The last decade was a period of rejuvenation and innovation for Cartoon Network. 2005 to 2010 was, conversely, a dark period for the network. There were barely any cartoons remaining and the network was littered with live-action shows and sitcoms that inevitably had short lifespans. While some of the younger audience appealed to these shows, the majority of viewers were annoyed about Cartoon Network's declining quality of programming and little to no animated series.
This new structure caused some former fans to abandon the channel and find another network. However, Adventure Time kicked off what would be another Golden Age of animation for Cartoon Network. For this ranking, mini-series weren't included, as they deserve their own list.
Craig On The Creek (2018 - Present) 7.3/10
This laid-back program about a young kid named Craig who regularly played in a local creek with his friends Kelsey and J.P also featured his unique family, who was supportive of his interests (to a lesser extent Bernard) and helped him when necessary.
Craig on the Creek was the first Cartoon Network series to have a black title character. Fans were fond of the show's down to earth vibe, appealing characters, humor, and diversity.
Mao Mao Heroes Pure Of Heart (2019 - Present) 7.5/10
The adventurous Mao Mao and his friends got stuck in the adorable town of Pure Heart Valley. Mao Mao became sheriff of the town and worked alongside his pals to combat evil.
According to Animation Magazine, Mao Mao's first appearance was in an animated short released in 2014. Series creator, Parker Simmons, entered the Titmouse animation studio's Five Second Day event, where employees could create their own shorts. Viewers became fans after falling in love with the show's anime style, high-energy action, and heartfelt characters.
Ben 10: Ultimate Alien (2010 - 2012) 7.5/10
A followup to Ben 10: Alien Force, this series dealt with Ben having to learn how to operate the Ultimatrix - an updated version of the Omnitrix. Ben's secret identity was also revealed and now he and his family were in more danger.
The show lasted for three seasons. Fans appreciated Ben's character growth and how the show explored rhetorical questions, such as what would happen if the alien forms were released from the device, and if Ben could vanquish all evil, would he?
Generator Rex (2010 - 2013) 7.5/10
Inspired by the 90s comic M. Rex, Rex is the Providence's secret weapon for defeating Evos, monsters that were originally organisms, like humans, but were infected by a race of robots called Nanites.
Generator Rex was a treat to watch. Fans enjoyed the colorful characters and their interactions, the intricately choreographed action scenes, and the world-building. Rex ran for three seasons. During its run, it won two Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2010, background painters Chu-Hui Song and Nora Murphy won the Outstanding Individual Animation award for the episode "The Day That Changed Everything."
We Bare Bears (2015 - Present) 7.9/10
Series creator Daniel Chong based the series on his webcomic The Three Bare Bears. The comic lasted only a year, but he kept the idea tucked away until he pitched it to Cartoon Network. We Bare Bears focused on three brothers appropriately named Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear.
They lived in a cave outside of San Francisco and adjusted to their lives mingling with humans. Their first and closest human friend was a child prodigy named Chloe. The show's been praised for its wholesome characters, heartwarming moments, and representation of racial minorities. Currently, there's a spin-off show in the works about the bears when they were cubs.
Sym-Bionic Titan (2010 - 2011) 8.1/10
Gone too soon - the brainchild of animation wizards Genndy Tartakovsky (creator of Samurai Jack), Bryan Adams (noteworthy story-board artist), and Paul Rudish (developer of the series Mickey Mouse), Sym-Bionic Titan followed two aliens and a robot who found refuge on Earth and, when combined, form the powerful being known as Sym-Bionic Titan.
The series offered something for everyone - thrills, drama, comedy, romance, heart, and action. The show was canceled due to not selling enough merchandise.
The Amazing World Of Gumball (2011 - Present) 8.2/10
The Amazing World of Gumball is definitely a feast for the eyes. The series utilizes a multitude of animation styles and formats to create its wacky world where realistic dinosaurs, CGI balls, and two-dimensional characters co-exist.
Gumball Waterson and his eccentric family are the focus of the cartoon, while its recurring characters occasionally share the spotlight. Besides being one of the more artistically driven shows, it also manages to be poignant and it won over its audience with its characters, wit, comedy, and social commentary.
Steven Universe (2013 - 2019) 8.2/10
Created by Rebecca Sugar, Steven Universe was the first Cartoon Network show to be created by a woman. What seemed like a simple show about a young boy who had a gem on his belly button would develop into one of the most progressive and controversial shows in history.
Fans adored the complicated but sympathetic characters, Sugar's poetic music, the world-building, and representation of LGBTQ+ characters. Sugar and the team pushed the boundaries on what was "acceptable" for children's media and consequently made adults and youths who were different not only heard, but celebrated.
Infinity Train (2019 - Present) 8.4/10
This series was created by CN alum writer Owen Dennis. Infinity Train's premise follows a variable protagonist who is attempting to escape a never-ending train with cars that contain a variety of mystical and bizarre realms.
So far, two seasons or books have been released. Fans quickly jumped on this series, enchanted by the different environments, resonant characters, and superb voice acting. Infinity Train was initially announced as a mini-series but was later changed to an anthology show, to the delight of fans.
Adventure Time (2010 - 2018) 8.6/10
The cartoon that ignited another golden age of animation is also the network's highest-rated program on IMDb. Adventure Time starred Jake the Dog and Finn the Human and it followed their adventures in the land of Ooo, among a menagerie of entertaining and three-dimensional characters. The show started out light-hearted but later explored mature and darker themes, like abandonment, memory loss, and death.
The series was also controversial for dropping hints about Princess Bubblegum and Marceline's prior relationship and their new budding feelings. By the series finale, the duo confirmed their love with a kiss. During its eight-year run, the cast and crew provided fans with a beautiful, imperfect world with characters that taught fans life lessons that have stuck with them.