10. CAT/DOG
What happens when a sarcastic yet cunning cat is attached to a happy-go-lucky dog? Harassment from greaser dogs, rejection from their town and more plots designed to play off the viewer’s sympathy. Luckily, humour always seemed to win the day.
9. BOBBY’S WORLD
The life of Bobby Genaric was all based off of the stand-up routines by Howie Mandel. With the valley girl sister, rat-tailed rebellious brother and standard suburban parents, the Generic Family delivered a kind of humour usually ignored by cartoons.
8. HEY ARNOLD
Before Stewie, Arnold claimed the football-shaped head. He and his other 4th grade friends often ended up in exaggerated situations while dodging the female bully Helga, who secretly loved Arnold.
7. COW AND CHICKEN
The cow’s name was Cow, his chicken brother’s name was Chicken and the recurring villain was aptly named “The Red Guy.” Everything about Cow, Chicken and their superhero alter egos was clichéd yet funny at the same time.
6. JOHNNY BRAVO
It was the cartoon that (single handedly?) taught men to respect women. Poor Johnny spent every episode trying to win over a lady’s heart and usually got punched or rejected.
5. DEXTER’S LABORATORY
If it weren’t for DEXTER’S LABORATORY, there’d be no POWERPUFF GIRLS, FAMILY GUY or FAIRLY ODD PARENTS. This cartoon about a little mad scientist with a deranged but happy sister helped launch the careers of many famed cartoonists who’d go on to create the cartoons loved today.
4. EEK! THE CAT
This purple cat’s famous motto had a great message: “it never hurts to help.” Unfortunately, his help always ended up getting him into trouble, usually in a cheeky, slapstick manner.
3. ANGRY BEAVERS
What happens when the smartest and the dimmest beaver of the litter end up living together? Lots of ridiculous plots filled with silly phrases like “Hey Norbie-orbie!” Gibberish talk aside, this show was all about clever jokes and pop culture references.
2. ROCKO’S MODERN LIFE
This gem was the fourth cartoon Nickelodeon ever did. It was all about Rocko, a wallaby that moved from Australia to America, specifically O-Town, that ends up in wacky situations full of parodies and satire.
1. LIFE WITH LOUIE
This beloved cartoon was based on the life of comedian Louie Anderson and his upbringing in Wisconsin. Through switching schools, crushes and anti-lima bean cafeteria protests, the show lived well through its cult audience.