16 Saturday Morning Cartoons That Deserve a Comeback
Here's a fun list of 16 old cartoons that were once Saturday morning favorites and should be brought back.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
These cartoons were a big part of Saturday mornings and made growing up more fun. Some were silly, others had good lessons, but all were unforgettable. Many kids looked forward to watching them every weekend. This list brings back those shows that we still wish were on TV today.
1. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Hanna-Barbera Productions on Wikimedia Commons
Scooby and the gang made solving mysteries fun, even when the villains were always someone in a mask. The show’s mix of spooky settings and silly jokes kept kids coming back every Saturday morning. It became a classic that still feels fresh after all these years.
2. The Flintstones
BOMBA on Wikimedia Commons
Fred and Wilma brought prehistoric family life into homes with humor that still works today. The show’s setting may be ancient, but its jokes and situations are timeless. It paved the way for animated sitcoms that followed.
3. Wacky Races
Logopedia, Warner Bros. Animation on Wikimedia Commons
Every episode felt like a wild race full of tricks, traps, and strange cars. The drivers were all characters in the truest sense, and everyone had a favorite. The chaos made it impossible to look away.
4. Tom and Jerry / Looney Tunes
Turner Entertainment Co. on Wikimedia Commons
These shows delivered non-stop action without much talking, and that made them perfect for all ages. The gags were smart, funny, and surprisingly creative. Watching these characters chase each other never got old.
5. Muppet Babies
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia Commons
The Muppet Babies turned everyday objects into wild adventures using only their imagination. Each story showed kids that playtime could be as big as their dreams. It was funny, sweet, and surprisingly clever.
6. Animaniacs / Tiny Toon Adventures
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
These cartoons packed each episode with jokes, music, and parodies that made both kids and parents laugh. They were fast, loud, and smarter than they seemed. There was never a dull moment, and the writing still holds up today.
7. Recess / Doug
Disney on Wikimedia Commons
These shows captured school life in a way that felt real and comforting at the same time. Recess showed how kids build their own little worlds on the playground. Doug let us peek into a shy kid’s thoughts and big imagination.
8. The Smurfs / Gummi Bears
Peyo on Wikimedia Commons
Tiny characters living in magical lands made Saturday mornings feel like storybook time. Their adventures were full of teamwork, bravery, and friendship. These shows created entire fantasy worlds that kids wanted to visit.
9. He-Man & She-Ra / Jem
Filmation on Wikimedia Commons
These characters had big personalities, cool outfits, and even bigger battles. Whether it was saving the planet or rocking out on stage, they always made an impression. The toys helped bring the stories to life outside the screen.
10. Batman / Star Trek: The Animated Series
DC Entertainment on Wikimedia Commons
These animated versions kept the heart of their live-action shows but made them easier for kids to enjoy. They had serious plots and cool gadgets that made viewers feel older just by watching. They proved cartoons could be more than just silly fun.
11. Captain Planet / Eco-Adventure Shows
Science History Institute on Wikimedia Commons
These shows taught kids about the environment while still being fun to watch. The heroes came together to fight pollution and save the planet. Each episode came with a message that was easy to understand and hard to forget.
12. Josie & the Pussycats / Speed Buggy
Hanna-Barbera on Wikimedia Commons
Combining music, mystery, and fast-paced chases, these shows brought excitement in every episode. Josie and her band solved crimes in style, while Speed Buggy always found trouble on the road. They both had a great mix of charm and action.
13. Alvin and the Chipmunks / The Alvin Show
20th Century Fox on Wikimedia Commons
These musical chipmunks were loud, funny, and always getting into something. Their songs were catchy enough to stick in your head all day. Even when they caused chaos, they always made things right in the end.
14. Jackie Chan Adventures
RootOfAllLight on Wikimedia Commons
This action-packed cartoon followed Jackie and his niece Jade as they hunted for magical talismans. It blended martial arts, ancient legends, and comedy in a way that kept every episode exciting. The mix of action and family warmth made it a standout.
15. Darkwing Duck
Disney Television Animation on Wikimedia Commons
Darkwing Duck gave us a superhero who was part Batman and part goofball. His over-the-top catchphrases and chaotic missions made him unforgettable. It was funny, fast, and filled with creative villains.
16. Garfield and Friends
Daroooo based on work Pz on Wikimedia Commons
Garfield’s laziness, love for lasagna, and sharp one-liners made this show a weekend favorite. The segments with U.S. Acres added even more humor and variety. It was calm, clever, and perfect for easing into a Saturday morning.