Think you remember 90s kids’ TV? These 100 shows will put your memory to the test

From Tots TV to Raven, these 100 iconic kids’ shows defined 90s and 00s childhood in the UK.

Published: April 16, 2026 at 12:05 PM

Save

If you grew up in Britain in the 1990s or early 2000s, chances are your childhood was soundtracked by a very specific mix of chaotic theme tunes, slightly unsettling puppets, Saturday-morning mayhem and after-school cartoons you were absolutely not missing for anything.

Ad

Long before streaming, catch-up TV and endless YouTube videos, kids’ television was appointment viewing. You knew exactly what time your favourite programme was on, you raced home from school to catch it and, if you missed an episode, there was every chance you simply never saw it again.

Some shows have never really gone away. Most millennials could probably still sing the theme tunes to *Postman Pat*, *Pokémon* or *The Story of Tracy Beaker* without much prompting. Others have somehow disappeared into the deepest corners of our memories until someone mentions *Oakie Doke*, *Zzzap!*, *The Riddlers* or *William’s Wish Wellingtons* and suddenly an entire chunk of childhood comes flooding back.

And then there were the shows that, looking back as adults, were frankly a little bit strange. Talking badgers obsessed with mashed potato. Children voluntarily entering terrifying jungle temples. Giant comic-book characters. Hypnotic headteachers. Puppets that would probably never make it through a modern focus group.

So, from comforting preschool favourites and legendary CBBC game shows to Cartoon Network classics and the programmes that genuinely scared us, we’ve rounded up 100 kids’ TV shows that defined growing up in Britain in the 90s and 00s.

How many do you remember?

The early years classics

1. Tots TV

Three puppet friends living in a cosy countryside cottage, Tots TV was peak early 90s comfort viewing. Tilly spoke French, Tom spoke English and Tiny spoke toddler, which meant many of us unknowingly absorbed our first foreign language phrases before we’d even started primary school.

The series ran from 1993 to 1998 and was filmed in Warwickshire. Fun fact: the cottage used in the show was left abandoned after production ended and became a minor urban legend spot before being demolished in 2021. The puppetry was operated by performers from Ragdoll Productions, the same company behind Teletubbies and Rosie & Jim, which explains why it felt so distinctive and slightly magical.

2. Rosie & Jim

Rosie & Jim followed two rag dolls who lived aboard a narrowboat travelling the canals of Britain, sneaking off on adventures whenever the boat owner wasn’t looking. The plastic duck quacking to signal the “coast was clear” created more tension than many adult dramas.

Created by John Cunliffe, who also created Postman Pat, the series was another Ragdoll production success. It was originally presented by Cunliffe himself before actor Neil Brewer took over narration. The show doubled as a love letter to Britain’s waterways, with real locations used throughout filming.

3. Noddy

Noddy’s Toyland Adventures brought Enid Blyton’s wooden boy to life for 90s children, complete with Big Ears, Tessie Bear and the ever-watchful Mr Plod. Toyland felt bright, safe and endlessly reassuring.

The stop-motion series was produced by Cosgrove Hall Films, the same animation studio behind Danger Mouse and Count Duckula. Noddy was voiced by Susan Sheridan, who also voiced Dennis the Menace in the UK animated series and Princess Eilonwy in Disney’s The Black Cauldron. The colourful miniature sets were painstakingly built by hand, giving the show its distinctive warmth.

4. Pingu

Set in a snowy Antarctic world, Pingu followed the mischievous penguin and his family through everyday childhood dramas. Despite speaking entirely in “Penguinese”, a made-up language, every tantrum and giggle made perfect emotional sense.

The show was created in Switzerland by Otmar Gutmann using painstaking clay stop-motion animation. Each episode took days to produce just a few minutes of footage. In later years, UK company HIT Entertainment took over production, helping Pingu become a global hit broadcast in more than 150 countries.

5. Postman Pat

Postman Pat delivered letters around the idyllic village of Greendale with his loyal cat Jess, encountering gentle mishaps along the way. It was soothing, slow-paced storytelling that defined after-school wind-down time.

Created by John Cunliffe and first airing in 1981, the original stop-motion animation was produced by Woodland Animations. Pat’s full name is Patrick Clifton, named after a real-life teacher. The original series was narrated by Ken Barrie, whose voice became instantly recognisable to an entire generation of British children.

6. Fireman Sam

Set in the fictional Welsh village of Pontypandy, Fireman Sam followed firefighter Sam as he repeatedly saved Norman Price from chaotic accidents. It blended gentle storytelling with surprisingly practical fire safety advice.

The show was created by two former London firefighters, Dave Gingell and David Jones, who wanted to educate children about fire prevention. The original Welsh-language theme song was later adapted into English, and the series has since been rebooted in CGI form, introducing Sam to a new generation.

7. The Magic Roundabout

Dougal the dog, Zebedee with his spring and Florence on the carousel made this one of the most surreal yet beloved children’s programmes of its time. Even as children, we sensed it was slightly odd, but that was part of its charm.

Originally created in France, the UK version became iconic thanks to writer and narrator Eric Thompson, father of actress Emma Thompson. Rather than translate the scripts, he completely rewrote them, giving the show its distinctly British humour. Zebedee’s “Time for bed” became a national bedtime cue.

8. Wizadora

Wizadora followed a trainee wizard who used magic spells to solve everyday household problems, usually with chaotic results. Characters like Tatty Bogle and Stan the Shopkeeper made it feel like a cosy magical village.

The show was created as a tool to help teach English as a second language, which explains its clear diction and repetitive phrasing. It was produced by Ragdoll Productions, further cementing the studio’s dominance in 90s preschool TV. Actress Denise Coffey, who voiced Wizadora, had a long career in British television and theatre before joining the show.

9. Brum

Brum centred on a small vintage car living in the Cotswolds Motor Museum who snuck out to explore Birmingham when nobody was watching. The idea that adults never noticed a driverless car roaming the city somehow felt completely logical at the time.

Created by Anne Wood of Ragdoll Productions, Brum was filmed on real Birmingham streets, giving it an unusual grounded feel. Its minimal dialogue made it easy to export, and the series eventually aired in over 100 countries worldwide.

10. Oakie Doke

Oakie Doke was a stop-motion woodland series about a friendly character who lived in a treehouse and helped his forest friends solve everyday dilemmas. Every episode began with him sliding down a spiralling chute from his home, which felt wildly exciting to small children.

Produced by Cosgrove Hall Films, the studio behind Danger Mouse and Noddy’s Toyland Adventures, the series had a distinctive soft-focus aesthetic. Its gentle pacing and folk-style theme tune made it ideal early evening viewing for 90s families.

11. Playdays

Playdays followed the brightly coloured Playbus as it stopped at different themed locations throughout the week, from the Why Bird Stop to the Roundabout Stop. Each day had its own setting and characters, which meant most of us had a firm favourite.

Originally called Playbus, the show was renamed after the National Playbus Association raised concerns about the similarity. It ran from 1988 to 1997 and became a staple of BBC preschool programming. The theme tune, with its “Playdays, playdays” refrain, still triggers instant nostalgia for many millennial parents.

12. Old Bear Stories

Based on the books by Jane Hissey, Old Bear Stories brought a group of well-loved toys to life in gentle stop-motion form. The storytelling was soft, slow and comforting, making it ideal pre-bed viewing.

Jane Hissey was closely involved in the adaptation to ensure the characters stayed true to her illustrations. Fun fact: the character Rabbit was reportedly bought from a charity shop for just a few pence because Hissey thought he would be “nice to draw”. The show’s warm lighting and careful pacing gave it a distinctly cosy, almost nostalgic feel even when it first aired.

13. Budgie the Helicopter

Budgie the Helicopter followed a cheeky little helicopter learning responsibility while working at an airfield. Each episode centred around simple moral lessons about teamwork and listening.

The series was based on books written by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, who created the character in the late 1980s. It was produced by Fred Wolf Films, the animation company behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. When the first book was released, there were public comparisons to a 1960s story called Hector the Helicopter, which Ferguson firmly denied copying.

14. Dog & Duck

Dog & Duck centred on two toys who came to life when their owner wasn’t around, embarking on small domestic adventures with friends like Piano and Telly. It tapped into that childhood belief that toys had secret lives.

The series aired on CITV in the late 1990s and was filmed using puppetry and animatronics rather than traditional animation. Actress and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher appeared in one of her earliest roles in the series, long before becoming a West End star and author.

15. Johnson & Friends

Johnson & Friends followed a group of toys, including Johnson the pink elephant and Alfred the hot water bottle, who came to life whenever their owner left the room. The concept felt remarkably similar to Toy Story, though it actually predated the Pixar film.

The Australian series first aired in 1990 and used actors in full-body costumes rather than puppets, which explains its slightly uncanny energy. It was hugely popular on UK television throughout the 90s, particularly on BBC One’s morning schedule.

16. Barney

Barney & Friends introduced us to a large purple dinosaur powered entirely by imagination and positive affirmations. Whether you loved him or found him mildly overwhelming, that “I love you, you love me” song is permanently lodged in memory.

The character was created by Sheryl Leach after noticing her son’s fascination with dinosaurs. Fun fact: Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato both appeared on Barney early in their careers before becoming global pop stars. The show became one of the most internationally syndicated preschool programmes of the 1990s.

17. Come Outside

Come Outside followed Auntie Mabel and her dog Pippin as they explored how everyday things were made, from crisps to buses. The spotted aeroplane became one of the most iconic vehicles in children’s television.

Auntie Mabel was played by Lynda Baron, best known to adults as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel in Open All Hours alongside Ronnie Barker and David Jason. Pippin was played by a dog named Spot, who also appeared in Bakers Complete dog food adverts. The show subtly encouraged curiosity about the real world long before STEM became a buzzword.

18. Count Duckula

Count Duckula followed a vegetarian vampire duck living in a gothic castle with his long-suffering butler Igor. It balanced spooky aesthetics with genuinely sharp comedy.

The character first appeared as a villain in Danger Mouse before earning his own spin-off. He was voiced by David Jason, who would later become nationally beloved as Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses. The show was produced by Cosgrove Hall and remains one of the most fondly remembered British animated series of the era.

19. SuperTed

SuperTed told the story of a teddy bear brought to life by cosmic magic and granted superpowers. Assisted by Spotty Man from space, he battled villains like Texas Pete.

The series was created by Welsh animator Mike Young, who invented the stories to help his son overcome a fear of the dark. SuperTed became the first British animated series to be broadcast on American network television in prime time, marking a major milestone for UK children’s animation.

20. Bananaman

Bananaman followed schoolboy Eric Wimp, who transformed into a muscle-bound superhero after eating a banana. The humour was knowingly ridiculous and gloriously British.

Based on the Beano comic strip, the series was produced by Cosgrove Hall Films. Bill Oddie of The Goodies voiced several characters in the early episodes, bringing comedy pedigree to the show. In the original comics, Eric was revealed to be an alien sent to Earth as a baby, a detail many TV viewers never realised.

21. Sooty & Co

Sooty & Co followed Sooty, Sweep and Soo as they ran a chaotic little shop in Manchester, getting into scrapes that presenter Matthew Corbett had to sort out. The magic of Sooty never really faded, even though the character first appeared on television in 1955.

Sooty was originally created by magician Harry Corbett and passed down to his son Matthew, making it a genuine family legacy. One memorable 90s episode titled “Soo’s Babies” caused headlines because Soo pretended to be pregnant as part of what Corbett described as an educational storyline. The blend of slapstick and ventriloquism made it feel timeless rather than dated.

22. The Riddlers

The Riddlers featured a group of puppet creatures solving environmental mysteries in the fictional land of Riddleland. While it aimed to promote eco-awareness, many millennials mainly remember the slightly unsettling character designs and dramatic theme music.

The show was produced by Yorkshire Television and ran in the early 1990s. The human character, Marjorie Dawe, was named after the nursery rhyme “See Saw Margery Daw”. Looking back, it was quietly ahead of its time in encouraging children to think about pollution and conservation.

23. Spider!

Spider! followed the everyday adventures of a curious little spider navigating human spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. The entire show unfolded without spoken dialogue, instead using songs to carry the story.

The series was narrated through music by Jeff Stevenson, with his children providing backing vocals. Its distinctive puddle-and-bathtub opening sequence is one of those oddly specific memories that instantly transports millennials back to primary school TV trolley days.

24. William’s Wish Wellingtons

William’s Wish Wellingtons centred on a young boy whose magical wellies brought his toys to life when he said the rhyme. It was one of those programmes that often appeared when the big wheeled TV was rolled into the classroom.

The series was narrated by Andrew Sachs, best known as Manuel in Fawlty Towers. Produced by Tell-Tale Productions, it used stop-motion animation and soft storytelling to explore themes of responsibility and imagination.

25. Rupert

Rupert followed the adventures of Rupert Bear, a character first created in 1920 for the Daily Express newspaper. The animated series brought his gentle fantasy adventures to life for a 90s audience.

Originally, Rupert was drawn with brown fur, but it was changed to white early on to reduce printing costs in newspapers. The TV adaptation maintained the storybook aesthetic, which made it feel like watching a moving picture book on VHS.

26. Fun House

Fun House was the ultimate 90s kids’ game show fantasy, complete with go-karts, messy challenges and the legendary final inflatable obstacle course. Hosted by Pat Sharp, it felt loud, colourful and impossibly exciting.

The show ran from 1989 to 1999 and was filmed at Scottish Television studios in Glasgow. The Fun House twins, Melanie and Martina Grant, became instantly recognisable faces of 90s Saturday TV. Even now, the theme tune remains one of the most quoted from the era.

27. Finders Keepers

Finders Keepers saw two teams racing against the clock to tear apart themed rooms in search of hidden objects. It was chaotic, messy and completely addictive viewing.

The show was hosted by Neil Buchanan, who was also the frontman of heavy metal band Marseille and the face of Art Attack. Watching bedrooms get completely trashed on national television felt rebellious in the best possible way.

28. Jungle Run

Jungle Run followed teams navigating temple-themed challenges to collect silver monkey statues before entering the final chamber. The moment contestants crawled into the giant monkey head remains unforgettable.

Hosted by Dominic Wood, who later found further fame as one half of Dick & Dom, the show aired on CITV between 1999 and 2006. An adult spin-off titled Naked Jungle was briefly commissioned by Channel 5, presented by Keith Chegwin, though it was far less successful.

29. Raven

Raven saw young contestants compete in physical and mental challenges set in a mysterious Scottish landscape, guided by the cloaked warrior Raven. Teams adopted warrior names and battled to avoid “banishment”.

The original Raven was played by James Mackenzie, whose dramatic delivery became instantly iconic. The show was filmed at Castle Toward in Scotland and became one of CBBC’s most beloved competition series. It was later rebooted in 2017 with a new Raven for a fresh generation.

30. Get Your Own Back

Hosted by Dave Benson Phillips, Get Your Own Back allowed children to challenge an adult, usually a parent or teacher, for the chance to see them covered in gunge. It perfectly tapped into every child’s secret desire for televised revenge.

One controversial segment introduced “The Furnace”, where children risked a prized possession being destroyed if they lost, though the items were reportedly not truly incinerated. Dave Benson Phillips became a cult figure of 90s television, later appearing in spoof sketches on shows like The Adam and Joe Show.

31. 50/50

50/50 saw two schools go head-to-head in physical challenges and quick-fire quizzes, with everything decided by a giant random computer selection. Every episode came with the faint hope that your own school might one day appear on screen.

Originally hosted by Dave Benson Phillips before being taken over by Sally Meen and later Angellica Bell, the show ran for nine series on CBBC. Angellica Bell would go on to become a regular face on The One Show and win Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, but for millennials she will always be part of that chaotic school competition energy.

32. The Incredible Games

The Incredible Games followed children trapped in a mysterious tower who had to complete surreal themed challenges on different fantasy floors. From swimming through giant “alphabet soup” to navigating the Dark Knight’s Lair, it felt like a child-friendly Crystal Maze.

The talking lift was voiced by a young David Walliams, long before Little Britain and Britain’s Got Talent fame. The show aired on CITV in the mid-90s and remains one of the most bizarre yet beloved game shows of the era, largely thanks to its wildly imaginative set design.

33. Terror Towers

Terror Towers was a spooky-themed children’s game show set inside a gothic castle packed with puzzles and jump scares. The giant talking spider puppet, Grizelda, is the main reason it lives rent free in so many millennial memories.

The show was co-created and produced by Neil Buchanan of Art Attack fame. It aired on CITV in the mid-90s and leaned fully into its eerie aesthetic, tapping into the same slightly scary energy that defined so much 90s kids’ TV.

34. Dick & Dom in da Bungalow

Dick & Dom in da Bungalow was chaotic Saturday morning television at its absolute peak. Between Bogies, gunge tanks and barely controlled anarchy, it felt like the presenters were getting away with something every week.

The show ran from 2002 to 2006 and became so controversial that it was debated in the House of Commons in 2005, where games like “Make Dick Sick” were criticised by MPs. Despite the complaints, it won multiple BAFTAs and cemented Dick and Dom as defining faces of early 2000s CBBC.

35. SMTV Live

SMTV Live was essential Saturday morning viewing, blending sketches, games and pop culture chaos. Ant, Dec and Cat Deeley had effortless chemistry that made even the most ridiculous segments feel iconic.

The show was nearly cancelled in its early months due to low ratings but went on to become one of ITV’s biggest children’s hits. Wonky Donkey, Challenge Ant and Dec and the Pokémon segments became cultural staples, launching Cat Deeley into a long-running international presenting career.

36. HOW 2

HOW 2 answered bizarre and brilliant questions about science, history and everyday curiosities in a fast-paced, energetic format. It felt clever without ever feeling like homework.

The series was a reboot of the original How programme that aired from 1966 to 1981. It was fronted by Fred Dinenage and Carol Vorderman in its earlier incarnation, while the 90s revival introduced presenters like Gail Porter, who would go on to become one of the most recognisable TV personalities of the era.

37. Art Attack

Art Attack made us believe we could create masterpieces out of toilet rolls, cereal boxes and PVA glue. Neil Buchanan’s giant floor art projects were the highlight of every episode.

Before becoming a children’s TV legend, Buchanan was the lead guitarist of heavy metal band Marseille, who once toured with Judas Priest. The show aired in over 20 countries and became one of CITV’s longest-running and most internationally successful programmes.

38. Zzzap!

Zzzap! was set inside a giant comic book, with different characters appearing depending on which panel was “chosen”. It was bold, visual and almost entirely dialogue-free.

Neil Buchanan appeared again as the silent artist character Smart Arty. The opening and closing sequences were filmed backwards, meaning actors performed in reverse to achieve the zoom-in comic effect. It was genuinely one of the most visually distinctive kids’ shows of the 90s.

39. My Parents Are Aliens

This CBBC sitcom followed three orphaned siblings fostered by two aliens trying to blend in as human parents. The culture-clash humour made it endlessly watchable.

The role of mum Sophie Johnson was played by two different actresses during the run. The in-universe explanation was that she morphed into a new body and could not change back. The show ran for eight series, making it one of CBBC’s longest-running live-action comedies.

40. Kerching!

Kerching! followed teenage entrepreneur Taj Lewis as he attempted to make £1 million through various online schemes under the alias “Rudeboy”. It perfectly captured early 2000s dot-com ambition.

Devon Anderson, who played Taj, later appeared in EastEnders and Hollyoaks. The show was one of the first CBBC series to centre on a young Black British lead character in a business-driven storyline, giving it a distinct and forward-thinking edge at the time.

41. The Story of Tracy Beaker

The Story of Tracy Beaker followed Tracy and her friends living in a care home she nicknamed “The Dumping Ground”, navigating friendship, rejection and hope with sharp humour and real emotional depth. It felt grittier and more grounded than most children’s shows at the time.

Based on the books by Jacqueline Wilson, the series starred Dani Harmer in the breakout role that defined her career. It launched an entire Tracy Beaker universe, including The Dumping Ground and My Mum Tracy Beaker, meaning today’s children are still growing up in the same world millennials first discovered in 2002.

42. The Worst Witch

The Worst Witch followed Mildred Hubble, the most accident-prone student at Cackle’s Academy for Witches. Magical mishaps, rivalries and broomstick disasters made it essential late 90s viewing.

The series starred Georgina Sherrington as Mildred and Felicity Jones, now an Oscar-nominated actress known for Rogue One and The Theory of Everything, as Ethel Hallow. It aired from 1998 to 2001 and was based on Jill Murphy’s books, which actually predated Harry Potter by decades.

43. GamesMaster

GamesMaster was essential viewing for young gamers before the internet made cheat codes instantly searchable. Contestants competed on the latest consoles while viewers scribbled down tips at home.

The show was fronted by Dominic Diamond and featured legendary astronomer Sir Patrick Moore as the floating head “GamesMaster”. Moore reportedly negotiated his fee partly in whisky rather than money. The series ran from 1992 to 1998 and became a cult favourite long before gaming was mainstream.

44. Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs was a prehistoric sitcom following the Sinclair family, blending family comedy with surprisingly sharp social satire. Baby Sinclair’s “Not the mama!” catchphrase became unavoidable playground currency.

Produced by Jim Henson Productions, the animatronic suits were created by the same team behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Although it looked like a light-hearted family show, the final episode delivered a shockingly bleak environmental message that many millennials still remember vividly.

45. The Cramp Twins

The Cramp Twins followed polar opposite brothers Wayne and Lucien navigating life in Soap City. It leaned heavily into gross-out humour that absolutely thrived in early 2000s CBBC.

Wayne was voiced by Tom Kenny, best known globally as the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants. The series was based on books by Brian Wood and stood out for its exaggerated character designs and unapologetically silly tone.

46. Mike & Angelo

Mike & Angelo centred on a boy whose life is turned upside down when an alien named Angelo crash-lands into it. The sitcom mixed sci-fi chaos with classic 90s domestic comedy.

The series ran from 1989 to 2000, making it one of CITV’s longest-running shows. Actor Katy Murphy, who played mum Rita, later appeared in hit dramas including Happy Valley and Call the Midwife, giving the show some serious acting pedigree in hindsight.

47. Bodger & Badger

Bodger & Badger followed handyman Simon Bodger and his mischievous talking badger companion, whose obsession with mashed potato drove every storyline. It was silly, messy and proudly low-budget.

The show ran from 1989 to 1999 and reportedly used thousands of gallons of real mashed potato during production. Andy Cunningham both performed and voiced Badger, demonstrating impressive puppetry skills that made the character feel surprisingly alive.

48. Kenan & Kel

Kenan & Kel followed best friends Kenan Rockmore and Kel Kimble through absurd schemes and workplace chaos at Rigby’s. It was pure Nickelodeon energy.

Unlike many sitcoms, it was filmed in front of a live studio audience rather than using a laugh track. Kenan Thompson would later become the longest-serving cast member in Saturday Night Live history, while Kel Mitchell built a strong career in voice acting and children’s television.

49. Are You Afraid of the Dark?

This anthology horror series followed the Midnight Society as they told spooky stories around a campfire. For many millennials, it was their first real taste of horror.

The show was filmed in Canada and featured early appearances from actors including Ryan Gosling, who appeared in a Season 5 episode before global stardom. Its eerie theme tune and fog-filled intro remain instantly recognisable.

50. Goosebumps

Goosebumps brought R.L. Stine’s bestselling horror books to life in bite-sized televised scares. Episodes like The Haunted Mask and Night of the Living Dummy became genuine childhood trauma material.

The series aired from 1995 to 1998 and featured a young Hayden Christensen in one episode before he went on to play Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars. The books themselves became one of the bestselling children’s series in history, cementing Goosebumps as a defining 90s cultural moment.

Cartoon chaos and action obsessions

51. Dexter’s Laboratory

Dexter’s Laboratory followed boy genius Dexter, who hid a secret high-tech lab behind a bookshelf in his bedroom, constantly foiled by his chaotic sister Dee Dee. It defined Cartoon Network’s sharp, fast-paced humour in the late 90s.

Created by Genndy Tartakovsky, the show was Cartoon Network’s first original series. Dexter was originally voiced by Christine Cavanaugh, who also voiced Chuckie in Rugrats and Babe in the film Babe. The series launched what is often called the channel’s “golden age” of animation.

52. Cow & Chicken

Cow & Chicken centred on two wildly different siblings navigating surreal suburban life, often tormented by the flamboyant Red Guy. It was absurd, loud and absolutely unhinged in the best possible way.

Actor Charlie Adler voiced Cow, Chicken and many supporting characters, while also voicing I.R. Baboon in I Am Weasel. The show pushed boundaries for children’s animation at the time, which explains why some episodes were later edited for tone.

53. Johnny Bravo

Johnny Bravo followed a muscle-bound, Elvis-inspired wannabe ladies’ man whose confidence wildly outweighed his success rate. Every episode revolved around him attempting to impress women and failing spectacularly.

The series featured several celebrity guest voices, including Donny Osmond and Farrah Fawcett. Created by Van Partible, it became one of Cartoon Network’s most recognisable properties and remains a nostalgic favourite for its exaggerated 90s swagger.

54. I Am Weasel

I Am Weasel followed the hyper-competent I.M. Weasel and his jealous rival I.R. Baboon through increasingly ridiculous scenarios. It spun off from Cow & Chicken but quickly developed its own identity.

Michael Dorn, best known as Worf in Star Trek: The Next Generation, voiced I.M. Weasel. The mix of slapstick and clever parody made it feel slightly more sophisticated than many of its peers.

55. Ed, Edd n Eddy

Ed, Edd n Eddy followed three best friends constantly scheming to scam neighbourhood kids out of money for jawbreakers. Their elaborate plans always collapsed into chaos.

Created by Danny Antonucci, it became the longest-running original Cartoon Network series at the time. It was also one of the last major Western animated series to use traditional cel animation before switching fully to digital production.

56. Powerpuff Girls

Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup were kindergarten-aged superheroes created accidentally by Professor Utonium. They balanced bedtime with battling villains like Mojo Jojo and Him.

Created by Craig McCracken, the show became one of Cartoon Network’s biggest global hits. The villains were often surprisingly dark and stylised, giving the series a distinct visual edge that still feels bold today.

57. Two Stupid Dogs

Two Stupid Dogs followed a big dog and a little dog navigating everyday situations with minimal logic. The humour was simple, sharp and endlessly quotable.

The show served as a training ground for future animation legends including Genndy Tartakovsky and Craig McCracken. The villain’s line, “Ain’t that cute… but it’s wrong,” remains one of the most memorable catchphrases of 90s animation.

58. Courage the Cowardly Dog

Courage the Cowardly Dog followed a nervous pink dog living with an elderly couple in the middle of nowhere, constantly facing surreal and often terrifying villains. It genuinely blurred the line between children’s animation and psychological horror.

Created by John R. Dilworth, the series won multiple Annie Awards. Early versions of certain scenes were toned down to reduce violence, but it still remains one of the eeriest mainstream children’s shows ever broadcast.

59. Rugrats

Rugrats told stories from the perspective of babies navigating the confusing adult world around them. Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica and the gang defined Nickelodeon’s 90s era.

The voice of Tommy Pickles, E.G. Daily, also appeared in Friends as Phoebe’s former singing partner Leslie. Rugrats became one of Nickelodeon’s longest-running series and even spawned feature films, proving its huge cultural impact.

60. Hey Arnold!

Hey Arnold! followed football-headed Arnold navigating life in a city neighbourhood filled with complex and memorable characters. It felt more grounded and emotionally mature than many cartoons of its time.

It was the first Nicktoon to use real children as voice actors rather than adults imitating kids, which meant Arnold had to be recast several times as the actor’s voice changed. The series was praised for tackling serious themes like loneliness and poverty while remaining funny and warm.

61. Doug

Doug followed the quietly anxious and endlessly imaginative Doug Funnie as he navigated school, friendships and crushes in Bluffington. His diary entries and alter ego Quailman gave the show a uniquely introspective tone.

Created by Jim Jinkins, Doug was one of the original Nicktoons before later moving to Disney. The character was almost named Brian, but Jinkins chose “Doug” because he wanted a name that sounded completely average. Its gentle storytelling made it stand out in an era of louder cartoons.

62. CatDog

CatDog centred on conjoined siblings, one a refined cat and the other an excitable dog, forced to navigate life literally attached to each other. The concept was bizarre but somehow worked perfectly.

Before creating Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane submitted a story test to Nickelodeon for CatDog, though it was ultimately rejected. The show became one of Nickelodeon’s late-90s staples thanks to its chaotic humour and instantly recognisable theme tune.

63. Ren & Stimpy

Ren & Stimpy followed a highly strung chihuahua and a dim-witted cat through surreal, often grotesque adventures. It pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in children’s animation.

Created by John Kricfalusi, the show was controversial for its dark humour and exaggerated expressions. One episode, “Man’s Best Friend”, was pulled from Nickelodeon for years due to violent content and later resurfaced during an adult-oriented reboot.

64. Rocko’s Modern Life

Rocko’s Modern Life followed an Australian wallaby navigating adult responsibilities in the city of O-Town. The humour was layered with jokes that absolutely flew over most children’s heads.

Created by Joe Murray, the show became a cult classic for its subtle satire of consumerism and modern anxieties. Interestingly, Rocko was originally designed to be bright yellow, but his colour was changed during development for marketing reasons.

65. The Wild Thornberrys

The Wild Thornberrys followed Eliza Thornberry, who could secretly talk to animals while travelling the world with her documentary-filmmaker parents. It blended adventure with environmental themes long before eco-awareness became mainstream in children’s media.

Nigel Thornberry was voiced by comedian Tim Curry, whose over-the-top delivery turned “Smashing!” into a generational catchphrase. Flea, bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, voiced Donnie Thornberry, adding unexpected rock royalty to the cast.

66. Animaniacs

Animaniacs followed Yakko, Wakko and Dot as they caused chaos across Hollywood in fast-paced, joke-packed sketches. The humour ranged from slapstick to genuinely clever political and cultural satire.

Produced by Steven Spielberg, the show also launched spin-offs like Pinky and the Brain. To promote its premiere, Warner Bros placed a giant balloon of Yakko on their iconic water tower, only for a studio executive to reportedly mistake it for a parody of Mickey Mouse.

67. Tiny Toon Adventures

Tiny Toon Adventures reimagined the Looney Tunes universe with younger characters studying at Acme Looniversity. It felt like a clever bridge between classic animation and modern humour.

Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the show frequently broke the fourth wall. One episode was co-written by three 13-year-old fans who had mailed their script directly to Spielberg, proving how interactive kids’ television could be even before the internet era.

68. Aaahh!! Real Monsters

Aaahh!! Real Monsters followed three young monsters learning how to scare humans at a monster academy hidden beneath a city dump. It embraced grotesque humour and surreal visuals.

The character of The Gromble, their flamboyant headmaster, was partly inspired by the Blue Meanies from the Beatles’ animated film Yellow Submarine. The show’s unusual character designs made it one of Nickelodeon’s most visually distinctive series.

69. Pokémon

Pokémon followed Ash Ketchum and Pikachu as they travelled the world capturing creatures and battling gym leaders. It became more than a show, it became a full cultural takeover.

Originally launched in Japan as Pocket Monsters, the franchise expanded into trading cards, video games and films almost overnight. The global “Pokémania” of the late 90s made it one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history, and it is still running today.

70. Digimon

Digimon followed a group of children transported to the Digital World where they partnered with evolving digital creatures. It was often compared to Pokémon but had a more serialized, story-driven structure.

The franchise began in 1997 as a “Digital Monster” virtual pet designed as a more battle-focused counterpart to Tamagotchi. While it never reached Pokémon’s cultural dominance, it developed a loyal fan base and continues to release new series and films.

71. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles followed Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as they trained under Master Splinter and battled villains like Shredder and Krang. Pizza, sewer lairs and colour-coded masks defined countless childhoods.

In the original 1984 comics, all four turtles wore red masks, with the different colours introduced in the 1987 animated series to help viewers tell them apart. The franchise has been rebooted multiple times across TV and film, but for millennials the late 80s and 90s cartoon era remains definitive.

72. Street Sharks

Street Sharks followed four brothers transformed into crime-fighting half-shark mutants. It was loud, extreme and unapologetically 90s.

Before becoming a Hollywood action star, Vin Diesel worked as a spokesperson for the Street Sharks toy line and appeared in promotional footage demonstrating the figures. The show was clearly designed to sell toys, but it delivered enough high-energy action to become a playground favourite in its own right.

73. Biker Mice from Mars

Biker Mice from Mars followed three motorbike-riding alien mice fighting evil in Chicago. With leather jackets, shades and explosive catchphrases, it felt undeniably cool at the time.

The show gained an especially passionate fan base in Finland, where the dubbed version became legendary for adding more irreverent humour. Like many 90s action cartoons, it launched alongside an extensive toy line that made it a firm fixture in bedroom collections.

74. Thundercats

Thundercats followed Lion-O and his feline warrior team as they battled the villainous Mumm-Ra. The cry of “ThunderCats, ho!” became one of the most recognisable cartoon calls of the era.

Originally airing in the 1980s but widely rewatched by 90s kids on VHS and reruns, the show blended American writing with Japanese animation. Lion-O was reportedly originally named Lionel in early development before being renamed to avoid unintended jokes.

75. Mummies Alive

Mummies Alive followed four ancient Egyptian guardians resurrected in modern times to protect a reincarnated pharaoh. It tapped directly into the 90s obsession with Ancient Egypt.

Ivan Reitman, director of Ghostbusters, served as an executive producer on the series. Although it only ran for one season, it gained cult status thanks to its distinctive mythology and detailed character designs.

76. Defenders of the Earth

Defenders of the Earth united classic comic strip heroes like Flash Gordon, The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician into one super team. It felt epic and slightly more serious than many cartoons of the time.

Marvel legend Stan Lee wrote the lyrics for the theme song and scripted the first issue of the accompanying comic series. Although originally an 80s show, it lived on through VHS compilations that many millennials grew up watching repeatedly.

77. Skeleton Warriors

Skeleton Warriors followed Prince Lightstar battling skeletal villains in a dark fantasy world powered by magical crystals. It leaned heavily into dramatic visuals and action.

The toy line launched before the full hero range was available, meaning parents were initially only able to buy villain figures. Poor toy sales contributed to the show’s rapid cancellation, making it a short-lived but memorable entry in 90s action animation.

78. Power Rangers

Power Rangers followed a group of teenagers chosen to defend Earth from alien threats, combining American footage with action scenes from Japanese Super Sentai series. It became an instant playground obsession.

The Blue Ranger, Billy Cranston, was named after Bryan Cranston, who had previously voiced villains for the show before achieving global fame in Breaking Bad. The franchise has since produced numerous spin-offs and film adaptations, spanning more than three decades.

79. Captain Planet

Captain Planet followed five young “Planeteers” who summoned an eco-superhero to fight environmental destruction. Its message was clear and unapologetically educational.

The series featured celebrity voice actors including Whoopi Goldberg, Meg Ryan and LeVar Burton. It was ahead of its time in promoting environmental responsibility to children and remains one of the most overtly message-driven cartoons of the 90s.

80. Garfield & Friends

Garfield & Friends followed the lasagne-loving orange cat and his long-suffering owner Jon Arbuckle. The show mixed Garfield segments with farm-based US Acres stories.

There were three different theme songs used during its seven-season run. Garfield was voiced by Lorenzo Music, who also voiced Peter Venkman in the animated Ghostbusters series, adding another layer of 80s and 90s pop culture crossover.

81. Freakazoid!

Freakazoid! followed Dexter Douglas, a teenager who gained chaotic superpowers after being sucked into the internet. The show leaned heavily into rapid-fire parody, surreal humour and constant fourth-wall breaks.

Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, it was part of the same creative wave as Animaniacs. A strange background character named Emmitt Nervend appeared in nearly every episode, with the end credits often revealing exactly how many times he had been hidden.

82. The Raccoons

The Raccoons followed Bert, Melissa and Ralph as they protected their forest home from greedy industrialist Cyril Sneer. It combined environmental messaging with surprisingly emotional storytelling.

The show originated in Canada and was initially planned to include live-action human characters with puppet raccoons. The theme song, “Run With Us,” became a cult favourite and has been covered by multiple artists in recent years.

83. Yvon of the Yukon

Yvon of the Yukon followed a 17th-century French explorer who is accidentally frozen in ice and thawed out centuries later in modern-day Canada. The humour leaned unapologetically into gross-out territory.

Tommy Tukyuk, Yvon’s best friend, was voiced by Kirby Morrow, a prolific voice actor known for roles in anime including Dragon Ball Z. The show developed a strong following on CBBC in the early 2000s thanks to its absurd premise.

84. Bonkers

Bonkers followed a former cartoon star turned police detective solving crimes in Hollywood. It blended animated slapstick with noir-style storytelling.

The series was produced by two separate creative teams who each delivered very different versions of the show before Disney selected the tone they preferred. It aired in the mid-90s but often flies under the nostalgia radar compared to bigger Disney hits.

85. Oggy & the Cockroaches

Oggy & the Cockroaches centred on a blue cat constantly battling three destructive cockroaches in slapstick, mostly dialogue-free chaos. It felt like a modern take on Tom & Jerry.

Created by French animator Jean-Yves Raimbaud, the show’s character names were inspired by punk rock musicians. Its minimal dialogue made it easy to broadcast internationally, helping it gain a surprisingly large global audience.

86. Corneil & Bernie

Corneil & Bernie followed an unusually intelligent talking dog and his somewhat clueless owner. The central joke revolved around Corneil’s desperate attempts to keep his ability to speak a secret.

In the UK, the series aired under the title Watch My Chops, taken from Corneil’s catchphrase. It was a French production that found a comfortable home in early 2000s UK after-school schedules.

87. Fat Dog Mendoza

Fat Dog Mendoza followed a group of eccentric friends, led by the larger-than-life Fat Dog, as they encountered bizarre sci-fi situations in the town of Schtump. The theme tune alone is enough to unlock deep memory.

Fat Dog was voiced by Mark Acheson, who later appeared in the Christmas film Elf as the mailroom supervisor. The show’s surreal tone and stylised character designs made it one of the more distinctive CBBC animations of the early 2000s.

88. Dr Zitbag’s Transylvania Pet Shop

Dr Zitbag’s Transylvania Pet Shop followed a mad scientist running a pet shop for unusual monster creatures. It balanced gothic visuals with cartoon silliness.

Originally known as Dr Globule in France, the series was rebranded for international audiences. Its oddball premise made it feel slightly darker than many mainstream cartoons of the time.

89. Dino Babies

Dino Babies followed a group of young dinosaurs surviving after the extinction of their parents. It blended prehistoric adventure with surprisingly emotional storytelling.

The show was an international collaboration between Ireland, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Although it never achieved huge mainstream fame, it remains a vivid memory for those who caught it during school holidays.

90. Roger & the Rotten Trolls

Roger & the Rotten Trolls followed a young boy crowned king of a chaotic group of underground trolls. The puppets were undeniably unsettling, which only made the show more memorable.

The series was narrated by Martin Clunes, best known for Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin. Its slightly darker aesthetic reflected the era’s fondness for children’s programming that leaned just a little bit spooky.

91. The Angry Beavers

The Angry Beavers followed brothers Norbert and Daggett after they leave home to build their own dam and live independently. It was chaotic sibling comedy with sharp, fast-paced dialogue that still holds up.

The series developed a cult following, particularly for its unaired finale, “Bye-Bye Beavers”, in which the characters become aware that their show is being cancelled. Nickelodeon refused to broadcast it because of its meta commentary, adding to its legendary status among fans.

92. Jackie Chan Adventures

Jackie Chan Adventures blended martial arts action with supernatural mythology, following a fictionalised version of Jackie Chan hunting magical talismans. It perfectly balanced humour and high-stakes adventure.

Uncle’s character was inspired by Jackie Chan’s real-life father, Charles Chan, and his catchphrase “One more thing!” became instantly iconic. The series introduced a generation of kids to Chinese mythology while delivering genuinely strong action sequences for a children’s cartoon.

93. SMTV Pokémon segments

The Pokémon segments on SMTV Live were more than just cartoon airings, they were cultural events. Ant, Dec and Cat Deeley turned Pokémon into appointment television with sketches, competitions and fan hype.

At the height of Pokémania, these segments helped cement Pokémon’s dominance in UK pop culture. It was part cartoon, part chaos, and entirely essential viewing for 90s kids clutching Game Boys and trading cards.

94. Dennis the Menace

Dennis the Menace brought the iconic Beano comic strip to life, following the mischievous schoolboy in his red and black striped jumper. His pranks and rivalry with Walter defined classic British childhood humour.

In a remarkable coincidence, two entirely separate Dennis the Menace characters debuted on the exact same day in 1951, one in the UK and one in the US, created independently without knowledge of each other. The animated series kept the British version firmly in millennial hearts.

95. Tom & Jerry Kids

Tom & Jerry Kids reimagined the iconic cat-and-mouse duo as younger versions of themselves. It kept the slapstick energy but softened the tone slightly for younger audiences.

In the original 1940 cartoon Puss Gets the Boot, Tom was called Jasper during development and Jerry was initially referred to as Jinx. The kids version became familiar territory for many millennials who caught it during sick days and school holidays.

96. Funnybones

Funnybones followed a family of skeletons living in a dark, dark town in a dark, dark street. The theme tune alone is enough to instantly transport millennials back to childhood.

Based on the books by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, the series aired in the early 90s and became a firm favourite for its simple storytelling and slightly spooky aesthetic. It remains one of those shows that resurfaces in conversations purely because of the song.

97. Monster in My Pocket

Monster in My Pocket followed tiny monster characters based on global myths and legends. For many, the toys were even more memorable than the cartoon itself.

The franchise famously attempted legal action against Pokémon due to similarities in the name “Pocket Monsters” but lost the case. At its height, playground trading of the small plastic figures was absolute chaos.

98. The Demon Headmaster

The Demon Headmaster followed a terrifying school headteacher with hypnotic powers used to control students. It genuinely unnerved a generation of children.

Based on the books by Gillian Cross, the series aired on CBBC in the mid-90s and later received a modern reboot. The Headmaster’s piercing stare became one of the most unsettling visuals in British children’s television history.

99. Bernard’s Watch

Bernard’s Watch followed a young boy who receives a magical watch that can stop time. It was the ultimate childhood fantasy, opening endless possibilities for mischief and heroics.

The original actor playing Bernard left to study art in Venice, leading to a recast during the series run. The show aired on ITV from 1997 to 2001 and remains one of the most fondly remembered British children’s dramas of the era.

100. ChuckleVision

ChuckleVision followed brothers Paul and Barry Chuckle getting into increasingly ridiculous situations, usually involving misunderstandings and physical comedy. “To me, to you” became an instant catchphrase.

Ad

The show ran for 292 episodes between 1987 and 2009, making it one of the longest-running children’s programmes in UK television history. The Chuckle Brothers had been performing since childhood, but it was this series that cemented their place in millennial nostalgia forever.

Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...