Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network are responsible for many popular animated shows that appeal to young demographics. Shows like Phineas and Ferb, Spongebob Squarepants, and Adventure Time had a significant impact and became spectacular hits for younger audiences.
However, there are a good number of acclaimed animated shows from these networks that don't receive the same recognition. These shows either had serious competition or viewers weren't ready for something new. These animated shows are criminally underrated, from movie-based series like Tron: Uprising to brilliantly written cartoons like The Looney Tunes Show.
10 Sonic Boom (2014 - 2017)
Sonic the Hedgehog headlined several popular video games under the SEGA brand. However, his appearances on the small screen haven't received the same attention as the games. In Sonic Boom, each episode featured Sonic and his friends - Knuckles, Tails, Sticks, and Amy - going on a new adventure to stop the evil Dr. Eggman from destroying their home.
As the first 3D-animated show for the blue hedgehog, Sonic Boom was entertaining for fans of the character. While the series did lean into slapstick territory at times, it still had humorous banter between its characters and some clever fourth wall breaks. Sonic Boom only lasted two seasons and was lost amid other successful Cartoon Network shows at the time. Still, it remained one of Sonic's highest-rated TV shows on IMDB.
9 Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (2011 - 2016)
Kung Fu Panda is a famous title in DreamWorks Animation, and its film trilogy is still beloved among viewers. It does feel shocking that the show on Nickelodeon does not get talked about enough. Taking place between the first and second films, Legends of Awesomeness follows Po as he continues his Dragon Warrior training and works with the Furious Five to protect the Valley of Peace.
Legends of Awesomeness offers more fun adventures with Po, but it also gives more character development for both Master Shifu and the Furious Five. While the energetic and talented Jack Black is not present for the series, voice actor Mick Wingert still puts in impressive effort voicing Po. Legends of Awesomeness tends to get overshadowed by the incredible film trilogy, but it should not stop fans from giving it a watch.
8 Green Lantern: The Animated Series (2011 - 2013)
DC superhero Green Lantern did not have the best transition from comic books to film, as seen by the 2011 box office failure starring Ryan Reynolds. The Cartoon Network series was a shining beam of hope for the character. Green Lantern: The Animated Series focused on Hal Jordan, his partner Kilowog, and other allies as they engaged in a war against the villainous Red Lanterns.
With sleek animation and creative action, Green Lantern: The Animated Series should have gotten fans excited about this new adaptation of the character. Sadly, the series wasn't a hit in ratings or toy sales, and the preceding film's negative reception was still fresh in people's minds. Nevertheless, this Green Lantern adaptation showed the character was better in animation than in film, as proven by the show's 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 8/10 rating on IMDB.
7 Disney's House of Mouse (2001 - 2003)
As Disney's most famous character, Mickey Mouse has appeared in several cartoons, shorts, and feature films. However, not every project starring the famed mouse got the same amount of recognition. The underappreciated House of Mouse was a prominent example. The series followed Mickey and his friends as they ran a cartoon theater and catered to many famous Disney characters who came to watch cartoon shorts.
House of Mouse was consistently entertaining because of the theater antics and the modernized shorts created for the show. Additionally, because House of Mouse featured a huge number of Disney characters in the theater's audience, the show used several opportunities for intriguing crossovers and witty callbacks. Sadly, since it was not added to the Disney+ catalog, fans who wanted to revisit this comically brilliant show have had trouble finding it.
6 The Emperor's New School (2006 - 2008)
The Emperor's New Groove became one of Disney's most underrated films, so it made sense that its TV follow-up would fall into similar territory. In The Emperor's New School, protagonist Kuzco was kicked off the throne and had to graduate from his self-named academy to become emperor again. However, villainess Yzma and her henchman Kronk attempted to sabotage his goal.
New Groove was already an absolute joy to watch, and New School featured the same physical comedy and self-aware humor that fans loved from the film. While J.P. Manoux replaced David Spade as Kuzco, both Patrick Warburton and the late Eartha Kitt returned to voice Kronk and Yzma. In addition, the school setting paved the way for outstanding character growth and messages surrounding etiquette.
5 Motorcity (2012 - 2013)
Disney XD - a sister network to Disney Channel - had animated shows targeted towards pre-teens and young teenagers, and Motorcity was a great example. Set in a futuristic Detroit ruled by a wicked billionaire, a resistance group of teenage racers known as The Burners teamed up to stop his evil reign and prevent the destruction of their underground home, Motorcity.
Viewers had their eyes glued to the screen as Motorcity featured tons of stunning visuals, vibrant colors, fast-paced action, and gorgeous racing scenes. Sadly, Disney XD kept moving the time slot around numerous times, which meant the show didn't get a proper chance to find an audience. Nevertheless, those who stuck around were rewarded with a beautifully animated and action-packed adventure series.
4 Gargoyles (1994 - 1997)
Gargoyles was an unconventional show for Disney as it presented a more mature narrative to viewers. The series chronicled a group of gargoyles who have reawakened after a thousand years and assume the responsibility as guardians of New York City.
Gargoyles was regarded as an effective example of an animated program that went against the traditional cartoon formula. It had a darker tone and more complexity in developing its characters and storylines. Even with a grown-up approach, the series gained a cult following thanks to its fantastical lore and talented voice work from actors like Keith David and Ed Asner. Furthermore, Gargoyles became a significant TV show for people looking for 90s nostalgia.
3 The Penguins of Madagascar (2008 - 2015)
The penguins were standout characters from the first two Madagascar films, and they quickly got their spin-off show shortly after the second film debuted in 2008. The Penguins of Madagascar followed the adventures of Skipper, Kowalski, Private, and Rico as they got involved in crazy adventures and carried out secret missions at the Central Park Zoo.
Viewers who tuned in to The Penguins of Madagascar had plenty of fun watching the quartet get their time in the spotlight. Each episode saw the penguins trade funny quips with each other and get into hilarious interactions with other Madagascar characters like King Julien. While the show ran for a decent number of seasons, it still lived in the shadows of popular and easily recognizable Nickelodeon shows that aired at the time.
2 Tron: Uprising (2012 - 2013)
Tron remains an underrated Disney franchise that continues to attract new fans. The Disney XD series Tron: Uprising is an excellent yet unacknowledged story set between the 1982 film and the 2010 sequel Tron: Legacy. The series follows young program Beck as he transforms into the next Tron and ignites a revolution against the evil forces that rule over the Grid.
People who love Legacy will find plenty to appreciate in Uprising. The animation is incredible, the colors are eye-popping, the soundtrack is mesmerizing, and the voice cast is full of talented actors like Elijah Wood, Bruce Boxleitner, and Mandy Moore. Unfortunately, Uprising only has one season under its belt, but its 8.2/10 rating on IMDB proves that the Tron fanbase is thriving and the potential for more Tron animation could be arriving in the future.
1 The Looney Tunes Show (2011 - 2013)
Shifting away from traditional slapstick in favor of a sitcom-like approach, The Looney Tunes Show is a modernized showcase of classic cartoon characters for a new generation. The show features Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck living together in the suburbs and engaging in antics with other Looney Tunes characters.
Placing these characters in a modern setting with realistic scenarios is risky, but it helps forge The Looney Tunes Show's unique identity. Bugs, Daffy, Porky Pig, Lola Bunny, and many others get into hysterical everyday situations like visiting country clubs, surviving the DMV, and going on double dates. It is a show that appeals to both kids and adults. While The Looney Tunes Show has a short lifespan and continues to be constantly overshadowed by other prosperous Cartoon Network shows, its two seasons remain fantastic animated television.