Saturday mornings in the ’70s were pure magic—no school, a big bowl of sugary cereal, and hours of cartoons that made the whole weekend feel special. Long before streaming and 24/7 kids’ networks, Saturday morning was the time for animation, and every kid had their must-watch favorites. Some shows were funny, some were action-packed, and others were just plain weird, but all of them left a lasting mark on childhood. Let’s take a look at 12 Saturday morning cartoons from the ’70s that defined childhood.
1. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969–1970, reruns through the ’70s)
Though it debuted in 1969, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! remained a Saturday morning staple throughout the ’70s, cementing its place in pop culture. With Scooby and the Mystery Inc. gang solving spooky mysteries involving “ghosts” and “monsters” that always turned out to be crooks in disguise, the show had the perfect mix of humor and suspense. Kids loved Scooby’s cowardly antics, Shaggy’s bottomless appetite, and the thrill of unmasking the villain at the end. The formula was so successful that it spawned countless spin-offs, but the original Scooby-Doo remained a defining cartoon of the decade.
2. Super Friends (1973–1985)
Before the superhero craze of modern movies, Super Friends brought DC Comics’ greatest heroes to Saturday mornings. Featuring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and later additions like the Wonder Twins, the show introduced kids to superhero teamwork with a mix of action and moral lessons. The series evolved over the years, adding new characters and changing formats, but its classic narration—“Meanwhile, at the Hall of Justice…”—became legendary. For kids who dreamed of being superheroes, Super Friends was the show to watch.
3. The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show (1975–1985)
Few cartoons were as beloved as Looney Tunes, and The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show kept these classic characters alive for a new generation. This Saturday morning staple featured Bugs Bunny outsmarting Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck’s slapstick misfortunes, and Wile E. Coyote’s never-ending failures to catch the Road Runner. Though many of the cartoons were from the ’40s and ’50s, they never felt old, and kids eagerly tuned in to watch the wisecracking rabbit and his animated friends. No matter what new cartoons came along, Bugs and company remained the kings of Saturday morning.
4. Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (1972–1985)
Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids stood out from other cartoons with its focus on real-life lessons wrapped in humor and fun. Following the adventures of Fat Albert and his group of friends in a Philadelphia neighborhood, the show tackled issues like bullying, honesty, and staying in school. With its catchy theme song and Fat Albert’s famous “Hey, hey, hey!” greeting, the show had a unique charm that set it apart from the typical slapstick cartoons. It wasn’t just entertainment—it aimed to teach kids something important along the way.
5. The Pink Panther Show (1969–1980)
With its jazzy Henry Mancini theme song and stylish animation, The Pink Panther Show brought a touch of class to Saturday mornings. The mostly silent Pink Panther relied on clever visual gags and slapstick comedy, making it stand out in a sea of talking animal cartoons. The show also featured The Inspector and Ant and the Aardvark segments, adding variety to the mix. The Pink Panther’s cool, laid-back attitude made him one of the smoothest cartoon stars of the era.
6. Speed Buggy (1973–1975)
In the ’70s, if you had a talking car or animal sidekick, you had a good shot at getting a Saturday morning cartoon. Speed Buggy was one of many shows inspired by Scooby-Doo, but instead of a Great Dane, the gang had a wisecracking dune buggy named Speedy. The show followed Speedy and his human friends as they traveled the world, solving mysteries and stopping villains. Though it only lasted a couple of seasons, it became a fondly remembered favorite among kids who loved adventure and fast cars.
7. The Harlem Globetrotters (1970–1972)
Few basketball teams have ever been as entertaining as the Harlem Globetrotters, so it made sense to turn them into cartoon stars. This animated series featured the real-life basketball legends as they traveled the world playing games against outlandish opponents, all while solving mysteries and helping people. The show blended sports action with wacky comedy, complete with impossible trick shots and slapstick humor. The Globetrotters were so popular that they even made guest appearances in Scooby-Doo cartoons, proving their status as Saturday morning icons.
8. Josie and the Pussycats (1970–1971)
With its mix of rock music, mystery-solving, and a stylish all-girl band, Josie and the Pussycats became a favorite among kids in the early ’70s. The show followed Josie and her bandmates as they toured the world, constantly running into trouble involving spies, villains, and strange adventures. Its catchy theme song and fun animation made it stand out, even if it was another Scooby-Doo-inspired mystery format. Though it only lasted a season, its impact lasted far longer, inspiring later reboots and spin-offs.
9. Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle (1976–1980)
Unlike most animated versions of Tarzan, this show portrayed the legendary jungle hero as a smart, articulate adventurer rather than a wild man. Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle featured Tarzan helping lost explorers, fighting poachers, and protecting the jungle in beautifully animated stories. The show had a more serious tone compared to other Saturday morning cartoons, giving kids a true adventure series. Though it never reached the fame of other adaptations, it remains a standout among ’70s animation.
10. Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels (1977–1980)
This oddball show mixed mystery-solving teens with a prehistoric twist—Captain Caveman, a shaggy, club-wielding caveman who helped the girls crack cases. With his wild screams of “Captain CAAAAAVEMAN!” and superhuman strength, he was one of the wackiest cartoon characters of the decade. The show had a clear Scooby-Doo influence, but its bizarre humor and fun characters made it unique. Even after it ended, Captain Caveman made guest appearances in other Hanna-Barbera cartoons, keeping his goofy legacy alive.
11. Valley of the Dinosaurs (1974–1976)
Before Land of the Lost, there was Valley of the Dinosaurs, an animated adventure series about a modern family stranded in prehistoric times. The show mixed action with educational elements, teaching kids about dinosaurs and survival while delivering exciting storylines. It wasn’t as flashy as some of the other cartoons of the decade, but kids who loved dinosaurs were hooked. Though it was short-lived, it remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of old-school adventure cartoons.
12. Hong Kong Phooey (1974–1976)
Martial arts were huge in the ’70s, so naturally, there had to be a karate-chopping cartoon hero. Hong Kong Phooey followed a mild-mannered janitor who transformed into a bumbling but lovable kung-fu crimefighter. Voiced by the legendary Scatman Crothers, the show mixed slapstick humor with kung-fu action, making it one of the most unique cartoons of the era. Though Phooey wasn’t the most skilled fighter, kids loved watching his clumsy heroics every Saturday morning.
Saturday mornings in the ’70s were packed with colorful characters, catchy theme songs, and endless fun. These cartoons shaped childhood memories, giving kids a reason to wake up early even on weekends. Though TV has changed, the magic of Saturday morning cartoons from this golden era lives on. For those who grew up with them, these shows remain a cherished part of the past.
