Children's programming has been a staple in the television landscape since the invention of TV. From educational programs to the purely entertaining, there was always something for children to watch. In recent years, children's television has faced competition from the many technological advancements that have occurred in animation and other media.
For the first time, children's programming needed to compete with video games, computers/tablets, and of course YouTube. In order to win kid's attention, creators had to step up their game when it came to children's TV shows. The competition has lead to the creation of some amazing and groundbreaking cartoons over the last two decades.
Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends - 7.6
With a 7.6 rating on IMDb, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends lands itself as number 10 on the list. Premiering on Cartoon Network in August 2004, the series centered around Mac and his imaginary friend Bloo, who lived at Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends after Mac's mother told him it was time to get rid of Bloo.
Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends was a huge success for Cartoon Network, earning them seven Emmy Awards and five Annie Awards. The series also ranks on IGN's list of top 100 animated series.
Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug & Cat Noir - 7.8
The French made series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir makes the list with a 7.8 rating. The series follows two Parisian teenagers who become superheroes to protect the city of Paris. In addition to saving the world, Ladybug and Cat Noir must keep their identities a secret from everyone, including each other.
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir currently airs on several platforms, including Netflix and Disney Channel in the US. The series is hailed for its diversity and kid-friendly superhero storylines.
Teen Titans - 7.8
Teen Titans is another animated kids' show that makes this list with a rating of 7.8. Based on DC's superhero team, the series centers around a teenage Robin and his team as they attempt to protect Earth from evil. Like any superhero team, each character posses a special talent that helps make the team unstoppable.
Teen Titans premiered on Cartoon Network in 2003 and ran for five seasons -- an impressive feat, considering it was originally only slated for four seasons. The series was extremely popular and even earned a spin-off in the late 2010s.
Phineas And Ferb - 7.9
While Disney Channel is best known for its live-action programming, the network does have its fair share of impressive animated shows. Landing at number seven is Phineas and Ferb, which centers around two stepbrothers who are determined to have the best summer vacation ever.
Phineas and Ferb debuted on Disney Channel in August 2007 following the highly anticipated DCOM High School Musical 2. The series immediately became a fan favorite, with viewers tuning in week after to week to see what crazy scheme the brothers were coming up with next.
SpongeBob SquarePants - 8.1
SpongeBob SquarePants is arguably the most iconic animated kids' show of the last two decades, which is why it's shocking to see that it sits at number six on this list.
Premiering on Nickelodeon in 1999, the series follows SpongeBob, a Bikini Bottom resident and fry cook at the Krusty Krab. With over 262 episodes spanning 21 years, the series is currently the fifth-longest-running American animated series. SpongeBob SquarePants has since become a popular franchise, spanning feature films, Broadway musicals, books, toys, and theme park rides.
Steven Universe - 8.2
Landing itself in the top five is the Cartoon Network original series, Steven Universe. Premiering in 2013, the series follows The Crystal Gem team, whose job it is to protect the universe. The half-human, half-Gem Steven is the newest member of the team and the main character of the series.
Steven Universe ran for five seasons on Cartoon Network and also included a TV movie and a limited epilogue series. The series became the first animated series to ever win a GLAAD Media Award in 2019 for its inclusive LGBTQ characters, themes, and storylines.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - 8.2
Star Wars is not only for teenagers and adults anymore, thanks to the creation of the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Debuting in 2008 on Cartoon Network, the series follows Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they navigate the tumultuous Clone Wars plaguing their galaxy.
The series became the Star Wars universe's first-ever weekly animated TV series after the success of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars film. The series was a massive success for Cartoon Network and was nominated for several awards.
Adventure Time - 8.6
With over 10 seasons, spanning eight years and with a rating of 8.6 on IMDb, Adventure Time earns the number three spot on this list. The series is about 12-year-old Finn as he attempts to rid the Land of Ooo of evil with help from his dog Jake. The series also features an ensemble cast that includes Princess Bubblegum, the Ice King, Marceline, and BMO, just to name a few.
Adventure Time was inspired by the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, but made more kid-friendly. The series became a hit amongst children, but also had a dedicated adult fanbase, as well.
Gravity Falls - 8.9
Disney Channel once again makes the list, this time with the animated mystery series Gravity Falls. The series follows twin siblings Dipper and Mabel, who are spending the summer with their uncle Grunkle Stan and helping him run The Mystery Shack. Shortly after arriving, the twins realize that Gravity Falls is full of mysteries and they're determined to solve them.
Gravity Falls only had two seasons, but it proved to be a hit series for Disney Channel and is a fan favorite amongst animation fanatics.
Avatar: The Last Airbender - 9.2
Landing its self in the number one spot is the Nickelodeon original series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Premiering in 2005, the series follows Aang, the last Avatar, who must master all four elements in order to defeat the Fire nation and save the world from disaster.
The series ran for three seasons and was a massive success for Nickelodeon. Even today's fans flock to the series, which has recently started streaming on Netflix. In addition to being entertaining, Avatar: The Last Airbender was hailed for its ability to tackle complex issues like genocide and imperialism in a kid-friendly manner.