1. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids (1973)
This animated show followed a rock band that doubled as a crime-fighting team. Butch Cassidy led the group, which used high-tech gadgets and quick thinking to solve mysteries. With its catchy music and action-packed plots, it was a hit for kids who loved both rock ‘n’ roll and detective stories.
2. The Funky Phantom (1971-1972)
A cartoon about three teenagers and their dog solving mysteries? Sound familiar? But unlike Scooby-Doo, The Funky Phantom had a twist—the ghost of a Revolutionary War soldier and his ghostly cat helped the kids! The mix of history and mystery made it stand out, though many may have forgotten it in the shadow of its more famous counterpart. Still, it had that ’70s charm that made cartoons a morning ritual.
3. Help!… It’s the Hair Bear Bunch! (1971-1974)
Set in the Wonderland Zoo, this animated series followed three hippie-like bears—Hair Bear, Square Bear, and Bubi Bear—who were always outsmarting the zookeepers to gain more freedom. It was a whimsical, mischievous show, filled with the humor of that era. Hair Bear’s afro and groovy vibe captured the spirit of the ’70s perfectly, making it one of those quirky cartoons that made waking up early worth it.
4. The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan (1972)
This animated series followed the adventures of detective Charlie Chan and his ten children as they solved mysteries together. Each episode was like a puzzle, keeping kids entertained with its blend of problem-solving, comedy, and light-hearted fun. While it may not be as well-remembered today, the show’s cultural impact was significant, introducing diverse characters to Saturday morning programming.
5. Sealab 2020 (1972)
Before the days of Sealab 2021 on Adult Swim, there was Sealab 2020. This sci-fi adventure series took kids deep underwater to a high-tech research facility. Each episode dealt with environmental issues and oceanic exploration—a pretty cool concept for its time. Though it wasn’t around for long, Sealab 2020 is one of those shows you might suddenly remember after seeing a random clip or hearing its theme song.
6. The New Adventures of Gilligan (1974-1977)
Who could forget Gilligan’s Island? But do you remember its animated spin-off? In this version, the castaways were still stranded but animated, with all the fun hijinks continuing in a new format. For fans of the original, it was a treat to see their favorite characters in cartoon form, even if the show didn’t last as long as the live-action series.
7. The Roman Holidays (1972)
Set in Ancient Rome, this cartoon took the sitcom formula of shows like The Flintstones but placed it in an even older era. The Holidays were an average family, dealing with everyday life—except with a Roman twist. From chariot traffic jams to Roman gladiator sports, it blended history and humor in a unique way that’s often forgotten among the more famous shows of the time.
8. Jeannie (1973)
Inspired by the hit show I Dream of Jeannie, this animated version had Jeannie helping out her teenage master, Corey, and his best friend. Full of magical mishaps and teen antics, it had the same lighthearted charm of the original, but with an animated twist. Despite its short run, Jeannie had a sweetness to it that made it memorable for those Saturday mornings.
9. Goober and the Ghost Chasers (1973)
This lesser-known cartoon followed Goober, a dog who could turn invisible when scared, and his gang of teenage ghost chasers. While it was clearly inspired by Scooby-Doo, it had its own unique quirks that made it fun, particularly Goober’s ability to disappear at the most inconvenient times. If you’ve forgotten this one, it’s worth a trip down memory lane.
10. Inch High, Private Eye (1973-1974)
In this quirky cartoon, the main character, Inch High, was literally an inch tall but worked as a private detective. His small size led to big problems, and the show’s humor came from how he solved cases despite his tiny stature. It was a fun take on the detective genre, though it often gets overlooked compared to other crime-fighting cartoons of the time.
11. The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show (1971-1972)
This spin-off from The Flintstones followed the teenage versions of Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm as they navigated high school in Bedrock. The show had a fun, carefree vibe and captured the excitement of growing up, making it a hit for young viewers. It may not be as iconic as its parent series, but it was still a big part of Saturday mornings.
12. The Groovie Goolies (1970-1971)
This wacky monster-themed cartoon mixed humor, music, and supernatural characters, bringing a playful spin to classic horror creatures like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman. Every Saturday morning, kids were glued to the TV, laughing along with the mischief these friendly ghouls got into. It was the perfect combination of spooky and silly, but it often gets overshadowed by bigger names from the era. If you watched this show, you might still hum the catchy theme song every now and then.
13. Yogi’s Gang (1973)
Yogi Bear was already a household name by the ’70s, but Yogi’s Gang took things to the next level by bringing together many of Hanna-Barbera’s iconic characters. Yogi and his friends traveled the world in a flying ark, solving problems and fighting environmental issues—a message that was ahead of its time. If you were a fan of Yogi, this show likely made your Saturday mornings complete.
14. Devlin (1974)
This show followed Ernie Devlin, a stunt motorcyclist, as he performed daring tricks and got involved in various adventures. Modeled after the real-life popularity of Evel Knievel, it captured the thrill of extreme sports before they became mainstream. Though it’s not as well-remembered as some of its peers, Devlin had a unique edge that made it stand out back in the day.
15. Wheelie and the Chopper Bunch (1974)
This fun little show featured Wheelie, a car who communicated through beeps and honks, and his gang of fellow vehicles. Each episode followed Wheelie as he outsmarted a gang of biker antagonists. It was lighthearted and perfect for car-loving kids, even though it doesn’t get as much attention today.
Back in the ’70s, Saturday mornings were magical, full of colorful characters and imaginative worlds that sparked joy and creativity. Though some of these cartoons may have faded from the spotlight, they live on in the memories of those who grew up with them. Rewatching just a clip can transport you right back to those carefree mornings, reminding us of a simpler time when all we had to worry about was finishing our cereal before the next episode started.
