The 10 best animated TV series still on the air

Over the past 20 years, audiences have been lucky enough to see the airing of some of the best TV shows of all time. While some of them ended after just a few seasons, others turned into long-running TV shows that are still on the air and popular. While a long-running TV show is a risk, a select few only get better with time. What's more, some of the best the small screen has offered in recent years has turned out to be among the true masterpieces of animated TV shows.

Of BoJack Knight to Arcanethere are many options for fans of the medium. And some of them, thankfully, are still on the air and seem intent on doing so as long as the writers, producers, and showrunners behind the scenes are happy to continue. A selection of current animated programs that stand out for their clever plots and witty dialogue, and have become a tradition for audiences who, in return, look forward to their longevity. The best part about cartoons is that with fewer technical issues, they can last much longer than live-action series.

10

Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War

First aired: 2022

Based on the best-selling manga by Tite KuboBleach: Thousand Year Blood War is a sequel to the animated series that debuted in 2004 and picks up where the original left off. It follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager capable of seeing ghosts and who becomes a Soul Reaper, protecting the living from evil spirits. After more than 10 years, A. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War successfully reinstates the series as one of the most beloved anime sagas.

BleachThe comeback was widely acclaimed, earning an excellent score of 9.0 on IMDb. The revival satisfies longtime fans with its gripping, action-packed narrative, but it also appeals to a new generation of viewers. The quality of the narrative and the beauty of the visuals have been praised, pleasing both older fans and new followers, who are eagerly awaiting Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War season 3, episode 12 on Hulu and Disney+.

9

X-Men '97

First aired: 2024

Maybe in a few years, X-Men '97 will earn its place in the top three in any ranking of current animated TV shows. However, the show has only just begun and has yet to prove that it can stand the test of time. A revival of the original and beloved X-Men A cult classic from the 1990s, this animated TV series is one of the best entries of 2024. Considering its predecessor's popularity among fans, X-Men '97 had big shoes to fill.

Impressively, the show received critical acclaim, earning an excellent score of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. Many considered this “Marvel's best launch in years,“although it was still a commercial triumph. The season one finale became the most-watched season finale of a full-length animated series on Disney+ since And if…? 1st season (via Deadline). All this is because X-Men '97 honors the legacy of its predecessor, suggesting it is poised to achieve greatness.

8

Harley Quinn

First aired in: 2019

Considering how popular the character Harley Quinn has become over the last 10 years, an animated TV show was fitting. Fortunately, this satisfied fans. Harley Quinn follows the story of DC's chaotic anti-heroine after her breakup with her historical boyfriend, Joker. Another legendary and fascinating character from BatmanPoison Ivy accompanies her on her adventures. The premise was certainly a recipe for huge success or epic disaster.

Fortunately, the series has received universal acclaim, and not without reason. The witty writing, dark humor, and raw, violent sequences provide an exciting and unusual alternative to more classic, Disney-style cartoons. Stunning animation and healthy character development, especially Harley's compelling evolution, make for a more emotional experience. At the center of the show is Harley and Poison Ivy's heartfelt relationship, carrying Harley Quinn for season 5.

7

Blue

First aired in: 2018

Blue is an Australian preschool animated series that follows the adventures of a curious and eager six-year-old anthropomorphic Blue Heeler puppy named Bluey as she discovers more about the world around her. The show depicts Bluey's daily life with her younger sister, Bingo, and her parents, Bandit and Chilli. The series became one of Australia's most popular cartoons and led to the creation of several commercial products.

One of the standout features Blue is how he investigates and portrays themes related to childhood and growing up, family and parenting, and contemporary social issues with empathy and humor, assuming not only a playful purpose, but also an educational one. Blue in fact received approval from Common Sense Media and recognition from critics around the world. For these reasons, although it is mainly aimed at a specific age group, the show deserves love even in comparison to other acclaimed animated series.

6

Bob's Burgers

First aired: 2011

When it debuted in 2011 Bob's Burgers it was not met with the same critical acclaim as other shows that emerged as landmarks in animation. Even so, future episodes and seasons managed to recover quickly, and the series is now also considered a cult classic. The quirky, heartfelt narrative and fascinating characters contributed to its success. With a decent 73% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has a score of 100%.

Created by Loren Bouchard, Bob's Burgers follows the Belcher family, owners of a struggling diner, as they try to navigate their workplace and family dynamics. amidst the chaos of their daily lives. The show won two Emmy Awards and was widely praised for its smart writing that promotes engaging humor. The authenticity of the animated TV series makes The Simpsonsis the ideal substitute.

5

Invincible

First aired in: 2021

Based on the comic book of the same name Invincible is an adult animated series that follows Mark Grayson, a teenager on the path to becoming a superhero like his father. The show employs a classic coming-of-age narrative with exciting action sequences and deeper themes, setting it apart from many of its competitors. While the first season got a near-perfect score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, the second season achieved 100%.

Invincible was praised for his vocal performances, intelligent writing and emotional depth. The subtle and shocking exploration of what it means to have superpowers, the responsibilities that come with them, and the idea of ​​a greater good made the show not only a fun, action-packed watch, but also a thought-provoking story. Invincible plans to continue for a while and will soon be able to surpass all of its contemporaries, already being a valid comparison after three seasons.

4

South Park

First aired: 1997

Despite its controversial nature, South Park is one of the most culturally significant animated TV shows of the last 30 years. The episodes are a satirical portrait of the lives of four boys – Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny – in the small town of South Park, Colorado. With crude, often outrageous humor and very cynical and direct social commentary, the program pushed the limits, never shying away from provoking or even shocking the viewer.

South Park has received critical praise for its thought-provoking explorations of different issues, earning numerous accolades. The show also inspired a film in 1999 that received an Oscar nomination. Regardless of the swear words that may have horrified some viewers in the past and its consistently vulgar humor, the show is undoubtedly innovative in its representation and treatment of taboo topics, building a timeless legacy.

3

SpongeBob SquarePants

First aired: 1999

Created by marine biology professor Stephen Hillenburg, SpongeBob SquarePants has been one of the most beloved animated series since the early 2000s. The story follows the life of SpongeBob SquarePants and his companions in Bikini Bottom, an underwater city located in the Pacific Ocean. Since its release in 1999, the show has received acclaim and gained countless fans. It is also the longest-running Nickelodeon series of the 1990s and the fifth-longest-running animated series in America.

Over the years, the cartoon's popularity consolidated its status as a cult phenomenon and opened a multimedia franchise, with more properties in development. The show stands out for its universal appeal, capable of attracting children and adults. With its absurd yet surprisingly relatable situations and characters, SpongeBob SquarePants offers some comedy gold gems. However, it seems to have lost some of its magic in recent years, now overshadowed by newer offerings.

2

Rick and Morty

First aired: 2013

Inspired by the landmark 1980s parody short film Back to the futureThis animated series is far from the traditional whimsical cartoons that appeal to children. Rick and Morty is a mix of dark humor, science fiction and existential reflections. Follows Rick Sanchez, a deeply troubled but brilliant scientist, and his good-natured grandson Morty as they travel through dimensions, encountering bizarre creatures and dealing with absurd challenges.

The show's ability to explore complex scientific theories and delve into philosophy while maintaining an outrageously comedic tone received widespread recognition. Rick and Morty won two Emmy Awards for Best Animated Program, in 2018 and 2020. Themes of family drama, human insignificance in the face of the universe and mortality often come to the fore, contrasting the bizarre stories. The show's unique blend of politically incorrect humor and intellectual depth has captivated a wide audience and will continue to do so with its return in 2025.

1

The Simpsons

First aired: 1989

The longest-running American sitcom and animated series that defined not one but three decades of television has become a cultural phenomenon and spawned a billion-dollar merchandising industry, and numerous spinoffs in different media is always a contender for best series of all time of its nature. Whether you like it or not, its cultural significance is impossible to ignore. The animated comedy offers an expertly executed satire of American society represented by the Simpson family.

The Simpsons investigates social and political issues with natural humor and frightening ease, showing in a shamefully authentic way many negative aspects, including the hypocrisy and ignorance of Western societies. With humor and occasionally surprisingly candid moments, The Simpsons offers intelligent social criticism and a philosophical investigation of humanity without ever becoming preachy, leading the viewer to fall in love with its main characters.The Simpsons still has his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Source: Deadline