20 Cartoons That Only Aired for One Season — But You Still Remember
Some cartoons shone brightly for a short time and then vanished, yet they leave behind unforgettable memories. Whether it was their unique art style, catchy theme song, or wild stories, these shows made a lasting impact despite having just one season. They didn’t stick around long, but if you watched them, you probably still think about them today.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Many animated shows come and go without much notice, but a few special ones manage to stick in our memories forever, even with just one short season. These cartoons often had clever ideas, bold characters, or simply came at the perfect time in our childhood. Sometimes they were canceled too soon, and sometimes, they were just ahead of their time. In this article, we look back at 20 one-season cartoons that made a big impression on our hearts.
1. Clone High
Kampus Production on Pexels
This show featured a high school full of teenage clones of famous historical figures. It was wild, smart, and filled with dark humor. Although it only lasted one season, Clone High became a cult classic.
2. The Weekenders
Kampus Production on pexels
This cartoon followed four friends through weekend adventures, each episode featuring a fresh outfit and a new story. Its smart humor and relatable characters made weekends even more fun. Per Disney’s format, the show had only one season, though it aired over several years.
3. Undergrads
Kaboompics.com on pexels
College life never looked so awkward and hilarious. Undergrads nailed the feeling of being young and unsure about adulthood. Despite just one season, its realness and humor connected deeply with fans.
4. Mission Hill
Boris Hamer on pexels
With its unique art style and clever writing, Mission Hill captured post-college life in a big city. It tackled serious themes in quirky ways. The show was short-lived but left a strong impression on viewers.
5. Detention
Kampus Production on Pexels
This series centered on a group of misfit kids stuck in Saturday detention. Each character had a unique personality that brought chaos to every episode. Its slapstick humor and oddball charm made it memorable.
6. The Buzz on Maggie
Marta Wave on pexels
A teenage fly navigating middle school? That’s The Buzz on Maggie, complete with punk rock vibes and bold animation. It was unusual, fun, and sadly overlooked.
7. Megas XLR
Ketut Subiyanto on pexels
A giant robot powered by a gamer and his hot rod—what’s not to love? Megas XLR combined sci-fi, comedy, and 2000s culture in one wild package. Fans still mourn its cancellation.
8. Dave the Barbarian
Kampus Production on pexels
Fantasy meets ridiculous comedy in this medieval spoof. Dave might be a muscle-bound hero, but he’s also a total coward. Its self-aware humor and wacky storytelling made it a fan favorite.
9. El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera
Pavel Danilyuk on pexels
This is about a young boy torn between being a hero and a villain. El Tigre mixed Mexican culture with superhero action and bold visuals. It was fast, funny, and full of heart.
10. The Oblongs
Liliana Drew on pexels
Living in a polluted town, a quirky family tries to survive with good humor. The Oblongs was dark, satirical, and oddly heartfelt. It stood out for its weirdness and strong characters.
11. Robotomy
Vidal Balielo Jr. on Pexels
Robots in high school were violent, wild, and confused by emotions. Robotomy brought chaos and humor to every short episode. Its loud style and quick jokes gave it cult appeal.
12. Napoleon Dynamite: The Animated Series (2012)
Ivan Samkov on pexels
Based on the awkward teen film, this animated spin-off kept the same weird charm. The original cast returned, but it didn’t connect as strongly on TV. Still, it had funny moments that fans remember.
13. Fish Police
Kampus Production on pexels
Yes, it was a cartoon about crime-fighting fish. With noir themes and underwater mystery, Fish Police was definitely unique. It didn’t last, but its strangeness made it unforgettable.
14. Freakazoid!
Kampus Production on pexels
This show featured a superhero with too much power and too little sense. Freakazoid! was unpredictable, zany, and packed with pop culture. It pushed the limits of what a cartoon could be.
15. The Mighty B!
Artem Podrez on pexels
Though it had more than one season, it often feels like a one-season wonder due to its short run and underrated status. Bessie Higgenbottom was a ball of energy and ambition. The show was weirdly sweet and full of laughs.
16. The Problem Solverz
Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
With intense colors and chaotic animation, this show stood out fast. It was loud, weird, and confusing—but some found it brilliant. You either loved it or didn’t get it at all.
17. Pelswick
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Centered on a boy in a wheelchair, this show broke stereotypes with humor and honesty. Pelswick tackled real issues with charm and wit. Its positive message made a lasting impact.
18. Moral Orel
Ivan Samkov on Pexels
A claymation show that started as a parody of Christian morals and grew into something deep and dark. Moral Orel shocked many with its serious themes later on. It was canceled before its full story could be told.
19. Korgoth of Barbaria
Ivan Samkov on Pexels
Only one episode aired, but it’s still remembered. Korgoth was a violent, hilarious parody of sword-and-sorcery cartoons. Fans still beg for more to this day.
20. Time Squad
Ksenia Chernaya on pexels
Time travelers trying to fix historical mistakes—with chaos guaranteed. Time Squad combined education with absurd comedy. It didn’t last long but was a time-travel trip worth remembering.