1. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Nothing screams ‘70s nostalgia like Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, even though it technically debuted in ‘69. This groovy mystery-solving gang, complete with their talking Great Dane, became a Saturday morning staple. Each episode followed a fun yet predictable formula—spooky setting, suspicious characters, and a big reveal where the “monster” turned out to be some grumpy adult in disguise. The humor, the campy chases, and that classic “meddling kids” catchphrase made it unforgettable. The simple but engaging storytelling ensured that it remained watchable for generations says the Washington Post.
The show’s success led to countless spin-offs, movies, and even a live-action adaptation, proving its timeless appeal. It also introduced kids to the idea of solving mysteries, even if their own version just involved looking for a missing sock. The animation might look dated now, but that’s part of the charm—it’s a time capsule of an era where bell-bottoms ruled. If you hear “Zoinks!” or “Jinkies” and don’t immediately think of this show, did you even grow up watching cartoons?
2. The Pink Panther Show
With its smooth jazz theme song and stylish animation, The Pink Panther Show was unlike most cartoons of its time. The Pink Panther himself was a sleek, silent trickster who always found himself in bizarre situations. His mischievous nature, combined with the show’s slapstick comedy, made it endlessly entertaining. Unlike many cartoons of the ‘70s, this one relied almost entirely on visual storytelling rather than dialogue. It felt sophisticated in a way that most other animated series didn’t shares Collider.
The character originally came from the intro sequence of the Pink Panther movies, but he quickly became a star in his own right. There was something oddly relaxing about watching his antics play out against that smooth, jazzy backdrop. Even today, the humor still lands, proving that great comedy doesn’t always need words. The Pink Panther’s cool, confident vibe made him one of the most effortlessly charming cartoon characters of all time.
3. Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids
“Hey, hey, hey!” If you grew up in the ‘70s, those words probably trigger instant nostalgia. Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids wasn’t just about laughs—it actually tried to teach kids something. Each episode featured Fat Albert and his diverse group of friends navigating real-life issues like bullying, honesty, and self-acceptance. It had a heart that set it apart from other cartoons, making it feel more personal and meaningful says Cracked.com.
The animation might not have been the smoothest, but the stories stuck with viewers long after the episode ended. The Junkyard Gang’s makeshift band and catchy musical numbers added to the fun. While the show’s connection to its creator is now complicated, there’s no denying its cultural impact. It was one of the first cartoons that truly reflected urban life, giving kids relatable characters they could see themselves in adds Vulture.
4. Super Friends
Before the blockbuster Justice League movies, there was Super Friends. This was the ultimate superhero team-up show, bringing together Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and more. The show made kids feel like they were part of something bigger, watching their favorite heroes unite to save the day. The Hall of Justice became an iconic setting, and the booming narrator made every mission feel extra important.
Sure, the action wasn’t as intense as today’s superhero shows, but that was part of the charm. The animation was simple, the dialogue could be cheesy, but the sense of adventure was undeniable. It introduced kids to comic book heroes who are still dominating pop culture today. Without Super Friends, who knows if the superhero craze would have ever reached the heights it has now?
5. Speed Buggy
If Scooby-Doo and Herbie the Love Bug had a baby, it would be Speed Buggy. This fun, fast-paced cartoon followed a talking dune buggy and his three human friends as they solved mysteries and foiled villains. Speed Buggy himself was full of personality, stuttering out his lines in a way that made him instantly lovable. His upbeat attitude and can-do spirit made the show a joy to watch.
Like many ‘70s cartoons, it followed a tried-and-true formula, but that didn’t make it any less fun. The animation had that signature Hanna-Barbera look, instantly recognizable to any Saturday morning cartoon fan. It may not have been as famous as Scooby-Doo, but it had its own charm. If you ever wanted a car with a personality of its own, Speed Buggy made you believe it was possible.
6. Josie and the Pussycats
Before Jem and the Holograms, there was Josie and the Pussycats. This all-girl rock band, dressed in their signature leopard-print outfits, traveled the world while getting tangled up in wild adventures. It was part mystery, part music, and all fun. The catchy songs, each performed in a classic bubblegum pop style, made the show stand out. It had that signature Hanna-Barbera animation style, making it feel familiar yet fresh.
The characters had distinct personalities, with Josie as the leader, Melody as the ditzy drummer, and Valerie as the smart and capable bassist. It was one of the first cartoons to feature a Black female character in a major role, which was groundbreaking at the time. The show only lasted one season, but its influence lived on. It even inspired a live-action movie decades later, proving that Josie and the Pussycats never really went out of style.
7. The New Adventures of Batman
If you loved Batman but wanted something a little lighter than the comics, The New Adventures of Batman was perfect. Voiced by Adam West and Burt Ward, this version of Batman and Robin had the same campy charm as the ‘60s live-action show. It wasn’t exactly dark and brooding, but it was packed with fun superhero action. Batgirl was included, giving the show a bit of extra flair.
One of the most memorable additions was Bat-Mite, a tiny, magical Batman superfan who often caused more problems than he solved. His goofy antics weren’t for everyone, but they gave the show its own personality. The animation was colorful and dynamic, keeping kids glued to their screens. It may not have been the most intense Batman series, but it was definitely one of the most entertaining.
8. The Addams Family (1973 Animated Series)
The creepy and kooky Addams Family got an animated makeover in the ‘70s, bringing their gothic charm to Saturday mornings. This version of the show followed Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, and the rest of the spooky crew as they traveled in a bizarre RV-like mansion on wheels. The animation captured the weirdness of the original characters while making them more accessible for kids. While it wasn’t as dark as the ‘60s live-action series, it still had plenty of macabre humor.
Jackie Coogan, who played Uncle Fester in the original show, returned to voice the character, adding some nostalgia for longtime fans. The gags were over-the-top, and the Addamses’ love for all things eerie made them stand out from other animated families. It wasn’t the most popular cartoon of the decade, but it kept the Addams Family alive for a new generation. Plus, watching Wednesday and Pugsley’s unusual hobbies made every kid wish they could get away with some mischief of their own.
9. Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels
Few characters from the ‘70s were as hilariously bizarre as Captain Caveman. With his wild hair, club-wielding antics, and signature battle cry—“Captain CAAAAAVEMAAAN!”—he was hard to forget. This show followed the bumbling prehistoric superhero and his three teenage sidekicks as they solved mysteries. The mix of slapstick comedy and detective work made it a fun ride, even if it was clearly inspired by Scooby-Doo.
Captain Caveman had super strength, could fly (sometimes), and pulled random objects from his fur to save the day. His goofy personality was a perfect contrast to the competent Teen Angels, who often had to clean up his messes. The show wasn’t exactly deep, but it was pure Saturday morning fun. If you grew up yelling his name at the top of your lungs, you weren’t alone.
10. Hong Kong Phooey
A dog who’s also a kung fu master? That’s Hong Kong Phooey, and he was as ridiculous as he was lovable. Voiced by Scatman Crothers, he was a mild-mannered janitor by day and a crime-fighting martial artist by night—well, sort of. In reality, he was pretty terrible at kung fu and mostly got lucky with his victories. His sarcastic cat sidekick, Spot, often did most of the real work.
The show played on the martial arts craze of the ‘70s, but it was more about comedy than action. The animation was classic Hanna-Barbera, complete with exaggerated fight scenes and over-the-top villains. The catchy theme song was enough to make you want to chop the air in excitement. It may have been a spoof, but it had its own charm that made it a fan favorite.
11. The Jetsons (Rebroadcasts)
While The Jetsons originally aired in the ‘60s, its reruns in the ‘70s introduced a whole new generation to the futuristic family. With its flying cars, robot maids, and video calls, it felt like a glimpse into what life could be. George Jetson’s everyday struggles were hilariously relatable, even if they took place in space. His boss, Mr. Spacely, was always yelling at him, and his kids—Judy and Elroy—were constantly wrapped up in their own futuristic antics.
Rosie the Robot and Astro the dog gave the show extra heart, making it feel like a true family sitcom. Looking back, it’s funny to see what the show got right about technology, even if we’re still waiting for our flying cars. The humor and imaginative setting kept it from feeling outdated, even decades later. If you ever dreamed of having a robot do your chores, The Jetsons made you believe it could happen.
12. Battle of the Planets
If you were a kid in the ‘70s and wanted a more serious, action-packed cartoon, Battle of the Planets was your go-to. Adapted from the Japanese anime Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, it followed a team of five young heroes fighting to protect Earth. Their bird-themed costumes and martial arts moves made them look incredibly cool. The animation style was more dynamic than most American cartoons at the time, giving it a unique edge.
The show had high-stakes action, space battles, and an ongoing storyline, which was rare for kids’ TV back then. Even though it was heavily edited for U.S. audiences, it still had a more mature feel than the typical Saturday morning lineup. It introduced many kids to the world of anime before they even knew what anime was. For those who wanted something beyond talking dogs and slapstick humor, Battle of the Planets was a game-changer.
13. The Harlem Globetrotters
A basketball team starring in their own cartoon might sound unusual, but in the ‘70s, it made perfect sense. The Harlem Globetrotters animated series followed the real-life basketball entertainers as they went on wacky adventures. Each episode featured them using their basketball skills to get out of tricky situations, complete with trick shots and smooth moves. It was silly, but it was also incredibly fun.
The real Globetrotters were already famous for their comedy-infused basketball games, so turning them into animated heroes was a natural fit. The show introduced a lot of kids to the team, who would go on to become pop culture icons. Even today, the Globetrotters are still touring, proving that their brand of fun never goes out of style. If you ever tried to spin a basketball on your finger, this show probably had something to do with it.