The ’80s were a golden age of Saturday morning cartoons, a time when kids woke up early, grabbed a bowl of sugary cereal, and settled in for hours of animated chaos. These shows were wild, imaginative, and sometimes downright bizarre—features that made them unforgettable for kids of the era. While some have become cult classics, others have faded into obscurity, remembered only by those who lived through the decade. Let’s revisit 12 outrageous Saturday morning cartoons that only ’80s kids will remember.
1. “The Snorks”
Often seen as the underwater cousin of The Smurfs, The Snorks followed the adventures of tiny, snorkel-headed creatures who lived in a colorful underwater world. They had their share of villains, but much of the show focused on fun, friendship, and quirky sea-based shenanigans.
While it never reached the same heights as The Smurfs, The Snorks had a charm all its own, with its catchy theme song and imaginative underwater setting. For ’80s kids, it was a staple of Saturday mornings, but today, it’s often overshadowed by its more famous blue counterpart.
2. “Turbo Teen”
This wild concept featured a teenager named Brett Matthews who could transform into a car after being exposed to a science experiment gone wrong. Whenever Brett got hot, he turned into a red sports car, leading to endless adventures and plenty of bizarre visuals.
Turbo Teen was as weird as it sounds, but that’s what made it memorable. The animation of Brett morphing into a car was both fascinating and slightly unsettling, leaving a lasting impression on any kid who watched. It didn’t last long, but it’s a prime example of the anything-goes attitude of ’80s cartoons.
3. “Jem and the Holograms”
Jem and the Holograms was a dazzling mix of music, fashion, and adventure. The show followed Jerrica Benton, who transformed into the glamorous rock star Jem with the help of her high-tech earrings and a holographic computer named Synergy. The series featured rival bands, spy-level plots, and plenty of catchy songs.
For kids in the ’80s, Jem was pure glam-rock fantasy. The over-the-top drama and outrageous outfits made it a standout, and its focus on female empowerment was ahead of its time. While Jem has seen a modern revival, the original series remains a nostalgic gem (pun intended) for those who grew up with it.
4. “SilverHawks”
In a futuristic galaxy, a team of cybernetic heroes known as the SilverHawks fought against the evil Mon*Star and his gang of space villains. Half-human, half-metal, the SilverHawks combined science fiction with superhero tropes, complete with space battles and high-tech gadgets.
Though it was created by the same team behind Thundercats, SilverHawks never achieved the same level of fame. Still, its unique concept and memorable villains left a mark on ’80s kids who loved its shiny, action-packed world.
5. “Bionic Six”
Bionic Six followed a family of superheroes who were enhanced with bionic powers after a freak accident. Each member had their own unique abilities, from super strength to advanced intelligence, and they worked together to stop villains like Dr. Scarab.
The show blended family dynamics with high-stakes action, making it both relatable and exciting for kids. While it didn’t become as iconic as some other superhero shows, Bionic Six was a Saturday morning favorite for those who loved teamwork and tech-infused adventures.
6. “M.A.S.K.”
M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) was a perfect blend of G.I. Joe and Transformers. It featured a team of heroes who used transforming vehicles and high-tech masks with special abilities to battle the evil organization V.E.N.O.M.
The gadgets and vehicles were the real stars of the show, and the action-packed episodes kept kids glued to their screens. M.A.S.K. was also a major toy line, making it a double threat for ’80s kids who loved both cartoons and collectibles.
7. “Captain N: The Game Master”
This show brought video games to life, following Kevin Keene, a teenager who gets transported into the world of Nintendo. Armed with a Power Pad and Zapper, Kevin teamed up with characters like Simon Belmont, Kid Icarus, and Mega Man to battle villains like Mother Brain.
For kids who loved their NES consoles, Captain N was a dream come true. The show’s quirky takes on iconic video game characters were both amusing and baffling, but it was a must-watch for gamers of the era.
8. “The Littles”
Based on the children’s books, The Littles followed a family of tiny, mouse-like people with tails and pointed ears who lived secretly in the walls of human homes. They often helped humans while avoiding being discovered, leading to heartwarming and adventurous episodes.
The show’s mix of whimsy and adventure made it a hit with younger kids, though its premise of tiny people living in secret would probably be seen as too quaint for today’s audiences. Still, it holds a special place in the memories of ’80s kids who tuned in every Saturday.
9. “Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats”
This cartoon followed the mischievous orange tabby Heathcliff, who spent his days causing trouble in the neighborhood. The second half of the show focused on the Catillac Cats, a group of streetwise felines led by the suave Riff-Raff.
The humor and slapstick antics made Heathcliff a staple of Saturday mornings, even if it lived in the shadow of Garfield. Its catchy theme song and wild scenarios ensured it left a lasting impression on ’80s kids.
10. “Dungeons & Dragons”
This fantasy series followed a group of kids who were transported to a magical world after riding a mysterious amusement park ride. Guided by a wise Dungeon Master, they faced off against the evil Venger while searching for a way back home.
The show’s mix of adventure, magic, and teamwork made it a standout, though its darker tone set it apart from other cartoons. While it didn’t last long, Dungeons & Dragons remains a cult favorite for its unique storytelling and emotional depth.
11. “Inspector Gadget”
Inspector Gadget followed the bumbling titular detective, who relied on his endless array of built-in gadgets to solve crimes. His clever niece Penny and her dog Brain often did the real work, thwarting the evil Dr. Claw and his MAD agents.
The show’s humor and absurd gadgets made it a hit with kids, while Dr. Claw’s mysterious appearance kept audiences intrigued. Inspector Gadget was a perfect mix of comedy and action, and its memorable catchphrases and theme song are still beloved today.
12. “Galaxy High School”
In this quirky sci-fi comedy, two Earth teens—popular jock Doyle and nerdy Amy—are sent to an intergalactic high school full of aliens. The show flipped their roles, with Amy becoming popular and Doyle struggling to fit in, leading to plenty of comedic situations.
Galaxy High stood out for its creative character designs and witty humor, offering a unique twist on the high school trope. Though it only lasted one season, it remains a hidden gem for ’80s kids who appreciated its offbeat charm.
These outrageous cartoons represent the wild imagination and anything-goes attitude of the ’80s. Which of these shows do you remember, and which ones deserve a revival? Let’s celebrate the creativity that made Saturday mornings an unforgettable part of growing up.
