The world of television has changed drastically between the 1980s and 2020s, reflecting societal changes in taste, technological advancements, and cultural transformations. TV shows and cartoons, in particular, have evolved dramatically from plain amusement to varied narratives with diverse representation and innovative production methods.
During this time, cartoons also evolved. While still aimed at children, series such as Batman: The Animated Series, X-Men, and Gargoyles used darker, more sophisticated stories to address real-world concerns such as justice, ethics, and morality. Even sitcoms like The Simpsons and Animaniacs began to include humor that appealed to children and adults and harsh social critiques.
Sophie Gallegos (10) shares her experience with shows that may be geared more toward an older audience, saying, “Half of the shows I watched were not for children at all. For example, Futurama, Family Guy, and American Dad included mature topics, but my parents thought I was capable of watching them. Also, Kick Buttowski, Chowder, and Jessie had discussions about depression, which I didn’t understand at the time.”
Over time, the focus has shifted to more child-friendly work. Kid TV series are available now more than ever, primarily due to the growth of cable networks and streaming platforms.
The days when Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Sesame Street were the only kids’ television programs available and thus the most watched are long gone. Without a doubt, those beloved PBS series continue to be well-liked among young viewers, but “there is a lot of competition for screen time these days” (Fatherly.com).
After the ’80s, going into the 2000s, kids were still familiar with the same shows but mainly watched newer ones. Often, these shows had lighter themes. Kiany Gomez (10), a student at Yorba Linda High School, expresses her viewpoint: “My favorite show was Strawberry Shortcake because I really liked pink, but I also remember watching The Backyardigans, Handy Mandy, Dora, and Bob The Builder. I think Teen Titans were pretty popular back then too.”
Interests shifted alongside technology. Although some of the top children’s shows are Bluey, I Am Groot, and Zootopia (Ranker), this new generation of kids has changed their ways and is mainly set on “streaming platforms, such as YouTube, affecting trends and exposure to certain shows. Kids are addicted to screens, but not the O.G. flat screen that’s still attached to mom and dad’s cable box..time spent viewing kids’ programming on linear television collapsed by a massive 53 percent from 2019 to 2021″ (Linkwire).
As we advance into the digital age, television’s future offers even more opportunities for innovation, diverse storytelling, and inclusivity, keeping viewers of all generations captivated.
