Saturday morning cartoons hold a cherished place in the hearts of generations past, a time when the clinking of cereal bowls and the glow of the TV screen signaled the start of a weekend tradition.
For many, Saturdays were synonymous with a colorful array of animated adventures, where characters leaped into action, comedians tickled funny bones, and heroes stood tall against villains. Here are the best of the ’60s and ’70s Saturday morning cartoons. Do you agree?
1. The Bugs Bunny Show: The King of Cartoon Comedy
The Bugs Bunny Show is a timeless classic that needs no introduction. This clever hare outwitted foes like Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, and Yosemite Sam with his quick wit and humor. His iconic carrot-munching and “What’s up, doc?” catchphrase are etched into the annals of cartoon history.
2. The Mighty Mouse Playhouse: Mighty Mouse to the Rescue
Mighty Mouse was the superhero of Saturday morning cartoons, soaring to the rescue with his mighty strength and unwavering sense of justice. Fighting villains and righting wrongs, this rodent hero inspired a generation of young viewers with his courage and determination.
3. The Bullwinkle Show: Smart and Silly Satire
The Bullwinkle Show is a satirical masterpiece that graced Saturday mornings with its clever wit and memorable characters. It was a unique concoction of humor, political satire, and witty storytelling. The show’s central characters, Rocky the Squirrel and Bullwinkle the Moose, embarked on absurd and entertaining adventures that captivated audiences of all ages.
4. The Ruff and Reddy Show: A Duo of Delight
The Ruff and Reddy Show featured the dynamic duo of Ruff the cat and Reddy the dog. Their simple yet charming adventures captured the hearts of young audiences, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and lighthearted fun.
5. The Alvin Show: Chipmunk Mania
The Alvin Show introduced the world to Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, the singing chipmunks with infectious energy and catchy tunes. Their musical escapades and misadventures made for a toe-tapping good time on Saturday mornings.
6. Top Cat: The Streetwise Feline
Top Cat was a streetwise cat leading a gang of lovable alley cats. With his quick thinking and cunning schemes, Top Cat’s escapades in the bustling city provided endless entertainment and showcased the power of friendship.
7. King Leonardo and His Short Subjects: Royalty and Ridiculousness
King Leonardo and His Short Subjects followed the comical exploits of King Leonardo, Odie Cologne, and the scheming Biggy Rat. This whimsical series was a royal romp filled with laughter and misadventures.
8. The Road Runner Show: Fast and Furious Fun
The Road Runner Show was all about high-speed chases and comical mishaps as Wile E. Coyote tirelessly pursued the elusive bird. With minimal dialogue but maximum laughs, this show delivered thrill after thrill on Saturday mornings.
9. Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales: A Penguin’s Pursuit of Knowledge
Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales featured the intrepid penguin Tennessee Tuxedo and his loyal pal Chumley. Together, they embarked on educational adventures, imparting lessons and knowledge while keeping young viewers entertained.
10. The Jetsons: A Glimpse into the Future
The Jetsons took audiences on a futuristic journey with the Jetson family, living in a world filled with space-age gadgets and whimsical contraptions. This show offered a delightful glimpse of what the future might hold.
11. The Flintstones: A Stone Age Sitcom
The Flintstones transported viewers to the Stone Age, where modern conveniences were humorously reimagined using primitive technology. The escapades of the Flintstone family and their friends provided a unique blend of humor and nostalgia.
12. Quick Draw McGraw: The Cowboy with a Twist
Quick Draw McGraw was the quick-drawin’ cowboy with a split personality. As the bumbling El Kabong, he brought laughter and chaos to the Wild West, making this show a rootin’ tootin’ good time.
13. The Woody Woodpecker Show: Zany and Mischievous
The Woody Woodpecker Show is an awesome trip down memory lane. Woody Woodpecker was known for his distinctive laugh and penchant for trouble. His irreverent antics and endless energy left a lasting mark on Saturday morning cartoon history.
14. Underdog: There’s No Need to Fear!
Underdog was the humble shoeshine boy who transformed into a superhero to save the day. With his iconic catchphrase, “There’s no need to fear. Underdog is here!” this show championed the power of courage and determination.
15. Fireball XL5: Space Adventures Galore
Fireball XL5 took viewers on thrilling space adventures with Colonel Steve Zodiac and his crew. This sci-fi series blended action, intrigue, and futuristic technology, captivating young imaginations.
16. The New Casper Cartoon Show: Friendly Ghostly Fun
The New Casper Cartoon Show featured the friendly ghost Casper, who preferred making friends over scaring people. His heartwarming adventures taught valuable lessons about kindness and acceptance.
17. Linus the Lionhearted: A Royal Romp
Linus the Lionhearted followed the comical escapades of Linus, a king with a penchant for humor and adventure. This regal romp was filled with laughs and whimsy.
18. Hoppity Hooper: A Hopping Good Time
Hoppity Hooper featured the adventures of a frog, Hoppity Hooper, and his friends. With a dose of humor and clever storytelling, this show brought joy to Saturday mornings.
19. The Porky Pig Show: Classic Cartoon Capers
The Porky Pig Show showcased the timeless antics of Porky Pig and his Looney Tunes pals. Their madcap adventures and slapstick humor never failed to entertain.
20. The Pink Panther Show: Silent but Hilarious
The Pink Panther Show delivered silent, slapstick humor through the suave and sophisticated feline detective. Each episode was a visual comedy masterpiece, making it a standout in the world of animated entertainment. I love and still watch this show with my toddler today.
21. The Atom Ant Show: Tiny Hero, Big Adventures
The Atom Ant Show featured Atom Ant, a diminutive superhero who packed a punch. With his trusty catchphrase, “Up and at ’em, Atom Ant!” he fought villains and saved the day.
22. The Secret Squirrel Show: Espionage and Eccentricities
The Secret Squirrel Show followed the covert adventures of the debonair Secret Squirrel and his bumbling sidekick, Morocco Mole. Espionage and eccentricities made this show a delightful espionage-themed cartoon.
23. Speed Racer: Racing to Glory
Speed Racer brought high-octane excitement to Saturday mornings with futuristic racing adventures. Viewers were drawn into the world of Speed Racer, a talented driver with a powerful Mach 5 car, making this show a must-watch for action and adventure enthusiasts.
25. The Dudley Do-Right Show: A Mounty of Fun
The Dudley Do-Right Show was a delightful animated series that first aired in the early 1960s and quickly became a beloved part of Saturday morning cartoon lineups. The show followed the comical adventures of the titular character, Dudley Do-Right, a dim-witted but well-intentioned Canadian Mountie.
Dudley was on a mission to uphold the law, protect his beloved Nell Fenwick, and thwart the dastardly schemes of his arch-nemesis, Snidely Whiplash. I loved watching this in the morning as reruns in the ’80s before school.
20 Songs With Obvious Mistakes That the Artists Decided to Leave In
Did you know that some of the biggest songs in music history have mistakes that the bands decided to leave in? From accidental words to the phone ringing, here are several popular songs with accidents that made it into the final studio versions.
15 Movies From the 1980s That Suck So Bad You Probably Forgot They Existed
The 1980s produced many cultural landmarks that shaped modern cinema. The decade was full of cinematic invention, from thrilling action films to iconic comedies and revolutionary sci-fi.
Among the treasures that have earned their way into the halls of fame, there is a collection of films so lackluster and boring that you may have forgotten they existed. This trip back in time will see 1980s films so terrible you might have forgotten they existed.
22 Films Guaranteed to Make the Hair on the Back of Your Neck Stand Up
It’s that time of year again. Fall decorations are coming out. Pumpkin spice is taking over, and scary movies are begging your attention. As a connoisseur of horror films, these are the ones that have stood out over the decades as having major creepy vibes and hair-raising experiences. Have you seen them?
10 Musicians and Bands From the ‘70s That Still Deserve Your Attention Today
The 1970s was an incredible decade for music. So, I know dozens of singers, songwriters, and bands deserve their spots on this list. But I was an MTV baby who didn’t discover this great music until later in life. So, I have selected the musicians and bands that I personally love today.
26 Underrated Films From the ’90s That Never Make Best Lists
The 1990s are known for iconic blockbusters. Nonetheless, there are a ton of underrated films that are typically overlooked while revisiting the classics. Here are some of the most seriously underrated films of the 90s. Do you agree?
Elizabeth Ervin is the owner of Sober Healing. She is a freelance writer passionate about opioid recovery and has celebrated breaking free since 09-27-2013. She advocates for mental health awareness and encourages others to embrace healing, recovery, and Jesus.