Did you grow up watching Nicktoons? (logo copyright Nickelodeon)
Besides launching the careers of Kenan Thompson, Amanda Bynes and Nick Cannon, this television network provided a variety of television shows from “Legends of the Hidden Temple” to “All That.” But the network’s most memorable programming came from their signature “Nicktoons.”
“Nicktoons” were defined as cartoons that originated on Nickelodeon and focused on a variety of larger-than-life characters dealing with everyday situations that put smiles on childrens’ faces.
Here are some of the most beloved “Nicktoons” that CU students had to talk about.
One of the very first Nicktoons that future students said they loved to watch was “Doug.” Created by Jim Jinkins, this animated series aired on Nick from 1991 to 1994. “Doug” followed the adventures of Doug Funnie and his friends and family in the fictional city of Bluffington.
In addition to all of his misadventures, Doug dealt with typical elementary school situations that almost every CU student dealt with while they were younger. From going on a movie date with his crush, Patti Mayonnaise, to meeting his favorite rock group: The Beets, alongside his BFF Skeeter Valentine, Doug’s adventures always mimed real life difficulties.
Rebecca Henderson, an 18-year-old freshman English major, said one aspect of the cartoon that stuck with her was the original tune that hooked viewers.
“I liked the intro song because it was very catchy,” Henderson said.
After 1994, “Doug” took a two-year hiatus before it returned to Disney airwaves.
Rugrats (courtesy photo)
Besides the characters’ personalities that attracted future Buffs to the show, Chioma Nwankwo, a 20-year-old junior electrical engineering major, said that the writing also attracted her to the show.
“The episodes were very interesting and entertaining,” Nwankwo said. “It was very easy to understand the show.”
Throughout the show’s 13-year run, it tackled holiday episodes including Hanukkah, Christmas and Passover and released three full-length movies that featured the voices of Bruce Willis, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Whoopi Goldberg. Currently, the reruns of the show air on Nicktoons Network.
The final classic Nicktoon that many CU students remembered was
Hey Arnold! (courtesy photo)
Henderson said it was the supporting cast who stole the show.
“One of my favorite characters on there was Helga [Arnold’s secret crush] and Arnold’s grandparents [voiced by “Simpsons” actors Dan Castellaneta and Tress MacNeile].” Henderson said. “All of them were extremely funny.”
Besides airing over 100 episodes that featured guest stars Ron Perlman and country legend Randy Travis, the show produced a full-length movie that featured Arnold and the gang tackling a greedy real estate CEO trying to destroy their neighborhood.
Despite the success of these Nicktoons, several CU students like Ruben Saucedo, a 20-year-old sophomore civil engineering major, said it was hard to remember these shows.
“I don’t remember any of these shows,” Saucedo said. “They were on so long ago that I have a hard time remembering what shows were on there.”
Did we miss some of your favorite Nicktoons? Then take our poll.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jacob Elyachar at Jacob.elyachar@colorado.edu.
