35 Years Ago Today, Saturday Mornings Changed for a Generation of Kids

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Thirty-five years ago today, as well as five years later, the routine of weekend mornings transformed drastically for a whole generation of children who enjoyed numerous cartoons over the weekends. Unfortunately, animation now finds itself in a critical state compared to any period before, as streaming platforms often deem children’s media unimportant and the shift towards non-linear television viewing means there is no longer a dedicated time slot for kids. Previously, watching cartoons was a unique experience due to their scarcity, but two significant blocks played a crucial role in introducing an entire generation to this concept.

In 1990, cartoon shows weren’t entirely novel, given the popular reruns of series like Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo. However, the 1990s marked a significant shift towards children-oriented entertainment. On September 8th, 1990, the Fox Kids block revolutionized this trend by airing an entire day of brand new shows and licensed projects specifically for kids. Fast forward to September 9th, 1995, and fans were introduced to the Kids WB block, which further expanded children’s cartoon programming, ushering in a new era of Saturday morning cartoons.

Fox Kids Ushered In a New Generation of Saturday Morning Cartoons

For many millennials, Fox Kids marked a significant change in Saturday morning entertainment, initially airing for just a few hours each week, requiring an early wake-up call to catch all of it. Shows like “Bobby’s World,” “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes,” and “Peter Pan and the Pirates” were among those broadcast during this initial phase. However, this original version of the block isn’t typically recalled with great fondness as several key shows aired later on. It was then that Fox Kids began to infuse more character into its programming overall.

It took a year following its debut for fans to witness shows like “Little Dracula” and “Beetlejuice,” followed by “Eek the Cat!” and “X-Men: The Animated Series” in 1992. The latter’s success led to the current enjoyment of “X-Men ’97.” From then on, the popularity soared with hit shows including “The Tick,” “Spider-Man: The Animated Series,” “Life with Louie,” and “Silver Surfer” (notable for its crossover with “King of the Hill”).

After a year, shows like “Little Dracula” and “Beetlejuice” were among the first licensed programs to air following the network’s launch. In 1992, there was an influx of popular series such as “Eek the Cat!”, “X-Men: The Animated Series,” which led to the ongoing success of “X-Men ’97.” From that point forward, the lineup continued with successes like “The Tick,” “Spider-Man: The Animated Series,” “Life with Louie,” and “Silver Surfer,” which famously collaborated with “King of the Hill.”

Beyond the live-action series like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Masked Rider, Big Bad Beetleborgs, and more, Saban’s weekend block also experimented with anime releases such as Digimon, Escaflowne, Dinosaur, and others that have become renowned franchises. These shows weren’t the only special part; the entire experience around it was unique too. The block was specifically designed for children, and this was evident in the interstitial segments – bumpers and promotional spots – that aired between each program. It had a particular feel to it, a certain vibe, which would later be replicated in other blocks.

Kids WB Then Took Things to a Whole New Level

In the five years following Fox Kids’ revolution of weekend cartoons, I found myself witnessing the birth of another contender: Kids WB. Much like its predecessor, it stormed onto our screens with shows such as Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, and Frekazoid! swiftly establishing its reputation. What set Kids WB apart was its more mature content – a daring departure that immediately resonated with viewers.

Initially airing on Saturday mornings, it later expanded to Sundays in numerous regions, creating an ideal cartoon-filled weekend. Its programming was not only enjoyable for the younger audience but also catered to their parents, incorporating jokes that flew over kids’ heads, ensuring a shared laughter experience between families.

On weekends, Kids WB amplified the viewing experience considerably by creating an expansive universe for its shows, particularly during the “Backlot era.” Characters from different shows often crossed paths “backstage,” engaging in unexpected interactions like Misty from Pokemon outsmarting Terry McGinnis from Batman Beyond. It was a time when fans witnessed numerous unpredictable moments. Moreover, Kids WB played a significant role in popularizing anime globally, including the widespread acclaim of Pokemon.

The Kids’ WB network was the platform that initially brought Pokemon to the U.S., alongside other monumental franchises such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Cardcaptors, and Astro Boy. However, the airing of these anime series was seamlessly integrated with shows based on DC Comics like Static Shock, Batman: The Animated Series, and The Zeta Project. This integration allowed anime to be accepted without any negative connotations, reaching a broad audience and thriving as a result. All of this was possible because it was once part of the Saturday morning cartoon lineup.

Nowadays, Saturday morning cartoons are hardly around as they once were, leaving modern children deprived of an enjoyable form of entertainment. Few shows today cater specifically to children and even fewer try out the innovative style that Fox Kids and Kids WB had in the ’90s. The animation industry would be significantly less vibrant without these 1990s successes, and it’s high time we bring back something similar in the future.

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2025-09-09 21:41