Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Written and edited by Cohlman from @AandKGames
Cartoons that shifted their network’s formula
Starting off we have Avatar: The Last Airbender, which was drastically different your average wacky Nickelodeon shows with standalone episodes thanks to its continuous episodic stories deep philosophical worldbuilding. It goes down in history as one of the best Nick shows.
Up next is Regular Show being a standout on Cartoon Network by targeting older teens and young adults rather than children. They did this by using workplace slacker humor, a young-adult cast, and several adult undertones.
Next Up is Gargoyles putting a twist on Disney Afternoon’s formula, being much darker and more serialized than your Goof Troops and your Bonkers. It utilized mature, Shakespearean storytelling and heavily integrated mythology and literary depth.
From Disney Afternoon to Disney Channel, we have Gravity Falls. At a time where Disney channel was relegating animation to light gags to make room for their live-action sitcoms, Gravity Falls brought cryptic lore, overarching paranormal mysteries, and genuine cosmic horror to Disney.
And lastly we have Batman: The Animated Series being a drastic switch up for Fox Kids with its moody film-noir atmosphere and mature storytelling. It also takes advantage of a unique ‘Dark Deco’ art style painted on black-toned cel paper. It also helps that it’s one of the most memorable pieces of Batman media to date.
Written and edited by Cohlman from @AandKGames
Cartoons that shifted their network’s formula
Starting off we have Avatar: The Last Airbender, which was drastically different your average wacky Nickelodeon shows with standalone episodes thanks to its continuous episodic stories deep philosophical worldbuilding. It goes down in history as one of the best Nick shows.
Up next is Regular Show being a standout on Cartoon Network by targeting older teens and young adults rather than children. They did this by using workplace slacker humor, a young-adult cast, and several adult undertones.
Next Up is Gargoyles putting a twist on Disney Afternoon’s formula, being much darker and more serialized than your Goof Troops and your Bonkers. It utilized mature, Shakespearean storytelling and heavily integrated mythology and literary depth.
From Disney Afternoon to Disney Channel, we have Gravity Falls. At a time where Disney channel was relegating animation to light gags to make room for their live-action sitcoms, Gravity Falls brought cryptic lore, overarching paranormal mysteries, and genuine cosmic horror to Disney.
And lastly we have Batman: The Animated Series being a drastic switch up for Fox Kids with its moody film-noir atmosphere and mature storytelling. It also takes advantage of a unique ‘Dark Deco’ art style painted on black-toned cel paper. It also helps that it’s one of the most memorable pieces of Batman media to date.
