19 Kids Shows That Are Even Better To Watch As An Adult

Hey Arnold! is so much better when you understand all the jokes.

We asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us what kids shows they love watching as an adult. Here's what they had to say.

1. Steven Universe

Cartoon Network

"It has its light, silly episodes, but then also manages to approach topics like consent without being in your face about it. I wouldn’t have realised it as a child, but it’s a theme I see since I’m an adult watching it. There’s also something about it that soothes my anxiety and depression like a good song. This is seriously one of the best, most progressive shows I’ve ever seen, for kids or adults." – clairew469e28fce

2. Gravity Falls

Disney

"It's the classic mystery cartoon like Scooby Doo, but this time the monsters are real. It features celebrity cameos alongside unicorns, gnomes, mermaids, and even Hamilton. What's not to love?" – Ale Aguilera, Facebook

3. Total Drama

Fresh TV

"It's a fake reality show, which is just basically making fun of Survivor and other shows like that. The characters are great, the storylines are hilarious, and it's aimed more at teenagers so you don't feel like the show is dumbing anything down." – Jemima Skelley

4. Adventure Time

Cartoon Network

"It's so imaginative and I love the bright colors, character design, songs, and world-building. It’s hilarious, with both sophisticated and simple jokes, but it mixes its weird humor with scary/philosophical topics, and represents complex and unique relationships." – Emily Sailors, Facebook

5. Little Lunch

ABC3

"It’s a mockumentary in the style of The Office, Parks and Rec, etc., but follows a group of school children during snack/recess break. The show’s writing is witty, and the actors do a great job. I wish there was more than one season." – angien7

6. Regular Show

Cartoon Network

"The storylines, music, and characters are hilarious. I find myself watching it when my kids aren't even home." – Colleen Nickles, Facebook

7. Hey Arnold!

Nickelodeon

"The show had great character development and dealt with heavy issues such as class warfare, family problems, and adult illiteracy, in a light-hearted yet impactful way. " – Michelle Aihe, Facebook

8. Avatar: The Last Airbender

Nickelodeon

"Quite honestly one of the best animated series ever made. Even though I was introduced to it by my adolescent cousin, it wasn't very hard for me to get lost in it. From its exceptional storyline, to the very relatable characters, and the fighting styles/action sequences OMGGG. Even now, I still binge watch all three chapters." – Taopheeq Hassan, Facebook

9. The Amazing World of Gumball

Cartoon Network

"The pacing can be slightly hectic at times, but the jokes are so funny and the references to both pop culture and cult hits are great. I also love the voice acting and the eclectic mix of animation styles." – Brinnley Spencer, Facebook

10. Spongebob Squarepants

Nickelodeon

"I started watching it when I became seriously ill. Was a great way to make me laugh without having to think. Plus, there are so many hidden jokes for adults that kids just wouldn't get. I love it!" – Sherrie Brunell, Facebook

11. As Told By Ginger

Nickelodeon

"Such a relatable, drama-filled cartoon with show premises and little quips that wouldn't fly today... like the time that Ginger's appendix ruptured or when it was mentioned that Carl was an atheist. Loved it!" – Zaha Shtewi, Facebook

12. Girl Meets World

Disney Channel

"It had just enough of the nostalgia factor to get me interested, but it also has great new characters too. All of the kids respect their parents, and care about school, which is something that makes it an easy choice for my younger sister to watch. We watch every episode together and absolutely love it." – Samantha Rose Narciso, Facebook

13. Phineas and Ferb

Disney

"Phineas and Ferb is an awesome show that doesn't treat its audience like dunces. The show embraces everyone's differences, and brings imagination to life. Every day there's a new adventure or two, and no one ever gets in trouble because Doofenshmirtz is an idiot and everything always goes away. And a lot of the time, there's a little bit of well-hidden science along the way." – Cassy Michael, Facebook

14. Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated

Nickelodeon

"I loved Scooby Doo growing up, but this version takes it to another level. Instead of just unmasking the villain at the end of the episode, there's a deeper thread that develops over both seasons. Plus the ska zombies episode is hilarious!" – Sarah Cohen, Facebook

15. Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir

Nickelodeon

"It's fairly new and really captures the essence of being a teenager, and navigating through life. Also it deals with a lot of issues and feelings, that are negative but are resolved in a manner which you might learn from them. Of course it's also great fun, because let's face it, a superhero series with a love square and lots of humor and teenage awkwardness is bound to be something we can all enjoy." – Ellen Summer, Facebook

16. Cow and Chicken

Cartoon Network

"It's an awfully perverted show I used to enjoy SO MUCH AS A KID in a very innocent way, now the whole message of the show is distorted and it's actually hilarious. Too many hidden messages." – Guarina Molina, Facebook

17. Digimon

Bandai

"While Pokémon won out in the game category, Digimon knew how to tell a story and allow characters to get dark and eventually progress." – Josh West, Facebook

18. Rocko's Modern Life

Nickelodeon

"Not just for the nostalgic value, but because there are so many off-kilter jokes that no one got as a kid but are all too obvious (and hilarious) now. How did Nick get away with a dog humping a mop in a broom closet?! Or Heffer getting off to a milking machine?" – Colleen Deitrich, Facebook

19. Kim Possible

Disney

"A smart, strong, brave girl with her best friend counterpart - a quirky goof of a boy who is a helpful klutz. KP taught me what feminism was before I knew what it meant growing up, and I shipped her and Ron before I even knew what shipping was. Each episode has enough fun, sarcasm, and good life lessons along with great writing by the producers to keep you going all the way through finals week. *True story*." – chocoholic

Note: Some submissions have been edited for clarity and/or length.

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