4. Rugrats
Series Run: 1991-1994, 1997-2004 (172 episodes)
Network: Nickelodeon
Theme Song Rating: The perspective-bending intro coupled with the simple and fun song do a good job of summarizing the show, 4.5/5. I liked this show so much that I watched every episode of All Grown Up. I liked this show so much that I contemplated having a baby at age 11 so I could watch it hang out with its fun group of friends. The brain-child of Klasky and Csupo (just try and forget their tag at the end of each episode), two Simpsons animators who created another of the longest running cartoon series of all-time. Rugrats was centered on a group of babies led by Tommy Pickles that traversed the world of their own imaginations and learned some valuable life lessons along the way. If you think that this is an overly sentimental concept even for a kids show, then you are stupid and you should leave the internet. Tommy is a perfectly suitable protagonist, and the hero that the group needs, but he has a distinct personality which allows the show to focus on the foibles of the other characters. Chuckie, Tommy's best friend, is the worry-wart who has been deeply impacted by his mother's passing (pretty dark stuff for a show that is literally about babies). He has all of the noticeable traits of the neurotic: several phobias, glasses, a goofy outfit, and a nasally voice. But he proves time and time again to be there for his friends when they need him. Phillip and Lillian, or Phil and Lil, are the rascals of the group, energetic and fun-loving. Susie serves as an older positive influence on the babies, she can talk to both babies and adults, and although it would be easy to see her as the token black character she is given a lot of story involvement in the episodes she is in. Finally, we get to Angelica, the big meanie. Angelica is a spoiled bully, the worst kind of kid you meet in the schoolyard. Entitled yet never satisfied, Angelica is mean to the other kids so that she can feel better about herself, but she's never given the satisfaction. Rugrats made a deep impact on my viewing sensibilities, and its continued brilliance made it a great television show.