6 Forgotten ’90s Kids’ Shows That Were Actually Great

Growing up in the 1990s was a fun time for kids who didn’t have many worries. Channels like Disney, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon constantly released new shows. Many families made Saturday morning cartoons a tradition, and since cable options were limited, it was easy to flip to your favorite channel.

It’s surprising how quickly time passes – the 1990s are now over three decades in the past! Like all entertainment, many popular TV shows from that era have been largely forgotten as new ones take their place. While these underrated ’90s gems don’t get much attention now, they were actually quite good and deserve to be remembered.

Freakazoid! Is a Hilarious Steven Spielberg-Produced Parody

Dexter Douglas, a teenager voiced by David Kaufman, becomes the superhero Freakazoid after a computer glitch gives him powers. The show, which ran for two seasons, follows both Dexter and his energetic alter ego, Freakazoid, as they navigate a variety of adventures, often acting as distinct personalities.

Freakazoid! is wonderfully over-the-top and hilarious. The contrast between Dexter and Freakazoid makes them fascinating characters to watch, and their interactions are particularly engaging.

The Big Comfy Couch Inspired Creativity Through Adventure

It’s surprising how little people talk about how good The Big Comfy Couch was, considering it aired for over ten years. The show follows Loonette (played by Alyson Court and Ramona Gilmour-Darling) and her doll, Molly, as they play games, figure things out, and go on adventures – all while hanging out on their couch. Later in the series, Loonette and Molly are joined by other characters who live in Clowntown.

The Big Comfy Couch beautifully demonstrates the power of using your imagination, and its message resonates with both children and grown-ups. The adventures of Loonette and Molly are sweet and fun to watch, largely thanks to Loonette’s upbeat personality. The show also benefits from having reliable and consistent supporting characters.

Pepper Ann Has a Relatable Female ’90s Protagonist

Pepper Ann is a cartoon many people likely watched as kids on Saturday mornings, even if they don’t remember it now. The show, which ran for four seasons, centers on Pepper Ann (voiced by Kathleen Wilhoite) and her experiences in middle school. A movie based on Pepper Ann was planned before the show ended, but unfortunately, it was never made.

Among all the animated shows from that era, Pepper Ann really stands out and deserves more recognition. It perfectly captures the spirit of the ’90s with its vibrant style, straightforward animation, and surprisingly relatable conversations. Plus, the show manages to balance lighthearted fun with genuinely touching and emotional stories.

Ghostwriter Is a Unique PBS Show for Young Amateur Sleuths

Ghostwriter is a show that originally aired on PBS, and was recently revived on AppleTV+ between 2019 and 2022. Set in Brooklyn, New York, the series follows a group of friends who solve mysteries with the help of a ghost named Ghostwriter, who communicates by leaving clues in text. Each mystery usually unfolds over four episodes, but some take a bit longer to solve.

It’s challenging to create a show that’s both engaging for kids and tackles important themes, but the original Ghostwriter series manages to do this effectively. The mysteries the children solve aren’t just complicated—they feel believable and relatable. Ghostwriter isn’t just added for fun; the character genuinely enhances the show and makes it more appealing.

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? Made Learning Geography Cool

Everyone was talking about the original Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? game, especially those who grew up playing computer games. However, many have forgotten about the spin-off game show. Hosted by Greg Lee, each episode featured three young contestants competing to track down Carmen Sandiego and her helpers. The winner of each round received a trip to a destination of their choice.

It’s not surprising that Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? has been forgotten over time, but it really deserves recognition. The show cleverly made learning geography fun, with puzzles that were challenging but still accessible. It’s a fantastic addition to the popular video game and the rest of the Carmen Sandiego series.

Zoboomafoo Is an Educational Show Focused on Respecting Animals

Even though it first aired in January 1999, Zoboomafoo is a show we couldn’t leave out. Hosted by brothers Chris and Martin Kratt, this nature program for kids is similar to other popular animal shows. Through different segments and lots of songs, the Kratts help children learn about animals and the importance of treating them well.

Zoboomafoo is a show that’s both fun and educational. It’s really engaging, especially because it features lemurs – a real one named Jovian and a puppet named Zoboomafoo. This often-overlooked program is wholesome, entertaining, and a great way for kids to learn.

2026-02-02 04:37