The 1960s represented a golden era for cartoon shows, featuring standout series like “Fantastic Four”, “Scooby-Doo”, and “Wacky Races” that went on to become timeless classics in animation. Regrettably, the joint efforts of politicians and parents resulted in stringent censorship regulations being imposed, which significantly impacted the quality of U.S.-produced animated series.
In the ’70s, not many animated series managed to endure the significant challenges that cartoons encountered during this time. The humor and violence that were common in earlier years had to be toned down or eliminated altogether, pushing creators to think outside the box when it came to entertaining their viewers. Although the ’70s might be considered the least prosperous decade for cartoons, there are still some undiscovered treasures that are worth watching today.
It might seem otherwise from watching the series or observing Plastic Man, but he is actually one of the most powerful superheroes in the DC universe. The issue with Plastic Man is that he lacks seriousness and can be quite foolish – this trait carries over into his show as well. The Plastic Man Comedy Hour showcases the daily antics of a former villain who has since gained immense power.
| Seasons | 5 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 112 |
Michael Bell, a renowned voice actor of his time, delivers an outstanding performance as Plastic Man. Throughout the series, Plastic Man often uses witty one-liners reminiscent of Spider-Man, while also trying to win over appealing females. As the story progresses, however, he softens and audiences get to see him establish his own family in later seasons.
Before the Justice League took over Cartoon Network, many people were introduced to DC’s super team through “Super Friends”. The title itself suggests a more family-friendly vibe of the series. In its first season, original characters like Marvin White, Wendy Harris, and Wonder Dog – who are normal teenagers and their dog without superpowers – were introduced to capitalize on the popularity of shows like “Scooby Doo”. However, as the seasons progressed, these characters were phased out, and the show significantly improved.
| Seasons | 9 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 93 |
In later seasons, particularly when facing off against the Legion of Doom, the Super Friends exhibited greater strength. The “Challenge of the Super Friends” show was notably faithful to comic book origins and frequently spotlighted individual heroes. As Super Friends progressed into the 80s, it introduced some underestimated, yet cool characters such as Firestorm and Cyborg.
Despite having fewer episodes produced, the show “Josie and the Pussycats” was highly beloved. Among numerous series that adopted the mystery-like narrative from “Scooby Doo”, “Josie and the Pussycats” stood out for its adaptability. It follows a dynamic group of female rockstars who embark on adventures to thwart scientists, dictators, and various supervillains, all while ensuring they arrive in time to perform their concert after each crisis.
| Seasons | 2 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 32 |
The unique and laid-back ambiance of “Josie and the Pussycats” resonates in much the same way it always has – it’s just an enjoyable viewing experience. The absurdity seems intentional rather than accidentally amusing or entertainingly poor. The show skillfully combines pulp writing, espionage, mystery, humor, and music into a harmonious blend.
Prior to 1975, you’d often find Tom and Jerry cartoons alongside other content. However, “The Tom and Jerry Show” marked a change as it was the first dedicated series centered exclusively around these famous characters. A noteworthy point about “The Tom and Jerry Show” is that their fierce rivalry was softened into a friendship, a shift made in response to concerns from parents regarding the level of violence in the original series.
| Seasons | 1 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 16 |
In this production, the classic physical humor characteristic of Tom and Jerry is significantly less prominent. Nevertheless, it maintains a rich store of witty, situational humor that continues to entertain. Notably, it stands out as one of the more skillfully animated shows from its era. Despite not engaging in their usual cat-and-mouse chases, Tom and Jerry frequently join forces to tackle other adversaries.
Beyond merely being a spin-off from “The Flintstones,” “Captain Caveman” has the unique charm of blending elements from two iconic 1960s cartoons – “Wacky Races” and “Scooby-Doo.” Depending on the episode, a group of detective girls and a prehistoric superhero join forces to combat crime and unravel mysteries. In a setting that’s otherwise a humorous take on “Charlie’s Angels,” Captain Caveman stands out distinctively, which surprisingly enhances its appeal.
| Seasons | 3 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 20 |
In later episodes, there’s a greater emphasis on racing sequences, and they occasionally feature appearances from other racing series. The Teen Angels are typically composed, but as you might expect from a literal caveman like Captain Caveman, he often stumbles through situations and manages to complicate them even further. Given its release in the late 70s, it’s one of the few cartoons that incorporates a laugh track, which just enhances its delightfully silly appeal.
In the 70s, Hanna-Barbera wasn’t as innovative, but shows like Hong Kong Phooey were on par with their 60s series in terms of quality and fame. What makes a great ’70s cartoon is its ability to mix ridiculous elements in the hope they become amusing. Hong Kong Phooey follows a laid-back janitor who takes life easy until he learns about a crime, at which point he transforms into a martial arts-skilled crime fighter wearing a gi for some reason.
| Seasons | 1 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 16 |
Due to Bruce Lee’s fame, martial arts gained immense popularity in the 1970s. However, Hong Kong Phooey, despite being faster than the human eye and capable of defeating any adversary, is alarmingly dim-witted. He spends his time leafing through a Kung Fu encyclopedia to find solutions for the simplest challenges, while his cat, Spot, is the real problem solver. Many of Hong Kong Phooey’s battle cries are so ludicrous that it’s difficult not to burst out laughing.
1979 saw Flash Gordon return to television screens, reviving his role as a throwback hero renowned for his pulp origins. As a football player turned space savior, he embodies an irresistible blend of daring and extravagant adventure, harking back to the era that gave birth to such tales. Perhaps his appeal lies in its unabashedly campy nature, brimming with the same wild, enjoyable energy as the original stories from that time.
| Seasons | 2 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 32 |
Due to the fact that The New Adventures of Flash Gordon was primarily created in the early 80s, its animation and action sequences significantly surpass the standard cartoons from the 70s. This series truly excels as one of the top representations within the Flash Gordon franchise, outperforming many of its predecessors with ease.
In the days before cable television, there were limited time slots for cartoons. Among the few shows that could fill prime-time was “Peanuts”. This classic animated series spans several decades, but it’s the special episodes from the 1970s that stand out most in our memories. Each of these ’70s “Peanuts” specials is delightfully innocent, and the unique charm of the characters shines as their personalities interact so well with each other.
| Seasons | NA |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 51 |
Many American families often follow a tradition each Christmas season by watching football and “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” Throughout the 70s, viewers witnessed Charlie Brown achieving various milestones such as becoming a Junior Olympian, practicing veterinary skills, and even receiving his first kiss. Despite being known for losing, Charlie Brown managed to end the decade with quite an impressive list of achievements.
During the 1970s, it was necessary for television shows to incorporate an educational aspect or part. Capitalizing on this trend, the show Schoolhouse Rock created a program entirely dedicated to educating children, and in doing so, provided catchy musical segments that remain memorable to this day. Clips from Schoolhouse Rock continue to be shown in American classrooms, and it’s unlikely that will ever change.
| Seasons | 7 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 65 |
A majority of the episodes from the series “Schoolhouse Rock” still resonate, yet some stand out as truly iconic, such as “The Preamble,” “Three is a Magic Number,” “Interjections,” “Conjunction Junction,” and “I’m Just a Bill.” The latter, “I’m Just a Bill,” is particularly famous due to its clear explanation of how a bill transforms into a law in simple language. “Schoolhouse Rock” continues to be an entertaining and efficient tool for learning about complex topics like government, which are often overlooked in traditional education settings.
The Animated Series was a very accurate representation of the original Star Trek series.
| Seasons | 2 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 22 |
Yesteryear” is a term that ardent Star Trek fans often attempt to incorporate into the main storyline. Many plot elements in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek movie draw inspiration from this well-known episode. Due to each episode lasting just 20 minutes, it offers a Star Trek experience that is easy to engage with, and it’s widely considered one of the best shows of its era.
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2025-05-02 01:33