Cartoon Network are responsible for some of the finest animated series ever aired. Check out our list of the 6 best of all time.

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Although some would argue the channel no longer produces programmes with the same level of consistency and ingenuity as they did in the 1990s and 2000s, Cartoon Network remains a well-respected producer of children’s TV to this day. Let’s take a look at the 6 best shows the channel ever aired.

1. Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999-2002)

The best Cartoon Network show of all time is – Courage the Cowardly Dog. Courage was created by John Dilworth, running for 4 seasons. The show followed the titular Courage, a kind-natured but nervous dog, and her owners, the friendly Muriel and villainous Eustace, who live in an isolated farmhouse in the middle of Nowhere, a fictional Kansas town. Each episode finds Courage dealing with a new threat, usually paranormal or supernatural, and sometimes human.

Although it is often not the first on the list for most people, this series was revolutionary not only for the network, but for kids TV in general. Kids shows like Goosebumps had previously incorporated horror elements into a children’s programme before, Courage was the first, in our opinion, to blend both horror, comedy and a unique animation style into one groundbreaking package. Winning an Annie, and nominated for three Golden Reel Awards, Courage the Cowardly Dog deserves its spot as the best show Cartoon Network ever aired.

2. The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005)

Closely following Courage at the number two spot is The Powerpuff Girls, which centred on three genetically-made girls with superpowers, who fight crime in the fictional city of Townsville. Blending visual elements which echo 1950s futurist elements with typical kids coming-of-age themes and an overarching narrative based on standard superhero shows, The Powerpuff Girls was a phenomenon on release, becoming the highest-rated premiere in its history at the time. It consistently achieved high ratings throughout its run, receiving six seasons, three specials and a feature film, as well as being nominated for for six Emmy Awards.

3. Regular Show (2010-2017)

One of the more recent entries on the list, Regular Show was part of the successful third era of Cartoon Network’s programming, one which included the mega-successful Adventure Time and Steven Universe. Running for eight seasons, Regular Show followed the daily lives of two slackers – Mordecai (a bluejay) and Rigby (a raccoon), who work as groundskeepers at a local park. Alongside them are a colourful cast of side characters. Each episode revolves around the two friends’ attempts to avoid work, entertaining themselves by any means possible, leading to surrealistic and supernatural conclusions.

The brilliance of Regular Show comes through its avoidance of typical TV standards – the tone of the show is vastly different to anything else within kids animation, often feeling like an adult sitcom at times. Creator J.G. Quintel has cited British sitcoms like The Office and The Mighty Boosh, alongside The Simpsons and Beavis and Butt-Head, as major inspirations behind Regular Show‘s core elements. Nominated (for six) and winning a Primetime Emmy, Regular Show has become one of the best-loved releases in the Cartoon Network catalogue.

4. Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999-2009)

Ed, Edd n Eddy is one of Cartoon Network’s most iconic series, and for good reason. Following the lives of ‘the Eds’, three boys who share the same name, but have very different personalities. Each episode revolves around their schemes to get money from the other kids on their cul-de-sac, usually to buy their favourite: jawbreakers. The schemes rarely succeed, usually ending in failure and humiliation. The show never features any adults (except once during the excellent final episode), focusing only on the Eds’ world. The series was one of the last to use traditional cel animation, giving it an old-school feel. Over six seasons and a host of spin-off media, Ed, Edd n Eddy has cemented itself as an all-time great of kids animation.

5. Codename: Kids Next Door (2002-2008)

Combining an innovative premise with a dynamic group of characters and a spy theme, Codename: Kids Next Door, was one of the best series Cartoon Network ever aired. Following the adventures of 5 diverse 10-year-olds, who operate as spies from a high-tech treehouse, acting under a global organisation called ‘the Kids Next Door’. Each episode is a different operation, and would often centre around typical childhood problems, although later episodes built towards an overarching, more complex narrative. A host of memorable villains, clever plot-lines and 81 episodes later, and Codename: Kids Next Door is now considered one of the best shows ever produced by Cartoon Network.

6. The Amazing World of Gumball (2011 -)

The Amazing World of Gumball stands out as one of the best shows ever aired on Cartoon Network, due to its unparalleled creativity, mature topics and distinctive stylistic disunity. The show is based around the life of young cat Gumball and his misadventures in the city of Elmore. Usually found with his adopted brother and best friend – goldfish Darwin, Gumball is unique for its unusually broad humour palette, often referencing popular culture and internet culture, always maintaining a satirical and surreal tone. Still airing to this day, Gumball has proved a huge success for the network, with a spin-off series also on the way.

So, that was the 6 best Cartoon Network shows ever aired. Hopefully you enjoyed the list – if you disagree with our list, why not contact us via our socials, and let us know what you think.

Last modified: March 25, 2024