TV network reviews: Cartoon Network

In Cartoon Network’s beginnings, there were more classical cartoons, like Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, and Droopy. Since then, its programming has moved on, with some classic cartoons, such as daily episodes of Tom and Jerry combined with newer series. Occasionally, old Scooby-Doo still makes it on air, but sadly, it is usually its newer (not better) version: A Pup Named Scooby Doo, as well as the sad substitution: Baby Looney Tunes, which is so far away from the cleverness of the original Looney Tunes, it’s as if the writers aren’t even trying. Such shows may capture the attention of a pre-school audience, while other shows on the network aim for a more adult market. The Cartoon Network is the station for animation fans, but don’t expect all of it to be family friendly programming.

Some of the new, humorous cartoons, such as Camp Lazlo and Chowder, actually have some great moments. Adults can sit down and laugh with their kids over them while the kids are guaranteed some quotable quotes that won’t embarrass their parents. The Mr. Men Show is a great example, as well. It’s new to the kids, but many adults may remember growing up with the books.

There is also a dark side of Cartoon Network-after dark, that is. Cartoon Network’s late-night programming, also known as Adult Swim, includes Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law, Family Guy, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and Robot Chicken. These shows are inappropriate for children. Although they are aired late at night, I learned when my son had a sleepover with friends that late night airing does not mean off-limits to children. Somehow, the ratings filters we set up on our satellite dish have not prevented these shows from being seen. I was shocked to find that Robot Chicken in particular, while a funny, claymation parody, is as inappropriate for kids as the R-rated movie Superbad. Since it is only a fifteen minute show, it rarely even shows up on our satellite’s programming guide, which may explain why we have had some difficulty with the ratings blocks filtering it.

For fans of action cartoons, Cartoon Network has Transformers Cybertron, Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and Pokemon. My reaction to each of these shows is, “I don’t get it,” but my eight year-old absolutely loves them. A number of other shows on Cartoon Network fall in the in-between categories of not exactly Adult Swim but not exactly kid-friendly either. For this reason, parents should watch a few episodes of any series before deciding if it’s age appropriate for their child.