5 other animated TV shows that we would watch new episodes of

With Animaniacs and Young Justice set to make their comebacks and premiere new episodes in the future, here are five other animated shows that should return.

Animated shows come in all shapes and sizes, from the raunchiest of the bunch like Ren and Stimpy to the ones that embrace family dynamics like Bob’s Burgers. We all know the ones that will last forever in the immortal void of pop culture, like The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants.

While there are plenty that ended too soon, we live in the age of reboots as original ideas seem to run dry. The upside of that is we get more Young Justice. But since nostalgia appears to be the golden ticket, this also means shows like Animaniacs get to see the light of day again.

If you’re an Animaniacs fan, I’m happy for you. The show was slightly before my time, or rather, my pint-sized self just had no idea what the point was. (Actually, I think I was just caught up in the PBS Lamb Chop scene.)

I mean, if we’re going to just start bringing back shows now, that’s cool. But if we’re going to bring them back, there needs to be a good reason. Do they have a place in the growing and competitive landscape of television? Do they add anything to the conversation? You know how they say that some shows were ahead of their time? Well, the worst thing would be to watch a show that’s way behind its time.

So here are five that I’d sit down and watch new episodes of in a heartbeat.

Doug (1991)

Doug was totally just one of those shows that tackled your usual stuff like bullying and having a crush. However, Doug’s animation, fancy dream sequences and honest intentions almost made him seem like a sweeter and matured version of Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes.

It would be cool to see what Doug is up to now, and how the advent of cell phones changed his whole life.

Rocket Power (1999)

This show was oddly incredible the more and more I think about it. First, you have this single dad, who his children affectionately refer to as “Raymundo.” Then, you have these four ambitious kids who always want to try something new and never give up, even when they’re trying something super dangerous. And finally, you have Reggie Rocket, who was the ultimate tomboy. She made all girls feel valid before they had any idea what was going on.

Static Shock (2000)

This show was the best. It focused a lot on cultural diversity and gang violence — plus, it had superheroes! As the first non-Batman/Superman DC animated show, it deserves recognition for being one of the greats. While Batman: The Animated Series certainly paved the way, we’ve got tons of Batman content. Yet it took like a million years before we got Cyborg or Black Panther on the big screen.

Coupled with Black Lightning, at least Static Shock gives us more representation.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

Without a doubt, this was a very intense show. But it was so well done, it earned itself a couple of movies. Unfortunately, the narrative is just so strong and jam-packed, it deserves more than two hours.

The first series based on Fullmetal Alchemist was a loose adaptation, but Brotherhood didn’t shy away from the heavy material of the manga. If we could go back to that and do bolder storytelling, this show would be unstoppable.

Pinky and the Brain (1995)

This is basically a spin-off of Animaniacs, but since I didn’t watch this show until I was an adult, I can confirm that this show was outrageously good, both in concept and writing. From the very opening, where one mouse runs on the wheel and the other plots to take over the world from within the cage, it just sings. Most of the humor of the show is found in its references and the dry banter between Pinky and Brain. Basically, everything that’s happened after 2015 will be the perfect parody for a show such as this to play with.

So there are the five animated shows that I’d love to see again. Are you excited for Animaniacs? Which ones would you guys add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

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