As far as American programming is concerned, cartoons have held an important historical role in television. For most of this time, however, cartoons have maintained an important, yet limited time slot: mornings and early afternoons.
This all changed, however, in the 1990s with the launch of Cartoon Network, which exists to this day to air animated content almost exclusively (give or take a few lame live-action movies). Also, in 1989, Fox began airing the primetime animated sitcom, “The Simpsons,” which after 25 years still maintains a successful primetime slot in Fox’s programming, and paved the way for other animated shows.
Arguably, the big three animated shows today are “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy” and “South Park.” While these tried and true shows continue to entertain with great success, there are other options to consider for people looking to add more animated programs to their watch list.
1. “Archer”
“Archer” is an animated comedy created by Adam Reed for FX. While the first four seasons of the show followed the dysfunctional inner workings of the fictional intelligence agency, ISIS, the show has recently undergone a revamp for its fifth season, “Archer: Vice,” which follows the character’s efforts to run a successful drug cartel in the aftermath of the agency being disbanded by the U.S. government. The show follows the narcissistic, culturally witty and hilariously irresponsible master spy, Sterling Archer (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), as he jeopardizes the lives of his friends and coworkers, all the while disappointing his boss, who just happens to be his alcoholic, emotionally distant mother. “Archer” offers you the ride of a lifetime: quick-witted jokes amid a half hour of explosions and ridiculous gun fights. It doesn’t get much better than this.
2. “Adventure Time”
While often considered a children’s show, “Adventure Time” is arguably one of the most enjoyable, yet dark and depressing animated programs on television, and people love it. Created by Pendleton Ward, “Adventure Time” is a show that works to rekindle the youthful soul in us all. Since its premiere in 2010, “Adventure Time” has won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy, and has also garnered a quasi-cult following among college students and casual drug users in general. Set in the post apocalyptic Land of Ooo, the show follows the whimsical and humorous adventures of Finn, a human boy and the last of his kind, and his best friend, a magical dog named Jake. Each episode is 11 minutes long and follows the duo’s overcoming of obstacles in their way to be the heroes they know themselves in their hearts to be. “Adventure Time” airs on Cartoon Network, and the first season can be streamed on Netflix.
3. “Rick and Morty”
If spies and mystical post-apocalyptia aren’t really your style, then maybe “Rick and Morty” has what you’re looking for. From “Community” creator Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, “Rick and Morty” is a brand-new show that follows the irreverent and morally questionable adventures of Morty, a socially awkward 14-year-old boy, and his alcoholic, mentally unstable, super-genius grandfather, Rick. Together, they traverse across space and time in order to make new breakthroughs in Rick’s often unethical and pseudo-scientific projects. These escapades often leave the two in absurd and hilarious situations, ranging from adopting a new dimension after the destruction of their own to being trolled by a virtual reality system. The other aspect of the show involves Morty’s parents as they struggle through a loveless marriage, and Morty’s older, typical “white girl” sister, Summer. “Rick and Morty” premiered last December and is currently on the ninth episode of its 11-episode run on Adult Swim, where it has been renewed for a second season.
4. “Robot Chicken”
OK, if you didn’t like “Robot Chicken” back in high school, you probably won’t like it now. If you did like it, you always will, and if you’ve never seen it, then give it a try. From the twisted mind of Seth Green comes a stop motion, claymation, comedy sketch show that takes all the beloved and cherished characters from toys and shows you know and love and pits them into disturbing, hilarious and mature situation. While the show may be unfit for sober daytime viewing, “Robot Chicken” is the perfect show for sleep-deprived, inebriated, 4 a.m. entertainment. The show boasts an incredible list of celebrity guest stars, and has won three Emmys over its six-season run. The seventh season of “Robot Chicken” is planned for April 2014 on Adult Swim.
5. “The Boondocks”
With its return for a fourth and final season planned for this April, there’s never been a better time to catch up on Aaron McGruder’s “The Boondocks.” Originally a comic strip, “The Boondocks” finally realized its potential as a television show when it was picked up for a 15-episode run by Adult Swim. “The Boondocks” tell the story of Huey and Riley, two brothers who move out of the inner city to live with their short-tempered granddad, whose rules and demands are often a point of contention. The show is narrated by Huey, a revolutionary, free-thinking, leftist kid who often takes up projects aimed at stopping civil injustices. Riley is Huey’s troublemaking younger brother, who enthusiastically worships contemporary African-American pop culture and aims at being the toughest, meanest gangster in white, middle-class suburbia. While both sparking controversy and garnering critical acclaim, “The Boondocks” is a smart show that is consistently funny, constantly enlightening and highly addictive.
The world of cartoons and animated alternative entertainment is currently a thriving bed of creativity and entertainment. Using animation to explore irreverent absurdities, the creators of these shows are offering something that cannot be done through any other medium. So if you’re tired of the same “Family Guy” episode airing every night on TBS, or if you’re tired of doing “The Simpsons” a favor by tuning in to it, consider adding these cartoons to your normal lineup.