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Top 10 Animated Shows You Should Be Watching

Top 10 Animated Shows You Should Be Watching
VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton
Script written by Trevor Fonvergne

Not every great animated series is as popular as “Rick and Morty”! For this list, we're taking a look at currently-running animated series that, despite their high quality, don't get as much recognition or attention as their peers, but are certainly worth checking out. We've included shows like Big Mouth, OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, The Loud House, The Amazing World of Gumball and more!

#10: “Big Mouth” (2017-)

“Big Mouth” is...unique, to put it lightly. This Netflix original starring Nick Kroll and John Mulaney follows a group of tweens in the throes of puberty. The uncomfortable and arguably graphic subject matter likely turned some people off of the show, but the imagery and content go hand in hand with the universal themes of adolescent sexuality. Its sharp and bold writing is perfectly executed by a phenomenal voice cast, most notably Maya Rudolph as the Hormone Monstress and Jason Mantzoukas as Jay. With surprises and shocks in every episode, it’s a dark bit of comedic fun with a lot of talent behind it.



9: “animals.” (2016-)


Normally, HBO series receive a ton of attention and awards, but somehow this bizarre show has managed to slip under the radar. Each episode consists of a handful of vignettes of animals living in and around New York City as they deal with...well, animal problems. Most of the series features improvised dialogue around a planned plot, in a similar format to another HBO series, “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” If you haven’t been sold on the show yet, take a quick look at the enormous and impressive cast of guest stars and wonder how you’ve never heard of this hidden gem.



#8: “OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes” (2017-)


Set in the near future, this charming series follows a young boy by named K.O., who wants to become the world’s greatest hero. His world is fleshed out by a colourful cast of characters including Radicles, a lazy alien, and Enid, a sisterly but sometimes apathetic coworker. The fun is in huge supply here, telling hilarious stories with resonant themes of friendship and what it really means to be a hero. It follows in the footsteps of its Cartoon Network predecessors “Adventure Time” and “Steven Universe,” but fleshes out its own unique voice, which will undoubtedly continue to grow in future seasons.



#7: “The Venture Bros.” (2003-)


As far as Adult Swim shows go, it seems like “Rick and Morty” gets all of the attention. However, this is another animated sci-fi series that’s been around for over a decade. Equal parts parody of and homage to “Jonny Quest,” it follows the misadventures of titular twins Hank and Dean as well as their psychotic mad scientist father, Dr. Thaddeus Venture. They’re all just as eccentric as you’d want them to be, with a dark chemistry that gives the show a unique vibe, which, as ridiculous as it can be sometimes, always packs a punch and has something to say.



#6: “Tangled: The Series” (2017-)

Disney’s reimagining of “Rapunzel” was the animated hit of 2010, and though it never got a proper sequel, the story continued on Disney Channel. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi reprise their roles as Rapunzel and Flynn/Eugene respectively, following the two as they adjust to their new lives after the film’s ending. The series manages to pack just as much heart in every 22-minute episode as the Oscar-nominated movie did. Movies spinning off into television can get pretty hairy, but “Tangled” managed to do just that, but in the best way.



#5: “DuckTales” (2017-)


Many eyebrows were raised when, thirty years after the classic original series debuted, news broke that Disney would be bringing back Scrooge and his troublesome nephews. However, these critics would be satisfied by a reboot that may look different, but retained the fun spirit of its predecessor. It was a risk to recast these iconic characters, but David Tennant, Ben Schwartz, Bobby Moynihan and Danny Pudi more than prove their worth. The adventures are just as thrilling and the characters are just as quirky as the first time around, and we hope to be diving into piles of gold coins for years to come.



#4: “Neo Yokio” (2017-)


Netflix has no shortage of great anime series, but this original American-Japanese program has gone mostly unheard of since its 2017 debut. Created by, of all people, Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend fame, it follows upper-class magician Kaz Kaan as he struggles to keep up his extravagant lifestyle while also slaying demons and other creatures in his spare time. With an impressive cast that includes Jude Law and Susan Sarandon as well as a lush fantastical world, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the greatest city in the world, Neo Yokio.



#3: “The Amazing World of Gumball” (2011-)


Unlike most other series on television, “Gumball” manages to consistently surprise by entirely changing its animation style at any given moment. Gumball is a precocious 12-year old cat who never fails to get in trouble with his adoptive brother, a sensitive goldfish named Darwin. While most shows would have trouble maintaining a consistent world with all the visual changes, the city of Elmore always feels complete and fully realized, no matter how it, or its inhabitants, look. Cartoon Network has long been host to some of the best animated series, and “Gumball” is proof that there are many more amazing worlds left to explore.



#2: “Milo Murphy’s Law” (2016-)


“Weird Al” leads this Disney XD series from the people who brought us “Phineas and Ferb.” Milo is the descendant of the namesake of Murphy’s Law, which states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Naturally, this leads extreme misfortune to befall him at every turn, but his positive attitude always helps him overcome it. It’s just as delightful as its older brother series, and even exists in the same universe. “Milo” manages to maintain a similar spirit to “Phineas and Ferb” while forging its own identity. For anyone who misses the zany step brothers, but also for anyone looking for something fresh, Milo can definitely help you out.



#1: “The Loud House” (2014-)

Whether you grew up in a large family or not, there’s a lot to love about “The Loud House.” Lincoln Loud is the only male in a family with eleven children, and each one has enough quirks and charm to lead their own series. Every episode will keep both kids and adults entertained, and it never fails to warm even the coldest heart. The show is able to forge lovely messages about family out of the chaos of this enormous one. In addition to the lovable storylines and characters, it always strives to be inclusive, including fleshed-out female characters, queer characters, and characters of colour, and that’s something we should all be on board for.



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