which means that there are even more hours of hilarity out there.

But if you decide to check out any of these episodes, you’re guaranteed to laugh. And now I know that I have to rewatch this show just for the fun of it – or at least figure out what’s in a Krabby Patty.

Are you ready, kids? Because I have a SpongeBob SquarePants opinion that you're probably not going to like.

Ok, maybe you will, perhaps you won't, but I have to talk about it. For the last few years, we've seen a steep influx of SpongeBob SquarePants movies. Either they're released on streaming or they come out in theaters, but most of the time, they are pretty successful. Heck, one has even come out this year as part of the 2025 Netflix schedule—Plankton: The Movie.

To my generation, you'd think this is the end of the world when you speak to them. There are so many avid SpongeBob fans who believe that these movies are ruining Stephen Hillenburg's name (the creator of the original show) and everything else that made the series great. But I have something to say – the movies are actually still fun, and I think we all need to take a deep breath and look at the big picture here.

Let Me Start By Saying I Grew Up On SpongeBob, So I'm Passionate About It

It's easy to tell you that I grew up watching SpongeBob SquarePants because I'm Gen Z. The show pretty much defined our childhood. I can tell you the best SpongeBob SquarePants episodes or I could go on and on about the best SpongeBob specials. Either way, I'm a massive fan of this show.

I always have been, really. SpongeBob was one of the few shows that my brother (who is five years older than me) and I watched all the time as children, and one of the few things we bonded over before we grew up. Today, we still talk in SpongeBob quotes, and our parents still don't understand half of what we say—because it's our thing. So this show means a lot to me.

Truthfully, the movies do as well. The first one means the most – as it came out back in theaters and it was the best thing ever for little old me. I'll even watch it now when I'm feeling down. So, I really do love this series – which is why I wanted to talk about how the new movies aren't that bad.

I Was A Bit Hesitant On The New Movies, But They Are, At The Very Least, Creative

Look, say what you want about the SpongeBob spinoffs that have come out. I'm personally more iffy on those just because it's that kind of stuff the original creator didn't want. But as for the films? I genuinely enjoy them.

Of course, I was hesitant at first – we all would be. When something changes its animation style or its delivery of jokes, it can be daunting at first – scary, even. This is what we're used to as children, and seeing a franchise transform itself so powerfully, aside from the voice actors, is considered a shock to the system. But I gave some of the movies a chance, and they're actually really creative and a lot of fun.

I went into many of these with an open mind—the SpongeBob mainline film series with Sponge Out of Water, Sponge on the Run and all that, as well as the Netflix spinoff films. I knew they weren't going to be exactly like the show I grew up on, but that was okay.

And even if you're not a big fan of the jokes, the movies are creative. The animation style is fun once you get used to it, and some really well-done sequences are quite unique that make you snicker and scratch your head because you wonder, "How on earth did someone come up with this?"

But that's always been the beauty of the series – the show is just crazy in many ways, and the animation in these films capitalizes on that, just in a different way.

Some Of The Jokes Don't Land As Well, But Humor Has Changed A Lot - And So Have Kids

Look, the jokes are not the same, and the humor in SpongeBob will never be the same. But did you know that this series has run for 25 years? So much so that it is now officially the longest-running children's animated series ever, past Arthur?

Yeah, humor has changed a lot.

I'm not just saying the acceptance of humor – as we've already gone over Nickelodeon removing older episodes of SpongeBob due to that. I'm talking about just the kind of jokes we find funny now, or maybe we think they're not funny, but a different generation finds them funny. Some of the jokes don't land for us, but hey, we're adults now, and these films are made for kids, and they laugh – and that's all that really matters at the end of the day.

I'm sure that as children, we found jokes in the original episodes of the show absolutely hysterical, but our parents just didn't understand at the time. The same wheel has revolved around, and now we're the adults not quite getting it—and that's okay. Because these movies aren't for us.

And Even Then, There Are Still Things Adults Will Enjoy Too

Even so, there are still moments in these films that adults can enjoy because many of them take a deeper dive into characters that we all know and love and don't just focus on the sponge of it all.

Take Plankton: The Movie, for example. Does the film go against certain things that have been in SpongeBob lore for years? Of course it does. With a show that runs for 25 years, it's hard to keep track of it all.

But you want to know what's fun about it for adults? The fact that we know the characters.

You cheer for Plankton and Karen, the two main characters of this film, because we know about their relationship after so long. It's so much fun watching Karen finally become an evil genius and seeing Plankton realize how much he cares about her. It's like coming home to old friends.

No, this film won't win any Oscars, but man, as a SpongeBob fan, I really enjoyed it. I think other SpongeBob fans will, too.

Just Because The Movies Aren't Like The Ones You Remember Doesn't Mean That Other People Don't Find Joy In Them

This is my biggest issue. While I do think that the new SpongeBob films are fun, it always bothers me whenever someone dumps on them simply for their animation, joke style, etc. Do you not have better ways to spend your time than tweeting angry replies on a social media platform?

Just because you don't enjoy it doesn't mean there aren't millions of others out there who do. There's a reason these movies and episodes keep getting made—because people watch them. They enjoy them. While I'm not the target demographic anymore, and I don't plan to watch the new episodes or shows that often, I can at least understand why now.

I'm saying that next time, you can give the movies a chance instead of just blindly hating them from afar. This show essentially crafted our childhood. We literally know about Nosferatu from this series; people my age, full-grown adults, still watch the earlier episodes. Who are we to take that joy from a new generation of fans with the latest style of animation?

Let people love what they love. And then you can watch what you watch. But don't hate the films just because it's something you're uncomfortable with – that's just ignorance. Hop on the 'I'm Ready' train for a new generation.

If you grew up watching SpongeBob SquarePants, then you know just how much this series shaped our childhoods. The talented voice actors behind the show—like Mr. Lawrence and Jill Talley, the voices of Plankton and Karen—have been part of it since the very beginning. Now, they've shared what has made working on the show such a joy for 25 years.

In promotion for the upcoming Plankton: The Movie releasing on the 2025 Netflix schedule for those with a Netflix subscription, I had the opportunity to speak to the two long-time voice actors for Plankton and Karen and ask what they think is the greatest thing about working on this show for so long. After all, it’s approaching its 26th birthday. Jill Talley gave a sweet answer: that they love each other in real life. As she told me,

Mr. Lawrence agreed, joking that their lives have become an endless cycle of "bumping into each other" at events, like supporting L.A. firefighters. He even compared it to bumping into co-workers at the grocery store:

For those who may not know, Bumpass is the voice behind Squidward and has been co-starring alongside Mr. Lawrence since the show began. The Plankton voice actor also reminisced that attending Comic-Con together as the whole cast is always excellent because there's this "electricity" in the air unlike any other:

As someone who grew up on the best SpongeBob SquarePants episodes and has steadily seen the series grow over the last couple of decades, I find it warm to hear Mr. Lawrence and Talley talk so warmly about their experiences. These were the voices of my childhood, and hearing them all get along in real life only warms my heart more.

The show itself is also still prevalent. Adults still watch SpongeBob SquarePants today, years after older episodes released. While some past episodes have been removed from streaming platforms (thanks to today's standard of TV), it's still a beloved show by many.

And it's clear of its social impact. Heck, even Robert Eggers, director of Nosferatu, thanked the iconic Nickelodeon show for introducing a whole new generation (my generation) to that of the classic vampire monster because of one of their famous episodes. It's incredible to think of how far this show has come over the years.

But with the knowledge that this cast truly loves each other in real life? That's the kind of information that will live on forever in my mind as a long-time SpongeBob fan – even when I'm old and grey.

While Plankton: The Movie, detailing Karen and Plankton's hilarious relationship in glorious fashion, releases on March 7, watching some of the best SpongeBob specials in the meantime just to feel this warmness all over again. It may be time for a Bikini Bottom marathon.

For its ability to bring both football obsessives and non-sports fans together, the Super Bowl is regarded as a national holiday. Thus, just like with any other major day of celebration, there are plenty of movies and special TV show episodes that make “The Big Game” a focal point of the plot. These are some of the best examples of small and big screen favorites that were clearly ready for some football!

Heaven Can Wait (1978)

Heaven Can Wait is actually a remake of the 1941 drama Here Comes Mr. Jordan, in which a boxer is sent back to Earth in another body after he is taken before his time. Co-writer, co-director, and star Warren Beatty's version makes Joe Pendleton a football player who aspires to bring the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl when he is sent back to Earth in a new body and ultimately succeeds.

"Monday Night Football" - How I Met Your Mother (2007)

In Season 2 of How I Met Your Mother, the gang misses the Super Bowl to attend a MacLaren's employee's funeral but still decides to honor their annual tradition of watching it together by recording the Big Game for the following night. The catch is that they want to keep the outcome of the game a surprise and jump through hoops to prevent spoilers, from Ted (Josh Radnor) wearing the "Sensory Deprivator 5000" while picking up wings from a sports bar and Robin (Cobie Smulders) bribing her producer to avoid any mentions of the winning team in her news broadcast.

American Underdog (2021)

In 2000, Kurt Warner achieved his lifelong dream of playing in the Super Bowl at 29 years old and became the third oldest quarterback at the time to do so for the first time, with the St. Louis Rams. The inspiring moment was dramatized in the sports biopic, American Underdog, starring Zachary Levi as the two-time Most Valuable Player winner.

"Death Has A Shadow" - Family Guy (1999)

The very first episode of Family Guy, called "Death Has a Shadow," features a pivotal scene taking place at the Super Bowl. It is where Peter Griffin (creator Seth MacFarlane), with Brian's help, attempts to get rid of the excess money he has received from his welfare fund by dumping it from the sky in a blimp.

Black Sunday (1977)

Not to be confused with a horror movie from 17 years earlier, Black Sunday is an espionage thriller based on the novel by Thomas Harris. It follows an Israeli commando who works with the FBI to prevent a terrorist plot involving an explosive device mounted to a Goodyear blimp that is scheduled to fly above a packed stadium during the Super Bowl.

"The Label Maker" - Seinfeld (1995)

"Re-gifting" is a phrase introduced in Seinfeld in Season 6's "The Label Maker," in which Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), after he is invited to a wedding, gives up his Super Bowl tickets to his dentist, Tim Whatley (Bryan Cranston), who thanks him by giving him a "Label Baby Jr." However, when the wedding is called off, he tries to get the tickets back to no avail, which makes him especially mad after learning Whatley regifted the label maker, which he originally received from Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). After Whatley and Elaine make up, Jerry ends up going to the Big Game but has to sit next to Newman (Wayne Knight).

The Replacements (2000)

Director Howard Deutch's The Replacements stars Keanu Reeves as one of several football players hired to fill in when a team's regular members go on strike. The sports dramedy, also starring Gene Hackman as the Sentinels' reinstated head coach, is loosely based on the true story of how the Washington Redskins managed to win Super Bowl XXII in a season with replacement players during an NFL strike.

"Sunday, Cruddy Sunday" - The Simpsons (1999)

Fox aired a special Season 10 episode of The Simpsons that involved the Big Game right after the network broadcasted Super Bowl XXXIII. "Sunday, Cruddy Sunday" sees Homer Simpson (Dan Castellaneta) traveling to see the event until they discover their tickets are counterfeit, forcing them to sneak into the stadium.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

One of the best Jim Carrey movies (or, at least, the one featuring his definitive, star-making performance) is director Tom Shadyac's Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. In the uproarious comedy, the goofy eponymous sleuth is given the assignment of his life when he is tasked with finding the Miami Dolphins' beloved mascot, Snowflake, before the team plays on Super Bowl Sunday.

"Band Geeks" - SpongeBob Squarepants

To be fair, "Band Geeks" – a classic episode of the beloved animated series, SpongeBob Squarepants – does not actually revolve around the Super Bowl, but the undersea equivalent, the Bubble Bowl. Squidward attempts to upstage longtime rival Squilliam Fancyson by putting together a marching band to play at the game which he assumes will be a trainwreck until he sees their truly victorious performance of "Sweet Victory."

"Super Bowl Fever" - Home Improvement (1995)

Tim Taylor (Tim Allen) and his nigh-obsessive love of football has been known to get him in trouble on a few occasions on Home Improvement. However, the trouble in "Super Bowl Fever" stems from his wife, Jill (Patricia Richardson), coming down with the flu on the day he invites his friends over for a Super Bowl party at the house.

80 For Brady (2023)

In the tradition of comedy films that include a famous athlete's name in the title – such as Like Mike and Bend It Like Beckham – we have 80 for Brady, which is inspired by a true story and features a cameo by the real Tom Brady as himself. The film takes place in 2017 during Super Bowl LI, in which a quartet of older women (played by Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field) travel to see and root for their beloved New England Patriots quarterback.

"Super Bowl Sunday" - All In The Family (1978)

The Season 8 All in the Family episode "Super Bowl Sunday" fittingly followed CBS's broadcast of Super Bowl XII and told a story related to the big event. Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) anticipates that the game will bring great business to his bar, only for it to become the site of a robbery.

Kelce (2023)

Director Don Argott's Kelce follows Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce as he wrestles with the decision to retire after 13 seasons. The climax of the Amazon Prime original documentary sees him compete against his own brother, Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce, at Super Bowl LVII, which came to be known as the "Kelce Bowl."

"Our Parents, Ourselves" - Frasier (1999)

A Season 6 episode of Frasier – a series equally as good as the show it spun off from, Cheers – called "Our Parents, Ourselves" sees the titular psychiatrist (played by Kelsey Grammer) attempting to play matchmaker for his father (John Mahoney) and Roz's (Peri Gilpin) mother. So, he invites the woman to his Super Bowl party at his apartment to surprise Martin, only to discover that he cannot stand her.

"Easy Com-mercial, Easy Go-mercial" - Bob's Burgers

For some people, the best thing about the Super Bowl is the commercials, especially if you are one of the businesses advertising during what is, typically, the most-watched television event of the year. The Season 4 Bob's Burgers episode, "Easy Com-mercial, Easy Go-mercial," reflects on that with a story that sees the Belchers attempting to film an ad for their restaurant with the hope that it will air during the Big Game.

"My Name is Bev" - Roseanne (1995)

Roseanne's Super Bowl-themed episode touches on the serious topic of drunk driving, which Roseanne's (Roseanne Barr) mother, Beverly (Estelle Parsons), is caught doing and is forced to attend an AA meeting. Later on in the show, she appears at Dan's (John Goodman) Super Bowl XXIX party, which prompts Roseanne to tell the guests to hide their keg.

A Saintly Switch (1999)

Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, A Saintly Switch is a family film made for ABC's The Wonderful World of Disney series in which two children cast a spell that causes their bickering mother (Vivica A. Fox) and father (David Alan Grier), who recently started playing for the New Orleans Saints, to switch bodies. The story concludes with the father, having returned to his own body, playing in the Super Bowl just as his pregnant wife has gone into labor.

"Super Bowl" - Everybody Loves Raymond (2001)

Of course, there would be an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond in which the titular character (Ray Romano), who makes a living as a sports columnist, goes to the Big Game. In the aptly titled, "Super Bowl," Ray acquires a pair of tickets to the event and opts to take his friend, Gianni (Jon Manfrellotti), much to his family's chagrin.

The Great Brady Heist (2020)

There are quite a few movies where some interesting criminal activity takes place during the Big Game, but it is all just make-believe, right? Well, there was one amusing instance in which New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's game jersey was stolen from his locker during Super Bowl LI, as covered in the Fox Sports original documentary, The Great Brady Heist.

"Super Bowl" - Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2003)

Even in the bizarre world of Adult Swim's hit series, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, such a thing as the Super Bowl exists. In a Season 2 episode of the popular animated TV show, Master Shake (Dana Snyder) and Carl (Dave Willis) bow to Meatwad's (also Willis) every will in hopes that he will pick one of them to accompany him to the Super Bowl after he wins two tickets.

"The Eskimo" - Boy Meets World

In a classic episode of Boy Meets World, Mr. Feeny (William Daniels) assigns Shawn (Rider Strong) the challenge of getting Super Bowl tickets, Cory (Ben Savage) the challenge of helping him succeed, and Topanga (Daniell Fishel) to avoid helping either of them in any way. Shawn does find a way to score the tickets, which requires him to sit at the top of a billboard in freezing temperatures for as long as possible.

“Super Bowl” - George Lopez (2003)

To some people, the Super Bowl is more important than even family, as expressed in a Season 2 episode of George Lopez. It follows George (Geoge Lopez) and his wife, Angie (Constance Marie), attempting to convince his mother, Benny (Belita Moreno), to reconcile with the dying Uncle Joe (Ismael 'East' Carlo). She agrees, but only because she really just wants to get her hands on his tickets to the Big Game.

"Rooferman, Take One" - Smart Guy

In the underrated WB sitcom, Smart Guy, a commercial for Floyd's (John Marshall Jones) roofing business airs in the wee hours of the morning, prompting T.J. (Tahj Mowry) to sneak into the network's studio and try to get the ad a better time slot. Much to his surprise, he accidentally schedules it during the Super Bowl, helping his father's business immensely but also getting himself into trouble.

"Lisa The Greek" - The Simpsons

In "Lisa the Greek," Homer enlists his bright daughter, Lisa, to help him predict the outcome of football games. The episode marks one of several mysterious instances in which The Simpsons correctly predicted future events, having aired just days before Super Bowl XXVI and foretold that the Washington Redskins would win.

Natural Born Killers (1994)

Director Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers is a disturbing crime thriller that has nothing to do with sports, save one small connection. Robert Downey Jr's overzealous journalist Wayne Gale convinces notorious murderer Mickey (Woody Harrelson) to participate in a live interview that would air after the Super Bowl.

"Super Sunday" - The Middle (2011)

One of the multiple storylines in this episode of ABC's hit sitcom, The Middle, involves Mike (Neil Flynn) encouraging Brick (Atticus Shaffer) to take an interest in football right as the Super Bowl is impending.

Maybe This Year (2019)

It was not until Super Bowl LII that the Philadelphia Eagles finally became season champions. Kyle Thrash and Jenifer Westphal's documentary, Maybe This Year, chronicles that journey from the perspective of the team's famously passionate fans.

You're In The Super Bowl, Charlie Brown! (1994)

Originally airing on NBC and later distributed on VHS through Shell Gasoline, You're In The Super Bowl, Charlie Brown! is a fun, 25-minute special in which Charlie Brown and the other kids from Peanuts try to win tickets to the Super Bowl by participating in a football punt pass kick contest.

Superdome (1978)

Superdome follows various dramatic storylines occurring around the Super Bowl, including a killer running amuck during the game. The star-studded cast of this ABC movie of the week includes David Janssen, Edie Adams, Tom Selleck, and more.

"Rabbit Or Duck" - How I Met Your Mother (2010)

This Season 5 episode of How I Met Your Mother was cleverly promoted during the Super Bowl as faux footage of the real game which was also featured in the cold open. The B-plot sees Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) struggling to balance the excess of female attention he receives after attending the Super Bowl and holding up a sign displaying his phone number.

The Sum Of All Fears (2002)

To be fair, the nuclear attack on U.S. soil from director Phil Alden Robinson's The Sum of All Fears, starring Ben Affleck as Jack Ryan, merely takes place at a typical pro football game in Baltimore. However, in Tom Clancy's 1991 novel that inspired it, the tragedy takes place at the Super Bowl, so it technically counts.

With all due respect to some classic central TV show protagonists, there are times when it is a good idea to shift gears a bit and show things from another character’s perspective. This has actually become a relatively common practice as many modern small-screen favorites have given a scene-stealing supporting character (or even a never-before-seen character) the chance to almost completely steal the show for an episode. The following are some of the most revered examples.

“Lower Decks” - Star Trek: The Next Generation

According to TV Tropes, episodes that put supporting characters in the spotlight are referred to as “lower decks episodes.” The term is borrowed from the title of a classic episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation from Season 7 which focuses on a group of younger characters who are working their way up in the ranks at Starfleet.

“Five-O” - Better Call Saul

Sometimes a character becomes such a memorable scene-stealer that they earn their own equally great spin-off series, such as when Breaking Bad's Jimmy "Saul Goodman" McGill (Bob Odenkirk) became the star of the prequel, Better Call Saul. In just its first season, the AMC hit proved that Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) could have led his own series, too, in "Five-O," which peers into his origins as a former Philadelphia police officer.

“Dear Sigmund” - M.A.S.H.

One character from M.A.S.H. whom you could always rely on to give sage advice is Maj. Sidney Freedman (Allan Arbus), who got to the be star in a Season 5 episode called "Dear Sigmund." The Alan Alda-directed episode sees the recurring character penning a letter to legendary psychiatrist Sigmund Freud while visiting the 4077.

“Life Of Brian” - My So-Called Life

A great '90s show that ended far too soon was My So-Called Life, which starred Claire Danes in the Golden Globe-winning main role of struggling teen Angela Chase. One of the few episodes not narrated by Angela is the revered "Life of Brian," which primarily focuses on the personal struggles of her friend, Brian Krakow (Devon Gummersall).

“Musings Of A Cigarette Smoking Man” - The X Files

The first episode of The X Files in which David Duchovny's Fox Mulder does not appear at all and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) is only seen briefly in archival footage from the pilot episode is "Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man." The Season 4 episode sheds light on the past of the mysterious recurring role (William B. Davis), portraying him almost as a Forrest Gump-like figure for historical assassinations, such as JFK.

“The Zeppo” - Buffy The Vampire Slayer

In the Season 3 Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode, "The Zeppo," the titular teen warrior (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is faced with a problem that is merely the B-plot. The main storyline focuses on Xander (Nicholas Brendon), who likens himself to Zeppo Marx, feeling like the gang's most expendable member, until he must singlehandedly take on a group of reanimated corpses conspiring to blow up his high school.

“His Story” - Scrubs

There are several episodes of Scrubs that pass narrative duties from J.D. (Zach Braff) onto another character. The first of the bunch was Season 2's "His Story," which follows Dr. Perry Cox (John C. McGinley) as he speaks with his therapist about issues he is experiencing in his personal life.

"How Your Mother Met Me" - How I Met Your Mother

After finally meeting Tracy "The Mother" McConnell (Cristin Milioti) in the Season 8 finale, watching her mingle with the rest of the gang, and catching glimpses of her relationship with Ted (Josh Radnor) throughout Season 9, we finally got to know her personally in How I Met Your Mother's 200th episode. Chronicling the series' entire timeline up to that point all from her perspective (during which she experiences heartbreaking tragedy, tough life decisions, and The Naked Man), "How Your Mother Met Me" is easily considered one of the best HIMYM episodes.

"Chapter 5: Return Of The Mandalorian" - The Book Of Boba Fett

After Tamuera Morrison took on the iconic role of Boba Fett on The Mandalorian Season 2, he became the star of his own seven-part spin-off, The Book of Boba Fett. However, the fifth chapter sees the limited series essentially become The Mandalorian Season 2.5 as it focuses entirely on Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin, who ends up becoming the star of the show from that point on.

"Long, Long Time" - The Last Of Us

The most widely celebrated episode of HBO's series adaptation of the popular video game series, The Last of Us, spends the least amount of time with our central protagonists, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). The Emmy-winning "Long, Long Time" is also the first and last episode to feature the characters of Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett), tracing their loving relationship over several years after the cordyceps outbreak.

"Teddy Perkins" - Atlanta

Arguably, the best episode of Atlanta has very little to do with creator Donald Glover's Earn or Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry) but does heavily feature Glover in a whole different kind of role. The main focus of Season 2's "Teddy Perkins" is Lakeith Stanfield's Darius, who is seeking to buy a piano from the episode's reclusive, eccentric title character (played by a nearly unrecognizable Glover under heavy makeup, who is discovered to be hiding a disturbing secret.

"Almost Got 'Im" - Batman: The Animated Series

Many DC fans agree that the best episode of Batman: The Animated Series is one that shifts the perspective from Kevin Conroy's Dark Knight to the five most notorious members of his rogues gallery. In "Almost Got 'Im," Poison Ivy, The Penguin, The Joker, Two-Face, and Killer Croc gather for a Poker game, during which they trade stories about the times they came closest to defeating the Caped Crusader.

"Wilson" - House

Considering how the titular diagnostician from House (played by Hugh Laurie) is inspired by Sherlock Holmes (whose stories are narrated by John Watson), it is funny that the medical drama is not told from the perspective of the "Watson" in his life. That would change in Season 6 with the airing of "Wilson," which follows Robert Sean Leonard's Dr. James Wilson racing to save the life of his friend, Tucker (Joshua Malina).

"The Ricklantis Mixup" - Rick And Morty

Technically, this classic Rick and Morty episode shows more of the titular duo than any other but because it is really told from the point of view of their many alternate selves, it deserves a spot. The misleadingly titled "The Ricklantis Mixup" is essentially a mini-anthology movie that takes place during a day at the Citadel of Ricks from various perspectives.

"Exposé" - Lost

Out of the many survivors of the plane crash, only a chosen few were recognized as main members of the Lost cast but one episode revealed the backstories of two lesser-seen survivors. "Exposé" begins with Nikki (Kiele Sanchez) and Paulo (Rodrigo Santoro) found dead before flashing back to the couple's lives before the island and their experiences on it.

"A Jury In Jail" - American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson

The eighth episode of American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson still depicts a great deal of the legendary trial from the perspective of the accused former athlete (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.) and the opposing legal teams. However, the focus does shift more heavily to the jury and their alternates as sequestration begins to have a challenging effect on them.

"Beard After Hours" - Ted Lasso

In Season 2 of one of the best Apple TV+ original TV shows, Ted Lasso, "Man City" sees Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt) go off on his own after AFC Richmond suffers a tough loss. The following episode, "Beard After Hours," sees what the character went through after he walked away, which involves an epic, night-long journey of debauchery, self-discovery, and near-death experiences.

"Pine Barrens" - The Sopranos

Tony (James Gandolfini) and his souring affair with Gloria is the B-plot of the Season 3 Sopranos episode, "Pine Barrens." The central focus is Christopher (Michael Imperioli) and Paulie (Tony Sirico), who come close to freezing to death after getting lost in the woods after being tasked with running collections for the flu-ridden Silvio.

"Blink" - Doctor Who

One of the most acclaimed (and frightening) modern episodes of Doctor Who, "Blink," barely features David Tennant's eponymous time lord or his companion, Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), due to them becoming stuck in the year 1969. Thus, it is up to a woman from the present day named Sally Sparrow (Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan) to prevent statue-esque creatures called Weeping Angels from taking control of the TARDIS.

"What Wood You Wear?" - Dave

While FX's Dave is a fictionalized look at the rise of Dave "'Lil Dicky" Burd (who also co-creates and stars as himself), the humorous hip-hop artist was sure not to hog the spotlight for the first season's entirety. In the seventh episode, "What Wood You Wear?," Dave's buddy Elz (Travis "Taco" Bennett) takes center stage as it follows him DJing at a silent disco and sparking a romantic connection with Emma (Christine Ko).

"Live Bait" - The Walking Dead

Season 3 of The Walking Dead ended with The Governor (David Morrissey) wiping out most of his crew and taking off with the last of his loyal henchpeople. The sixth episode of the fourth season, "Live Bait," fills us in on what he had been up to since then, showing evidence of redemption since Woodbury's destruction as he bonds with a small family but also evidence of a further descent into madness, which leads to his attack on the prison.

"A Quick One, While He's Away" - BoJack Horseman

In addition to any of the main characters from Netflix's animated acclaimed TV sitcom, BoJack Horseman, Will Arnett's eponymous washed-up celebrity does not show up, nor is he mentioned by name in Season 6's "A Quick One, While He's Away." However, the episode does focus on characters who have been heavily, and mostly negatively, affected by his actions, based on their implied references to him.

"Teacup" - Man Seeking Woman

Creator Simon Rich's absurd romantic fantasy satire, Man Seeking Woman, is told largely from a male perspective (specifically that of Jay Baruchel's Josh Greenberg) but flips the script with Season 1's "Teacup," which makes Josh's sister, Liz (future Severance cast member, Britt Lower), the star. Liz experiences common pains of modern dating in a ridiculously exaggerated manner, from becoming jealous of a group of married girls who are much younger (elementary school age, to be exact) to literally Frankensteining the perfect man for her, only to learn he is gay.

"Zuko Alone" - Avatar: The Last Airbender

One of the most interesting ways that a TV show can shake things up is by making its main antagonist the star of an episode, such as "Zuko Alone" from Nickelodeon's original Avatar: The Last Airbender series. The seventh chapter of "Book Two: Earth" sees the Firebender (voiced by Dante Basco) reminiscing about his childhood after he is exiled from his village.

"New York, I Love You" - Master Of None

In a Season 2 episode of Netflix's Master of None called "New York, I Love You," Dev (co-creator Aziz Ansari) and his friends only appear in the bookend scenes. Instead, the focus shifts primarily toward the intersecting lives of a group of never-before-seen working-class New Yorkers, including a doorman, a deaf cashier, and a taxi driver.

“Ballad Of The Lonesome Loser" - High Fidelity

Much like the classic music movie Nick Hornby's novel inspired in 2000, Hulu's series adaptation of High Fidelity follows the romantic challenges of record store owner Rob Gordon (Zoë Kravitz)... except for Episode 8. In "Ballad of the Lonesome Loser," Rob's gay friend and coworker Simon (David H. Holmes) gets the chance to break the fourth wall and discuss his romantic struggles.

“The Algae's Always Greener" - SpongeBob Squarepants

Plankton (voiced by Mr. Lawrence) has been the primary focus in a few episodes of SpongeBob Squarepants, the funniest and most amusing of which would have to be "The Algae's Always Greener." Fed up with always failing in his attempts to steal the Krabby Patty Secret Formula, the pint-sized Chum Bucket owner uses a special device that allows him to experience life from the perspective of his longtime rival, Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown).

"A View From The Gallery" - Babylon 5

Years after Star Trek: The Next Generation helped coin the "lower decks episode" term, Babylon 5 – a sci-fi series that earns many comparisons to the Star Trek franchise – released its own. "A View from the Gallery" is told largely from the perspective of the eponymous space station's custodial crew.

"Tarrare" - Atlanta

The Season 3 finale of Atlanta, "Tarrare," provided an eye-opening explanation for Vanessa's (Zazie Beetz) unusual behavior, showing that she has adopted a bizarre alternate personality, and a French accent while living in Paris. Donald Glover's Earn is the only other main character to appear in the episode but does not show up until the even weirder post-credit sequence.

"5 To 9" - House

After dedicating an entire episode to Robert Sean Leonard's Wilson, House gave Lisa Edelstein's Dr. Lisa Cuddy the same treatment. Season 6's "5 to 9" follows a day in the life of Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital's Dean of Medicine and Chief Hospital Administrator.

"Symphony Of Illumination" - How I Met Your Mother

In the Season 7 episode, "Symphony of Illumination," How I Met Your Mother cast member Cobie Smulders' Robin Scherbatsky takes over as the narrator to tell her future son and daughter about her and Barney's (Neil Patrick Harris) pregnancy scare. However, she later discovers that she is actually unable to have children and the kids she was talking to only existed in her imagination.

“Relevance” - Person Of Interest

Season 2 of CBS' Person of Interest introduced a new character named Sameen Shaw (Sarah Shahi) in an episode that made her the star of most of the action.

Is there a single TV show that, for the entirety of its run, managed to keep its story going without any retcons? For one reason or another, it is common to see a popular series amend or completely disregard a pre-established story or character detail, often leading fans to wonder if they are losing their minds. Don't worry: you're not crazy but merely a victim of some confusing or even just annoying TV retcons like the following.

Cory And Topanga's Origins (Boy Meets World)

The romance between Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and Topanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel) could have been the perfect sitcom love story if the classic TGIF comedy could keep the details of their relationship straight. When Fishel first joined the Boy Meets World cast, she was initially introduced as the weird student in Cory's elementary school class but, when she is later reinvented as his love interest, the show tries to play them off as sweethearts since childhood.

Dan Is Alive (Roseanne)

Not only is Season 9 of Roseanne, in which the Conners' lives change when they win the lottery, revealed to be a fantasy in the series finale but we also learn that Dan (John Goodman) was dead the entire time, having suffered a heart attack. This controversial plot twist was ignored in 2018 when the sitcom was revived for a tenth season before it was rebranded as The Conners.

The Fate Of Frasier's Father (Cheers/Frasier)

On one episode of Cheers, Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) tells his friends at the bar that his late father was a research scientist. However, in Frasier's self-titled and equally beloved TV show spin-off, we see Martin Crane (John Mahoney) is alive and well and a retired cop. In an episode where Ted Danson appears as Sam Malone, the show tries to explain that Frasier's dad was "dead to him" at the time after a bitter argument.

Sara Was Not Dead After All (Prison Break)

In the third season of Prison Break, Michael (Wentworth Miller) learns that Sara (Sarah Wayne Callies) was kidnapped and beheaded, only to see her come back in Season 4, which reveals it was never actually her head. In reality, the reason for the character's demise was due to a dispute involving Callies' contract but, when she was able to work out a deal to return to the series, her earlier death was rewritten as a head fake.

Jimmy Olsen Was Not Who We Thought He Was (Smallville)

In its sixth season, the acclaimed DC TV show Smallville introduced the iconic character of photographer Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore), only to kill him off three years later. It is at his funeral that we learn that his real name is Henry James Olsen and that the real Jimmy Olsen was his never-before-seen little brother the whole time.

Kramer Was Originally Named Kessler (Seinfeld)

In the pilot episode of Seinfeld, Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) calls his next-door neighbor by the name Kessler but, from the next episode on, Michael Richards' character is referred to as Kramer, after Larry David's real-life friend on whom the role is based. The series tries to explain this in Season 9's "The Betrayal" with a flashback to the characters' first meeting when Kramer tells Jerry that the name on his buzzer is incorrect.

Bobby's Death Was All A Dream (Dallas)

When Patrick Duffy decided to quit the CBS primetime soap opera, Dallas, his character, Bobby Ewing, was written off the show in Season 8 when he was run over by his sister-in-law, Katherine Wentworth (Morgan Brittany), and was buried after succumbing to his injuries in the Season 9 premiere. However, after the writers urged the actor to come back to the cast, the Season 10 opener revealed everything that happened in the previous season was imagined by his wife, Pamela Barnes Ewing (Victoria Principal), in her sleep.

Gossip Girl's True Identity Does Not Make Sense (Gossip Girl)

As revealed in the series finale of Gossip Girl, Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgley) was the mysterious blogger the entire time but, if that's true, why does he act surprised by several posts about him, his friends, and his relatives in earlier episodes? Furthermore, Gossip Girl publicizes the fact that Dan and his girlfriend, Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), share a half-sibling, which he adamantly wants kept secret. So, why on Earth would he make that public, even anonymously?

What Ever Happened To Judy Winslow (Family Matters)

YouTuber Vee Infuso debunked an urban legend believing that the youngest Winslow child, Judy, once walked up the stairs in a Season 4 episode never to be seen again. While Jaimee Foxworth's actual final appearance in the Family Matter cast came later that season in "Mama's Wedding," her subsequent absence (due to the writers having nothing interesting to come up with for her) was never explained nor acknowledged for the remainder of the series.

The First Time Chandler Said "I Love You" To Monica (Friends)

In one of the most ridiculous Friends episodes, "The One Where Everyone Finds Out," Chandler (Matthew Perry) is coerced by Phoebe's (Lisa Kudrow) feigned seduction into admitting that he is in love with Monica (Courteney Cox) to everyone's surprise, including her own. However, the otherwise touching moment seems to forget about an earlier Friends Thanksgiving episode, "The One With All The Thanksgivings," in which Chandler lets his feelings for Monica slip when she surprises him with a turkey on her head.

A Time Lord's Maximum Number Of Regenerations Changes (Doctor Who)

Early on in the long-running, classic sci-fi TV show's history, it is established that the title character of Doctor Who, like all Time Lords, can only regenerate a total of 13 times. However, that rule has since been negated as the 13th Doctor actor, Jodie Whitaker, was later replaced by Ncuti Gatwa.

The History Of Superheroes Dates Back Longer Than We Thought (Arrowverse)

After adopting his vigilante alter ego at the beginning of the hit series, Arrow, Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) is said to have become the first superhero. Yet, later down the road as the Arrowverse franchise would continue to evolve with its multiple spin-offs, it was discovered that superhero teams have existed as early as World War II.

Kimmy Gibbler's Sibling Count (Full House/Fuller House)

When Kimmy Gibbler is first mentioned in the 1987 pilot for Full House, D.J. Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure) says she has three sisters but the character (played by Andrea Barber) says in Season 3 that her parents stopped having kids after her. This could imply she is merely the youngest in her family but she was also known to mention having an unseen older brother named Garth. Furthermore, in Netflix's revival, Fuller House, we are introduced to her younger brother, Jimmy (Adam Hagenbuch).

Dean Loses His Urban Philosophy (Gilmore Girls)

When Jared Padalecki first joined the Gilmore Girls cast as Dean, the character was introduced as a Chicago native who had moved to Stars Hollow fairly recently and loves obscure books and movies. However, when New York transplant and obscure book and movie lover Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) is brought into the mix, Dean is suddenly reinvented as a more rural individual who has lost his cultural interests and thinks of Stars Hollow as his true home after living "most of his life" there.

The Disappearance Of Donna's Sister (That '70s Show)

We are willing to bet that, even if you considered yourself a huge That '70s Show fan, you had absolutely no recollection that Donna (Laura Prepon) had a sister. Tina Pinciotti (Amanda Fuller) makes one appearance in Season 1 and is subsequently mentioned only once more in a throwaway joke from Season 2's "Vanstock" but, from that point on, Donna is referred to as an only child.

Daenerys Goes Bad (Game Of Thrones)

Here is an example of something that is not so much a retcon but a deeply confusing and quite maddening TV character evolution that suddenly comes out of nowhere. One of the most heavily criticized aspects of the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones sees the normally level-headed and fair Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) become a coldhearted tyrant who commits unimaginably brutal crimes without a second's hesitation.

Are Jason And Cheryl Really Twins? (Riverdale)

There are a number of notable inconsistencies regarding the characters in the Riverdale cast, but one of the more glaring involves Cheryl Blossom (Madelaine Petsch) and her brother, Jason (Trevor Stines). While initially established as fraternal twins, later episodes of the Archie Comics-inspired dramedy imply that they are in two different grade levels at school.

Who Made Spike A Vampire? (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

A lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans like to count the sudden appearance of Buffy's never-before-seen younger sister Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) as a retcon. However, the sentient form of power's inclusion is explained by fake memories implanted into the characters' minds after she is sent to Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) to protect, so we are not counting that. Instead, we will mention how Spike (James Marsters) refers to Angel (David Boreanaz) as the vampire who turned him until it is later revealed that Drusilla is his true sire.

Why Sheldon Knocks Multiple Times (The Big Bang Theory)

One of the most iconic running gags on The Big Bang Theory is Sheldon Cooper's (Jim Parsons) compulsion to knock on people's doors three times, which was only first introduced in Season 2. However, in Season 10, he explains that he formed the habit after accidentally walking in on his father having an affair and wants to give people enough time to "get their pants on" with his courteous and incessant signal.

When Claire Gets Her Powers (Heroes)

In the first season of Heroes, it is established that Claire Bennet (Hayden Panettiere) developed her rapid healing ability later in life when she hit puberty. However, in a later episode when she meets her birth mother, it is revealed that she was indestructible even when she was an infant.

The Rules Of Being A Vessel Are Inconsistent (Supernatural)

At one point in the 15-season run of Supernatural, it is established that being a vessel for a spiritual entity will result in the host's death once the entity no longer requires their physical form. However, Sam (Jared Padalecki), Dean (Jensen Ackles), and even the Lucifer-possessed President Jefferson Rooney (David Chisum) end up just fine after their time as a vessel ends.

Tina Admits She Was Faking Her Stutter (Glee)

When Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) is first introduced in the first season of Glee, she speaks with a stutter that suddenly disappears after she joins the glee club. She eventually reveals she faked it hoping that it would make Artie Abrams (Kevin McHale) like her more.

Randy Suddenly Gains An Uncle (Monk)

Even a detective show as clever as Monk has been known to make a few logical errors from time to time. For instance, Lt. Randy Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford) says at one point that he has two aunts but no uncles but, in the Season 5 episode "Mr. Monk Visits a Farm," he inherits land from a recently deceased family member... his uncle, Harvey (Jack Kehler).

President Barlett's Death Tax Repeal Veto Is A Surprise (The West Wing)

In Season 2 of creator Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing, it is mentioned by political commentator Mark Gottfried (Ted McGinley) that President Josiah Bartlett (Martin Sheen) vetoed a Republican-backed education package. However, in the following season when he vetoes a repeal of the "death tax," it causes an uproar as people claim he had never used the veto before.

Barney Suddenly Knows How To Drive (How I Met Your Mother)

In Season 2 of How I Met Your Mother, we discover that Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) not only does not know how to drive a car but is absolutely terrified to get behind the wheel. Yet, two seasons later, in one of the best HIMYM episodes, "As Fast as She Can," he makes multiple attempts to get a speeding ticket to prove he can talk his way out of one and is also seen driving plenty of times afterward. Perhaps he could have worked up the courage to finally learn how to drive by then but there is absolutely no mention of it, making his sudden acquirement of this skill a bit sudden.

Fans Still Missed Moriarty (Sherlock)

At the end of Sherlock's third season, a message from the detective's archnemesis, Moriarty (Andrew Scott) suggested the criminal mastermind would play a pivotal role in the following season. Unfortunately, fans would discover that he had no involvement in Season 4, which is less of a retcon and more of an infuriating cop-out.

Walker Blood Is Not A Source Of Infection (The Walking Dead)

Early seasons of The Walking Dead established that getting blood from one of the undead in your eyes or mouth or in a wound would prove fatal, yet later seasons ignore this rule almost completely. This retcon goes further than just the TV series as it is an acknowledged and important detail in the Robert Kirkman-penned comic book series that inspired the AMC hit.

Al Dreamt Peg's Pregnancy (Married…. With Children)

By the end of Married… with Children's first season, half of which saw Peg (Katey Sagal) pregnant, it is revealed to have been all Al's (Ed O'Neill) dream but there is actually a dark truth to this retcon. As the actor explains in her memoir, Grace Notes, Sagal's real-life pregnancy at this time was written into the show but when she suffered a miscarriage, it was decided that the show would not bring another child into the cast.

SpongeBob Knew Sandy As A Child (SpongeBob SquarePants/Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years)

In the second-ever episode of SpongeBob Squarepants, "Tea at the Treedome," we see the title character (voiced by Tom Kenny) meet Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence) for the very first time. However, the prequel spin-off, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years, suggests that the sea sponge and the squirrel knew each other when they stayed at the eponymous camp as children.

Peggy's Mom Keeps Changing (King Of The Hill)

The first time King of the Hill introduces Peggy's mother, she is depicted as a suburban homemaker but is later reinvented almost completely as the wife of a bitter old rancher. That is not even counting the fact that, in an episode when Bobby's secret admirer turns out to be his grandmother playing a trick, the elderly woman in question is neither Hank's nor Peggy's mother.

Andy's Father's Name Changes (The Office)

In NBC's The Office, after proposing to Angela (Angela Kinsey), Andy (Ed Helms) refers to his mother and father as Andrew and Ellen Bernard, implying that he is Andy Bernard Jr. However, when we meet his parents in "The Garden Party," the father is identified as Walter Bernard Sr. (Stephen Collins) and Andy explains that he used to be named Walter Jr. before his younger brother (played by Josh Groban) was deemed more worthy of the moniker.

The Rules For Transferring Powers (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)

In Season 2 of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, when Jason (Austin St. John), Trini (Thuy Trang), and Zack (Walter Emanuel Jones) are forced to leave, the team needs to acquire a special sword to transfer their powers to Rocky (Steve Cardenas), Aisha (Karan Ashley), and Adam (Johnny Yong Bosch). However, in the following season, when Kimberly (Amy Jo Johnson) needed to give her powers to Kat (Catherine Sutherland), she just handed over her power coin.

Sitcoms are meant to bring joy into the homes of those who watch them. However, not every episode manages to please every viewer and, in some instances, might stir up enough outrage to get banned. Such a fate actually befell some of the following episodes from the best sitcoms of all time which caused controversy.

"The Puppy Episode" - Ellen

At the same time Ellen Degeneres came out of the closet in real life, so did her sitcom alter ego – the first lead character on a TV series to do so – in "The Puppy Episode." While the two-part Season 4 episode of Ellen proved to be an Emmy-winning success and a big ratings win, many affiliates of ABC refused to air the episode and several sponsors chose not to advertise during its broadcast

"Edith's 50 Birthday" - All In The Family

In a two-part episode from the eighth season of All in the Family called "Edith's 50th Birthday," Jean Stapleton's character is nearly assaulted by a stranger posing as a detective whom she manages to escape but not without traumatizing circumstances. While remembered as one of the most powerful dramatic moments in a sitcom, seeing a character like Edith involved in such a harrowing situation was overwhelmingly "heartbreaking" for some to watch.

"Partial Terms Of Endearment" - Family Guy

Originally intended to be the Season 8 finale for Family Guy, "Partial Terms Of Endearment" sees Lois (Alex Borstein) agree to carry a child for a couple but, when they suddenly die in an accident, she considers having an abortion. The episode's satirical approach to a hotly debated serious topic led it to be banned from airing on American television but has been made available in the United States on DVD.

"Running Zack" - Saved By The Bell

Zack Morris is known today as one of the most ill-behaved sitcom kids for many reasons but one time Saved by the Bell tried to pain him in an admirable light has since backfired heavily. Star Mark-Paul Gosselaar later voiced regret over this Saved by the Bell episode in which his character discovers he has Native American ancestry and actually dons a headdress for a class presentation.

"You Say Potatoe, I Say Potato" - Murphy Brown

In the Season 4 finale of Murphy Brown, Candace Bergen's title character chooses to raise her new baby on her own – a decision that was criticized by then-Vice President Dan Quayle. The following season's premiere was written in response to this and even directly acknowledged the vice president's comments.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" - Roseanne

Roseanne was a revolutionary moment in sitcom history as a TV show featuring blue-collar characters but it also pushed boundaries in many other ways, such as an episode when Roseanne Barr's title character kisses a woman in a lesbian Barr. The comedian had to fight ABC on their hesitation to air the episode fearing there it would spark a backlash from religious conservatives and they turned out to be right.

"The Bicycle Man" - Diff'rent Strokes

In a famous "very special episode" of Diff'rent Strokes, Arnold (Gary Coleman) and his friend, Dudley (Shavar Ross) discover that a bicycle shop owner named Mr. Horton (Gordon Jump) is the kind of grown-up parents would not want their children to be alone with. While acclaimed for its bold depiction of the dangers of inappropriate attention from adults directed at minors, it was criticized for not downplaying its humor as much as it could have.

"Episode #1.1" - Soap

Right out of the gate, the revolutionary daytime drama spoof Soap garnered intense backlash by a wide margin for its approach to topics that were still very sensitive in the late 1970s. Billy Crystal's character, Jodie Dallas, was criticized both by anti-gay groups as well as the gay community, which felt that the otherwise groundbreaking characters portrayed their culture in a stereotypical and mocking fashion.

"Maude's Dilemma" - Maude

In the premiere season of Maude, the also beloved spin-off from All in the Family aired a two-part episode in which Bea Arthur's title character becomes pregnant and decides that, at her age, she would rather not have the baby. "Maude's Dilemma" was the first episode of a television show to acknowledge the abortion debate, which led to CBS receiving thousands of letters in protest.

"The Puerto Rican Day" - Seinfeld

The penultimate episode of Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David's mega-hit comedy is not considered one of the best episodes of Seinfeld for the same reasons it was taken out of circulation for years. "The Puerto Rican Day" – in which the gang gets stuck in traffic due to the eponymous parade – was viewed as culturally insensitive, particularly for one scene when Kramer accidentally lights a Puerto Rican flag on fire and tries to stomp it out, but has since been made available in syndication and on streaming.

"Lucy Is Enceinte" - I Love Lucy

In the 1950s, saying the word "pregnant" was not permitted on television, which is why you never actually hear Lucy (Lucille Ball) say the word in her many attempts to tell Ricky (Desi Arnaz) her big news in this classic I Love Lucy episode. Despite its clever censorship, "Lucy is Enceinte" almost did not air due to advertisers' reluctance because the mere topic of making Lucy pregnant would mean acknowledging that she and Ricky had been intimate.

"The Speech" - The IT Crowd

In the third season of the hilarious British sitcom, The IT Crowd, Matt Berry's Douglas Reynholm discovers his girlfriend, April, is a transwoman (as demonstrated in a tasteless montage of her performing traditionally masculine tasks), which leads to a violent end to their relationship. Considered abhorrent upon broadcast, the U.K.'s Channel 4 decided to pull the episode from its streaming service in 2020, prompting creator Graham Lineman to cut ties with the network.

"The One With The Lesbian Wedding" - Friends

The first TV series to depict the marriage between two women was Friends in Season 2's "The One with the Lesbian Wedding." However, many NBC network affiliates, including in Texas, refused to air the episode in which Ross' ex-wife, Carol (Jane Sibbett), and her girlfriend, Susan (Jessica Hecht), tie the knot.

"Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" - Community

For years, the Season 2 Community episode, "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" was not available to stream, due to a moment when Ken Jeong's Chang dons what appears to be blackface to cosplay as a "dark elf." However, Community cast member Yvette Nicole Brown, when speaking to Gizmodo, defended the episode, especially since her character, Shirley Bennett, calls out Chang's insensitive act.

"Stark Raving Dad" - The Simpsons

Michael Jackson makes an uncredited appearance in an episode of The Simpsons as the voice of an institutionalized man who believes he is the "Thriller" singer. In 2019, following the release of the documentary, Leaving Neverland, the episode was pulled from circulation and has since been made unavailable to stream.

"Eric's Buddy" - That 70s Show

Joseph Gordon-Levitt guest starred on That '70s Show as Buddy, whom Eric (Topher Grace) discovers is interested in more than lab partners when he plants a kiss on him. The otherwise refreshingly open-minded episode has been criticized for reducing the openly gay character to not much more than a punchline and a means for Eric to reinforce his identity as a straight man.

"200" - South Park

South Park is known for its many boundary-pushing moments, which creator Matt Stone and Trey Parker decided to pay tribute to in the animated series' two-part 200th episode. Unsurprisingly, the episode would face heavy backlash and, since its initial broadcast, has been censored for its depiction of Muslim faith.

"Koi Pond" - The Office

One example of an ill-fated prank from The Office that some fans have probably never seen comes from the since-removed cold open for an episode called "Koi Pond." In it, Michael (Steve Carell) stages a suicide for Dunder-Miffling's Halloween haunted house attraction, traumatizing the young trick-or-treaters and angering viewers for its insensitive approach to the subject.

"Comedians" - Beavis And Butt-Head

When Beavis and Butt-Head pursue stand-up comedy careers and fail, they retaliate by setting fire to the club where they performed and happily giggle as it burns to the ground. In 1993, a The New York Times report claimed that five-year-old Austin Messner watched the episode and accidentally killed his sister by setting his own home on fire, prompting MTV to pull it from rotation. However, in 2008, the 20-year-old Messner revealed (via PopCulture) that he never watched Beavis and Butt-Head because his addict mother could not afford cable.

"I'll See You In Court" - Married... With Children

While Married... with Children never had the squeakiest reputation, Fox refused to air an episode in which Al (Ed O'Neill) and Peg Bundy (Katey Sagal) discover their night at a motel was recorded and file a lawsuit. While initially deemed in poor taste, an edited version of the episode finally made it to air on FX years later.

"Live Show" - 30 Rock

Both times 30 Rock put on a live episode, the shows were met with backlash for the use of Blackface. For instance, the East Coast broadcast of Season 5's "Live Show" would be pulled from syndication for a scene in which guest star Jon Hamm's character shows off his hand transplant from a Black donor.

"Prom-ises, Prom-ises" - Boy Meets World

Some episodes of the beloved TGIF comedy Boy Meets World were removed from Disney Channel's rotation of reruns, including Season 5's "Prom-ises, Prom-ises." The plot sees teen lovers Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga (Danielle Fishel) considering the decision to consummate their relationship on prom night, only to discover his parents are having their own fun in a nearby hotel room.

"The Hunger Strike" - The Boondocks

It took 12 years for "The Hunger Strike," an episode of The Boondocks that was originally called "BET Sucks" and set to air on Adult Swim in 2008, to finally be shown on American television. The actual reason for the banning has not been confirmed but reports claim that BET threatened litigation, due to its overtly scathing spoofing of the cable network's programming.

"Mid-Life Crustacean" - SpongeBob Squarepants

Even a Nicktoon as beloved as SpongeBob Squarepants has a couple of episodes that modern audiences will never see on Nickelodeon or with a Paramount+ subscription and, in retrospect, it is surprising that one of them ever made it to air. Season 3's "Mid-Life Crustacean" involves a scene when Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown), in a bid to reclaim his youth, joins SpongeBob (Tom Kenny) and Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke) to raid a woman's undergarment drawer, only to discover too late that they have broken into his mother's house.

"Boston" - Aqua Teen Hunger Force

In 2007, battery-powered LED placards designed to resemble Aqua Teen Hunger Force characters called The Mooninites were placed around Boston as a marketing strategy for the adult animated movie, Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters, but were mistaken for explosive devices. The original show's writers decided to create an episode based on the incident, in which Frylock (Carey Means), Master Shake (Dana Snyder), and Meatwad (Dave Wilis) are mistaken for explosives in Boston. The episode would become the first in the series to get banned but was later leaked online in 2015.

"Something's Up There" - Back To You

The short-lived Fox sitcom Back to You – starring Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton as bickering news anchors – has been largely forgotten since it ended in 2008. However, one episode was deemed controversial upon airing for the following line said to a Polish character when trying to convince them to go bowling: "Come on, it's in your blood, like Kielbasa and collaborating with the Nazis."

"Leap Frogs" - Rocko's Modern Life

Not only was Rocko's Modern Life one of the weirdest Nicktoons ever but it was especially one of the lewdest. Nickelodeon let plenty of mature humor slide but did ban an episode in which Mrs. Bighead tries to seduce the titular wallaby.

"Elephant Issues" - Tiny Toon Adventures

The Steven Spielberg-produced Tiny Toon Adventures served as a new era for the Looney Tunes legacy but did make a few dark turns during its run. For instance, one banned episode, which was meant to serve as a PSA of sorts, saw Buster Bunny, Plucky Duck, and Hamton J. Pig getting intoxicated and suffering a car accident

"Dentist" - Adventure Time

The plot of the Adventure Time Season 6 episode, "Dentist," – in which Finn (Jeremy Shada) receives oral treatment from a colony of ants – offers nothing controversial in concept. However, it caused a bit of an internet uproar when a character named Lt. Gamergate (which is the name of a type of ant) was interpreted as a reference to the recently developing "GamerGate" movement.

30. "Fat Like Me" - Daria

Spun-off from Beavis and Butt-Head, Daria followed the misadventures of the cynical, monotone titular teen (voiced by Tracy Grandstaff). One episode of the animated never aired in reruns on the Nickelodeon subsidiary Teen Nick (formerly known as The N) because of the way it depicts obesity's connection to high school social status.

"Terms Of Endearment" - Drawn Together

Drawn Together is a mockumentary-style animated Comedy Central series following a group of cartoon characters living together. One episode was met with controversy for its satirical portrayal of the horse riding accident that paralyzed Superman actor Christopher Reeve, who passed away shortly before the series premiered.

"Man's Best Friend" - Ren & Stimpy

One of the most unhinged episodes of Ren & Stimpy was banned on Nickelodeon for a violent scene in which Ren beats up a character with an oar, as well as the depiction of dog treats that, for some reason, look like cigars and feces. The episode was later broadcast on MTV, which is certainly a more appropriate home for its subject matter.

Robert Eggers, the visionary director behind some of the best horror movies of recent memory, The Witch and The Lighthouse, is no stranger to finding inspiration in unexpected places. Known for his meticulous approach to historical and literary adaptations, the filmmaker has now turned his sights on reimagining the classic vampire tale with his upcoming Nosferatu. But, in a funny twist, the filmmaker recently credited an unlikely spices in regard to his latest project: SpongeBob SquarePants. Yeah, that’s a 2024 headline I never thought I’d write.

Yes, you read that right. I'm referring to one of the best animated Nicktoons of the '90s, which features the animated sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea. Some may or may not be aware that the long-running series has a connection to the Nosferatu character. While discussing his 2024 movie schedule release with The Hollywood Reporter, Robert Eggers had this to say about Spongbob familiarizing people with Count Orlok:

For some millennials, their first encounter with the iconic vampire character of Count Orlok can, in part, be traced back to the second season of the Nickelodeon series. Nosferatu famously appeared on the episode “Graveyard Shift” as a punchline gag. Today, that fan-favorite episode is still discussed amongst fans, and talk has ramped back up again as of late due to the Northman filmmaker's latest motion picture.

It's amazing how people find out about iconic pieces of pop culture in a myriad of ways. With that, it's interesting to hear Robert Eggers talk about how Muppet Babies introduced him to profound pieces of art at such a young age. Considering his own personal experiences with animated series, it makes sense that Eggers would understand the Spongebob connection, and kudos to him for giving the aquatic character some props.

Originally introduced in F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film, Nosferatu is a chilling, all be it an unauthorized, book-to-screen adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and a cornerstone of horror cinema. The character’s unsettling appearance, elongated fingers and ghoulish grin made him a horror icon long before he made a cameo in children’s cartoon. Check out how he was utilized on the Nick show:

Robert Eggers’ take on the horror property promises to return to the character’s sinister roots, crafting a gothic retelling that stays true to its haunting origin. And, based on the positive early critical response to Nosferatu, it's shaping up to join the ranks of horror remakes that don’t suck. This reimagining is poised to contrast sharply with the humorous portrayal fans remember as the cheeky light switch-flipping vampire from SpongeBob SquarePants.

Still, the SpongeBob connection is a reminder of how pop culture adaptations—no matter how irreverent—can keep classic characters relevant. Ultimately, Eggers' point about how Muppet Babies and other children's shows first exposed him to cinematic classics underscores how formative these early, seemingly lighthearted experiences can be for impressionable viewers.

Eggers' Nosferatu opens in theaters on December 25th, and fans of “elevated” horror and underwater antics will undoubtedly be intrigued by this bizarre yet delightful connection. While you wait, how about revisiting Bikini Bottom? 13 seasons of Spongebob Squarepants are available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription.

Sometimes the younger characters on a TV comedy are the heart and soul of the show. However, there are plenty of other sitcom kids who might be the reason you stop tuning in... or refuse to have children of your own. 

We will admit that it took a good chunk of time to sift through the greatest sitcoms ever and find characters who really earned the right to be called "horribly misbehaved" and, in fact, you might find some of our choices a bit controversial. Please bear with us as we look back on the sitcom kids that really need a time-out.

Louis Stevens (Even Stevens)

The role that made Shia LaBeouf a star was Louis Stevens, who is the central focus of the hit Disney Channel original comedy series, Even Stevens. However, the sometimes well-meaning seventh grader is the pariah of his family, due to his severe lack of responsibility and reputation for pulling childish, yet impressively elaborate, pranks.

Zack Morris (Saved By The Bell)

Out of all the main teens from Saved By the Bell, the fourth-wall-breaking Zack Morris seems like the one you would most likely want to identify with, from his confident demeanor to his ability to stop time. Yet, a series by Funny or Die called Zack Morris is Trash has since convinced the world, including Zack actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, how problematic his character was by pointing out his smug ignorance and self-serving ambitions.

Dennis Mitchell (Dennis The Menace)

Everything you need to know about Dennis Mitchell (Jay North) is in the title of his late '50s, early '60s sitcom inspired by the eponymous comic strip, Dennis the Menace. Of course, to be fair, George Wilson's young neighbor never sets out to start trouble but has issues following rules, which often causes accidents at other people's expense.

Eddie Haskell (Leave It To Beaver)

The precocious title character of Leave It to Beaver (Jerry Mathers) and his older brother, Wally (Tony Dow), certainly got themselves into trouble on many occasions but their overall behavior was saintly compared to Eddie Haskell (Ken Osmond). Wally's best friend would try to hide his rudeness and scheming nature by putting on a mild-mannered front, but Mrs. Cleaver (Barbara Billingsley) could still see right through him.

Zack Martin (The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody)

After years of sharing the same role (such as Julian in Big Daddy), Cole and Dylan Sprouse each got to play their own half of the titular brotherly duo from Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. While future Riverdale cast member Cole played the intelligent and more mature Cody, Dylan got the role of the more self-centered and rebellious twin brother, Zack, who was typically the brains behind any troubling circumstances they would find themselves in.

Eric Cartman (South Park)

The inciting incident in many of the most outrageous episodes of South Park often has something to do with Eric Cartman. Anything and everything the loud-mouthed bully says and does is a reflection of his hateful personality that goes wildly beyond childish misbehavior. Perhaps more people would respect his "authoritah" if he was not such a despicable human being.

Bam-Bam (The Flintstones)

Both of the kids from Hanna-Barbera's The Flintstones are irresistibly cute, but we much would rather be in Fred and Wilma's place and raise Pebbles. We do not envy Barney and Betty, who should have never given Bam-Bam his signature club in the first place and should have taken it away many, many times.

Reese (Malcolm In The Middle)

All of the boys in the Malcolm in the Middle cast, even including Frankie Muniz's unusually intelligent title character, had their moments of impertinence, but no one else was on the same level as Reese. Justin Berfield's character seemed to live for insubordination, despite probably not understanding what that word means.

Megan Parker (Drake & Josh)

In Nickelodeon's Drake & Josh, Josh Nichols (Josh Peck) gained both a stepbrother in Drake Parker (Drake Bell) and a stepsister in Megan (Miranda Cosgrove), who now had two targets to torment. However, the pre-teen girl's "pranks" went far beyond anything that could be considered cute and childish and often bordered on life-endangering. 

Bart Simpson (The Simpsons)

Where do we begin with Bart Simpson, who opens every single episode of The Simpsons by writing a different incriminating activity on the school chalkboard during detention? We could mention just one example of his many pranks that did not end well, such as when he handed Homer (Dan Castellaneta) a Duff can be shaken so vigorously that it blew the roof off of their house.

Darlene Conner (Roseanne)

In the early seasons of Roseanne, Darlene Conner (Sara Gilbert) especially boasted a relentlessly smart mouth and perpetual laziness. However, you could say that she was not much different from her own mother (Roseanne Barr) when you really think about it.

Kelly Bundy (Married... With Children)

The real problem with the elder Bundy child, Kelly (Christina Applegate), from the iconic blue-collar TV show, Married... with Children is her aggressive selfishness and hopeless absent-mindedness. As far as any misbehavior in her life goes, she only has our sympathies, considering the people who raised her.

Mateo Villanueva (Jane The Virgin)

Mateo Villanueva (Elias Janssen) came from humble beginnings, being the son of the chaste Jane (Gina Rodriguez) and Rafael Solano (Justin Baldoni) after an accidental artificial insemination. However, even some of the biggest fans of Jane the Virgin believe that the child turned out to be something of a spoiled brat for the most part.

Axl Heck (The Middle)

Rarely is the oldest child from a sitcom family the one that starts the most trouble, but the Hecks' first-born son, Axl (Charlie McDermott) has earned it. The reason, in particular, is the awfully rude and belittling way he treats his younger sister, Sue (who almost got a The Middle spin-off led by Eden Sher), on a nearly constant basis

Ben Gellar (Friends)

A young Cole Sprouse was once part of the Friends cast in the role of Ross Gellar's (David Schwimmer) first child, Ben, whom we discover enjoys pulling gross and even harmful gags on his father, mother Carol (Jane Sibbett), and stepmother Susan (Jessica Hecht). Then again, it was Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) who gave him the idea for some of these pranks, so she might be the one to blame after all.

Pearl Krabs (SpongeBob SquarePants)

It appears that Mr. Krabs' (Clancy Brown in one of his best roles) selfish and demanding personality not only rubbed off on his (probably) adoptive daughter, Pearl (Lori Alan), but also made her much worse. The teenage whale throws uproarious temper tantrums over the smallest inconveniences which, given her size, often cause damage.

London Tipton (The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody)

Before Brenda Song became known for her relationship with Macaulay Culkin, she was a Disney Channel star, stealing the show in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody as London Tipton. All you really need to know about the dim-witted teen heiress to a hotel magnate is in her catchphrase: "Yay me!"

Brad Taylor (Home Improvement)

There are not too many unlikable characters in the Home Improvement cast, but our default choice for the "misbehaved kid" from the long-running sitcom would have to be Brad. For years, the most definitive personality trait for Tim (Tim Allen) and Jill (Patricia Richardson)'s oldest son (played by Zachary Ty Bryan) was the cruel treatment of his youngest brother, Mark, often with help from middle sibling Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas).

Miley Stewart (Hannah Montana)

She may have been the protagonist of the smash hit Disney Channel comedy, but the power and influence that Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) gained from her secret life as a pop music sensation clearly went to her head, based on her often rude disposition toward her own family members or even to strangers. In fact, her problematic behavior was the driving force of the plot for 2009's Hannah Montana: The Movie.

Candace Flynn (Phineas And Ferb)

Voiced by High School Musical's Ashley Tisdale, Candace Flynn might argue that her eponymous younger brother and stepbrother were really the ill-behaved ones in her family. However, any true fan of Phineas and Ferb knows that Phineas (Vincent Martella) and Ferb (Thomas Sangster) made summer better with all of their wildly inventive activities and she wasted a lot of time trying to ruin their fun when all she needed to do was chill out.

Beans (Even Stevens)

The only young character on Disney's Even Stevens who was more mischievous than Shia LaBeouf's Louis was his little buddy, Bernard Aranguren, whom he dubbed "Beans." Played by Steven Anthony Lawrence, the bacon-loving menace could be a reliable friend, but his devotion to the Stevens family could be seen as blatant free-loading.

Bud Bundy (Married... With Children)

David Faustino's character on the risque family sitcom Married... with Children was much smarter than his sister, or his father, Al (Ed O'Neill), and mother, Peg (Katey Segal), for that matter. If only he would apply his intelligence toward things other than half-baked schemes or his own libido, we might be proud of him.

Kenan Rockmore (Kenan & Kel)

When rewatching Kenan & Kel recently, it occurred to us that, while the accident-prone and absent-minded Kel (Kel Mitchell) is often blamed for the trouble he and Kenan (Kenan Thompson) get into, it is really not his fault. The true troublemaker is Kenan, who is practically addicted to the rush of pulling off crazy schemes that always blow up in his face.

Trina Vega (Victorious)

On Nickelodeon's Victorious, Victoria Justice's central character, Tori Vega gets accepted into a performing arts college after years of living in the shadow of her older sister, Trina (Daniella Monet), who is not quite as worthy of the honor as she thinks. If only Trina were more humble and not aggressively oblivious of her shortcomings, she might not use her belief that she is more attractive and more talented than literally anyone else around her as an excuse for constant put-downs.

Cory Baxter (That's So Raven)

In the very first episode of Disney's That So Raven, the psychic title character (Raven-Symoné) describes her younger brother as "a master in deceit and the art of psychological manipulations." There is no doubt that Cory (Kyle Massey) was highly intelligent for his age, but applied his brains to lies and schemes to take the easy way out of things and try to get rich.

Liv Rooney (Liv And Maddie)

One of the best TV shows for Dove Cameron fans to watch is her breakthrough Disney Channel series in which she plays both titular roles from Liv and Maddie. It is no wonder why Cameron earned a Daytime Emmy for her dual performances for the way she seamlessly differentiates the two, with Liv Rooney being the polar opposite of her smarter and far more selfless twin sister.

 Pim Diffy (Phil Of The Future)

On Disney Channel's Phil of the Future, teenage Phil Diffy (Raviv Ullman) and his family try to hide that are from the 22nd Century secret while trapped in the mid-2000s. However, the one who typically came closest to spilling the beans and getting in the most trouble was Phil's younger sister, Pim (Amy Bruckner), who was not just an adorable menace but had genuine ambitions for world domination.

Arnold Jackson (Diff'rent Strokes)

The late Gary Coleman's endearing performance on Diff'rent Strokes made him one of the adored child stars of his generation. If not for his charming demeanor, that might not have been the case as his character, Arnold, should have gotten in trouble far more often for his mouthy habits.

Kate Sanders (Lizzie McGuire)

There are some moments from Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire, which almost got a Disney+ revival, that hints at a time when Lizzie (Hilary Duff), Miranda (Lalaine), and Gordo (Adam Lamberg) were friends with Kate Sanders (Ashlie Brillault). It is hard for them, and for us, to believe that they could have ever had a cordial relationship with the uproariously bullish and prissy student who practically seems to dedicate her life to belittling the trio.

Vanessa Thomkins (The Bernie Mac Show)

Most of Vanessa Thomkins' (Camille Winbush) interactions with her eponymous uncle on The Bernie Mac Show involved her talking back to him and undermining his every attempt to be a parent to her. In her defense, her rebelliousness is likely a symptom of her abandonment issues and tougher home life before being taken in by Bernie and Wanda. 

Sam Puckett (iCarly)

We always felt that the pairing of Janette McCurdy's iCarly character, Sam Puckett. and Ariana Grande's Cat Valentine from Victorious was way too unlikely when they got their own Nickelodeon sitcom. However, when you think about it, it is honestly hard to believe at times that someone as kind and thoughtful as Carly Shay (Miranda Cosgrove) would become such great friends with an unashamed bully like Sam.

Caillou (Caillou)

Admittedly, the animated adaptation of the Canadian illustrated children's book series is not a sitcom. However, the titular four-year-old from Caillou was so ill-tempered, that he even irked viewers from PBS Kids' target demographic.

One of the best TV animated shows of all time, soaking-wet hands down, has to be SpongeBob SquarePants. He’s the happy sponge living his best under-the-sea life with his BFFs and his fry-cook career at the Krusty Krab. The Nickelodeon show has been producing new episodes ever since 1999, and the animated sponge’s longtime voice actor Tom Kenny says he believes his most-beloved character is on the autism spectrum, and fans have a lot of thoughts on that.

SpongeBob SquarePants already had a profound effect on the autism community. The beloved children’s show character played a big part in the horror film Come Play, in which a non-verbal boy connects to the lovable sponge and as a way to assist with communication. As well, movie theaters held autism-friendly screenings of SpongeBob SquarePants: Sponge Out Of Water back in 2015, which were reportedly very popular.

At Motor City Comic Con, Tom Kenny spoke about being asked previously by an autistic fan whether his friendly sponge character is on the spectrum. This X video below showcases his story:

With thunderous applause following Tom Kenny’s triumphant words, it’s amazing that he called SpongeBob’s possible autism his “superpower.” That’s how all of us should feel about any of our unique abilities. As you can imagine, fans had a lot to say on the idea of the Bikini Bottom resident being autistic, even if his use of the descriptor "superpower" didn't fit well in everyone's minds. Take this X user’s reaction to Kenny’s words:

You could argue that SpongeBob SquarePants has shown off a lot of super traits over the years, with lots of interests like jellyfishing, showcasing the art of flipping Krabby Patties, and “Kah Rah Tay” with Sandy. Not to mention all of the ways SpongeBob can change the shape of his body in a way no one else can. But being on the spectrum is as natural as can be, and some fans don't think his neuro-divergent traits need to be overhyped to be appreciated.

The following tweet, for instance, harbors a more negative take on the voice actor’s statement:

Autism is a complex spectrum that affects each person differently. Those diagnosed with autism could have the power to see the world differently than others like Temple Grandin. Then, there are those who focus more on the challenges that come from autism like communication issues and sensory overload. This is all the more reason why the character SpongeBob can be a good animated toon for children and adults to look up to seeing a happy sponge living carefree.

In that sense, one fan posted their enthusiasm about feeling more heard and seen by the animated series than others in real life.

Another social media user shared a touching analysis of SpongeBob being autistic:

With Tom Kenny voicing the beloved cartoon for over two decades, it’s an amazing discovery that this whole time he had a feeling that SpongeBob could be autistic. Given that adults already watching SpongeBob SquarePants after all of these years, this declaration can reach not just neurotypical people but those on the spectrum who can better relate to the popular sponge.

This next post speaks volumes about how much more relatable SpongeBob SquarePants will be now for those with autism:

How incredible is it that SpongeBob can have such a profound affect on someone's self-understand. By looking at cartoon characters like the pineapple-dwelling sponge, fans can see themselves inside of him and confirm what they probably already knew about themselves. One more X post explained an example of how SpongeBob's quirks are similiar to their own.

When you look back on the best SpongeBob SquarePants episodes, there are indeed a lot of life aspects SpongeBob doesn’t understand. For example, he hardly picks up on Squidward being annoyed or sarcastic with him. SpongeBob also tends to take things literally like when he and Squidward went on strike and SpongeBob tried to destroy the building after Squidward said, “dismantle the oppressive establishment.” Now, those watching can feel good knowing our favorite sponge also has moments of misunderstanding certain things.

For more fun under the sea with your favorite Bikini Bottom chums, SpongeBob SquarePants episodes, movies, and specials are available on your Paramount+ subscription. Keep your eye out for new episodes of the Nickelodeon show's Season 14 as part of your 2024 TV schedule.

For those who know me, you understand I love to eat and cook. For those who don't, you just learned a new fun fact about me – cooking (and eating) is honestly a passion of mine. Granted, I pair that with a decent amount of working out so that way I can eat whatever I want, but it's worth it when I'm able to enjoy that slice of pizza guilt-free or sip on a milkshake without worries. 

Another passion of mine is movies and TV, as you can expect, and those go well together with food, especially with cooking scenes, moments featured around cooking, or anything else. Today, we'll be going over my top favorite cooking scenes in film and television – or just dishes that look absolutely divine. 

The Cuban Sandwiches (Chef)

Chef is an underrated movie for many reasons, but it was especially underrated for how good its food looks. The Cuban Sandwiches that Carl begins to make towards the middle of the movie are really the most delicious thing I have ever seen—and I would know because I made them as well, and yes, they are so good. 

The Beef Wellington In Any Hell's Kitchen Season (Hell's Kitchen)

As someone who loves any Gordon Ramsay cooking show, I think Hell's Kitchen is the one that's been around the longest. And what have you seen them cook time and time again, over and over? That Beef Wellington, wrapped in puff pastry, surrounded by all kinds of goodness, and that red meat – gosh, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. 

The Last Of Us Made Me Want To Try Rabbit (The Last Of Us)

I love The Last of Us. Not only is it my favorite video game of all time, but it's also one of my favorite video game adaptations. That third episode with Bill and Frank broke me into a million pieces, but you want to know what it also did? Bill somehow made rabbit look appetizing to me when he cooked it—and now, I'm really curious to try it. 

Literally Any Scene With Chocolate (Wonka)

I'm going to miss getting into details with this one. While I picked Wonka specifically, any of the Willy Wonka adaptations would work. I gain ten pounds just watching this chocolatier make the treat, let alone eat it. 

Any Food Scene In Any Studio Ghibli Movie

As someone who loves anime, my favorite part is the fantastic Studio Ghibli movies. In any of them, there is always—and I mean always—a cooking scene. But in every Ghibli film, he always finds a way to make food look so ridiculously good that I'm jealous I'm not in the movie. The food is so appetizing that there's a cookbook based on it. 

Flanders Hot Cocoa That Looks Absolutely Divine (The Simpsons Movie)

As someone who just spent a decent amount of time rewatching the first ten seasons of The Simpsons, I recently saw The Simpsons Movie again. And man, that hot cocoa that Flanders leaves out for Bart lives in my head rent-free. He creates it without skipping a beat and topping it off with chocolate shavings. My friend, please do that for me. 

When Remy Makes The Ratatouille (Ratatouille) 

I love Ratatouille so much and believe it's underrated in terms of Pixar film status. I have to point out the titular dish that the rat, Remy, makes. Whether it's because of Ego's reaction to the food or the careful way in which Remy and the others assemble the cooked pieces of vegetables, it's a beautiful cooking scene. 

That Mushroom Pasta That's Served At The Family Dinner (The Super Mario Bros. Movie)

While we don't physically see Mario's family cook the mushroom pasta, we do see it served, and yes, this is another example of something I had to recreate. It's a relatively simple meal: sauteed mushrooms with pasta, but if you add a little bit of spice, cheese, wine, and love—boom, you get this masterpiece. 

The Last Meal – A Cheeseburger (The Menu)

I'm a massive fan of the best horror movies out there, but The Menu has snuck up and become an underdog favorite of mine—mainly because I've occasionally enjoyed a night of fine dining. But the last meal, that cheeseburger with crinkle-cut fries that Chef Slowik served to Margot, made me want a cheeseburger so badly. Look at it; just look at it. 

Marcus' Chocolate Cake (The Bear)

The Bear cast features an extensive number of characters that I truly love more than most TV shows nowadays, and Marcus has snuck in and become a clear favorite of mine. One of my most-loved parts about him is in Season 1, where he spends so much time trying to perfect this chocolate cake, and it seriously makes me want to make a cake of my own—which I did end up doing because I have no self-control.

Those Scallion Noodles (Everything Everywhere All At Once)

The Academy Award-winning, Everything Everywhere All At Once is known for more than just its bagel. It also has scallion noodles, at least in the very beginning. What looks like a simple dish is actually delicate Asian cuisine that takes a certain amount of pizzazz to get just right, but once it's done, these are the best noodles you will ever have in your life. 

The Krabby Patties Because Obviously (Spongebob)

I'm a young woman; I grew up watching Spongebob Squarepants, so let's be honest here – you knew I was going to put this on this list. Come on. I'm pretty sure any time we saw Spongebob make these patties, we would salivate at the mouth to try them. 

Julieta Making Her Literal Healing Arepas (Encanto)

Encanto is a great Disney movie, and the arepas that Mirabel's mother, Julieta, makes look so good. They're so good that they literally heal people. If you can make an arepa that somehow heals wounds and more, you have captured my interest – even if it can't do the same in real life.

The Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (The Devil Wears Prada)

As someone who loves The Devil Wears Prada cast and adores the movie as a whole, I will openly say that I hated Nate's character. But what I didn't hate was that he was a chef who also spent his nights making some of the best-looking grilled cheese sandwiches for Andy. And yes, now I seriously crave something to eat. 

The Tamales Coco's Family Makes (Coco)

There are so many amazing Pixar films out there, but Coco has always been my favorite. However, something that I did forget about the movie for a while is that his family spends a decent amount of time crafting tamales, a very traditional Mexican dish that has been passed down from generation to generation. And truthfully, watching them make the dish made me want to try it so badly. 

Anytime Garfield Gets To Eat Cooked Lasagna (Garfield: The Movie)

I have to get Garfield on this list somehow. Garfield: The Movie is probably the best example, but any time Garfield gets to eat lasagna, I'm always jealous. Lasagna isn't even my favorite pasta dish, but somehow, this orange furball always finds a way for me to crave it by the time the movie ends. 

When The Chef Makes The Spaghetti (The Lady And The Tramp)

What is arguably one of the most romantic scenes in any Disney movie ever, we see Lady and Tramp share a plate of spaghetti after watching the chef at an Italian restaurant make it from the window. When I tell you that I have never craved spaghetti and meatballs more than after watching this film, I mean it. It looks so good. 

That Boursin Cheese Omelet (The Bear)

The Bear has so many dishes that I would gladly eat or make in a heartbeat, but I have to point out this omelet from Season 2 of the show. Sydney makes it for Sugar, and the dish itself is relatively easy to make but takes a certain amount of skill to pull off. Yes, I have remade it, and yes, I am salivating just thinking about those potato chips on top. 

The Crazy Amount Of Pastries (Marie Antoinette)

While Marie Antoinette is not the most historically accurate portrayal of the famous queen of France, I will say that the amount of pastries we see in that movie is godlike. I feel like seeing her eat them makes me gain twenty pounds—and also makes me want to go to a French bakery. 

The Classic Beef Bourguignon (Julie & Julia)

What makes Julie & Julie such a good movie is that it's actually based on a real-life culinary legend, so you know that the food in it is going to be spectacular. One of my favorite scenes from the film involves when they make the classic beef bourguignon, a stew where meat simmers for hours and is absolutely delicious by the time it is done. Ugh, I want to make it just thinking about it. 

Kevin Cooks His Own Macaroni & Cheese (Home Alone)

You know, sometimes you need to get the boxed mac and cheese and call it a day, and that's exactly what Kevin did in Home Alone. While we could go on for hours about how the burglar's injuries were super serious, I'm going to instead focus on how amazing that boxed macaroni and cheese looks that Kevin puts in the microwave. That feels like comfort on a plate. 

Carl Makes Aglio E Olio (Chef)

Aglio e Olio is actually one of the simplest pasta dishes you can make, and it's cooked to perfection in Chef. The dish itself is easy on the surface level but takes a certain amount of skill to pull off and achieve culinary perfection, and this scene perfectly captures it. Heck, I'd be waiting patiently, like Scarlett Johansson's character, too, for that meal. 

Monica's Candy That She Makes For The Neighbors (Friends)

Monica made some of the most delicious-looking food throughout Friends, but do you want to know the one dish that I have always wondered about? That homemade candy had neighbors coming directly to her door. It seemed like a nice favor at first, but eventually, it got so popular that she had to stop making it. What was in that candy that made it so good? I'm so curious. Give me all your secrets. 

That Classic Breakfast With Steak And Eggs (Twister)

You can't get better than this breakfast. While Twister isn't known for its cooking scenes, when we see steak and egg breakfast cooking, it'll make you want to make your own. I did precisely that after watching it for the first time. 

Remy's Reinvented Potato Leek Soup (Ratatouille)

There are so many delicious meals in Ratatouille that I could devour in a heartbeat, but Remy made the potato leek soup look so good. Alfredo nearly messes it up, but Remy secretly pulls it all together in the end and makes this delectable-looking masterpiece that makes me jealous that I'm not there in the kitchen with them. 

That Steaming New York City Pizza Delivery (Home Alone 2)

Okay, so Kevin doesn't actually make the pizza, but I have to put this on the list mainly because my mother and I still quote the scene where Kevin gets the pizza in Home Alone 2. It's steaming and is right out of the box, and it looks like something that I would absolutely devour in two seconds flat. 

A Chinese Christmas (A Christmas Story)

While we don't see them physically cook the Chinese, we do see the family of four receive a Chinese feast on Christmas Day when their dinner doesn't exactly pan out as planned. Featuring hilarious moments (some of which haven't aged super gracefully, but oh well), this scene captures the joy and craziness of Christmas—and makes me really want Chinese. 

Any Time Iroh Made Green Tea (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

I can't tell you how many times we've seen Uncle Iroh and all his wisdom in Avatar: The Last Airbender makes tea. I started drinking tea because of how good he made it look in every scene that he brewed. I even have a Jasmine Dragon mug now! I am fully on that Avatar train, no matter what. 

The Reveal Of That Timpano (Big Night)

I can't tell you how many times I've looked at that Timpano in Big Night and wondered how the heck that thing even exists. But that doesn't mean I don't want to try it. Look at it. Just look at this giant plate of food; God, my stomach is grumbling. 

Ross's Moist Maker Sandwich Because How Good Is It? (Friends)

No, because seriously, how good would this moist maker sandwich be if Ross basically got suspended from his job because of it? As someone who has had excellent Thanksgiving dinners and less than-great ones as well, that sandwich that Monica makes makes me so curious as to how good it tastes. 

Every Pie That's Baked (Waitress)

It's pie. How can you not want pie? Every pie that's baked in Waitress makes me want to make my apple pie no matter what time of year it is, and yes, I am going to go and bake one right now just thinking of it. 

Tiana's Gumbo (The Princess And The Frog)

Tiana is one of the best Disney princesses and it's because she knows all these excellent life skills and has an unbreakable spirit. One thing that she's amazingly good at is cooking and baking, and while I could point out her beignets, I have to give praise to her gumbo because, good lord, it looks so good. 

Gumbo honestly takes a lot of skill to properly make (as someone who has tried and failed), so I give her all the praise for somehow making it as a child. 

Okay, I think I need to revisit my cookbooks again because now I'm hungry. Time to cook! 

Kids today don't understand the feeling of waking up early on a weekend or summer day and watching cartoons. We'll look back on the '90s and 2000s as the peak of cartoons, especially when it comes to Nickelodeon's Nicktoons. This era had some absolute classics that still hold up to this day, so it's a good thing one can stream most of them with a Paramount+ subscription. 

The following is a rundown of our ranked list of the best Nicktoons from the '90s through the 2000s. Readers will notice the glaring omission of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and while it technically qualifies for the list and is fantastic, it felt like an odd inclusion factoring in most of these shows skew toward comedy. With that said, let's dive in and remember all the best Nicktoons of the past:

15. The Penguins Of Madagascar

It's rare that I find the side characters of a movie more entertaining than the main stars, but this was certainly the case with Madagascar. The Penguins Of Madagascar was a show for the crowd that wanted more of the Penguins scheming and less of the zoo animals adapting to life in the wild. The concept proved popular enough to get 149 episodes, which is pretty astounding, considering they were envisioned as minor characters initially.

14. Aaahh!!! Real Monsters

Aaahh!!! Real Monsters hasn't quite withstood the test of time like other Nicktoons on this list, but it's very worthy of this list all the same. Making a horror comedy for children centered around monsters is daring, especially when using an art style that is somewhat frightening to younger audiences. Its inclusion on the list of massively underrated cartoons is also justified, because we should all have more Ickis, Oblina, and Krumm merch in stores, given how great the storytelling was. 

13. The Angry Beavers

I don't think there's ever been a better characterization of brothers who are around the same age than Norbert and Daggett from The Angry Beavers. Both were different and alike in the same ways, and oh so entertaining to watch as a kid. I won't lie, these two effectively drilled the word "spoot" into my vocabulary. 

12. Rocket Power

When Rocket Power was first on television, I begged my parents for a skateboard for Christmas. Seeing Otto, Reggie, Twister, and Sam shred had me convinced I could do it just as well. That never really worked out, but I still have fond memories of all the extreme fun those friends had and think this series would be worthy of a reboot in 2024. 

11. Invader Zim

I don't think there's any stating how culturally significant Invader Zim was to millenials who embraced the emo lifestyle. Whether it was a love of Zim or his robot, Gir, who posed as a dog, the franchise had enough of an impact to make a comeback to Nickelodeon years later for a full-length movie. 

10. KaBlam!

The wonderful thing about KaBlam! was that the actual show was a collection of several mini-shows. I loved the excitement of tuning into an episode and not knowing if I was about to watch Prometheus and Bob, Action League Now, or one of the many other shorts in rotation for the comic-book-themed series. The show only aired 48 episodes, but the number of shorts packed in makes it feel like there were a lot more. 

9. Doug

There are a lot of great shows about the middle school experience that kids can look to for guidance these days, but Doug felt like one of the only animated options back in the day. Unfortunately, the series hasn't survived with a reboot or revival in the modern day, though creator Jim Jenkins did reveal if he thought Doug and Patty ever ended up together. 

8. Rocko's Modern Life

Rocko's Modern Life is one of those shows that was great when you were a kid, and it holds up really well when you're an adult. It's one of the weirdest Nicktoons of all time, but not so over the top that it was obvious to a child audience, like Ren & Stimpy was. I'll forever love this show and appreciate that it taught me the key difference between a kangaroo and a wallaby. 

7. Danny Phantom

There's something truly special about Danny Phantom. The series was mainly meant to be a comedy, but there were plenty of dramatic elements and action to it that made it about as enjoyable as the modern features in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Frankly, I'm surprised that there hasn't been a live-action series or movie announced for this hero, as a teen whose powers allow him to become a ghost and fight baddies is pretty damn cool. 

6. The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius

The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius might be one of the cases in which the television series exceeded the quality of the original movie in about every way. The Nickelodeon series expanded on Jimmy's well-intentioned but chaotic inventions and the colorful cast of characters in town. You might have even forgotten it spawned a spinoff called Planet Sheen, but we don't talk about that one, because it's terrible. 

5. Hey Arnold!

Hey Arnold! was a great series that encapsulated the life of children living in the big city. As for what big city that is, I always assumed it was New York City, but as Bustle and others over the years have pointed out, the show actually takes place in Washington state. Put that mindblowing fact aside for a bit and remember that this is a series that celebrated the rich diversity of our world long before Hollywood made it a priority, and it holds up really well to this day. 

4. The Ren & Stimpy Show

When I look at the humor Gen Z finds most appealing on TikTok, I always think about how much they'd probably enjoy The Ren & Stimpy Show. It's loaded with bizarre tension, over-the-top reactions, and visuals that you can't help but cringe watching. It's no wonder that a reboot is in development, though we've heard little about it in recent years. Hopefully, it's still coming, because I think it'll be something people enjoy. 

3. The Fairly OddParents

The Fairly OddParents is the ultimate fantasy if you're a kid. Who wouldn't want a pair of fairies who are capable of granting wishes beyond your wildest dreams just to make the boring days pass by faster? It's a concept that, frankly, never gets old, and I think the series could still work today if it got a reboot. 

2. Rugrats

Before the parents of today were obsessed with Bluey, Rugrats was the definitive show that they could enjoy with their children. The series' early episodes featured plenty of jokes for the older audience, but it went entirely over the heads of the kids tuning in to watch what adventure the babies would get in that week. In hindsight, it's a wonder none of these kids ever died, but I guess it wouldn't be a kids cartoon if it was realistic. 

1. Spongebob Squarepants

In 2024, I don't think there's any disputing that Spongebob Squarepants is the king of Nicktoons programming. What started as a bizarre show about a sponge in a pineapple has evolved into a franchise in which its starring character is as recognizable to children around the world as Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny. The series is still rolling strong, has had three movies, and has two more on the way. All hail the king of Nicktoons, and long live Spongebob. 

As mentioned, you can find a bunch of Nicktoons available on streaming on Paramount+. There's also a '90s Kids channel on Pluto TV worth checking out for those who want that Saturday Morning cartoon experience without having to click around on their own. 

Everybody loves a good, harmless prank… emphasis on “harmless.” Unfortunately, not every trick or gag results in a particularly funny outcome — even for the pranksters themselves — and many signature instances of this can be found on the big screen and the small screen. We decided to only count our favorite fictional examples, so do not expect to see any of the real-life victims of Johnny Knoxville or Sacha Baron Cohen among our picks for the most disastrous pranks from movies and TV shows.

Dumping Pig Blood On Carrie (Carrie)

In the iconic climax of Brian De Palma's 1976 adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie, bratty Chris Hargenson (Nancy Allen) conspires to humiliate Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) by dumping pig blood on her head at prom. Unbeknownst to her, the meek student is telekinetic and the stunt unleashes a rage within her that results in an all-out massacre in the high school gym with very few survivors.

The Prank War (Boy Meets World)

It starts when Cory (Ben Savage) and Shawn (Rider Strong) sneak Rachel's (Maitland Ward) car into her and Angela's (Trina McGree) dorm room. They and Jack (Matthew Lawrence) retaliate by gluing Cory, Shawn, and Topanga (Danielle Fishel) to their desk chairs, dousing them with honey, and letting a bear loose on them. Cory and Shawn's retort, in the form of posting an enlarged, revealing photo of Rachel in the student union, hurts her to tears and nearly ruins the relationship between these characters from the Boy Meets World cast.

Kidnapping Niedermeyer's Horse (National Lampoon's Animal House)

After helping D-Day (Bruce McGill) and Bluto (John Belushi) kidnap a horse belonging to Omega House member Neidermeyer, Flounder (Stephen Furst) is convinced to shoot the animal, not realizing they only put blanks in the pistol. Still, when Flounder shoots upward, the sound gives the horse a fatal heart attack, resulting in one of the darkest gags from National Lampoon's Animal House, which is really saying something.

Lloyd Gives Harry A Laxative (Dumb And Dumber)

To get even with Harry (Jeff Daniels) after learning he spent the day with Mary behind his back, Lloyd (Jim Carrey) puts a heavy dose of laxative in his coffee before he goes to see Mary again. This leads to, easily, the grossest scene from Dumb and Dumber in which Harry ends up violently unloading his waste into Mary's toilet, which he only then discovers is broken.

Getting Back At Mrs. Slater (The House On Sorority Row)

In the 1982 slasher, The House on Sorority Row, seven female college students attempt to prank their house mother, Mrs. Slater (Lois Kelso Hunt), by stealing her cane and forcing her to retrieve it from their pool herself while holding her at gunpoint. When the older woman retaliates by startling Vicki (Eileen Davidson), she accidentally shoots her, which makes them a target of a killer using her cane as the murder weapon.

Winston Convinces Nick And Jess They Are Evicted (New Girl)

The entire New Girl finale, in which Nick (Jake Johnson) and Jess (Zooey Deschanel) are forced to leave the loft, was an elaborate prank by Winston (Lamorne Morris). While the couple did successfully find a new place to live, the gang chalks up this gag as an example of when "Prank Sinatra" takes his sense of humor way too far.

Michelle And Natalie's Car Chase Game (Urban Legend)

In a late '90s slasher called Urban Legend, a wave of murders related to popular myths reminds Natalie (Alicia Witt) of a game she played with her high school friend, Michelle (Natasha Gregson Wagner). The object was to drive without headlights on and chase after the first car to flash its lights at them, which resulted in the death of the other car's driver.

Jim Hides Andy's Cellphone (The Office)

Dwight (Rainn Wilson) is the victim of Jim’s (John Krasinski) best pranks on The Office, but one that backfired a bit was targeted at Andy (Ed Helms) in retaliation for his annoying new ringtone. In the series’ third season, Jim hides the former Stamford Branch salesperson's cell phone in the ceiling and calls it repeatedly, which sends him into a rage that, ultimately, leads him to overreact by punching a hole in the wall.

Squidward Tries To Get Back At SpongeBob (SpongeBob Squarepants)

In an April Fool’s Day episode of one of the best-animated series of all time, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob Squarepants, Squidward (Rodger Bumpass) decides to get even with his eponymous co-worker (Tom Kenny) simply for enjoying one of his favorite holidays by setting an elaborate, Rube Goldberg-style trap in the Krusty Krab. However, the cantankerous octopus’ prank only causes SpongeBob physical and emotional pain and earns criticism from bystanders, forcing him to apologize.

Flaming Poop Bag Blows Up A Competing Bar (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia)

A classic example of the aggressively dark humor on FX’s It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia in the second season when the gang conspires to get back at a business developer who tries to claim he owns half of Paddy’s. One of their acts of vengeance is throwing a flaming bag of fecal matter into their rival’s property, unaware that there is a gas leak occurring at that moment, which causes an explosion inside.

The Gym Rats Make Melvin Kiss A Sheep (The Toxic Avenger)

After Melvin (Mark Torgl) is tricked into wearing a pink tutu and kissing a sheep he thinks is his crush, Julie (Cindy Manion), the embarrassed gym custodian accidentally runs through a window and falls into a vat of toxic waste. However, you could argue that this had a positive outcome, since the accident transformed him into a grotesque, but powerful, vigilante known as the Toxic Avenger.

Hiding Fish Causes A Deadly Standoff (Dirty Work)

In the cult favorite, 1998 Norm Macdonald movie, Dirty Work, professional revenge artists Mitch (Macdonald) and Sam (Artie Lange) try to make a client's rowdy neighbor's mansion literally smell fishy. When the owner returns with others to complete an illegal business deal, the buyer points out the odor, which the seller assumes is a signal that he is being set up, leading to a bloody massacre offscreen.

The Haunted Rock Quarry (Trick 'R Treat)

One of the most chilling segments from the 2007 anthology horror movie classic, Trick 'R Treat, sees Rhonda (Samm Todd) in hysterics by fellow-trick-or-treaters pretending to be the vengeful spirits of children who died at the bottom of a local quarry years earlier. Rhonda gets the last laugh, however, when she leaves the pranksters to die as the actual spirits of the murdered kids emerge to attack them.

Bart's Exploding Duff Can (The Simpsons)

Bart Simpson (Nancy Cartwright) is one of pop culture’s most legendary pranksters, but one of his biggest bombs occurred in an April Fool’s Day episode of The Simpsons as fate would have it. He shakes up a can of Duff so vigorously that, when Homer (Dan Castellaneta) cracks it open, it literally blows the roof off their house.

A Flaming Halloween Prank Leads To Victor Crowley's Death (Hatchet)

A horror movie villain we have some sympathy for is Victor Crowley (Kane Hodder), whose brutal murder streak in the Hatchet franchise is out of vengeful retaliation for the cruel Halloween prank that inadvertently led to his demise. When the grotesquely deformed man becomes trapped in his house as it is lit on fire by trick-r-treaters, his father (also played by Hodder) uses a hatched to break in and save him, but accidentally kills him with the tool instead.

Geoffrey Thinks He Won The Lottery (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air)

In Season 3 of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will (Will Smith) and Carlton (Alfonso Ribiero) convince Geoffrey (Joseph Marcell) that he won a $26 million jackpot, to which he excitedly responds by resigning as the Banks’ live-in servant. This forces the cousins to come clean about their trick (achieved by playing him a tape of the previous week’s lottery reading and buying a ticket with corresponding numbers), to which he responds by nearing choking them to death.

Aiden And Mia Convince Grace They Are Dead (The Lodge)

In many great horror movies, the inciting incident or entire plot revolves around a prank gone awry and a most devastating example is 2020’s The Lodge. The major reveal of the holiday horror movie is that Aiden (Jaeden Martell) and Mia (Lia McHugh) successfully convince their father’s girlfriend, Grace (Riley Keough), that they are all in purgatory, but are unable to get her to realize it was a joke, leading the unstable cult survivor to shoot their dad (Richard Armitage) under the belief that he has also joined them in the afterlife upon his return to the cabin. 

Frasier's Clown Costume Gives His Dad A Heart Attack (Frasier)

To get back at his father, Martin (John Mahoney), for spooking him earlier, Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) sneaks up on him dressed as a killer clown. The gag works too well, causing the startled Martin to end up in the hospital with a mild heart attack.

Scott And Cartman's Prank War (South Park)

It probably came as no surprise to South Park fans that a series of retaliative pranks between Scott Tenorman (voiced by Toby Morton) and Eric Cartman (Trey Parker) would lead to extreme circumstances, but just how it came to be was shockingly absurd. After Scott tries to trick Cartman into eating his body hair, Cartman gets even by tricking Scott into eating his own parents.

Columbus Gets Spooked By Bill Murray In Zombie Makeup (Zombieland)

The 2009 horror-comedy classic Zombieland features one of the most memorable Bill Murray cameos, especially for the tragic turn it takes when he tries to sneak up on Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg). Because the comedy legend’s disguise as a walking corpse is so convincing that, Columbus ends up shooting him in the chest, ending his life for real.

Joey Gets His Head Stuck In A Turkey (Friends)

In one of the best Friends episodes set on Thanksgiving, a flashback reveals a time when Joey (Matt LeBlanc) placed his head inside the dinner’s main course and could not take it off. He explains to Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) that he put the turkey on in the first place in hopes it would scare Chandler (Matthew Perry).

Lewis And Fuller Accidentally Prank A Psychopath (Joy Ride)

The 2001 thriller Joy Ride stars Paul Walker, Steve Zahn, and Leelee Sobieski as three road-trippers stalked by a sadistic trucker known as Rusty Nail (voiced by Ted Levine), but really have no one to blame but themselves for the ordeal. Walker and Zahn’s characters, Lewis and Fuller, played a practical joke on Rusty Nail — posing as a woman on CB radio and luring him to a racist businessman’s motel room — that he clearly did not find funny.

Liz's Fake Birthday Kidnapping Results In Her Death (Jawbreaker)

One of the darkest high school movies of the ‘90s is Jawbreaker, in which a clique of popular young men (Rose McGowan, Julie Benz, and Rebecca Gayheart) decides to surprise their fourth member, Liz (Charlott Ayanna), with a birthday dinner by pretending to kidnap her and throwing her in the trunk of a car. However, they are the ones who end up being surprised when they discover that, on the way, she choked to death on the titular piece of candy.

Max's War On Bullies (Max Keeble's Big Move)

When he learns he is moving by the end of his first week at school, the title character of Max Keeble's Big Move (Alex Linz) decides to get back at his bullies with, not just one prank, but a series of elaborate and uproarious gags. Unfortunately, when his dad quits his job, allowing his family to stay home instead, all of Max's tormentors come for him at once. At least his friends come through and help save him from a grisly fate.

Scaring Cropsy (The Burning)

The 1981 slasher The Burning follows a former summer camp caretaker named Cropsy, who seeks murderous vengeance years after he was the victim of a prank gone awry by a group of campers. An attempt to scare Cropsy by placing a burning, bug-infested skull near his bed works too well, resulting in an inferno that engulfs his cabin and leaves him horribly disfigured.

Just About All Of Junior's Mischievous Acts (The Problem Child Movies)

Dennis the Menace and Home Alone’s Kevin McCallister may be the more famous mischievous youngsters, but pop culture’s true, most fearsome troublemaker might be Junior (Michael Oliver) from 1990’s Problem Child and its sequel from the following year. The seven-year-old wreaks havoc by throwing the family cat on his grandfather (which ends him up in the hospital) and turning the propane on his new neighbor’s gas-powered barbecue pit high enough to cause an explosion.

Booker Thinks He Saw A U.F.O. (The Famous Jett Jackson)

On Disney Channel’s The Famous Jett Jackson, Jett (Lee Thompson Young), Kayla (Kerry Duff), and J.B. (Ryan Sommer Baum) mess with a working flying saucer prop from the Silverstone set that ends up hovering over Booker (Andrew Tarbet). While the trio never intended to prank him with it, they indulge in the opportunity when the deputy appears visibly shocked by the sight. However, they come to regret it when Booker spreads the word and causes a ruckus across town that ends up costing him his job.

Rachel Teaches Ben The Art Of Pranking (Friends)

Desperate to find some way to relate to young Ben (Cole Sprouse), Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) shows him some of the ways she and her siblings used to mess with each other in their youth, such as putting saran wrap around the toilet. Rachel ends up in the dog house, though, when Ben’s gags begin to upset his father, Ross (David Schwimmer), and mother, Carol (Jane Sibbet).

The Badger At Cece's Wedding (New Girl)

In the Season 2 finale of New Girl, Schmidt (Max Greenfield) wants to sabotage Cece’s (Hannah Simone) wedding to Shivrang (Satya Bhabha) and enlists the help of “Prank Sinatra,” Winston, who conspires to drop a live badger onto the officiant from inside the venue’s vents. Unfortunately, he and Nick never get that far into the plan because they get trapped in the vents with the badger after it springs loose from his crate.

A Crank Call Leads To Manslaughter And Murder (Don't Hang Up)

In the 2017 thriller, Don't Hang Up, Sam (Gregg Sulkin) and Brady (Garret Culkin) convince a woman over the phone that there is an intruder in her home and, unwittingly, reveal the truth only after she had dropped the phone. Hearing someone that she believes is the intruder, she fatally shoots them before discovering it was her own daughter entering the house. This incident makes Sam and Brady the target of a cruel killer who punishes pranksters like them.

The Haunted Warehouse (The Office)

As part of the Dunder-Mifflin Scranton branch's Halloween haunted house attraction, Michael (Steve Carell) suspends himself from the ceiling with a fake noose around his neck, absolutely traumatizing their young guests. The cold open proved controversial in real life, too, and has since been removed from the episode, called “Koi Pond,” wherever The Office is available to stream.

Faking Megan's Death Proves Fatal (Sorority Row)

The inciting incident of the 2009 slasher, Sorority Row (a reimagining of 1982's The House on Sorority Row), is a prank to punish Garrett (Matt O'Leary) for cheating on Megan (Audrina Patridge) by convincing him he killed her. However, he ends up killing her for real by mortally wounding her with a tire iron.

It should go without saying, but you should be careful about who you prank and how you prank them. If you don’t believe us, just check out these examples of pranks from movies and TV for reference.

Everyone — from some of the greatest action movie heroes to even some of the funniest sitcom protagonists — needs a friend by their side to help them out of a jam or just to keep their spirits up. For that reason, we love a good sidekick, and the following are some of our all-time favorites from the big and small screen.

Short Round (Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom)

Ke Huy Quan's young companion to Harrison Ford's titular hero in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom said it best: "... you listen to me more, you live longer!" You could even argue that Short Round is the true hero of the 1984 sequel for his bravery in breaking an enchanted Indy's spell and his brave help rescuing kidnapped children from the Thuggee cult.

Robin (Batman)

Despite the campy nature of the character, there might not be a more iconic iteration of Robin than Burt Ward's '60s-era portrayal. His sharp wit, outstanding courage, and loyalty to Adam West's Batman in the series and theatrical spin-off make him just as important to Gotham City's safety.

Chewbacca (Star Wars)

Han Solo (Harrison Ford) is not quite the "lead" character of the original Star Wars movies, but he and his furry companion, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), absolutely steal the show. The Millennium Falcon pilot and the Wookiee represent the strongest kinds of friendships in which one understands the other, literally, better than anyone else could.

George Costanza (Seinfeld)

Loyalty, support, compassion (yada, yada, yada) are attributes of an honorable sidekick, but not George Costanza (Jason Alexander). In fact, in many of the best episodes of Seinfeld, he is often relying on Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) to help him out. Nevertheless, despite all the times the comedian could have justifiably shunned George out of his life, the pair maintain a friendship is one of the few endearing things about the cynical sitcom. 

Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (Top Gun)

We cannot think of a more bromantic dynamic from the 1980s than the personal and professional relationship between Maverick (Tom Cruise) and his RIO, Goose (Anthony Edwards), in Top Gun. Maverick could have never asked for a better wingman, which makes his untimely death (after his head hit the jet canopy during ejection), one of the most heartbreaking tragedies in cinema.

Ethel Mertz (I Love Lucy)

Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) would have had even more splainin' to do if not for her landlady and best friend, Ethel Mertz (Vivian Vance), helping her out of trouble on occasion. Some of the best episodes of I Love Lucy see them going on crazy adventures together, such as when they got a job at a chocolate factory with a high-speed conveyor belt.

Ron Weasley And Hermione Granger (Harry Potter Movies)

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) may have been the titular wizard, but the film franchise inspired by the hit young adult fantasy book series was really about a trio. The Boy Who Lived could not have asked for a better and more loyal pair of friends to help him contend with deadly forces surrounding Hogwarts than Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson).

Barney Fife (The Andy Griffith Show)

When it comes to being Mayberry's deputy, Barney Fife (Don Knotts in his scene-stealing role from The Andy Griffith Show) certainly has his shortcomings. When it comes to being a friend to his Sheriff, Andy Taylor (Griffith), and a dedicated resident of the town, he could not be more perfect.

Dr. Emmett Brown (Back To The Future)

The only real reason we count Christopher Lloyd's Doc Brown as a sidekick is because he gets second billing to Michael J. Fox's Marty McFly in the time travel movie masterpiece, Back to the Future, and its sequels. In any other story, the out-of-time teen would be considered the second banana to the brilliant, yet eccentric, inventor of the modified DeLorean who is ultimately responsible for Marty's successful trip back to 1985. 

Genie (Aladdin)

The only other genie-master dynamic in pop culture history that we might compare Aladdin (Scott Weinger) and Genie (Robin Williams) from Disney's 1992 animated classic to is Jeannie and the Captain from I Dream of Jeannie. The big, blue, highly energetic magical being grants wishes to the title character not just out of obligation, but because he genuinely likes the poor young man, who kindly offers to wish for his freedom at the end.

Dr. John Watson (Sherlock Holmes)

Watson is more than just the narrator of the mysterious adventures of Sherlock Holmes. As one can see in Guy Ritchie's film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories and the modern-day reimagining, Sherlock, the world-famous detective's flatmate and companion — also a war veteran — plays a pivotal role in all his many investigations.

Gromit (Wallace & Gromit Franchise)

There are many cases in which the sidekick proves to be the true brains behind the operation and the canine half of the world-famous stop-motion animated duo of Wallace & Gromit is one of the most essential examples of this. The silent, but notably expressive, beagle is often the one who gets himself and his bumbling human companion (an absent-minded inventor) out of trouble.

Garth Algar (Wayne's World)

Behind every great TV host is a great sidekick and the Ed McMahon to Wayne Campbell's (Mike Myers) Johnny Carson is Garth Algar (Dana Carvey) in. Despite his awkward characteristics, the blonde metalhead is really the glue that holds their cable access program, Wayne’s World, together in the original SNL sketch and movies it inspired in 1992 and 1993.

Cameron Frye (Ferris Bueller's Day Off)

When you really think about it, while Matthew Broderick’s fourth-wall-breaking character is the titular protagonist of 1986’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the true heart, soul, and center of the story is his best friend, Cameron Frye. In fact, it is Alan Ruck’s neurotic teen who inspires Ferris to skip school and tour Chicago in the first place and it is his emboldened transformation by the end that makes their risky adventure worth it.

Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad)

The personal and professional relationship between chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and his former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) is one of the most problematic in TV history, to say the least. However, in spite of their frequent conflicts, Jesse has been known to support his business partner (and vice versa) when they both stood in the face of the same greater dangers in some of the best episodes of Breaking Bad.

Donkey (Shrek)

A protagonist does not always come to appreciate (or even like) their sidekick in an instant, such as in the first of the Shrek movies when Donkey (Eddie Murphy) crosses paths with the titular ogre (Mike Myers). Luckily, after enduring a perilous journey rescuing Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) together, Shrek came to see the talkative animal as a true friend… who still gets on his nerves on occasion.

Dwight Schrute (The Office)

Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) takes his position as Assistant to the Region Manager a little too seriously at times, exhibiting a loyalty to Michael Scott (Steve Carell) that the absent-minded manager for Dunder-Mifflin’s Scranton branch does not always deserve. However, that is what made the beet-farming, bobblehead collector more than a great colleague, but a great friend, and a perfect choice to take over the branch when The Office ended.

Igor (Young Frankenstein)

Among the different iterations of Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s lab assistant, Igor, we are partial to Marty Feldman’s portrayal (who pronounces it “eye-gore”) in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. He and Gene Wilder’s Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (who initially pronounces it “fronk-en-steen”) make a lively comedic duo in, with the 1974 horror-comedy classic, whether he is making a grave mistake or spouting a one-of-a-kind one-liner.

Samwise Gamgee (The Lord Of The Rings Movies)

One does simply walk into Mordor, especially without a selfless, loyal, and honest companion at their side. It is a good thing that Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) found exactly that in his best friend and gardener, fellow hobbit Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) during his mission to defeat the One Ring in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings movies, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s seminal fantasy novels.

Spock (Star Trek)

The one character whom every fan of the original Star Trek series wanted to be more than Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) was his second-in-command, Spock (Leonard Nimoy). Also serving as the USS Enterprise’s science officer, the Vulcan was not one to be messed with (immediately knocking people out with his signature nerve pitch), but was still a kind and gentle soul who was always sure to let Captain Kirk know when any of his calls were “highly illogical.”

Silent Bob (Kevin Smith's View Askewniverse)

Not every sidekick needs to crack jokes or provide words of encouragement to make an impression on their buddy or their audience. Case in point: Silent Bob — the “hetero life mate” to motor mouth Jay (Jason Mewes) whom Kevin Smith casts himself as in most of his movies (including Clerks and Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back), in which he does have at least one amusing to say.

Barney Rubble (The Flintstones)

While Wilma Flintstone was always putting her husband in his place for his bone-headed ideas, at Fred’s side helping him along the way is his best pal, Barney. You could argue that Mr. Rubble was even closer and more loyal to his friend and neighbor than his own wife, Betty, and son, Bamm-Bamm.

Bubba (Forrest Gump)

A good friend like Benjamin Buford Blue, better known as “Bubba” (Mykelti Williamson), is not something you can find just around the corner, but Tom Hanks’ Academy Academy Award-winning title role from 1994’s Forrest Gump, certainly did. Their brotherly bond was formed and tragically ended during the Vietnam War, during which Bubba passed away, but Forrest kept his promise to him to go into the shrimping business and put his name in the company title: Bubba Gump Shrimp.

Agent 99 (Get Smart)

Bumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart (Don Adams) is no James Bond, which is why it is good that he had a partner like Agent 99 to help him on missions to stop KAOS. Played by Barbara Feldon on creators Mel Brooks and Buck Henry’s spy comedy series, Get Smart, 99 is easily the more competent member of the duo, let alone of the best agent at CONTROL.

Dory (Finding Nemo)

In the beloved Pixar movie, 2003's Finding Nemo, the over-protective clown fish, Marlin (Albert Brooks), would have never been able to find his eponymous son (Alexander Gould) without the help of his newfound friend, Dory (Ellen Degeneres). As we also come to find out, Marlin's friendship is what helped improve her memory, making them a duo for the ages.

Ed Norton (The Honeymooners)

One of the best qualities of most sidekicks is acting as their friend’s conscience and pointing them in the right direction, but that is not quite the case for Ed Norton (Art Carney). The sewer worker not only went along with but even encouraged most of the schemes hatched by his neighbor, Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason) on The Honeymooners.

Randy Hickey (My Name Is Earl)

My Name is Earl is the sitcom that tells the story of a man (Jason Lee) hoping to better his life by making amends for the terrible things he has done in the past. Helping him along the way is his simple-minded, but good-natured, younger brother, Randy (Ethan Suplee), who admirably looked up to Earl even when he was still a troublemaker.

Duckie (Pretty In Pink)

Some sidekicks do not receive the attention or admiration from their companion that they desire and Philip F. “Duckie” Dale (Jon Cryer) from Pretty in Pink is a textbook example of this. However, at the end of the John Hughes-penned 1986 coming-of-age favorite, Duckie encourages his life-long friend, Andie (Molly Ringwald), to choose Blane (Andrew McCarthy) over him, and such a love is stronger than any high school romance.

Lane Kim (Gilmore Girls)

Not enough sidekicks are treated like true family, making Lane Kim (Keiko Agena) on Gilmore Girls a heartwarming rarity. Not only does the witty punk rock drummer boast a strong sisterly bond with Rory (Alexis Bledel), but Lorelai (Lauren Graham) treats her almost like a second daughter.

Patrick Star (SpongeBob Squarepants)

Jacques Cousteau would have to search the entire deep blue sea before he could find a friendship between two marine animals as impenetrable as that of SpongeBob Squarepants (Tom Kenny) and Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke). A moment that best summarizes their bond is when the Krusty Krab fry cook asks the unemployed starfish what he does whenever he is away from home, to which he tearfully responds, “Wait for you to come back.”

Walter Sobchak (The Big Lebowski)

A prime example of a sidekick who almost always leads the protagonist into more trouble is John Goodman’s Walter Sobchak from the Coen Brothers’ hilarious 1998 cult favorite, The Big Lebowski. However, despite his misguided ideas and potential pathological dishonesty — did he really serve in Vietnam? — the avid bowler’s willingness to help The Dude (Jeff Bridges) through his ins, outs, and what-have-yous, and even on Shabbos, is still quite admirable.

Pedro Sanchez (Napoleon Dynamite)

Jon Heder’s title role in 2004’s Napoleon Dynamite is so awkward and perfidious that he has trouble making friends (and even relating to his own family) until he meets Pedro Sanchez (Efren Ramirez). The friendship quickly proves to be a match made in heaven, leading to some of the funniest and most heartwarming moments in the high school movie genre’s history.

We wish we had people like these in our lives to be at our side and give us a kick when we need it.

For as long as the medium has been around, TV has given audiences unforgettable characters, iconic moments, and beloved storylines we still talk about months, years, and even decades later. In addition to all of that, these small-screen staples have introduced us to some big businesses that we cherish just as much. That being said, here are 32 TV shows with fake businesses that everyone knows…

Dunder Mifflin (The Office)

Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Inc. from The Office is undoubtedly one of the most well-known fake businesses from a TV show, even by those who’ve either never watched the beloved workplace sitcom or only caught a few episodes here and there. Central to many of the best episodes of The Office, this paper and office supply wholesaler might not have the best products, but it’s got the best people.

Moe's Tavern (The Simpsons)

The Simpsons has given fans countless fake businesses over the years, so much so you could build an entire list with nothing but locations from Springfield. One of the most iconic, and most prolific, is Moe’s Tavern. Homer’s favorite watering hole and Bart’s favorite prank call target, this dimly-lit, smoke-filled bar has been central to many episodes of the long-running animated series.

Cheers (Cheers)

As noted in the timeless opening credits song, the titular bar in Cheers is a place “where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.” Over the course of 11 seasons, this Boston pub became one of the most well-known sitcom settings thanks to its cast of bartenders and extremely faithful patrons. 

Waystar Royco (Succession)

Waystar Royco, the massive conglomerate at the center of most of the drama in Succession, has become one of those corporations like Ewing Oil or the Bluth Company that prove that family and business don’t always mix. In fact, the mergers, acquisitions, deals, and in-fighting are enough to rip a family apart. 

Los Pollos Hermanos (Breaking Bad)

On the surface, Los Pollos Hermanos was a fast-food chain owned and operated by Gustavo Frig and Max Arciniega, but we all know it for its money laundering and various other schemes on Breaking Bad. It would be nice to try some of that tasty fried chicken, but only if we keep our wallets and heads intact.

Planet Express (Futurama)

With a slogan like “Our crew is replaceable, your package isn’t!” it’s hard not to find the humor in Planet Express’ business model on Futurama. This futuristic intergalactic delivery service was at the center of a large portion of the animated series’ best episodes and created some unforgettable moments along the way.

Central Perk (Friends)

Besides Monic and Rachel’s apartment, there are no locations from Friends that are more recognizable as Central Perk. This New York coffee shop, which is a play on Central Park, gave audiences all kinds of great moments, both scripted and improvised like Billy Crystal’s hilarious appearance alongside Robin Williams.

Sterling Cooper (Mad Men)

Sterling Cooper, and its various incarnations and name changes, made the world of advertising look like the coolest profession when the agency was introduced alongside Mad Men back in 2007. Sure, a lot that went on at the New York-based company wouldn’t fly today, but the ‘60s were a much different, smoke-filled time when nothing was off the table.

Good Burger (All That)

Before there were two movies set at this fast-food restaurant, Good Burger got its start on an unforgettable skit on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy show, All That. Kel Mitchell’s Ed could be the most dim-witted and frustrating cashier known to man, but there is no denying his charm or those delicious burgers and shakes (just as long as he’s not in the ice cream tank again).

Pendant Publishing (Seinfeld)

Pendant Publishing, Elaine’s longtime employer on Seinfeld popped up quite often during the show’s run. This includes some hilarious episodes like the one where Kramer tries to get a coffee table book published and another where George briefly gets a job, one of many career changes for the neurotic and opinionated character.

Strickland Propane (King Of The Hill)

Strickland Propane, known for its propane and propane accessories, could very well be the most well-known gas-based company in the history of animated television. It’s hard to not quote Hank Hill whenever going to refill a propane tank, or when you just randomly pass a rack of them when going to the grocery store.

The Bluth Company (Arrested Development)

Sure the Bluth Company helped Saddam Hussein, committed all kinds of fraud, and was led by an extremely wealthy family who lacked self-awareness or a connection to normal society, but it had a lot of charm, and that’s what matters. Can you imagine Arrested Development without this massive headache of a company?

Paddy's Pub (It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia)

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been on the air since 2005, and it’s hard to find an episode that doesn’t at least partially take place in Paddy’s Pub. That gang’s bar, which somehow manages to stay in business despite small crowds and various other issues, is essentially the sixth lead on the long-running comedy series.

Vandelay Industries (Seinfeld)

Okay, Vandelay Industries doesn’t really exist, even in the context of Seinfeld, but there’s no way we were going to leave one of George’s best schemes off this list. One of the best jokes from the show’s long run on NBC, this fake latex company is classic Seinfeld.

The Android's Dungeon & Baseball Card Shop (The Simpsons) 

The Android’s Dungeon & Baseball Card Shop, home to the Comic Book Guy, is one of those locations from The Simpsons everyone had to find on the once-booming The Simpsons: Tapped Out mobile game more than a decade ago. Host of several great episodes, and even more hilarious interactions, this comic book store is a staple of Springfield.

Casa Bonita (South Park)

Okay, Casa Bonita exists in real life, but we would be remiss to leave it off our list of great TV businesses. This over-the-top and absurd Mexican restaurant is at the center of one of the best South Park episodes and remains one of the most well-known businesses in the show’s massive universe.

Vought International (The Boys)

Who doesn’t love an evil, pompous, destructive, and merciless corporation filled with villains who’ve convinced the world they are the good guys? Well, Vought International from The Boys definitely falls into that category. We just wouldn’t want to visit the headquarters or cross paths with any of its executives, especially Homelander.

Ewing Oil (Dallas)

One of the most well-known TV shows of the latter part of the 20th century, Dallas gave audiences so many unforgettable moments involving J.R. Ewing and his Ewing Oil company. This is another company we wouldn’t want to do business with, considering all the scheming, murder, and whatnot.

ACME (Looney Tunes)

Decades before all the drama surrounding Coyote vs. Acme, Wile E. Coyote used the fictional company’s products time and time again in his endless quest to capture that pesky roadrunner. Acme, Corp. had it all: dynamite, bird food, excavating equipment, you name it, but the products just never seemed to work. 

WKRP (WKRP In Cincinnati)

WKRP in Cincinnati will forever be remembered as one of the best sitcoms from the ‘70s and ‘80s, and not just because it gave us the best Thanksgiving episode of all time. The AM radio station at the center of this beloved classic was full of all sorts of misfits and outcasts trying to give you the news and some tunes you could find in a small-market Midwest town.

Bob's Burgers (Bob's Burgers)

Maybe it’s the charm that makes the titular restaurant in Bob’s Burgers so beloved because it certainly can’t be the location (right next to a crematorium) that’s bringing in its admittedly small customer base. Regardless of its issues and trappings, Bob’s Burgers is a fast-food joint that many of us know all too well.

Sanford And Son Salvage (Sanford And Son)

Sanford and Son Salvage, the family business on the classic sitcom, Sanford and Son, could very well be the most recognizable junkyard in the history of television. Sure Fred G. Sanford was more prone to faking a heart attack than giving someone a deal on some junk, err treasures, but he sure did make it all the more fun.

Gary's Shoes & Accessories For Today's Woman (Married... With Children)

One of the best aspects of Al Bundy’s character on Married… with Children was the fact that he worked at Gary’s Shoes & Accessories for Today’s Woman. This manly man who liked to drink, bowl, and sit a certain way on the couch would spend his days peddling shoes for the “modern” woman. Oh, the irony. Oh, the comedy.

MacLaren's Pub (How I Met Your Mother)

Can you count how many nights we spent with the How I Met Your Mother cast at MacLaren's Pub, their main hangout spot? It has to be dozens upon dozens, if not more. Several of the characters first met at this iconic New York City bar, a place we would certainly like to visit if it existed in the real world.

Kruger Industrial Smoothing (Seinfeld)

Jerry had all the girlfriends but George had all the jobs on Seinfeld, including a stint at Kruger Industrial Smoothing. Following his stint with the New York Yankees, George lied his way into a job with this company, which would ultimately lead to Festivus, one of many phrases Seinfeld introduced to the English language.

The Max (Saved By The Bell)

Every sitcom has a go-to hangout for its cast of characters, and Saved by the Bell had The Max. Over the course of the series’ run in the early ‘90s, the students of Bayside High treated this neon-filled diner as their personal hangout where A.C. Slater would do the coolest and most ‘90s thing ever by turning his seat backwards before sitting down.

The Smash Club (Full House)

Uncle Jesse was always up to something to not lose touch with his younger and more daring self on Full House, whether it was running away from his family for a weekend in Tahoe to starting the Smash Club. This San Francisco nightclub was a major location during later seasons of the ABC sitcom’s run and gave us some hilarious, and thoughtful moments along the way.

MomCorp (Futurama)

Though the leader of MomCorp puts on the appearance of a gentle, kind, and good-natured elderly woman running a robot company, behind closed doors she’s anything but. Throughout Futurama, Mom runs her business with an iron fist. Well, except for whenever the Professor is around.

Mega Lo Mart (King of the Hill)

Mega Lo Mart, a clear parody of the real-life Walmart, came up time and time again on King of The Hill, including with its trademark commercials starring flugelhorn icon Chuck Mangione. Appearing in the first and last episodes of the long-running Fox animated series, the store was a major part of several arcs and unforgettable moments.

Outdoor Man (Last Man Standing)

Tim Taylor had “Tool Time” on Home Improvement but Mike Baxter, also played by Tim Allen, had Outdoor Man on the popular sitcom, Last Man Standing. As its name suggests, this outdoor and recreation store had everything an adventurer, fisherman, or hunter would want in life.

Packard Sawmill (Twin Peaks)

One of the great things about Twin Peaks was the fact that the Pacific Northwest town and its various businesses and industries had a tremendous amount of lore. This includes the Packard Sawmill, which was at the center of several of the major subplots and arcs in David Lynch’s mystery thriller. It was also predominantly featured in the Twin Peaks title sequence, which is one of the best in the history of TV.

Krusty Krab (Spongebob Squarepants)

We may never really know what’s in a Krabby Patty, but one thing that is for sure is that the Krusty Krab is one of the most well-known locations on Spongebob Squarepants. The better of two burger joints in Bikini Bottoms, Mr. Krab’s signature sandwich has to be one of the tastiest-looking food items in the history of animated television.

Though these fake businesses can’t be visited in real life (aside from an occasional pop-up shop marketing ploy), we can go back and watch these various shows time and time again.

Animation is one of the earlier moving art forms, and has provided countless artists the means to bring their stories to life, be it through the black-and-white hues of Bosco the Talk-Ink Kid or the multicolored bliss of Fantasia. Toons can be as simple as the Oscar-winning “The Dot and the Line” from legends Chuck Jones and Maurice Noble, or they can be as endlessly complex as Wallace and Gromit’s stop-motion universe. Television has provided audiences with 80 years of memorable projects –- including some forgotten Saturday morning gems — with new shows debuting at a rapid pace, and we’re here to celebrate the very best animated series of all time.

From classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Fred Flintstone to modern favorites like Monkey D. Luffy and the Belcher family, CinemaBlend’s staff is saluting them all. So join us in paying tribute to the funniest, coolest, smartest, and most moving animated series that have graced our TV screens over the decades.

75. The Jetsons

Despite being the first show ABC ever broadcast in color, The Jetsons was canceled after a single season and only 24 total episodes. It just couldn’t find the right audience, at least until the reruns started airing on Saturday mornings and an entire generation of kids fell in love with the futuristic setting and zany plotlines. George, Jane, Judy, Elroy, Astro and Rosey eventually became so popular in syndication that more than 20 years after its cancellation, a further fifty-one episodes were produced, as well as a movie. It’s an unconventional success story but perhaps one fitting for a show filled with futuristic tech that hilariously never works as intended.

74. Aqua Teen Hunger Force

When Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming block premiered in September 2001, Aqua Teen Hunger Force was one of its surreal cornerstones, and it’s pretty much stayed that way ever since. The long-running series follows three anthropomorphic fast food items – Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad – who get into all kinds of trouble with their neighbor(s), locals, and interdimensional beings. ATHF helped usher in a new era for adult animation at the turn of the century, and it's remained just as hilarious and timeless during that historic run. But for as wild and nonsensical as it gets, there’s a certain charm that makes it not just one of the funniest shows on Adult Swim, but in all of TV animation.

73. Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends

Though not lauded quite as high as animation giants such as Walt Disney or Hanna-Barbera, Jay Ward delivered many of the medium’s most lasting creations, with The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle at the center of his zany, intelligent, and meta-before-meta-was-cool storytelling skills. The titular moose and squirrel’s serialized rivalry with the devious Boris and Natasha can never be forgotten, while the history-adoring side characters Sherman and his pup Mr. Peabody became a pop culture magnet unto themselves over the years. Now if only we could get a Fractured Fairy Tales spinoff for the 21st century…

72. What If...?

Upon its launch, part of the reason why a Disney+ subscription was so appealing involved the streaming service's new content directly connected to major IPs like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And while we’ve been treated to a number of live-action shows, the studio also took a major risk with the multiversal animated series What If…? The comic book anthology series offers alternate realities to the MCU characters and events we know and love, and shows how the entire franchise could be radically altered if just one character's arc differed. Additionally, the voice cast of What…If? features many Marvel favorites reprising their roles to tell these ambitious stories that could never be produced in live-action.

71. The Proud Family

The Proud Family was all about Penny Proud and her wild, yet relatable, journey through high school. While the premise was simple, this show’s fabulous crew of characters is what made it iconic, and its depiction of the day-to-day lives of an African American family is what made it groundbreaking. From our lead Penny to her father Oscar, her besties Dijonay, Zoey, LaCienega and Sticky Webb — and of course Sugar Mama — this family is the best, and we’ll adore them forever.

70. Beavis and Butt-Head

Besides The Simpsons, arguably no animated series from the 1990s sparked a bigger array of multi-generational reactions around the country than Beavis and Butthead. As soon as it premiered on MTV in March 1993, Mike Judge’s groundbreaking, edgy, and unsavory cartoon became a national sensation while following two objectively moronic teenagers barely navigating school, life, nachos, and a carousel of music video commentary. Video games, movies, tons of merchandising (both official and bootleg) flooded the market in the years that followed, and there's a reason revivals keep happening: it's a great show, dammit. Mm-heh-heh.

69. Schoolhouse Rock!

Schoolhouse Rock! is an animated gem that has been passed down from generation to generation for all the right reasons. Originally debuting on TV back in 1973, the show's approach to combining educational programming with toon-filled songs cemented it as a true classic with more lasting value than most. From grammar-focused tunes like “Conjunction Junction" to the iconic intro-to-governmental-processes track “I’m Just a Bill” to even its Preamble song, Schoolhouse Rock! has had a lasting cultural impact, influencing many other shows, and even inspiring some spoofs along the way to its permanent place within pop culture.

68. Static Shock

The DC Animated Universe got a true shock to its system when Denys Cowan's Static Shock zapped onto TV screens in the early 2000s as a Saturday morning offering on Kids’ WB. Viewers were treated to some truly exciting, funny and heartfelt episodes that tracked the heroic exploits of teenager Virgil Hawkins in Dakota City. Thanks to late series creator Dwayne McDuffie and his talented team, Static Shock remains a dynamic piece of comic book fun, serving up some serious action mixed in with thoughtful social commentary on occasion. In short, this is a super-powered gem that’s rightfully still revered to this day.

67. Dexter's Laboratory

What child hasn't wished they had a secret location in their house that provided the means to do the most fantastic things their heart desires? Dexter’s Laboratory helped many youngins live vicariously through its titular brainiac, and the general hilarity of his meddling sister Dee Dee derailing it all helped make this one a definitive Cartoon Network classic. From the brain of the similarly brainy Genndy Tartakovsky, Dexter also boasted other animated shorts like Dial M For Monkey and The Justice Friends, which were all equally as enjoyable. To this day, I bet there are many who owe their ability to say “cheese omelet” in French to this wonderful series.

66. Kim Possible

“Call me, beep me, if you want to reach me,” because it’s time to talk about Kim Possible. Mixing a high-stakes spy drama with high school shenanigans appropriate for Disney Channel-aged audiences, this show is an action-packed good time. Largely centered on Kim’s missions to take down Dr. Drakken and Shego with the help (or more like attempted help) of her bestie Ron Stoppable and his naked molerat Rufus, Kim Possible defined many childhoods and taught generations of kids, and specifically girls, that anything is possible with the right mindset and gadgets.

65. Muppet Babies (1984)

How amazing are Jim Henson’s Muppets? The list goes on, but one key factor would be that Kermit and the gang brought to life what remains one of pop culture’s only genuinely great examples of “Your favorite characters, but they’re babies.” Trading TV studios and New York City exteriors for a Nanny-run nursery where the power of make-believe knows no bounds, Muppet Babies showed viewers of all ages that imagination is powered best when one is surrounded by friends to the end. Unfortunately for avid fans, the show’s abundant use of licensed TV, film, and music clips will likely keep it from ever hitting home media.

64. Family Guy

For one reason or 69 others — get it, Peter? — certain TV shows are able to get away with wildly edgy content without getting “canceled," either literally or figuratively. Granted, Seth MacFarlane's long-running fave Family Guy actually did actually get canceled by Fox back in 2002, but the '80s-adoring comedy was able to return from its shallow grave just two years later due to extraordinary DVD sales, a hit syndicated run, and the embrace of Adult Swim. and high ratings from reruns in syndication. Ever since that 2004 revival, viewers have followed the antics of Peter, Lois, Chris, Meg, Stewie and Brian along with all the ridiculous and often offensive cutaway flashbacks that fill their lives.

63. Robot Chicken 

Watching Robot Chicken calls to mind many chldhood memories of inventing scenarios with action figures modeled after classic movie and TV characters. That's essentially what Seth Green and Matthew Senreich’s stop-motion animated Adult Swim hit is: people playing with their toys. But with a bigger budget and more talented voice actors than any kids I ever played with. With boundary-pushing and insightful humor in the mix, the Emmy-winning Robot Chicken is sketch comedy at its most refreshingly unique, rebelliously raw, and deliciously nostalgic, and is not bogged down by the limitations that might come with a live-action production.

62. The Flintstones

For many people, The Flintstones is one of the first cartoons we remember watching on TV. This classic Hanna-Barbera series about a lovable caveman and his family navigating a prehistoric world field with outrageous stone-age variations of modern-day appliances and tools, is just as funny and attention-grabbing as it was upon its release more than 60 years ago, which is really saying something about its quality. On top of such indelible characters like Fred Flinstone, Barney Rubble, and the Great Gazoo, the show also has one of the most iconic opening themes of all time.

61. Freakazoid!

Though not the most marquee-ready superhero, Freakazoid!’s titular protagonist is the creation of Batman: The Animated Series legends Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, with Steven Spielberg and Tiny Toons vet Paul Ruegger leading the charge. So yeah, it’s a perfectly bonkers mix of comic book mythos mixed with slapstick and fourth-wall-breaking comedy, complete with a mini-universe of B-tier heroes and villains such as Candle Jack (but don’t say his name). Lasting two seasons from 1995-1997, Freakazoid! ss a joy for viewers of all ages, anchored by the stellar voice work of stars Paul Rugg and Ed Asner.

60. Chip 'n' Dale: Rescue Rangers

Long before the series was reimagined as a hilarious Disney+ movie starring John Mulaney and Andy Sandberg, Chip 'n' Dale: Rescue Rangers started out as a tremendous and timeless action-adventure toon about a pair of chipmunks fronting a crew of anthropomorphic animals. Thanks in part to that earworm theme, it never gets old watching Chip, Dale, Gadget Hackwrench, Monterey Jack, and Zipper solve all manner of crimes (both big and small, really small) and save the day before the end of each episode, and the show can still hold the attention of our kids all these years later.

59. Teen Titans

Some viewers probably weren’t sure what to make of Teen Titans upon its debut, but the series eventually became a hit – and for good reason. The quirky superhero romp is the definition of cartoon greatness, as it skillfully blends action and comedy, ultimately using both to great effect. Yet, most importantly, so much heart is on display amidst the explosions and sheer wackiness as well. Because of that, Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Beast Boy and Raven remain not only one of DC’s best TV super teams, but also one of its greatest familial units. And, yes, that theme song still slaps.

58. Gargoyles

The oft-underrated Saturday morning toon Gargoyles is one of those shows that manages to deliver more than the kind of action you’d expect from Disney's weekly animated fare. It’s a dark and complex drama series with dynamic characters, beautiful animation and stories that sometimes border on Greek tragedy. Many viewers understandably still have such reverence for the tales that EP Greg Weisman and his team told about the mighty Goliath and his clan of night guardians. It’s ironic that a group of beings that turn cold as stone are among some of the warmest heroes to ever grace a TV screen.

57. DuckTales

Having quite possibly the catchiest theme song on this list that's chock-full of them is probably enough reason to include DuckTales on this list, but of course, the show has so much more going for it. Scrooge McDuck and his nephews, previously only bit players in Disney cartoons, earned the star spotlight for a show that was about as close to an action/adventure cartoon as Disney had delivered at the time, making it something fresh new, and exciting. But it was still “Disney” and thus more accessible to younger viewers than other ‘80s cartoons looking to sell action figures, drawing from Carl Banks' timeless comic run.

56. Hey Arnold!

Amidst all of Nickelodeon's best chracters, perhaps no greater role model for younger viewers exists than the football-headed protagonist of Hey Arnold! In fact, Craig Bartlett’s series offered something very few animated programs have (then or since): a diverse ensemble whom kids could potentially relate to or aspire to be like. With a stunningly grounded urban aesthetic, even in its most peculiar momens, and a hefty set of valuable life lessons that often came out of dark situations, admittedly — not to mention an absolute banger of a jazz score — Hey Arnold! is a masterstroke for the medium.

55. The Real Ghostbusters

1984's Ghostbusters inspired an immediate sequel, but when live-action follow-ups stalled, Sony did the next best thing: created this magnificent riff on the beloved property. No, they couldn’t get BIll Murray and Dan Aykroyd together every three years, but they could animate Peter, Ray, Winston and Egon for a series of animated adventures around New York City, the world, and even realms beyond. The best part about The Real Ghostbusters is that it understood the irreverent tone of Ivan Reitman’s two movies, but split the difference to also appeal directly to kids who just wanted to see Slimer. When we really need a hit of that nostalgic rush, these are the Ghostbusters stories that most deserve revisiting.

54. Teen Titans Go

DC Comics adaptations often get knocked for being too serious, but that's not the case with Teen Titans Go, an effervescent, energetic, and rapid-fire funny series centered on Robin, Cyborg, Beast Boy, Raven, and Starfire. The show embraced irreverent humor, leaning hard into its heroes' stereotypical behaviors, from Robin’s crippling need to be a leader to Raven’s broody Goth Girl energy and beyond. Without hinging on continuity or major cameos from A-list DC heroes (at least, not until Teen Titans Go! To The Movies, which was equally excellent), this slap-happy toon basically gave young kids a comic book portal where they could enjoy “waffles, waffles, waffles” without having to brood over anyone's parents getting gunned down in an alley.

53. The Powerpuff Girls

Sugar, spice, and everything nice wasn’t even half of what we got with The Powerpuff Girls. Like many other animated classics, it was a show made for kids that adults could easily also enjoy. The superpowered Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup deal with typical childhood troubles like sibling rivalry and bed wetting while also saving their town from a truly ingenious rogue’s gallery. These endearing kindergartners, their friends and foes (like arch nemesis Mojo Jojo, and Powerpuff wanna-be Princess Morbucks) provide us with laughs, lessons and intrigue, all wrapped in a parody and pop-culture focused package that doles out plenty of surprises.

52. Tiny Toon Adventures

Following in the footsteps of the iconic Looney Tunes squad was always going to be a tall order, but the Stephen Spielbeg-produced Tiny Toon Adventures understood the assignment. While the characters may have been inspired by those that came before, each one from Babs and Buster to Plucky and Hampton, was given just as much freedom to be entirely new characters, not simply the “new versions” of the classics. The humor was always on point, with plenty of gags for younger viewers, alongside references only the older “kids” watching would get.

51. Courage the Cowardly Dog

Making a cartoon for children that's as creepy as it is funny is no easy task, but Courage the Cowardly Dog found a way to execute that balance quite beautifully, relying mostly on overtly bizarre and/or paranormal villains. Courage protecting his owners, Eustace and Muriel, against everything from a cursed mummy to a duck with a mallet never gets old. It’s the most deserving Cartoon Network original that needs a revival, which could potentially still happen someday, considering Courage was part of a Scooby-Doo crossover movie released in 2021. Until that day comes, fans can revisit the entire series with a Max subscription.

50. Adventure Time

Most classic adventure cartoons engage in storytelling in a more earnest manner, but only a few effectively capture the joys of make-believe like Adventure Time — which for many is the absolute cream of the crop for Cartoon Network’s original programming. Creator Pendleton Ward’s fantasy-comedy follows Finn the Human (Jeremy Shada) and Jake the Dog (John DiMaggio) as they navigate the weird and wonderful, post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo, having a mathematical time along the way. With its charming animation, ingenious creatures, clever world-building, and a lighthearted tone that never abandons spellbinding excitement, the fun truly never ends.

49. Big Mouth

It’s not every day that audiences get a hilariously offensive animated show that actually provides accurate representation of growing up LGBTQ+. On the surface, Netflix's Big Mouth, which rocks an all-star cast led by co-creator Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, simply shows the trouble and turmoil of puberty, sexuality, hormones, and the everyday struggle that we call “life.” Lucky for viewers, it is also much, much more than that. The show follows a group of young people who tend to be accompanied by “hormone monsters” (who now have their own wacky spinoff series) who help guide them through the changes and struggles that come with growing up.

48. Arthur

Kids owe PBS for so many great animated series, but Arthur might be its crown jewel. For over 20 years, Marc Brown’s storybook aardvark, along with his friends and family, endeared themselves to the public. The author and the show’s writing staff, through their efforts, taught youngsters firm lessons in responsibility, community, empathy and much more. What’s particularly impressive is that the grade-school comedy managed to remain consistent in conveying such morals during its lengthy run. Of course, when the program wasn’t dropping vital nuggets of knowledge, it was simply exuding pure, imaginative fun. What we have here is a truly timeless show, and one that’s sure to delight audiences for generations to come.

47. Pokémon

Part of the reason Pokémon remains one of the top franchises worldwide is because the series can have a different meaning for every generation that consumes it. The kids of 2024 can watch the same show O.G. viewers watched in the late '90s and appreciate those characters in new ways, given there have been plenty of successive projects that have come loaded with over a thousand different Pokémon for children to latch onto and make their favorite. The show's awesome battles haven't quite held up when it comes to the franchise's many video games, but perhaps someday, Game Freak will give the people what they want.

46. Spider-Man

Spider-Man fandom has been known to grow from many sources, including the comics and multiple generations of live-action blockbusters, but the Spider-Man animated series from 1994 holds a special place in the hearts of millennials – as it should, because it is amazing (pun totally intended). In retrospect, the content censorship is ridiculous (this is a show where Spidey wasn’t even allowed to punch people), but the filmmakers still found ways to deliver exciting adaptations of comic book stories, and some episodes are even better than the source material. We have yet to see a better version of the Venom origin story than what was created here.

45. Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Thanks in large part to the success of Tim Burton’s Batman from 1989, it was at one point decided that the best version of the Caped Crusader is the dark and brooding version. That has now been the go-to mode for the superhero for decades – but at the very least Batman: The Brave And The Bold reminded us for a time just how much fun the Dark Knight can be. The deep voice and silly sensibilities of Diedrich Bader make him one of the best to ever play the hero, and every episode delivers a fun team-up opportunity. Every DC character is represented with love, but there’s an argument to be made that John DiMaggio's Aquaman is the all-time best version of the Atlantean king.

44. Doug

The entire Nicktoons library was a big deal for '90s kids, and who was more relatable than Doug Funnie on Doug? Through his journal entries and soaring imagination, the preteen opened up about the seemingly everyday events of his life, from getting a haircut to trying liver and onions, and we totally felt that. We understood the middle school awkwardness, the anguish of his crush on Patti Mayonnaise and just how good it felt to rock out to your favorite band (The Beets, of course! “Aw-wee-oo! Killer tofuuuuu!”). We wanted Skeeter to be our best friend and a dog as cool as Porkchop. Not to mention, the opening credits and theme song are pretty iconic.

43. Pinky and the Brain

Let’s be honest here: Pinky and the Brain was repetitive. In every episode, the two main characters did “the same thing we do every night, Pinky… try to take over the world!” But it was the way that the odd couple mice played off of each other — with Pinky being the doofus assistant to the Orson Welles-inspired mastermind mouse that is The Brain — that allowed this Animaniacs episode segment to thrive as its own standalone series. It's one we still quote to this day, using many of the cast members’ favorite jokes. Like everything in Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain benefitted from an “anything goes” approach to humor, meaning that stories would involve Brain’s archnemesis (a hamster named Snowball) or a bit where Pinky gets elected President of the United States. And it all worked because the creators understood how to be intelligent while also being goofy.

42. X-Men: The Animated Series

Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe revitalized how big and connected comic book adaptations could be, few film and TV examples truly brought to live what people loved about the medium. X-Men: The Animated Series was one of the first, giving audiences comic book-accurate versions of the beloved mutants that felt like they jumped right off the page. The show offered long-term serializing storytelling just like the source material, something that was essentially unheard of for a Saturday morning cartoon. But whether one was an avid reader or not, these were (and perhaps still are) the definitive versions of the X-Men. It’s no wonder that decades later, the series was revived as X-Men '97.

41. Infinity Train

Created by Regular Show writer/artist Owen Dennis, the Cartoon Network-turned-Max series Infinity Train is the crown jewel of overlooked and under-discussed animated series. A highly imaginative coming-of-age sci-fi fantasy,  not the most common sub-genre, the series centers on a different interconnected story and character set in each of its four seasons, with everything taking place on a mysterious and impossibly long train where most cars present challenges for the characters to figure out and overcome. It’s an emotionally gripping and exciting tale that never goes off the rails, with a stacked cast of familiar voices.

40. Futurama

The second mega-hit series created in part by Matt Groening, Futurama has always been far more than just The Future Simpsons, thanks to its unforgettable cast of meme-ready nutjobs, egomaniacs, and bending-proficient robots. From Fry’s dopey optimism to The Professor’s absent-minded genius to Hermes’ ability to drop everything if a limbo stick comes around, the series balances its strong personalities with tons of space-faring, paradox-thwarting, time-traveling mayhem that never stops being fun. Both one of the smartest and silliest animated series of all time, and filled with some of the nerdiest jokes possible, Futurama has remained a beloved small-screen entity in part because the Planet Express crew has managed to survive multiple cancellations at Fox and Comedy Central, reaching its third lifeform at Hulu, presumably because the Hypnotoad demanded it so.

39. Mickey Mouse (Classic Disney Shorts)

There are few animated characters more famous than Mickey Mouse, and it’s safe to say the House of Mouse wouldn’t be everything it is today without Disney’s classic Mickey Mouse animated shorts that debuted in the 1920s. Smartly written and brimming with slapstick comedy, these quick hits of quirky fun introduced us to the loveable mouse — who displayed courage and strength but in a way that was achievable for any of us — along with the equally iconic Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Pluto and Goofy. Included in this series is 1935’s “The Band Concert” — Disney’s first color cartoon, which quite literally paved the way for Disney animation for 100 years and counting. And while it may not be part of that exact era, give me Goofy bungling up ski lessons any day.

38. Dragon Ball Z

Though it wasn’t the first show in the franchise, Dragon Ball Z introduced countless kids and teenagers to iconic characters like Goku, Piccolo, Vegeta, and Gohan throughout the ‘90s, especially after the anime series became a mainstay in Cartoon Network’s Toonami afternoon block. This intense cartoon about a group known as the Z Fighters who attempt to protect Earth (and later, other planets) from diabolical forces was something many of us ran home from school or off the bus to catch each weekday. The introduction of increasingly dangerous and destructive villains like Frieza, Cell, and Boo (each had their own saga) continued to raise the bar as the series went on, and make this still a gem worth revisiting.

37. Rocko's Modern Life

Is there a classic Nickelodeon show from the ‘90s that captures the spirit of the era more than Rocko’s Modern Life? This zany, surreal, and extraordinary animated series debuted in 1993 and quickly found an audience thanks to its unique style of humor that appealed to both children and adults. With characters like the neurotic titular wallaby, his best friends Heffer Wolfe and Filburt, and the various members of the Bighead family, there was so much to love about the show. It pushed the envelope with its humor and art direction and had a lot to say about the modern world, hence its name. The mammalian gang even returned to fans in 2019 with the special Static Cling.

36. Animaniacs

We still have no idea how Animaniacs creator Tom Ruegger got the greenlight to make everyone's childhood better with this hilarious, clever, but extremely inside-baseball showbiz comedy aimed at mature kids. Yes, on the surface, the Animaniacs works as a variety show, an evolution off The Muppet Show during which the hosts – the Warner siblings, one with a Liverpool accent – would set up individual cartoons. But in between, the banter and humor offered up in Animaniacs consisted of some of the funniest, most outrageous, and unpredictable jokes that would spoof Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe, and the idea of fingering Prince, as it were. Sometimes the show managed to be educational, but mostly it was pure lunacy, and we loved every second of it.

35. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

Mysteries are the most entertaining genre of storytelling. What’s more satisfying than a tidy reveal at the end of a whodunit, and a villain exclaiming how they would have gotten away with it, if not for those meddling kids? Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? followed a very popular “monster of the week” format, but wasn’t afraid to push the envelope to freak out little kids who tuned into a cartoon and were terrified by haunted suits of armor, killer clowns, and more. From its unforgettable theme song to the vocal contributions of radio icon Casey Kasem as Shaggy, Scooby-Doo Where Are You? walked so that Goosebumps and Gravity Falls could run.

34. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated

Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated is a breath of fresh air within the long-running franchise birthed by Hanna-Barbera. For this particular production, the typical case-of-the-week format isn’t in play, as serialized storytelling is utilized. It’s a great approach that really fleshes out the meddling kids and the titular canine in a way that past incarnations don’t. The humor associated with this entertainment property is definitely employed in this iteration. However, what’s also exciting is how the writers and artists aim to deliver some truly scary monsters, all seemingly tied to the antagonist Mr. E. While it’s admirable that the show sticks to its predecessors’ roots in many ways, its goal to shake up the classic formula results in an overarching mystery that’s both compelling and creepy.

33. Archer

Creator Adam Reed’s singular vision and undying creativity turned Archer from a ribald spin on James Bond into one of the most well-rounded pieces of spy fiction in existence. H. Jon Benjamin’s unmistakable voice gives life to the booze-swilling agent’s snappy insults and TV-MA euphemisms alongside a downright stellar cast that also includes Aisha Tyler, Judy Greer, Jessica Walter, Chris Parnell and more. The series is a testament to the importance of characters compared to plot, with Archer’s core group shifting from years of traditional storytelling to multiple side-mission seasons such as the Miami-set Vice, the subconscious-set Dreamland, the jungle-filled Danger Island and others. On a jokes-per-minute basis, it stands next to comedy giants like The Simpsons and Airplane!, and can drink them both under the table.

32. Batman Beyond

Debuting in 1999, Batman Beyond jumps decades forward into the future and showcases the story of a now-retired Bruce Wayne who is acting as a mentor to the next generation Dark Knight, Terry McGinnis, as voiced by the legend himself, Kevin Conroy. The show earned multiple award nominations, winning two Daytime Emmy Awards. Bruce and Terry have just enough similarities and frustrating differences to keep their dynamic captivating while still wholesome, which makes this particular animated series one of the most enjoyable to watch in the franchise. Terry is forced to work twice as hard in order to balance out both his personal life and his crime-fighting side persona, as he both learns from and teaches his mentor as they both work to stand up for what they both clearly believe in.

31. Star Wars: The Clone Wars

While a lot is owed to Genndy Tartakovsky’s Star Wars: Clone Wars, the animated side of George Lucas’ sci-fi universe truly took off in 2008 with the launch of Cartoon Network's Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The series is, in large part, what it is due to franchise guru Dave Filoni, who thought his hiring was a prank. Filoni’s respect for Lucas’ work permeates the entire CGI show, but there are also some cool elements that he himself adds to the canon, including the now-beloved Jedi Ahsoka Tano. With incredible storylines, sweet animation and strong voice acting, this show works well on its own but also stands firmly alongside the films it builds upon.

30. Bob's Burgers

One of the many things to love about Bob’s Burgers is just how close, loving, and, well, lovingly strange the main characters at the center of the show are. The Belcher family is (mostly) committed to keeping their small, family-run burger shop up and running, but their kooky adventures usually take the whole family away from the restaurant. Exasperated pessimist Bob, his happy-go-lucky wife Linda and their kids, Tina, Gene and Louise get into a number of hilariously weird scrapes that, honestly, most of us only wish we could have to make life more intriguing. Add to that Louise’s near-constant scheming, Tina’s awkwardness, and how the whole family interacts with a town full of endearing oddballs, and you have yourself a wonderfully weird winner. Tell 'em Teddy sent ya.

29. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was the perfect show for a perfect moment in time. It combined outrageous and over the top late 80s imagery with some of the first mainstream depictions of skater culture and added ninjas, an outrageous backstory and a steady stream of cheesy catchphrases. Deep in the sewer of our hearts, amidst roundhouse kicks and impossibly yellow April O’Neil jumpsuits, they carved out a place for themselves, and more than thirty years later, their ooze still remains in the form of reimagined shows, new movies and billions of dollars worth of merchandise. And despite all the success, they're still just heroes in a half-shell, and they're green. (Hey, get a grip.)

28. SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-Present)

In 1999, if you told someone a silly gap-toothed sponge would one day be as recognizable to the children of the world as Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny, they would’ve laughed. And yet, SpongeBob SquarePants continues to entertain the children of today, and has been lovingly embraced by the Millenials and Gen-Z who grew up with it as well. The internet is loaded with memes dedicated to the franchise, and there’s still plenty of debate as to what is in a Krabby Patty. With plenty of episodes and even some spinoffs, it feels like SpongeBob and friends will be entertaining children for many years to come.

27. Rugrats (1991)

Rugrats premiered in 1991 on Nickelodeon as one of the first three Nicktoons, aimed at a younger audience than Doug and The Ren & Stimpy Show. It was a staple for kids throughout the ‘90s and into the early 2000s, with nine seasons about the adventures of babies Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil, with regular appearances from characters like the parents, Angelica, and (eventually) Dil. The show could swing from silly to serious, with memorable episodes that ranged from covering the grief of losing a parent to the spectacular Reptar On Ice, with a dinosaur love song that still rings in the hearts of plenty of ‘90s kids. There’s a reason why this Nicktoon show went on to inspire Rugrats movies and a 2021 reboot.

26. Harley Quinn

What happens when you blend DC Comics mythology with the kind of crass adult comedy you find in shows like Family Guy and South Park? You get Harley Quinn, which follows Kaley Cuoco’s version of The Joker’s former squeeze going on adventures with Lake Bell’s Poison Ivy, her best-friend-turned-girlfriend, and getting into hijinks with fellow supervillains and superheroes alike. One doesn’t need to be a hardcore DC fan to appreciate Harley Quinn, although that definitely helps with catching the deep-cut references and Easter eggs. As long as you're in the mood for clever writing and all the edgy, not-safe-for-kids humor you could ask for, Harley Quinn is a must-[censored]-watch.

25. Gravity Falls

With hands on our bible of beasts, baubles and bafflement — Journal 3, naturally — we can solemnly swear that Gravity Falls is the weirdest, wildest and gobblewonkiest project that’s ever come out of Disney, bursting through the castle doors like rainbows from a gnome’s mouth. Created by Alex Hirsch, the mystery-hinged funfest centers on a pair of siblings, Jason Ritter’s Dipper and Kristen Schaal’s Mabel, living with their kooky and perhaps unstable great uncle, Grunkle Stan (voiced by Hirsch). And for anyone who loves codes, hidden messages, deep lore, crytozoology, conspiracies, and everything sharing that fringe space, Gravity Falls is the holy grail of animated shows. (And that grail is filled with Pitt Cola.)

Despite nearly universal love and acclaim, Disney cut Gravity Falls’ run short at just two seasons, although the actual supplementary Journal 3 (which Hirsch co-wrote) is expansive and unique enough of an experience to at least count as a one-off special. There’s still hope that fans will one day go on more adventures in the Mystery Shack with Soos, assuming Bill Cipher doesn’t muck anything up, but even if these 40 episodes are all that ever get produced, it was perfection.

24. The Boondocks

Aaron McGruder’s adaptation of his own comic strip, The Boondocks, is a must-watch for those trying to better understand racial relations, culture, and racism in the United States. With the help of some voice acting from Regina King, Riley and his brother Huey navigate the Black experience of living in a predominantly white suburb.

The Boondocks thrived on taking hot-button issues and forcing the viewer to think about not just the issue but their own reaction and perspective of that issue. The Boondocks deserves applause for how it pushed the envelope in its four seasons and offered thoughtful commentary in a way few other animated shows can.

23. Justice League

Superheroes joining forces in the DC Animated Universe wasn’t anything new prior to 2001 thanks to special pairings in Superman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond’s “The Call” two-parter, but Justice League placed teamwork front and center. Viewers watched Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl vanquish terrestrial, alien and magical threats together, and it was a blast.

Justice League continues to be appreciated for its crisp animation, mature storytelling and stellar character development, as well as for transforming John Stewart from a B-list character to the definitive Green Lantern for a generation. Justice League makes an effective crash course for those wanting to dive into DC lore without having read any of the comics.

22. Star Trek: Lower Decks

Being such a well known and praised franchise for decades, die-hard fans were quite surprised when it was announced back in 2019 that the Star Trek franchise would be taking a shot at an adult comedy with a brand new animated show, Star Trek: Lower Decks. Written by Rick and Morty’s Mike McMahan, the show takes place in the 24th century and instead of focusing on the high-ranking officers on the Bridge Crew, it gives viewers a glimpse into the “lower deck” officers with the more humble jobs that keep the ship running…smoothly? The show often references the rest of the Star Trek earlier entries and breaks down sci-fi tropes, often in a very NSFW way, and should delight both seasoned and new fans alike.

21. Sailor Moon

If you’re of a certain age, Sailor Moon may be the first anime you ever saw in your entire life. It’s one of those ‘90s anime that was sandwiched between Fist of the North Star in the ‘80s, and the explosion that was Dragon Ball Z, and Pokemon in the later ‘90s. Even so, Sailor Moon still managed to stand out, and it still stands out today. It may be because Serena (or Usagi, if you prefer sub over dub) is so dang loveable. As is her relationship with Darien (AKA, Tuxedo Mask).

And of course, we can’t forget the many other Sailor Scouts, as they all have their own unique personalities and inner worlds. In truth, Sailor Moon is the kind of cartoon that appeals to both young girls, but also grown men in their ‘30s and ‘40s, and really, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

20. One Piece

Shows like One Piece don’t come along often, and really, we’re not sure there is any other show on television that’s like it. It’s one thing to have an astronomically high episode count, but quite another for that story to be serialized and tell a great story of a pirate adventure that’s been wowing viewers for over two decades. The character development and growth of the Straw Hat Pirates and the world-building it boasts makes this an easy choice for top-tier anime, and it’s great that Netflix finally took notice and made an equally enjoyable live-action series.

It’s a modern-day epic story equatable to Gilgamesh or Beowulf, and feels like a lived-in universe more than any other anime out there. It’s totally worth the time investment for those who feel overwhelmed by tackling the 1000+ episodes of this ongoing series.

19. The Critic

The Critic, which revolves around New York film critic, Jay Sherman (voiced by A League of Their Own’s Jon Lovitz) sometimes hits way too close to home. What we mean is, with many of us being critics ourselves, a lot of Jay’s fussy qualms about movies seem super spot on, such as the eye roll he gave to the made-up movie, Beverly Hills RoboCanine Cop and a Half 2 (Starring Clint Eastwood!).

But that’s just the beauty of The Critic, because even though Jay was often fed up with having to review so many mediocre movies, he still loved his job, and stayed a movie fan to his core. Which, again, hits very close to home. Plus, it didn’t hurt that the series had The Simpsons writers, Al Jean and Mike Reiss as showrunners. It stinks!...that we don’t have any new episodes of The Critic to watch these days.

18. Daria

Daria once described herself to a therapist as actively working to make people dislike her. She’s not wrong. Daria's main character is, at times, deeply unlikeable. She speaks as if she’s a detached observer into her own life, making callous observations in a dry, dispassionate voice. She’s like a real life narrator, condescendingly commenting on the world around her as everyone else plays volleyball and talks about who they’re going to prom with.

Despite all her efforts, however, it’s impossible to hate Daria because she’s really funny and also not wrong most of the time. High school is often pretty stupid and populated with try-hards who don’t know themselves or have any idea where they’re going. Listening to Daria judge them feels like therapy, even if, deep down, we know she’s just as lost as they are.

17. Over The Garden Wall

What’s most impressive about Over The Garden Wall is just how effectively it slips under your skin and rattles you. The familiar sibling dynamic between Wirt (Elijah Wood) and his little brother Greg (Collin Dean) is disarming, as are the fantasy elements and talking animals… but never forgotten is the terror that comes from the show’s central premise: two boys getting lost in the woods and trying to find their way home. Each chapter starts with a light touch, but ends up gripping you by the throat and invading your nightmares.

The episodes brim with fantastic and horrific imagination - from the shadowy beasts that lead souls astray to the disturbing Auntie Whispers (voiced brilliantly by John Cleese). There are only 10 episodes and none of them run over 12 minutes, but Over The Wall leaves a deep impression, and it’s wonderful to revisit annually during Spooky Season.

16. King of the Hill

I tell you what, it’s hard to get better than King of the Hill. The long-running hit (which has a Mike Judge-led revival coming to Hulu soon), focused on Hank, Peggy and their son Bobby Hill, and their day to day life in the small town of Arlen, Texas. This slice-of-life animated show used something a lot of people probably take for granted - the absurdities of relationships, work, growing up, marriage and other aspects of daily life - turned them up to 11 and made every episode across 13 seasons feel like we were laughing at our own friends and family.

Don’t we all know at least one person obsessed with lawn care? Or one boy who ain’t right? If not, you’ll certainly wish you knew the residents of Rainey Street and could call them neighbors, because mundane, working class life has never looked like so much looney fun.

15. Mickey Mouse (2013 shorts)

Mickey Mouse is one of the most iconic characters in the history of animation. He’s been everywhere and done everything. What made the new series of shorts that began in 2013 and ended in 2023 special wasn’t that they did anything differently, (though certainly the visual style was completely new for the character) it was that they went back to the beginning and let Mickey be the Mickey he was always designed to be.

The modern run of shorts, simple called Mickey Mouse, let the big-eared protagonist be the hero, but they also let him be silly, angry, surprising, and ridiculous. They pack more gags into a five-minute short than would seem possible. The shorts were new, but also served as throwbacks to earlier Mickey eras when the character had more creative freedom before he became the icon we know. They were a breath of fresh air after decades of a stagnant and sterilized mouse.

14. The Legend Of Korra

There is sometimes debate on whether Avatar: The Last Airbender or its follow-up series, The Legend of Korra, is the better cartoon. But, when it comes to us, all we have to say is, why not both? Because honestly, you can’t lose with either series. That said, The Legend of Korra definitely is special in its own right. This is a more grown-up take on the world of Avatar, where each season introduces a new threat to our heroine, Korra (Voiced by the magnificent Janet Varney).

With each season, however, we see Korra adapt and change in ways that Aang never got to do, which is enhanced by Korra’s fantastic Team Avatar of Bolin, Mako, and of course, Asami. Oh, and speaking of Asami, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention how groundbreaking this show was, as Korrasami is still one of our favorite TV couples of all time.

13. South Park

Possibly the most controversial animated show of all time, South Park. With 26 seasons under their belt, Trey Parker and Matt Stones’ on Comedy Central follows the story of four young boys and the typically pop-culture chaos that surrounds them. The show’s intro blatantly states that the show “...should not be viewed by anyone.” South Park pulls no punches and gives no f’s. T

The creators have pulled some crazy stunts in the past, like attending the 2000 Oscars while being nominated, wearing dresses, and high on LSD. They have also attempted to get their own show canceled, been banned in China, as well as hitting a television milestone by going “bleep-free” with the use of the “f-bomb” live on air. It’s a show that could not be launched today, but since it has such huge weight in the zeitgeist, expect to see some more offensive Colorado antics for some time.

12. Star Wars Rebels

Star Wars Rebels picked up the action set in the galaxy far, far away after The Clone Wars ended, and the animated series ran from 2014-2018 on Disney XD to expand on the era ahead of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story with a found family of original characters. Not only did the show prove that Star Wars doesn’t need to rely on legacy characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to tell a fantastic story and deliver arguably one of the best deaths in the franchise’s history, but it set up some stellar stories that are being expanded in live-action with Ahsoka.

There was no certainty that Rebels would succeed back in the beginning despite the popularity of The Clone Wars, but the story was solid during its original run and stands the test of time for first-time watchers and re-watchers alike. And its characters, ships and plots have remained core to the universe even beyond its conclusion.

11. Invincible

Invincible was released for those with an Amazon Prime subscription during the height of superhero mania. Despite concerns about superhero fatigue, the animated series carved stands out within the genre. Namely by being the animated answer to The Boys, and being an R-rated and wildly violent cartoon show. Invincible focuses on the title character aka Mark Grayson who is a young person coming into his own as a wildly popular hero who boasts the same powers, if not the same prowess, as his father Omni- Man, who is revealed to be something quite a bit more dangerous than anyone readily expected.

Adapted rather faithfully from Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker's comic book, the story is emotional, the action sequences are bloody and brutal, and Invincible’s voice cast is led by A-list talent like Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, and more. And the show is so popular that Omni-Man spawned a character in Mortal Kombat 1.

10. Justice League Unlimited

Everything that was great about Justice League got ratcheted up a notch with Justice League Unlimited. Thanks to the team’s founding heroes expanding its ranks — minus Hawkgirl, who returned later in Season 1 — this continuation allowed the DC Animated Universe to shine the spotlight on even lesser-known heroes, from Green Arrow and The Question to Booster Gold and Huntress. Like its predecessor, the show wholeheartedly embraced its printed page while also putting unique spins on its starring protagonists and antagonists.

Although there were various standalone episodes peppered throughout Justice League Unlimited, the show was at its best when delving into its serialized stories that built off plot threads from the previous DC Animated Universe shows, namely the Cadmus and Secret Society arcs. That makes Unlimited arguably feel like the most comic book-y entry in this shared continuity. While the DCAU would be revisited a handful of other times following the show’s conclusion, Unlimited definitely marked the end of an era, and it stuck the landing wonderfully.

9. Phineas and Ferb

The concept of two brothers spending their summer vacation trying to figure out a way to spend it comes with endless possibilities, and Phineas and Ferb explored them creatively and expertly. Following a formula where every episode the titular characters are always finding an over-the-top thing to do or build. Meanwhile, their sister Candace tries to bust them while their pet platypus Perry goes on a mission to stop his nemesis Dr. Doofenshmirtz and his latest -enator.

Over the years, Phineas and Ferb mastered its formula and had a blast with it. Watching the brothers build a roller-coaster, create a backyard beach, get their parents' favorite band back together and oh so much more was not only fun but creatively invigorating. Not to mention, many episodes also featured incredible original music – like the Emmy-nominated song “Ain’t Got Rhythm” – meaning you’ll be humming along and thinking about this show long after the episode ends.

8. Looney Tunes

To describe Looney Tunes as a classic is completely appropriate, and yet, somehow not quite enough. This collection of animated shorts (produced from 1930 to 1969 and then revived in the late 1970s) has provided generations of audiences with wacky adventures featuring some of the most recognizable and quotable cartoon characters ever created. Even if you’ve only seen a handful of the many, many cartoons made by Warner Bros., you likely know that Bugs Bunny usually outsmarts everyone, Sylvester and Tweety are hilarious adversaries, Daffy Duck is at his funniest when he’s angry or on the losing end of anything, and that Roadrunner is way more trouble than it’s worth to Wile E. Coyote.

Looney Tunes is yet another example of how something could, technically, be pleasantly silly enough for kids, but just mature enough to get and keep the attention of adults. (Who doesn’t know what it’s like to repeatedly miss your target like Elmer Fudd?) When you watch one of these belly-laugh inducing entries, the only thing stopping you from watching another (and another) will be a power outage… That’s a joke, son!

7. Rick and Morty

A decade ago, if you asked us to name our Top Five most thoroughly inventive, consistently thrilling, amusingly thought-provoking, and deeply moving science-fiction series, we would have never guessed an Adult Swim original comedy would make the cut. Nevertheless, Rick and Morty — co-created by the now-fired Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon — has risen above its crude animation, and even cruder humor, to be widely remembered as, not just one of the funniest sci-fi TV shows, but among the genre’s all-time finest.

It is no surprise the series was bred from a Back to the Future parody short, as the pairing of alcoholic scientist Rick Sanchez with his grandson, Morty Smith, feels like a more volatile Marty and Doc situation, which is also just one of the many ways the series brilliantly pokes fun at and pays homage to pop culture. However, the best Rick and Morty episodes — in addition to introducing eye-popping, otherworldly, and downright absurd concepts — honor the series’ more relatable themes, such as family and existential dread, which cleverly sneak up on you while you experience the duo's latest crazy adventure through time and space.

6. Attack On Titan

There’s a lot of great anime out there, from wholesome shows like Spy X Family to much more action-heavy series like Demon Slayer and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. But when it comes to anime that just generally rivals some of the greatest television shows of all-time, then look no further than Attack on Titan, which we once called the best under-the-radar show on television. Because no show swerved like Attack on Titan did, and it all falls upon its protagonist/antagonist, Eren Yeager, who the audience is firmly behind…until we aren’t.

That’s right, Attack on Titan initially seems very simple in premise — Titans bad, people good — but soon changes dramatically to the point where we wonder if we may have had it all wrong the entire time. Are the titans were the ones who were misunderstood, and the humans were the bad guys. Plus, this is the rare exception where the anime may be superior to the manga, and if you know anything about manga, that is no small feat. This is an anime for the ages.

5. Bluey

Bluey has simply become must-watch programming for families, and don’t be surprised when Mom and Dad find themselves just as entertained as the little ones. The infectious theme song ropes you in as it introduces Mum (Chilli), Dad (Bandit), little sister Bingo and big sister Bluey, but it’s the heart-filled interactions between the Blue Heelers that have kept people coming back. Some episodes are laugh-out-loud funny — “I slipped on my beans!” — and others will hit you right in the feels and cause tears to flow freely.

Parents have become endeared to Bluey because it inspires us to be better. It encourages us to play with our kids and gives us permission to act silly in public. Why care what strangers think if you can make your kids laugh, right? But Bluey also shows the harder moments. Sometimes Bandit and Chilli don’t have time to play. Sometimes they don’t know what to say or just need some peace and quiet after partying too hard on New Year’s Eve. We need permission to want those things in real life, too.

4. The Simpsons

The Simpsons is the most popular and successful animated show in history because it’s hilarious in so many different ways. No matter what your sense of humor is, there’s almost certainly a Simpsons character that’s funny in the exact way you’re looking for. From highbrow literary references thrown out as asides to people falling over and getting injured in embarrassing or gruesome ways, and everything in between, each episode is jam-packed with jokes intended to do very different things and to appeal to very different people.

If it happened in a lesser show, it might feel like pandering, but with The Simpsons, the "whatever sticks" approach always felt like layers and variance. That’s a testament to the quality of the writing. Most shows that try to do too much are overtly better at one of the things they’re trying to do, which makes the rest seem less than or out of place. Not The Simpsons. Thanks to fantastic, complicated leads and the funniest supporting network of side characters in TV history, the writers can be funny in so many unique, challenging, satirical, irreverent and sometimes prophetic ways, and they have for more than 750 delightful episodes.

3. Avatar: The Last Airbender

From scathing commentary about imperialism to discussions of spirituality, trauma and extinction, Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender packs deep philosophical meaning into its animated stories. This universe, centered around people boasting the ability to bend elements, follows Avatar Aang on his journey to master the elements and defeat the Fire Lord. This series from Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko is a masterful classic, filled with fun side-quests like the trio’s journey to Omashu, as well as complex politics surrounding the Royal Fire Nation family, sassy characters (we’re of course talking about Sokka and Toph), insanely well-developed story arcs like Zuko’s, and it's all taied together with mind-boggling action,

Like the Avatar, ATLA gets stronger with time, and as Aang mastered the elements, the series grew with him. No matter how old you are, this series hits hard, and the more you watch it the better it gets. Avatar: The Last Airbender seems destined to always feel timeless, and like the Avatar’s powers, this show will likely continue to be passed down through generations for years to come.

2. BoJack Horseman

It’s understandable if you watch the first episode of BoJack Horseman and don’t quite click with it. It’s a show that throws you headfirst into its world  – providing a deep inside look at Hollywood and celebrity in a reality where humans coexist with humanoid animals. That being said, as one of the first Netflix original creations, it’s a series that greatly benefited from the streamer’s binge model, as to dig deeper into the show is to fall in love with it and everything it has to say.

All six seasons of BoJack Horseman are witty, clever, and hilarious, with countless background gags that make it incredibly rewarding on rewatch – but what makes it special is just how real it is. The aesthetic may be silly, but the characters are all ultimately broken people and there is an unflinching and powerful examination of their individual damage over the course of the show. The penultimate episode of every season manages to be as emotionally devastating as anything that Hollywood has ever produced for the small screen, and each one is both shocking and mesmerizing.

1. Batman: The Animated Series

Unquestionably one of the best examples of any animated TV show appealing to both kids and adults, Batman: The Animated Series continues to stand as perhaps the greatest triumph in the media history of DC Comics’ Caped Crusader. BTAS, and by extension The New Batman Adventures, followed in the footsteps of the Tim Burton Batman movies by bringing the character back to his darker roots and inserting viewers into an anachronistic Gotham City dripping with noir flavor. Here we have a Batman who strikes fear into the hearts of criminals just as easily as he inspires the innocent.

Anchored by the late Kevin Conroy as Bruce Wayne, Batman: The Animated Series effectively walked the line of honoring the source material while also putting unique spins on characters like The Joker, Mr. Freeze and Two-Face, while also launching neo-icons like Harley Quinn, Renee Montoya and a handful of others who’ve become mythos mainstays. Even ignoring that BTAS launched the beloved DC Animated Universe, Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski's show serves for many as the gold(black) standard by which all other Batman adaptations are judged. 1992 may be a long time ago, but BTAS still feels wonderfully timeless.

Hopefully the next 80 years of animated series can stand up to the classic eras that have already come and gone, as well as everything happening currently. But for anyone who hasn't yet watched everything listed above, now you know the assignment, mmk?

Since 2021, Nickelodeon has been airing NFL games in the hopes of introducing football to a new generation of prospective players and fans. However, this year marked the first time the children’s cable network aired the Super Bowl with the help of beloved SpongeBob SquarePants characters and more. And, judging by fan reactions on social media, it was a massive hit, with some viewers not even minding missing the funniest commercials of the night in the process.

Airing at the same time as the live broadcast on CBS, the Nickelodeon version featured SpongeBob and Patrick as commentators alongside professional sports  pundits Noah Eagle and Nate Burleson. Sandy Cheeks was on-field correspondent, Larry the Lobster appeared in the game, Squidward appeared to be waiting in an extremely long bathroom line (as shared on X), and even the always-scheming Plankton made an appearance. The broadcast also featured Dora the Explorer, who helped new fans understand the game by popping on screen to explain various calls:

In addition to airing the actual game with hilarious commentary, the broadcast also featured a handful of cutaway gags that fans could not stop talking about. One of the most popular appeared to be when the camera would cut away to fish fans in the audience who resembled celebrities. Said characters also had punny names like "Billie Eelish," "Shrimpaothée Chalamet" and "Heering Styles": 

It didn’t take long for SpongeBob and Patrick to get into the game. When it was unclear which team was in possession of the ball after a tackle, both took to their mics to remind the players they needed to firmly grasp the ball. This was, of course, a hilarious callback to one of the best SpongeBob SquarePants episodes of all time. The joke was told several times throughout the broadcast, but it didn’t stop fans from laughing:

The gentle roasting didn’t stop there, though. The broadcast got cheeky with the banners they used when showing players on screen. When Travis Kelce was shown, the banner read: “Taylor Swift’s Boyfriend” with the note that he is “good at football.” The best one, though, came after the Kansas City Chiefs finally scored a touchdown: 

Speaking of Taylor Swift, the Puppy Bowl wasn’t the only alternative broadcast to reference the Grammy-winning singer. Since Nickelodeon was using the same feed as CBS, Swift regularly made appearances. However, the Bikini Bottom commentators made it special every time, like when Doodlebob appeared on screen: 

Some other memorable moments included SpongeBob and Patrick equated the 3-0 score to their own IQs, or when one of the professional commentators explained overtime as: “not extra homework but like a dessert.” 

While professionals assumed Taylor Swift’s presence would help bolster ratings this year, I'd argue that Nickelodeon is also partially to blame if this year’s broadcast breaks a record. This is just a sampling of praise on social media during and immediately after the game ended: 

• I will never watch the Super Bowl on any other network besides Nickelodeon ever again -@mo0nandsaturn
• I hope Nickelodeon does this again for the next #SuperBowl. I learned, I laughed, and I had a good time watching! Whoever pitched this idea deserves a raise and a big bonus! #SuperBowlILVIII - @RobynDMarley_
• Nickelodeon streaming the super bowl is a GAME CHANGER. I am CRYING listening to Patrick and Spongebob narrate a game while Larry the Lobster takes the field. -@mcntanasky 

Unfortunately, if you missed the broadcast you'll have to live vicariously through highlight reels and social media reactions. While there's no word on whether Nick will do this again next year, based on the massive fan reaction, it feels very likely! Until then, you can catch the Bikini Bottom gang in any of the various SpongeBob shows airing amid the 2024 TV schedule and that are streamable with a Paramount+ subscription.

If there is anything more irresistible in entertainment than romance, it has to be bromance. A bond between male friends almost as strong as a love between life partners is truly a beautiful thing, which is why it has been a staple in pop culture for decades. If you cannot take our word for it, just take a look at these essential, world-famous duos from movies and TV shows as proof.

Bert And Ernie (Sesame Street)

There are Sesame Street characters whom we love on their own, such as Big Bird and Elmo, and then are those we cannot separate from one another, particularly Bert and Ernie. Some have theorized that the roommates are really in a romantic relationship, but that could also just be a sign of just how strong their "bromantic" relationship is. 

Bill And Ted (Bill & Ted Movies)

The aspiring San Dimas-based musicians known as Wyld Stallyns — Ted “Theodore” Logan (Keanu Reeves) and Bill S Preston, Esq. (Alex Winter) — have a friendship defined by a philosophy to be excellent to each other and “party on, dude!” It is no wonder that the time-traveling pair from the Bill & Ted movies went on to make music that ensured a most non-heinous future.

Bing Crosby And Bob Hope (Road To… Movies)

Throughout and 1940s to the early 1960s, the multi-talented Bing Crosby and comedy legend Bob Hope were one of Hollywood’s most dynamic duos, appearing in several hilarious adventure movies together and as a different set of characters each time. The Road To… movies, as they came to be collectively known, would also star Dorothy Lamour to help add a little romance among the road trip comedies’ central bromance. 

Butch And Sundance (Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid)

While undisputed legends of cinema on their own, some would say that Paul Newman and Robert Redford were at their best when sharing the screen together. Case in point, their eponymous roles as a pair of desperate outlaws on the run in early 1900s Wyoming from 1969’s Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Chandler And Joey (Friends)

Some use their Max subscription to revisit Ross and Rachel’s bumpy relationship or Chandler and Monica’s aspirational romance, but I think the beloved sitcom’s most essential couple is Chandler and Joey. With how seamlessly they maintain a close bond even after their tenure as roommates ends, could there be a better duo in the Friends cast than Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry’s characters?

Cory And Shawn (Boy Meets World)

The transition from adolescence all the way to adulthood is a profoundly challenging time that's hard to survive without help from friends — something the Boy Meets World cast demonstrated beautifully. This is especially true in the way Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong) relied on each other for support almost completely without fail, despite coming from entirely different walks of life.  

Crockett And Tubbs (Miami Vice)

In the ‘80s, there was no cop pairing on TV cooler than James “Sonny” Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) on Miami Vice. The detectives’ unexpected collaboration in the pilot turned into a trusting partnership against drug trafficking and other crimes that lasted five years.

Drake And Josh (Drake & Josh)

The titular teens from this popular Nickelodeon sitcom are the only duo on our list of bromances who are actually brothers… legally, that is. If their respective mother and father had not married, Drake (Drake Bell) and Josh (Oppenheimer cast member Josh Peck) — who could not have been more different upon meeting — might not have become so inseparable.

George And Grover (Silver Streak)

In one of the best movies set on a train, 1976’s Silver Streak, book editor George Caldwell (Gene Wilder) finds himself forcibly marooned when he witnesses a murder that he is later accused of. His only hope to make it back on board to his new lover (Jill Clayburgh) is street smart thief Grover T. Muldoon (Richard Pryor) in the first of many beloved collaborations by the comedy legends.

Hank And Manny (Swiss Army Man)

Before Best Picture Oscar winner Everything Everywhere All At Once made them household names, filmmaking duo DANIELS made their feature-length debut with another great A24 movie about a friendship like no other. The title of 2016’s Swiss Army Man refers to the inexplicable arsenal of magical abilities that reanimated corpse Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) possesses, which helps Hank (Paul Dano) survive the wilderness in this hilarious, highly inventive fantasy adventure.

Harold And Kumar (Harold And Kumar Movies)

Whether they are desperate for some fast food, desperate to flee prison, or desperate to save Christmas, Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) stick by each other through thick and thin. We would love to see another Harold and Kumar movie just to see more of the stoner buddies’ friendship continue to thrive.

Harry And Lloyd (Dumb And Dumber)

As Jeff Daniels recalled on Off Camera with Sam Jones, Jim Carrey had already been cast as Lloyd Christmas in the Farrelly Brothers' classic 1994 comedy, Dumb and Dumber, and had to fight to get and keep Daniels a Harry Dunne -- a role the studio wanted a real comedian for. Casting the actor -- primarily known for drama -- resulted in a beautiful onscreen bond that made these otherwise hopelessly infantile pals hard not to like.

Harry And Ron (Harry Potter Franchise)

The Harry Potter movies (and books that inspired them) have one of pop culture’s strongest trios in the titular wizard (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). However, the group’s core bromance may be even more iconic on its own in the astonishing loyalty Harry and Ron have toward one another and the way they bring out each other’s best qualities.

Holmes And Watson (Sherlock Holmes)

Out of the various onscreen iterations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law’s versions may be the most definitive. The Guy Ritchie movies depict the detective and his flatmate/assistant/biographer as almost more than friends with genuine affection for one another despite their constant bickering.

Jay And Silent Bob (Various)

The shared universe of Kevin Smith movies that include Clerks, Chasing Amy, and more is anchored by its two most important, most dynamic, and most hilarious characters: Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith). Usually stoned and rarely seen doing much of anything productive, the inseparable pair have still managed to make a lasting impression on pop culture even beyond the View Askewniverse without saying much, in Bob’s case at least.

J.D. And Turk (Scrubs)

One of the first times I ever heard the word “bromance” was by Zach Braff’s Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian to describe his relationship with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Christopher Turk (Donald Faison). Rarely have a pair of sitcom characters reflected the term so definitively and it helps that the Scrubs cast members have reunited on camera in recent years, as reflected in their T-Mobile ads lately.

Kenan And Kel (Kenan & Kel)

It was not until I recently rewatched Kenan & Kel that I realized these classic Nickelodeon characters (played by All That’s Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, who are reuniting for Good Burger 2) had such an aspirational relationship. Only friends who truly wholeheartedly care for one another would be able to put with up the insurmountable trouble they get each into on a regular basis.

Mike And Marcus (Bad Boys)

Detective Mike Lowery (Will Smith) is a well-to-do player, while his partner, Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), is a committed family man. What makes the heroes of the Bad Boys movies (which have a fourth installment on the way) such a strong pair despite their different lifestyles is a shared commitment to fighting crime, even if it means breaking a few rules.

Mike And Trent (Swingers)

When struggling actor Mike (writer Jon Favreau) is dumped by his longtime girlfriend, his buddy, Trent (Vince Vaughn), goes out of his way to help him get back on his feet. It is this strong inclusion of supportive friendship as a central theme amid the raunchy comedy that makes director Doug Liman’s Swingers so “money.” 

Murtaugh And Riggs (Lethal Weapon)

While buddy cop action films had already existed before the Lethal Weapon movies did, director Richard Donner’s 1987 classic is easily the most quintessential example. If not for the brotherly bond between the otherwise unlikely pairing of widowed, sharp-shooting maverick Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) and by-the-book veteran detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), the film might not have spawned a four-part franchise. 

Pedro And Man (Cheech & Chong's Up In Smoke)

The many stoner buddies on our list likely would have never existed if not for Cheech Marin and Thomas Chong — the legendary comedy duo collectively known as Cheech & Chong. In their most esteemed cinematic achievement (and one of the best ‘70s movies), 1978’s Up in Smoke, they star as the motor-mouth Pedro (Marin) and slower-witted “Man” (Chong), who become fast friends and, eventually, bandmates over their mutual admiration for greens.

Peter And Sydney (I Love You, Man)

When straight-laced real estate agent Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) gets engaged, he suddenly realizes that he has no male friends to ask to be his best man, but finds the perfect choice instantly in outspoken investor, Sydney Fife (Jason Segel). I Love You Man was Rudd’s third collaboration with Segel and it certainly shows in how seamlessly their chemistry meshes in this instant classic “bromantic comedy.”

Schmidt And Jenko (21 Jump Street)

While they were enemies in high school, when Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) reunite at the police academy, they become brothers. Their new kinship certainly comes in handy when they soon have to go undercover as teenage siblings when leading the cinematic 21 Jump Street cast in 2012.

Shaun And Ed (Shaun Of The Dead)

Real life best friends and flatmates Simon Pegg and Nick Frost made their film debuts together playing best friends and flatmates in the classic horror-comedy movie, 2004’s Shaun of the Dead. Said friendship between our title hero (Pegg) and the aimless Ed (Frost), is not without its dysfunctions, but strong enough to survive a zombie apocalypse, even when one succumbs to a bite.

Shawn And Gus (Psych)

Charming con artist Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez) has been best friends with the nervous Burton “Gus” Guster (Dulé Hill) since they were children, as seen in nearly every cold open from the long-running USA dramedy, Psych. That likely explains why, despite Gus’ reluctance, he becomes Shawn’s business partner after convincing the Santa Barbara police that he is psychic.

SpongeBob And Patrick (SpongeBob Squarepants)

With the exception of Squidward, anyone would be lucky to have a friend like SpongeBob Squarepants (voiced by Tom Kenny) — case in point, his life-long pal and neighbor, Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke). The square, yellow fry cook does not just accept the dim-witted starfish for who he is, but is almost oblivious to anything beyond his positive character traits, which is something I think everyone hopes to find in a friend.

Steve And Bucky (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Before he received the chance to become Captain America, the only person who ever believed in Steve Rogers’ (Chris Evans) potential as a hero was his good friend, James Buchanon “Bucky” Barnes. After Bucky was discovered decades later to be a brainwashed assassin, Steve returned the favor by fighting for his protection, even if that meant antagonizing his fellow Avengers in one of the best Marvel movies, Captain America: Civil War.

Troy And Abed (Community)

It is not very common for a college student (even a community college student) to find a friend who brings out your inner child, but Troy Barnes (Donald Glover) and Abed Nadir (Danny Pudi) are a clear and most heartwarming exception. From participating in intense “Floor Is Lava” challenges, to hosting their own imaginary talk show, and more of their iconic Community moments, this duo defined the kind of friendship you hope to find once you reach adulthood and, together, were the heart and soul of Greendale.

Ted, Marshall, And Barney (How I Met Your Mother)

There are not very many trios in this list, but there was no way we were going to exclude all three of the inseparable boys from the How I Met Your Mother cast. While Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) has a longer history with Marshal Eriksen (Jason Segel) and Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) had his selfish tendencies, you could argue that he really did help teach his bros “how to live,” even if they were reluctant to take his advice most of the time.

Phil, Stu, Alan, And Doug (The Hangover)

Even though they are partially to blame for Doug Billings’ (Justin Bartha) disappearance during his bachelor party, Alan’s claim that he, Phil Wenneck (Bradley Cooper), and Stu Price (Ed Helms) are the “three best friends that anyone could have” is not so incorrect, considering the trouble they endure for his benefit in The Hangover. Though we see most of the main trio in this blockbuster comedy, it would be wrong to not count Doug as part of The Wolfpack.

Bromance is in the air and here to stay!

As someone who has been on this earth for twenty-four years, I’d say I’ve watched a lot of television. From some of the best fantasy shows to the best teen dramas, I’ve seen a lot. But, where do most people start their love for television? Cartoons. 

I’ll be biased and say that I grew up with the best cartoons. There’s just something about the 2000s kids TV shows that make me so happy even now, and on days where I’m feeling down, I will often revisit them. Sometimes, though…they can get a bit dark. 

While most kids TV shows offer plenty of fun for kids and parents, there are times that they tell dark jokes, touch on dark topics, or are just overall dark in tone. So today, I’m going to take a look back at some of my favorite cartoons as a kid, and some of the darkest scenes they had which still sit with me.

When Phineas And Ferb Were Brainwashed (Phineas And Ferb)

Granted, Phineas and Ferb started as I was beginning to enter my tween years (and did end eventually), but I still loved that show so much. This episode actually scared the crap out of me as a kid. In the Season 1 entry, “Phineas and Ferb Get Busted!,” the two stepbrothers are finally caught by their mother and are sent to a reform school in order to destroy their imagination. 

The entire episode feels like a parody of A Clockwork Orange, but as a kid, watching Phineas and Ferb get brainwashed into forgetting their creativity until the world was literally grey was not only terrifying, but felt all too real. As if this was possible. Obviously they ended up getting creativity back at the end, but still. Creepy stuff.

When Courage’s Parents Are Taken Away From Him (Courage The Cowardly Dog)

Courage the Cowardly Dog is just nightmare fuel for kids, and ironically, I loved it – makes sense considering I grew up loving horror movies. 

Either way, this episode, titled “Remembrance of Courage Past,” deals with Courage’s backstory, and how he did once have two loving parents before they were stolen away by a Cruel Veterinarian. While Courage was able to escape them, he couldn’t save his parents in time before they were shot into space with the vet and the rest of the dogs he stole. 

It’s so freaking sad. I mean, just looking at Courage crying makes me want to cry, because what child wants to be without their parents? Thank God for Muriel. 

When It Seemed Like Squidward Was Considering Suicide (Spongebob Squarepants)

Spongebob Squarepants has never strayed from adult jokes in its episodes, but this dark one went a little bit too far. 

In the episode, “Are You Happy Now?,” Squidward is going through a depressive episode when he can’t remember his happiest memory. He tries to do many things in his home to make him happy, but nothing seems to work. At one point, he grabs a rope and throws it over something hanging on the ceiling – and the rope looks very similar to a noose. 

However, it’s later revealed he was just trying to hang a cage up for a pet. But everyone knew exactly what that joke was referring to. It was a bit much, even for me. 

When Kitty Revealed That Her Best Friend Was Being Abused (Courage The Cowardly Dog)

Another moment from Courage The Cowardly Dog that we need to talk about is in this episode, titled, “The Mask.” When a woman shows up at the farmhouse and hurts Courage, saying that all dogs are evil, Muriel tries to talk to her. It’s later revealed who exactly she is – a young woman named Kitty, who has lost her best friend, Bunny, due to her abusive boyfriend – who is a Dog. 

This episode deals with several adult topics, such as domestic abuse and harassment, much more than my young brain could understand. As an adult, I’m starting to see why this show ended up getting cancelled – these topics can be seriously hard to handle and talk about with kids. 

When Katara Learned To Bloodbend (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

I have always loved Avatar: The Last Airbender. I love the characters (especially Zuko), and all the powerful moments that these benders have, from Aang to Katara. But in the episode, “The Puppetmaster,” Katara has to do the unthinkable – learn bloodbending.

They meet a woman who is a waterbender and used bloodbending to escape the Fire Nation years ago, but when the woman captures Katara’s friends, she needs to push through her fear and bloodbend the woman to save her friend – essentially controlling the fluids in her limbs so she controls the woman. It’s an extremely twisted form of bending. 

When Courage Dreams Of “You’re Not Perfect” (Courage The Cowardly Dog)

Last Courage The Cowardly Dog scene, I swear, but does anyone else remember that episode, “Perfect,” where Courage is basically beaten to perfection? Courage visualizes this terrifying teacher called The Perfectionist, whose job it is to make Courage perfect for his family, but every test he experiences, he fails. 

His anxiety about wanting to be perfect even translates to his dreams in the form of this scary piece of CGI that you see above, which says “You’re not perfect,” floating in God knows what. Courage wakes up screaming – as have I, because that thing is terrifying. 

When Dexter Sees All His Family’s Imperfections (Dexter’s Laboratory)

Dexter’s Laboratory was one of the first shows that I saw that romanticized being an absolute genius, but this episode was just a lot. In “Sore Eyes,” Dexter gives himself laser eye surgery to see perfectly. It turns out his surgery was so good, though, he sees everything in his family now – including their imperfections. 

While the scene itself isn’t inherently dark – all that was creepy was how his family truly looked – the implications that followed really bothered me. That Dexter would literally rather be blind than have to see his family as they are. Like, how terrible did they really look to him besides what we saw? That’s what creeps me out. 

When Bunny Exploded (The Powerpuff Girls)

Oh, Bunny. Before I was into the X-Men movies and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Powerpuff Girls were my superheroes, and in one episode, titled “Twisted Star,” the girls decide to create a fourth sister. The girl, being made by little girls, comes out deformed with a hunched back and a single tooth. But she tries her hardest to be a good superhero.

In the end, after several mishaps, Bunny redeems herself in front of her sisters by fighting real bad guys and saving the town, but because she’s unstable, she ends up literally exploding. All that’s left of her is the purple part of her outfit that falls in front of the girls. 

Like...my God. This is a kid’s show and we just watched her blow up in the air. That’s terrifying. 

Lastly – When Jenny’s Exo Skin Tries To Take Her Over (My Life As A Teenage Robot)

I feel like no one ever talks about My Life as a Teenage Robot because it only ran for three seasons and the last season is barely ever discussed, but this show was my favorite. We need to talk about the episode, “The Return of Raggedy Android.” Here, the exo-skin is used as a way to make Jenny feel like she fits in amongst the other teenage girls. 

Unfortunately, it turns evil and aims to take over Jenny, literally possessing her body and trying to take over her mind so she is not the one in control, but the suit is. 

That literally sounds like the plot of a horror movie. That could end up being a Blumhouse movie for all I know. It’s that creepy. And I loved it as a kid – however, as an adult, it’s pretty dark and really too much for most children. 

My childhood was filled to the brim with these awesome shows, but sometimes, they could get a little dark. I’m sure there are plenty of shows now that give kids this experience. But I plan to stick to the ones I already know. 

So, let’s say you decided to cut the cord and rely on digital streaming services like Netflix or Hulu to watch your favorite series, but realized even that option is not so cheap. Fear not, because there are, in fact, multiple streaming services – such as Tubi, Peacock, and plenty of others – with which you can legally watch free TV shows online. 

The amount of modern favorites and iconic classics to choose from is quite surprising and, since the service costs nothing, each series comes with occasional ad breaks for that classic TV viewing feel. To help narrow down your search, we have taken the time to comb through these services and found some of these series they have to offer as a recommendation for you.

Batman (Tubi)

Millionaire Bruce Wayne (Adam West) and his young ward, Dick Grayson (Burt Ward), aid Commissioner Gordon (Neil Hamilton) in protecting Gotham City from a variety of infamous criminals that each boast a bizarre, unique gimmick. While Batman has taken on a much darker definitive tone in more recent years, the 1960s Batman series is still a fond (and funny) memory for fans of the Dark Knight for its delicious cheesy dialogue, iconically campy fight choreography, and West’s immortal portrayal of DC’s “Bright Knight.”

Stream Batman on Tubi.

House (Peacock)

A cynical, disgruntled physician (Emmy Award nominee Hugh Laurie) often butts heads with his crack medical diagnostics team as they struggle to help their patients identify their mysterious ailments. Taking inspiration from Sherlock Holmes, creator David Shore’s House is one of the most compelling medical dramas of its time for making the very question of what each episode’s guest stars are suffering from the story of the week.

Stream House on Peacock.

News Radio (Crackle)

A chronicle of the trials and tribulations among the staff of the second most popular news radio station in New York City. Starring the likes of the late SNL alum Phil Hartman and Dave Foley, News Radio is one of the funniest sitcoms of the ‘90s and, not to mention, one of the more underrated comedies from the era as well.

Stream News Radio on Crackle.

Burn Notice (Freevee)

After his employment is mysteriously terminated and he suddenly finds himself stuck in Miami, a former secret agent (Jeffrey Donovan) uses his pristine set of skills to make a living as a private investigator with the help of his trigger-happy ex-girlfriend (Gabrielle Anwar), a former military intelligence agent (Bruce Campbell), and, occasionally, his own mother (Sharon Gless). Also one of Bruce Campbell’s best TV credits, creator Matt Nix’s Burn Notice is all the fun of a James Bond movie without ever leaving the Sunshine State and one of the most popular series to ever air on USA.

Stream Burn Notice on Freevee through Amazon.

Hannibal (Plex)

A gifted FBI profiler (Hugh Dancy) enlists the help of a renowned criminal psychologist (Mads Mikkelsen) – both as an aid to his investigations and his own mental health – not realizing the doctor has a dark secret of his own. Inspired from the chilling novels by Thomas Harris, creator Bryan Fuller’s Hannibal is an instant crime drama classic (and one of the best shows streaming on Plex) for its breathtaking visual style and unapologetically disturbing tone.

Stream Hannibal on Plex.

Spaced (Tubi)

A recently dumped, aspiring comic book illustrator (Simon Pegg in his star-making role) and a quirky woman in a long-distance relationship (Jessica Hynes) pretend to be a couple in order to rent an affordable apartment in London. Despite having a seemingly typical setup for a sitcom, the acclaimed UK import Spaced is bursting with originality, due largely in part to the dazzling visual style of director Edgar Wright.

Stream Spaced on Tubi.

30 Rock (Peacock)

The head writer of a sketch comedy series (creator Tina Fey) frequently butts heads with her overbearing new boss (Emmy winner Alec Baldwin) and the show’s unpredictably wild new star (Tracy Morgan). The irreverently witty, wonderfully meta, and brilliantly acted 30 Rock is one of TV’s sharpest media satires and one of the best shows streaming on Peacock for free (except for Season 2).

Stream 30 Rock on Peacock.

Sherlock (Crackle)

A doctor (Martin Freeman), still reeling from his service in the Afghan War, rents a flat with an arrogant private detective (Benedict Cumberbatch) whom he accompanies on various mysteries burdening London. From co-developer Steven Moffat (who also revived Doctor Who in 2005), Sherlock is a whip-smart, consistently thrilling, modernized retelling of the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Stream Sherlock on Crackle.

Night Court (Freevee)

The regular staff for the late shift at a New York City court house are initially perturbed by their new young, eccentric, optimistic judge (the late Harry Anderson), until they come to accept his unconventional methods and treat him as a friend. From creator Reinhold Weege, Night Court is an unabashedly silly, snappy sitcom so beloved that an upcoming revival starring original star John Larroquette is coming to NBC.

Stream Night Court on Freevee through Amazon.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 (Plex)

In the not-too-distant future, an average man from Earth (creator Joel Hodgson and, later, Michael Nelson) is forced by a mad scientist (Trace Belieau and, later, Mary Jo Pehl) to live on a satellite with a group of sarcastic robots and watch low-grade sci-fi movies. Poking fun at cheesy, B-level cinema has never been more wonderfully weird and endearingly enjoyable than on Mystery Science Theater 3000, which would later inspire a Netflix-exclusive revival from 2017 to 2019.

Stream Mystery Science Theater 3000 on Plex. 

Mad Men (Freevee)

A prestigious advertising agency struggles to keep up with the rapidly changing culture of the 1960s, as seen mostly through the eyes of one womanizing executive with an eye-opening backstory (Emmy winner Jon Hamm). Created by The Sopranos writer/executive producer Matthew Weiner, Mad Men takes the viewer to another time that it deconstructs with stunning zeal through the intriguing stories of its enigmatic characters.

Stream Mad Men on Freevee through Amazon.

Saturday Night Live (Peacock)

For anyone who loves sketch comedy series, the most iconic and quintessential example of the like is, undoubtedly, Saturday Night Live, which has served as a starting point for many of the most successful comedy careers of all time and has allowed some of Hollywood’s biggest stars to show off their more humorous sides as guest hosts for decades. Fans can trace the entire history of Studio 8H (or just revisit some of its best moments) by streaming all 47 seasons (so far) of creator Lorne Michaels’ enduring classic on Peacock.

Stream Saturday Night Live on Peacock.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Roku Channel)

An unassuming high school student (Sarah Michelle Gellar, in the role that made her one of greatest horror Scream Queens ) discovers that she is recruited to help protect her new small town from strange and deadly supernatural phenomena. A darker reimagining of a silly horror-comedy of the same name, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of the best TV shows of the ‘90s and continues to fascinate fans of horror, fantasy, and modern, grounded coming-of-age stories.

Stream Buffy The Vampire Slayer on the Roku Channel.

Soap (Tubi, Crackle)

Two sisters and their respective immediate families – one upper class and the other working class – run into a series of increasingly fervent and bizarre situations, including everything from the consequences of extramarital affairs to alien abductions. Taking a shot at the common tropes and typically extreme storylines of daytime soap operas, Soap was an exceptionally groundbreaking sitcom for its time and helped launch the career of a young Billy Crystal in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

Stream Soap on Tubi.
Stream Soap on Crackle.

Weeds (Peacock)

Following the sudden death of her husband, a suburban stay-at-home mother (Mary-Louise Parker) turns to selling marijuana in order to support her two sons and struggles to avoid judgment from her overbearing neighbors, jail time, or even a grisly death along the way. From Jenji Kohan – also the creator of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black – the Showtime original dramedy Weeds is as much of an extremely sharp suburban satire as it is a thrilling ongoing crime serial that is still as compelling as ever, even at a time when its concept is a bit outdated.

Stream Weeds on Peacock.

Coupling (Freevee)

A man (Jack Davenport) and his girlfriend (Sarah Alexander) form a group with their respective best friends (Richard Coyle and Kate Isitt) and their former significant others (Gina Bellman and Ben Miles) who typically spend their days frequenting their favorite pub and swapping stories about their struggles with modern romance in London. Created by Steven Moffat, Coupling is one of the funniest and most cleverly honest sitcoms to originate in the UK and, while it’s often compared to Friends or How I Met Your Mother, I might be inclined to put it a spot above either of those American favorites.

Stream Coupling on Freevee through Amazon.

Quantum Leap (Roku Channel)

After his top-secret time travel experiment goes “a little ka-ka,” a brilliant physicist from the future (Emmy nominee Scott Bakula) must involuntarily embody one person from the past after another in order to prevent tragic events from happening, all while hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home. Also starring Dean Stockwell as Dr. Sam Beckett’s holographic aid and best friend Al, creator Donald P. Bellasario’s Emmy-winning NBC drama Quantum Leap is one of the most inventive and heartwarming sci-fi TV shows of its time.

Stream Quantum Leap on The Roku Channel.

Of course, there are many, many other great free TV shows (and even free movies on streaming) available right now. These are just a few of our favorites. We hope you enjoy them too! 

I am a firm believer that SpongeBob Squarepants is one of the greatest animated series of all time or, to be more specific and honest, I think it was at its best up to the release of The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie in 2004. The following episodes - which aired on Nickelodeon after its creator, the late Stephen Hillenberg, left as showrunner - were not quite up to par with the quality of the previous seasons and the theatrically release spin-off in the eyes of many of the iconic cartoon’s biggest (and, especially, more adult) fans.

Yet, luckily, Tom Kenny’s porous goofball would become the star of two more feature-length adventures that seemed to give most fans just what they needed from the franchise in terms of humor, excitement, and unique, gorgeous animation. If you’re ready to revisit all three of the the SpongeBob movies (or dive into them for the first time), allow us to point you in the right direction, starting with our naive hero’s big screen debut.

The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie

When Plankton (Mr. Lawrence) frames Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown) for stealing King Neptune’s (Jeffrey Tambor) crown in his latest and most complex attempt to steal the Krabby Patty secret formula, SpongeBob and Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke) embark on a dangerous quest to retrieve the crown and save the Krusty Krab owner and all of Bikini Bottom, too. Directed by Stephen Hillenberg and featuring and awesome all-star cast, The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie is a dazzlingly funny adventure available to stream on Paramount+ now or digitally rented for $3.99 on Amazon.

Stream The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie on Paramount+.
Rent/Buy The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie on Amazon.

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water

In his second big screen adventure, SpongeBob is actually forced to team up with Plankton after they both become wrongfully accused of stealing the secret formula and, indirectly, causing Bikini Bottom's apocalyptic descent. The suspense culminates into an epic, partially live-action stand-off above sea level against the real enemy, Burger Beard (Antonio Banderas), in 2015’s The SpongeBob Move: Sponge Out of Water. Surprisingly, the movie is NOT available on Paramount+ or anywhere else at the moment, but can be rented on Amazon and other VOD outlets, such as Vudu, Google Play, and YouTube.

Rent/Buy The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water on Amazon.
Rent/Buy The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water on Vudu.
Rent/Buy The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water on Google Play.
Rent/Buy The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water on YouTube.

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On the Run

The third and most recent major motion picture starring SpongeBob and the gang (and even Keanu Reeves and Danny Trejo on the SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On the Run cast, too) exclusively premiered on Paramount+ in 2021 and remains the only place you can stream the film. Of course, Amazon Prime subscribers could also see SpongeBob and Patrick race to rescue his pet snail, Gary, from the lost city of Atlantis with a premium Paramount+ add-on.

Stream The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On the Run on Paramount+.

If You Have Already Watched Or Revisited All The SpongeBob Movies…

The original Nicktoon that started it all is available to stream on Amazon Prime or on Paramount+, which is also the only place where you can also find the prequel series Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years. When you are done with that binge, CinemaBlend has plenty of fun SpongeBob Squarepants-related content, such as our ranking of the best SpongeBob Squarepants episodes or our ranking of the best special episodes of SpongeBob as well.

Stream SpongeBob Squarepants on Paramount+.
Stream SpongeBob Squarepants on Amazon Prime.

Stream Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years on Paramount+.

For my doubloons, the SpongeBob movies are some of the best animated movies of the last couple decades, let alone some of the best movies on Paramount+ (two of them at least). I'm ready to watch them now! Are you?

Of all the new people on the Dexter: New Blood cast, I think the one I am most pleasantly surprised to see is Clancy Brown as truck stop owner Kurt Caldwell. While watching the limited series continuation of one of the best shows on Showtime, you might be wondering where you may have seen the actor’s face before or even where you might have heard his voice for that matter. Well, we shall begin our list of recommendations for Clancy Brown movies and TV shows to watch on streaming with, perhaps, the most iconic answer to the latter question.

SpongeBob Squarepants (Paramount+, Amazon Prime)

The adventures of a young, slightly naive, square, yellow sponge (fellow legendary voice actor Tom Kenny) and his friends in the undersea city of Bikini Bottom.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: Out of his many roles as one of the most prolific voice actors of his time, one of Clancy Brown’s more famous and lasting characters is Eugene Krabs on Nickelodeon’s long-running animated series SpongeBob Squarepants - the extremely cheap owner and proprietor of The Krusty Krab burger joint and employer of the title character.

Stream SpongeBob Squarepants on Paramount+.
Stream SpongeBob Squarepants on Amazon Prime.

Buy SpongeBob Squarepants on Amazon.

Superman: The Animated Series (HBO Max)

The adventures of an extremely powerful extraterrestrial (voiced by Tim Daly) raised on Earth by human parents, who juggles his life as a journalist with using his abilities to protect the city of Metropolis.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: Another one of Clancy Brown’s best known roles as a voice actor is supervillain Lex Luthor, whom he has played in many DC animated movies and TV shows - the first being the Emmy-winning Superman: The Animated Series from 1996 to 2000.

Stream Superman: The Animated Series on HBO Max.
Buy Superman: The Animated Series on Amazon.

Thor: Ragnarok (Disney+)

The God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) must enlist the help of his old “friend from work” (Mark Ruffalo), his scheming brother (Tom Hiddleston), and a fellow Asgardian (Tessa Thompson) to escape from a barbaric planet and save Asgard from his estranged sister (Cate Blanchett).

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: Clancy Brown is also a member of the MCU since lending his voice to Thor: Ragnarok as Surtur - a powerful Fire Demon the actor reprised on Disney+ What If…? whom I would also love to see reappear in any upcoming Marvel movies in the future.

Stream Thor: Ragnarok on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Thor: Ragnarok on Amazon.

Highlander (Amazon Prime, Tubi, Peacock)

A Scottish man with the gift of eternal life (Christopher Lambert), trained to wield the sword by his mentor (Sean Connery) centuries earlier, must face off against a brutal, fellow immortal (Clancy Brown) in modern day New York City.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: Let’s take a step back in time to one of Clancy Brown’s earliest blockbuster fantasy epics, the first and (arguably) best of the Highlander movies - the thrilling, time-spanning 1986 cult classic in which the actor plays the main antagonist known as The Kurgan.

Stream Highlander on Amazon Prime.
Stream Highlander on Tubi.
Stream Highlander on Peacock.

Rent/Buy Highlander on Amazon.

Flubber (Disney+)

An eccentric inventor (Robin Williams) accidentally creates a revolutionary, rubbery substance that can bounce higher and faster than anything on earth and also appears to have a mind of its own.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: Another time that Clancy Brown played a bad guy (but to more comedic effect) was in the Disney comedy Flubber - a fun, inventive 1997 remake of 1961’s The Absent Minded Professor in which the actor plays a henchman to a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the titular, living formula for himself.

Stream Flubber on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Flubber on Amazon.

The Shawshank Redemption (HBO Max)

A banker (Academy Award winner Tim Robbins), convicted of murdering his wife, befriends a veteran inmate (Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman) and becomes a hero of sorts to other prisoners and an enemy to the establishment while serving his time at a dismal Maine penitentiary.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: Perhaps the most famous live-action bad guy Clancy Brown has ever played is the sadistic prison guard Captain Hadley in 1994’s The Shawshank Redemption, writer and director Frank Darabont’s inspirational adaptation of Stephen King’s riveting novella.

Stream The Shawshank Redemption on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy The Shawshank Redemption on Amazon.

Promising Young Woman (HBO Max)

A coffee shop waitress approaching her 30s (Carey Mulligan) seeks to avenge a tragic event that left her traumatized years earlier.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: In yet another widely acclaimed Oscar darling, Clancy Brown plays Stanley, the father of our heroine, in Promising Young Woman - writer and director Emerald Fennell’s stunning and thought-provoking revenge story that earned her an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2021.

Stream Promising Young Woman on HBO Max.
Buy Promising Young Woman on Amazon.

The Express (Amazon Rental)

A gifted, Black football player (Rob Brown) endures prejudice and becomes a figure of social change after joining the Syracuse University team as the Civil Rights Movement begins to emerge.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: In yet another inspirational period piece, Clancy Brown plays Syracuse University football team assistant coach Roy Simmons in 2008’s The Express, which recounts the story of Ernie Davis’ rellationship with head coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid) before he became the first Black athlete to be awarded the Heisman Trophy.

Rent/Buy The Express on Amazon.

Carnivàle (HBO Max)

A drifter taking refuge with a traveling sideshow (Sin City cast member Michael Stahl-David) and a sternly devout minister (Clancy Brown) learn they are blessed (or cursed) with unusual abilities that make them important pawns in a battle against good and evil during the Great Depression.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: While he is certainly well-meaning in his approach, there is an ominousness to Clancy Brown’s character - a preacher named Justin Crowe - on creator Daniel Knauf’s Carnivàle, which made a lasting impression on viewers during its two-season run on HBO.

Stream Carnivàle on HBO Max.
Buy Carnivàle on Amazon.

Starship Troopers (Starz)

In order to officially become citizens of a fascist, futuristic United States, a group of high school students enlist in the military, which forces them into conflict with a race of giant, extra-terrestrial insects. 

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: In another tale of otherworldly conflict (but of a much different breed), Clancy Brown channels his best R. Lee Ermey to play drill sergeant Zim in Starship Troopers - director Paul Verhoeven’s action-packed, satire that was greatly misunderstood when it was first released in 1997.

Stream Starship Troopers on Starz.
Rent/Buy Starship Troopers on Amazon.

John Dies At The End (Tubi)

An aimless college dropout (Chase Williamson) and his more childish slacker friend (Rob Mayes in the title role) unfortunately become humanity’s last hope when they come across a drug that promises the user an inter-dimensional experience, but with grotesquely transformative or fatal results for most.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: In another tale of otherworldly conflict of a similar (but much more bizarre) breed, Clancy Brown dons an Italian accent to play former priest turned world-famous paranormal investigator Dr. Albert Marconi in John Dies at the End - writer and director Don Coscarelli’s surreal, endlessly fascinating adaptation of David Wong’s (real name Jason Pargin) novel that is still grossly underrated since in came out in 2012.

Stream John Dies At The End on Tubi.
Rent/Buy John Dies At The End on Amazon.

The Mortuary Collection (Shudder)

A young woman (Caitlin Custer, neé Fisher) visits a funeral home, at which the eccentric owner (Clancy Brown) recounts the strange and grisly tales behind some of his most infamous clients.

Why it’s worth checking out if you like Clancy Brown: Clancy Brown actually has a following as one of the more underrated horror movie actors of his time and one of his more recent and best contributions to the genre is playing the lead of The Mortuary Collection - writer and director Ryan Spindell’s inventive anthology horror movie released exclusively to Shudder in 2020.

Stream The Mortuary Collection on Shudder.
Rent/Buy The Mortuary Collection on Amazon.

Following his stint on Showtime’s Dexter: New Blood, Clancy Brown will next appear alongside Keanu Reeves in John Wick: Chapter 4, which is currently set for a theatrical release in May 2022 (see the full 2022 movie release date schedule). The latest (and potentially final) installment of the hit action movie franchise is an exciting new title to add to the actor’s illustrious and impressively versatile resume. However, even now, whenever I see Brown appear in something new, I still cannot help but instinctively refer to him as “Mr. Krabs.”

While the franchise has been around for decades now, it almost feels like Spongebob Squarepants is just getting started. The parent show, which began its run way back in 1999, has now spawned three theatrical films. Needless to say, fans have gotten their fill of the beloved sea creature on both the small and big screens. Now, it would seem that Spongebob’s movie franchise is expanding with a spinoff movie. And fans may be excited to know that it will center on one of the show’s biggest characters.

Sandy Cheeks, one of Spongbob Squarepants’ best friends, is reportedly getting her own spinoff movie. According to Collider, the film will be a hybrid flick that sees the animated Texas-born squirrel in a live-action setting. The movie will be produced by Nickelodeon and will be directed by Liza Johnson, who’s known for her work on the film Elvis & Nixon. Sources tell the site that longtime series writer Kaz alongside fellow franchise alum Tom J. Stern. As of this writing, Nickelodeon has not commented on the matter.

Although the Sandy Cheeks spinoff movie is being developed as a feature film, it doesn’t look like it will be heading to theaters. Collider also reports that the movie is being produced for an unnamed streaming service. Despite a lack of concrete details, there’s a chance the movie could go to either Netflix or Paramount+, as both have released Spongebob movies in either national or international markets.

The character of Sandy Cheeks originally made her Spongebob Squarepants debut in the now-iconic (and highly memed) Season 1 episode “Tea at the Treedome.” From there, the character continued to delight fans with her humor, karate skills and no-nonsense attitude. Given how loved Sandy is, it’s no surprise that Nickelodeon would want to give her a project of her own.

One can’t help but wonder what the film might be about, and there are a number of possibilities. The movie could see the squirrel leave Bikini Bottom and head back home for a visit. Or it could even be a story that centers on Sandy’s early life in Texas and the circumstances that bring her to home under the sea.

As mentioned, the Sandy Cheeks movie is just one of the many ways that Nickelodeon is attempting to capitalize on the popularity of the Spongebob brand. Within the past few years, the studio has not only released more theatrical films, but it’s also developed a prequel spinoff series, Kamp Koral. There’s also another spinoff on the way, which focuses on Spongebob’s dimwitted yet lovable friend, Patrick Star.

It’ll be interesting to see how things play out for this Sandy Cheeks movie, but it’s clear that there’s potential to do something fresh with the character. And most would likely agree that the enthusiastic critter has earned her time in the sun.

While you wait for more news, you can currently stream The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run on Paramount+ now.

As you may or may not be aware, voice actor Tom Kenny has been the voice of SpongeBob Squarepants on the iconic Nickelodeon series of the same name since 1999. Of course, many might also remember him from Adventure Time as the Ice King. However, there are likely a whole lot more movies and TV shows that you know him from without even realizing it.

In fact, it took a while to sift through nearly the 500 acting credits of the 58-year-old former stand-up comedian - not even counting his 2021 new movie releases (namely The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run on Paramount+). Luckily, I managed to narrow it down to 12 movies and TV shows of both an animated and live-action variety that present Tom Kenny at his best outside of Bikini Bottom. See if you remember spotting (or hearing) the man behind SpongeBob Squarepants as any of the following characters, starting with one of his more iconic villains.

Adventure Time (Ice King, Various)

It is hard to imagine the voice of SpongeBob playing anyone other than an innocent, child-like dolt, but Tom Kenny was Finn the Human and Jake the Dog’s arch-nemesis from 2010-2018. Yet, the Ice King was not even his first (and far from the last) character on the Cartoon Network hit Adventure Time (such as Lumpy Space King of Ice King’s hench-penguin Gunter), which is pretty common in his voice acting career. For instance…

Rocko’s Modern Life (Heffer Wolfe, Various)

Before landing a lead Nicktoons role, Tom Kenny was the slow-witted sidekick to Carlos Alazraqui’s titular Australian wallaby on Rocko’s Modern Life as Heffer - a male cow raised by wolves. Kenny also voiced Chuck Chameleon and Really Really Big Man among other on what was actually his first collaboration with late SpongeBob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg, who also co-created the bizarre and often dark comedy in the early 1990s.

Mr. Show With Bob And David (Various)

In the mid-to-late 1990s, Tom Kenny's live-action talents were most prominently brought to light on Mr. Show with Bob and David. The “Bob and David” of the groundbreaking HBO sketch comedy series’ title are Breaking Bad and Nobody star Bob Odenkirk and Arrested Development’s David Cross, who would reboot the show on Netflix as W/ Bob and David, with Kenny returning, for another aggressively weird season in 2015.

CatDog (Dog, Various)

Speaking of aggressive weirdness, this classic Nicktoon, starring Tom Kenny as the canine half of a conjoined, inner-species brotherly duo, is a prime example of his reputation for playing slow-witted sidekicks before SpongeBob. Kenny also frequently voiced a tough bulldog named Cliff on CatDog, on which Kenny’s future Winnie the Pooh co-star Jim Cummings played his feline brother from 1998 until 2005.

Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends (Eduardo, Various)

Tom Kenny also was able work with many voice acting greats, including DC animated TV show veterans Phil LaMarr and Grey Griffin (née DeLisle), on this highly imaginative hit Cartoon Network show that won six Emmy Awards during its 2004-2009 run. Once again, Kenny had the liberty of playing multiple characters on Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, but his best-known role was the two-horned, two-eyed, Spanish-accented, purple people protector Eduardo.

The Powerpuff Girls (Narrator, Mayor)

Speaking of colorful people protectors, this other Cartoon Network classic about a trio of young girls with superpowers saw Tom Kenny show off his booming announcer voice, opening each episode with a reminder that it is set in the city of Townsville. He did not narrate The Powerpuff Girls’ 2016 revival as frequently as its 1998-2004 run, but did get to bring back his role as the Mayor quite often. I wonder if he has a chance at appearing on The CW’s live-action Powerpuff Girls series, which is now in the works.

Sky High (Mr. Timmerman)

If not, at least Tom Kenny can say he has starred in a live-action superhero movie before. In 2005’s underrated Disney gem Sky High, he and his real-life wife and Mr. Show co-star Jill Talley (also Plankton’s computer spouse, Karen, in the SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run cast) play a couple whose new house is almost destroyed by the titular school for young crimefighters after it literally falls from the sky.

The Batman (The Penguin)

In a rare instance of Tom Kenny playing just one character for an animated series’ entire run, he voiced bird-like villain The Penguin on The Batman (which follows a younger Bruce Wayne protecting Gotham) and the 2005 spin-off movie in which becomes Dracula’s minion. Of course, Kenny has played many additional DC characters, such as Mumbo on Teen Titans, Plastic Man (among others) on Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and Commissioner James Gordon on DC Super Hero Girls (again, among others).

Ultimate Spider-Man (Doctor Octopus, Vulture)

Tom Kenny has also voiced a plethora of Marvel characters, not counting a vocal cameo in Ant-Man as an ugly rabbit doll Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) gives young Cassie for her birthday. His personal record for most roles in a single Marvel adaptation comes from the animated Ultimate Spider-Man series, on which he has appeared as villains Doctor Octopus and Vulture most frequently.

The Transformers Movies (Wheelie, Skids)

Tom Kenny can also claim to be involved with both the live-action cinematic and modern animated TV adaptations of the Transformers franchise. As expected, he has an innumerable amount of characters from the show, but appears as both Decepticon Wheelie and controversial twin Autobot Skids in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, reprised Wheelie as a full-fledge Autobot in Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and later appeared as the tiny alien robot again in Transformers: The Last Knight in 2017.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Greedo, Various)

On the other hand, Tom Kenny has yet to appear in any live-action Star Wars movies, but still has a prominent role of the universe through lending his voice to many well-known characters. He has played the likes of Greedo (the one Han shot first at) and Nute Gunray on the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, in addition to voicing X-wing pilot, and friend of Luke Skywalker, Biggs Darklighter in two Star Wars: Rogue Squadron video games.

The Spyro Video Games (Spyro, Various)

Speaking of video games, Tom Kenny has appeared in many, including several that are related to SpongeBob Squarepants if you can believe it. His most famous video game-specific character, however, would have to be Spyro - the purple dragon, which he has been voicing since the second installment of the series, 1999’s Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage.

At 22 years, Tom Kenny has been voicing Spyro as long as he has played SpongeBob, but the porous, yellow bottom dweller is easily his defining role and one he is far from finished playing. After more than 200 episodes of SpongeBob Squarepants, three movies, and the prequel series Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years, now Bill Fagerbakke’s Patrick Star is getting his own spin-off which Kenny is also set appear on. I guess we have no choice but to be “ready.”

SpongeBob SquarePants has been around for over two decades and some of the jokes can go over anyone’s head, especially a child's. That broad brand of comedy is what makes the show so special for adults and kids alike. However, Nickelodeon has surprisingly removed some episodes from both Amazon and newly-launched Paramount+ due to the nature of those episodes, but the internet was quick to catch on.

CNN recently reported that an episode from the show’s 12th season, “Kwarantined Crab,” in which a health inspector comes to the Krusty Krab and finds a case of the “Clam Flu,” will not air. In the episode the health inspector quarantines patrons, while those who are assumed to have the virus are shunned and tossed in a freezer. Reportedly, the episode never aired due to sensitivities surrounding the global, real-world pandemic, a spokesperson for Nickelodeon told CNN Business. The second episode being pulled from streaming services is the fan-favorite episode, “Mid-Life Crustacean,” where SpongeBob and Patrick try to make Mr. Krabs feel young again by breaking into a woman’s house to steal her underwear. That episode hasn’t been in rotation since 2018 because some story elements were not kid-appropriate, according to a Nickelodeon spokesperson.

The realization that the episodes are no longer airing finally caught on and fans are reminiscing one of the funniest episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants to ever air. It’s not a surprise the episode is now banned but the Season 3 episode remains a favorite to this day, as one fan tweeted:

Some fans are going completely old school just so they can watch the episode, which is also paired with another fan-favorite, “The Great Snail Race.” In the early 2000’s, before the iPhone, there was VideoNow, a futuristic technology that made it possible to watch your favorite shows and movies in the palms of your hands. With horrible quality, one fan pointed out that it’s still on the device:

There’s one line in “Mid-Life Crustacean” that makes the episode so memorable and that is “Are you feeling it now, Mr. Krabs?” SpongeBob and Patrick ask Mr. Krabs repeatedly if he’s feeling it, but every time he says no. The sudden realization that the younger generation will no longer know what that means is heartbreaking, as one fan put it:

Many fans, including this one, are pointing out that while the episode can no longer be streamed online or on television, it can still be seen on DVD. Even though it won’t be on future releases, it’s still watchable for anyone who owns Season 3 or the first 100 episodes on DVD.

It’s not uncommon for an episode or two of SpongeBob SquarePants to have some inappropriate content, but it’s sad that Nickelodeon pulled one of the funniest and most memorable episodes of the series. The reasoning is understandable, but hopefully these two episodes will be the only ones pulled. Older SpongeBob was the golden age of the series, no matter what.

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Before he lived in a pineapple under the sea, SpongeBob Squarepants was a camper at Kamp Koral. Paramount+'s new prequel series details the early years of SpongeBob and friends, and in the process, changed some of the things fans may have known from their days watching the original series.

As a fair warning to anyone about to dive in, there will be spoilers for the first 6 episodes of Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years. With that out of the way, let's dive into this 3D animated prequel, and peel back some of the interesting tidbits we've already had confirmed or suggested by this Paramount+ series.

SpongeBob Was Not Always A Master Of Jellyfishing

If there's one thing SpongeBob SquarePants was adamant about in its early seasons, it's that SpongeBob has mastered the art of jellyfishing. The way he swung that net, I always assumed he was some sort of prodigy, especially since SpongeBob has a limited number of things he's really good at. Jellyfishing is one of the activities SpongeBob does really well, even if it's not a highly valued activity.

Imagine my surprise, then, when Kamp Koral revealed that SpongeBob struggled to catch a Jellyfish when it seemed so easy for the rest of his friends at camp. Even Patrick, who has struggled a great deal to accomplish simple tasks on SpongeBob SquarePants over the years, had little to no trouble catching one. I did appreciate this adventure was the first episode of Kamp Koral, as the Paramount+ series very quickly established that there are still many things fans can learn about SpongeBob SquarePants.

Squidward Is A Bit Older Than SpongeBob, Patrick, And Sandy

There's been past evidence and speculation that Squidward Tentacles is the elder of SpongeBob SquarePants, and Kamp Koral strengthened that argument and suggested he's older than Sandy Cheeks and Patrick Star as well. The Paramount+ series showed SpongeBob, Sandy, and Patrick as young campers, while Squidward as their slightly older-looking camp counselor. Given the usual dynamic between campers and counselors, it wouldn't be crazy to believe he's a few years older or whatever that equivalent would be in an aquatic world.

While Squidward appeared to be older than SpongeBob, he's still not old enough to be of equal standing among the Kamp Koral staff. Mr. Krabs, Plankton, and Mrs. Puff are all among the elder staff, and clearly older than Squidward and the campers. Oddly enough Larry The Lobster is also a camp counselor alongside Squidward, so this may confirm they're around the same age as well. Granted, this is a fictional universe and I'm using the typical camp dynamics of humans to base all this, but given the SpongeBob SquarePants series has lightly hinted Squidward is SpongeBob's elder, I'm willing to put more weight on that with this additional evidence.

SpongeBob Created The Krabby Patty Formula

SpongeBob SquarePants has toyed with the story of the Krabby Patty and its formula for years, and Kamp Koral made that whole story a bit more convoluted in the episode "Kitchen Sponge." SpongeBob was taken on by Plankton to help serve the campers food, and while it initially seemed like a big mistake, SpongeBob was revealed to be a wonderful chef. He eventually created a wonderful patty burger that became all the rage at the camp. Plankton tried the patty and suddenly realized he needed to steal the formula for himself for world domination.

Unfortunately, the recipe was destroyed when the only copy of it burned up in Sandy's invention. SpongeBob forgot the recipe, and life went back to normal on the Paramount+ series. Well, that was until young Sandy pulled out a device and communicated with her future self. It turned out young Sandy deliberately had the formula destroyed at the request of her future self, in order to preserve the timeline. Kamp Koral didn't explain what would've happened had the Krabby Patty been discovered well ahead of its original discovery, though Sandy's involvement could mean something bad could've happened.

There Are Hillbilly Narwhals Who Make Candy Moonshine

There are a lot of familiar faces in Paramount+'s Kamp Koral, but two distinctly new ones appear early on who are quite the trip. SpongeBob SquarePants and friends met Narlene Narwhal and her little brother Nobby in "Sugar-Squeeze!", which is named after what can best be described as candy moonshine. These local yokels put all the campers' candy in a machine and gave them the purest breakdown of it free of charge. SpongeBob and friends were thrilled, and soon bouncing off the walls back at camp.

Later in the episode, it's revealed Narlene and Nobby are deceptive hucksters. The two loaded the campers up on sugar only to charge Mr. Krabs to use a device that would settle them back down. Definitely a pretty clever gambit on their end, and I have to wonder if the two will continue to run similar schemes on Kamp Koral as the show continues.

Even With A Bed, Patrick Sleeps The Weirdest Way

Patrick Star is an enigma. SpongeBob SquarePants fans accept this and that there's oftentimes little reason why he does things the way he does. For example, why has Patrick slept on the underside of his rock when he has a fully-furnished home? Fans have even seen Patrick use the bed, so it's strange that he also occasionally sleeps on what would be the equivalent of his dwelling's ceiling.

Perhaps the answer will come on Kamp Koral, where the Paramount+ series revealed Patrick is up to old tricks. Though he shared a bunk with SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick slept on the underside of his best buddy's mattress, leaving the bed below intended for him untouched. Again, I'm not sure why this is a recurring thing when we know Patrick has used a normal bed, so I'd love for Kamp Koral to address this at some point in its run. I know there's no making sense of Patrick Star, but for the sake of my sanity, I need this to make sense. If not here, then at least on his spinoff!

Kamp Koral's first batch of episodes are currently available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription. Let us know what you think of the series by participating in our poll, and whether you think the prequel series is worthy of the SpongeBob SquarePants name.

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With the arrival of another new streaming service, Paramount looks to please fans of all ages with Paramount+ and its endless selection of possible dramas, comedies, and multiple other genres to watch. However, sometimes you don’t want the next Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad. Sometimes you just want to sit down with your family and watch a show that you can all enjoy.

Well, that’s where this comes into play because these are going to be some of the best shows where you can do exactly that. From iCarly to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, these are some of the best family-friendly shows that are available to stream on Paramount+ right now that you should check out.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)

Hands down one of my absolute favorite shows ever. Avatar: The Last Airbender might be a cartoon, but it’s so much more than that. The show follows the legend of Aang, who is the last airbender of his colony, on his quest to beat the fire nation and the Firelord, Ozai, when the leader wishes to take over the rest of the surrounding nations.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is the perfect cartoon that everyone will enjoy at any age. Not only is the animation stunning, the characters relatable, and the world-building fantastic, but the story is one of the best on TV (in my opinion). There’s some amazing characterization, awesome friendships, and romances built, and the themes are amazing to any kid. Most certainly worth the time to binge with your kids if you haven’t already. Everyone needs to see this show.

Stream Avatar: The Last Airbender on Paramount+ here.

Sabrina The Teenage Witch (1996-2003)

For all the magic lovers out there, Sabrina The Teenage Witch is for you. The classic comedy series shows the story of Sabrina, a teenage witch who is learning to cope with her powers while living in a mortal world and trying to hide them from her mortal friends.

While the most recent remake of the classic character tends to lean a bit more towards the dark side, this fun-loving witch is the complete opposite and fun for the whole family. Kids and adults will find themselves laughing along with the hijinks that Sabrina gets herself into being a young witch. And who can forget about Salem, the awesome talking cat?

Stream Sabrina The Teenage Witch on Paramount+ here.

Family Ties (1982-1989)

The eighties gave way to plenty of awesome family sitcoms that have become popular over the years and cemented their way into pop culture, but nothing hit quite like Family Ties. This legendary eighties sitcom is all about the ties that bind family, and no matter how you feel about certain issues or how often you may fight, you’re still family no matter what.

This show is perfect for the whole family to watch because not only does it deal with relevant issues that all families face, such as politics, religion, growing up and more, the cast is amazing and I’m sure you will recognize many familiar faces. A young Michael J. Fox stars in one of the main roles, along with Justine Bateman (Jason Bateman’s sister), and guest appearances from big actors like Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Courtney Cox, and more. It’s such a fun show.

Stream Family Ties on Paramount+ here.

iCarly (2007-2012)

Okay. I am from this generation who practically grew up on iCarly. The famous Nickelodeon show focuses on Carly, Sam, and Freddie, three young teenagers who end up creating a web show and it grows insanely popular.

At first, you may think this is just another kids show that’s meant for tweens, but rewatching it as an adult now, I realize that there are a lot of jokes that still land even now and not just for kids. Sometimes it can be a little zany with the bits they’ve done on the show, but most of the time a lot of the comedic moments are still just as funny as an adult – if not even funnier for how silly some of them are. Also, surprisingly iCarly covers some heavy topics as well, such as emotional abuse, parents in the military, and many more. It’s actually quite a great watch if you’ve never seen it.

Stream iCarly on Paramount+ here.

Kenan & Kel (1996-2000)

Another Nickelodeon show, but one of the classics for a reason. Kenan & Kel is all about high schoolers Kenan Rockmore and Kel Kimble, who often get into misadventures because of Kenan’s usual “get-rich-quick” schemes that never seem to work because of Kel’s happy-go-lucky nature.

It’s most certainly more kiddish than iCarly, but Kenan & Kel still provides plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy. And considering the gags and the formula are usually the same in many of their episodes, it’s not hard for younger fans to start following along and understanding what’s happened. Plus, you get to see a young pre-SNL Kenan Thompson rocking the stage.

Stream Kenan & Kal on Paramount+ here.

The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)

Probably one of the most family-friendly shows there is out there, The Brady Bunch is the epitome of what a sitcom is. The Brady Bunch follows the life of the Brady family, who were brought together by two widowed parents who both had three kids – one with three girls with blonde hair, and one with three boys with brown hair.

The premise doesn’t sound like it would be anything interesting, but this was one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. It led to multiple reunion films and spinoff series due to the popularity of the show and the icon of which it became in the TV industry. With plenty of standard themes like sibling rivalry, self-image, puppy love, and more covered in this iconic show, I guarantee everyone in the family will find something to love about this series.

Stream The Brady Bunch on Paramount+ here.

Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009)

I remember this being one of the first sitcoms I would sit down and watch when I was younger, mainly because it’s a gem hidden among the rest. Everybody Hates Chris tells the story of the young comedian Chris Rock, and the troubles which he would face as a young kid, including the struggles and problems he would face daily.

Personally, I feel like this is the perfect series for a family to watch because everyone can relate to Chris at some point, from his self-doubts to his family issues occasionally to everything else that happened, Everybody Hates Chris turns into “Everybody Loves Chris” because you can’t help but feel bad for the guy in this sitcom. It’s definitely a bit more mature than some of the other sitcoms on here, but still fun for the whole family. I’d say it’s a good watch for when you’re kids are about tween age – that’s when I began viewing it.

Stream Everybody Hates Chris on Paramount+ here.

I Love Lucy (1951-1957)

Arguably the most classic sitcom of all time, I Love Lucy has integrated itself into pop culture forever. This famous 1950’s sitcom is about Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, an interracial couple and the hijinks of which they run into every day of their marriage, as in love as they are.

I Love Lucy is iconic. In the 1950s, no one ever spoke about an interracial couple – it just wasn’t a thing that happened in movies or TV shows all that often, so they were groundbreaking in that regard. And they covered serious topics that were considered taboo at the time, such as divorce, revealing pregnancy on TV, and many more. I know that feels shocking to hear about but it truly was life-changing, and everyone deserves to watch it at least once. For kids, the humor is easy to keep up with and sometimes even slapstick to a point. For adults, the love that Lucy and Ricky share for each other would be enough for anyone to support.

Stream I Love Lucy on Paramount+ here.

Spongebob Squarepants (1999-present)

Another show I grew up on, my father can attest to the love he has for this show, mainly because he would watch it with me. Spongebob Squarepants follows the life of the titular sponge, Spongebob, and the daily activities and problems that this mischievous little sea critter always seems to get himself into.

Okay, so later seasons of the show do tend to lean a bit more on the “kiddish” side, but the earlier seasons of Spongebob Squarepants have some of the best episodes and specials, ones that both kids and parents will enjoy. Kids can laugh along to the craziness that is Spongebob and his friends, while parents can find joy in Spongebob’s optimistic attitude, Squidward’s approach to life, and many of the other parallel that can be found with each character. What makes it even better is that there’s no cohesive storyline, so you don’t need to watch episode after episode – just pick one and you’re good to go.

Stream Spongebob Squarepants on Paramount+ here.

Kamp Koral: Spongebob’s Under Years (2021-present)

And now we move onto the next Spongebob Squarepants item here. Kamp Koral: Spongebob’s Under Years features everyone’s favorite characters from the official show, but now aged down, where they all attend a summer camp.

Alright, ignore the logistics and plot holes of this (pretty sure Sandy only came down below the sea when Spongebob was older but okay), and this is really cute. As one of Paramount+’s first original shows, it’s the perfect show to watch with your little tyke. Not only does it have a good amount of the same humor you would expect from Spongebob Squarepants, but the design of the younger characters is so adorable. The CGI animation is actually great too, unexpectedly, which makes this little show stand out even more. Give it a try, I promise it will be worth it.

Stream Kamp Koral: Spongebob’s Under Years on Paramount+ here.

Nathan For You (2013-2017)

I feel like so many people have never heard of Nathan For You and that is a crime. This popular Comedy Central show stars Nathan Fielder, playing an off-kilter version of himself where he goes from business to business, trying to come up with ideas to help their struggling companies that are just absolutely ridiculous and outlandish in every way.

Nathan For You is the perfect series to watch with children when they’re grown up, because not only are some of the jokes fantastic adult humor, but it’s jokes that everyone in the family can get. And some of these businesses actually end up gaining traction out of these ridiculous ideas – like a “poop-flavored” yogurt that brings in money. I know, it sounds crazy, but trust me, it’s worth the time to watch, and hilarious too.

Stream Nathan For You on Paramount+ here.

Key & Peele (2012-2015)

As my last entry on this list, Key & Peele fun in the best kind of family way. This show stars Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele, who create ridiculous and hilarious skits that will have you holding your side for hours after laughing.

Honestly, I love watching these two work together. While this show isn’t necessarily “family-friendly,” as some of the humor is definitely more catered to older people, teenagers would get a kick out of some of the jokes. This is where these two famous actors really got their start and became the popular megabrands that they are now, with Jordan Peele’s movies like Get Out and Keegan’s acting roles. But if you want to learn where they came from and laugh a whole lot, check out Key & Peele.

Stream Key & Peele on Paramount+ here.

There’s still plenty more on Paramount+ for you to check out, but hopefully, this list gave you some insight into what shows are available. Happy streaming, everyone!

To say that Spongebob Squarepants is a gigantic success would be an understatement. In a world where few cartoons make it past just a handful of seasons, new episodes of Spongebob Squarepants are still being churned out over 20 years after its premiere on Nickelodeon, and The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run marks our third time following along with the absorbent, yellow and porous protagonist in a cinematic setting. Obviously Spongebob Squarepants’ chief demographic is still kids, but Tom Kenny, who’s voiced the eponymous protagonist since the beginning, has an interesting take on why adults continue to keep tabs on the franchise.

While speaking with CinemaBlend’s own Jeff McCobb about The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run, Tom Kenny noted that the people who grew up with Spongebob Squarepants in its earliest years are now adults, so there’s a “comfort food” factor with their view on the show. But more importantly, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, Kenny posited that these adults are looking content that’s “kind of sweet and funny and stupid and makes me laugh” to watch, as opposed to continually true crime documentaries or shows like Chernobyl. As far as Spongebob’s broad appeal goes, Kenny said the following:

While Spongebob Squarepants has certainly gone through a number of changes over the years, the show is still delivering the same kind of stories it did starting in 1999. So Tom Kenny’s “comfort food” comparison makes sense for the folks who watched the Nickelodeon series as a child. Even if you haven’t seen a Spongebob episode in over a decade, you can just tune into a random episode n any given day and still easily follow along with the title character as he gets embroiled in shenanigans with characters like Patrick, Squidward, Sandy and Mr. Krabs.

And while I enjoy serious and serialized television as much as the next person, I agree with Tom Kenny that a steady diet of such programming isn’t necessarily wise, especially in these troubling times. So should you get tired of repeat viewings of The Office or Schitt’s Creek, you’re always welcome to turn to Spongebob Squarepants for comedy. 265 episodes across 13 seasons will certainly keep you occupied for a while.

On the other hand, if you’re only wanting to dip your toes back in the Spongebob Squarepants pool for a few hours, you can check out The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run, which features talents like Keanu Reeves, Awkwafina, Snoop Dogg, Danny Trejo, Tiffany Haddish and Reggie Watts. It’s also worth noting that the Spongebob franchise recently expanded with the prequel series Kamp Koral: Spongebob’s Under Years, and The Patrick Star Show will follow at a later date.

Those interested in watching The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run can find it on Paramount+. Don’t forget to look through our 2021 release schedule to learn what movies are intended to arrive in theaters later this year.

The Keanu Reeves renaissance has been in full effect in recent years, partly thanks to the John Wick films. The 56 year-old actor has managed to keep busier now more than ever. At every turn, there’s either his likeness popping in other media, a new film being greenlit or an out-of-the-box cameo in an unexpected project. The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run falls into the latter category. The film’s director explained how the celebrated actor ended up in the SpongeBob sequel.