Cartoons from the 90s with Adult Humor

Being an adult means you have had enough real-world experience to appreciate things you wouldn’t have in your childhood. For many of us who grew up loving cartoons in the 90s, we tend to go back now and again to watch them to get a nostalgia bomb and newfound sense of appreciation. But then we discover that some of those beloved childhood cartoons contain some humor that is only fit for an adult audience.

Three Kids Cartoons from the 90s with Adult Humor

1. The Tick

   When The Tick debuted in 1994, it effectively spoofed the superhero genre. The show featured a blue tick man with incredible strength and invincibility, and contained many pop culture references and jokes that pleased adults but went over the heads of younger audiences. Perhaps this is why kids didn't get into it as much as adults did. The show was satirical to a fault and still has us chuckling as adults. For example, The Tick's sidekick Arthur is constantly trying to convince everyone that he's not a bunny.

2. Rocko's Modern Life

   Rocko's Modern Life was an oddball show that premiered in 1993. It followed Rocko, a wallaby who moved from Australia to the USA to live the dream, but faced more challenges than he anticipated. At one point in the show, Rocko had to work as a phone sex operator to make ends meet. This storyline is hilarious to us as adults, but no kid in the 90s understood the deep satire of the cartoon. The show also contained many subtle jokes and innuendos that would only be understood by a mature audience.

3. Animaniacs

   The Animaniacs, Wacko, Yacko, and Dot, took adult humor to another level. In one episode, the teacher asked Yacko if he could conjugate, and he responded by saying he had never even kissed a girl. Another episode had them singing about Lake Titicaca with a heavy emphasis on the word 'Titicaca.' The show was filled with clever writing, wordplay, and parodies of pop culture that would go over the heads of younger viewers. Animaniacs also had a recurring segment called "Good Idea, Bad Idea," which depicted dangerous and ill-advised situations, but presented them in a comical and sarcastic way.

Three More Shows from the 90s with Adult Humor

1. The Ren & Stimpy Show

   The Ren & Stimpy Show was an animated series that aired from 1991 to 1996. The show followed the adventures of Ren, an emotionally unstable Chihuahua, and Stimpy, a good-natured and dimwitted cat. The show's humor was characterized by its extreme gross-out gags and dark humor, which was often lost on younger audiences. For example, one episode featured a character named Mr. Horse, who was often shown warning other characters about the dangers of certain activities, only to be ignored or ridiculed. The show's creator, John Kricfalusi, was known for pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable in a kids' cartoon.

2. Beavis and Butt-Head

   Beavis and Butt-Head was a popular animated series that aired from 1993 to 1997. The show followed the adventures of two dimwitted teenagers, Beavis and Butt-Head, as they watched music videos and got into all sorts of trouble. The show's humor was characterized by its crude humor, satirical social commentary, and nihilistic worldview. For example, in one episode, Beavis and Butt-Head try to sell sperm to raise money for a concert ticket, only to end up accidentally ingesting it.

3. Duckman

   Duckman was an animated series that aired from 1994 to 1997. The show followed the adventures of a wisecracking private detective, Eric T. Duckman, who was a crude and egotistical character. The show's humor was characterized by its satirical social commentary, dark humor, and pop culture references. For example, in one episode, Duckman becomes a TV executive and creates a show called "The Murder Channel," which is a hit with viewers despite its graphic violence.

In conclusion, these shows from the 90s contained humor that was often lost on younger audiences but appreciated by adults. They pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in a kids' cartoon and provided a satirical take on society and pop culture. As adults, we can now look back on these shows with a newfound sense of appreciation and nostalgia.