Top 10 Hilarious Cartoon Network Running Gags
#10: Unwanted Transformations “Ben 10” franchise (2005-)
The Omnitrix can give Ben Tennyson access to a near-infinite amount of alien transformations. However, every now and then, Ben finds himself wanting to transform into a specific alien, only to morph into another –often to hilarious results, like trying to go big and instead winds up in a miniscule body. You’d think he’d grow out of the habit as he gets older, but alas, they just keep on coming, and they’re just as infuriating as ever. There are a few contributing factors to these accidental morphs; sure glitches are a possibility, but it’s most often Ben being too impatient and rough with the watch. In any case, he usually manages to work with whatever form he’s given.
#9: Jonesy’s Resume “6teen” (2004-10)
The Galleria Mall is a place of endless opportunities; and sure enough, it seems like Jonesy has tried working for at least half of the businesses. In nearly every episode, Jonesy manages to land a job at a new store in the mall –sometimes he’ll even set up his OWN business whether it’s legal or not. Unfortunately, Jonesy is his own worst enemy and almost always ends up getting fired by the end due to his own laziness and irresponsibility. There are a few rare occasions where he quits on his own accord or the job ends before he can get laid off, but he’s always jobless by the next episode. The silver lining? He’s certainly got a diverse resume!
#8: The Snail “Adventure Time” (2010-18)
The Land of Ooo is an enormous place, and yet this little guy is somehow everywhere. In nearly every episode, if you look close enough, you might catch a glimpse of this cute little snail –or something SHAPED like him- hidden in the background. You can almost always count on him making a surprise cameo –giving a friendly wave to the audience no matter how strange the setting . Though it’s a charming bit, these surprise appearances can also be problematic – if the snail pops up at the wrong place at the wrong time, he could end up being the key to bringing back one of Ooo’s most powerful and dangerous threats – The Lich.
#7: “I’m Not Your Boyfriend!” “Chowder” (2007-10)
There’s unrequited love, there’s being persistent… and then there’s Panini and Chowder. Panini has a massive crush on Chowder and has no qualms announcing to the world that he’s her boyfriend. The problem is that Chowder isn’t even remotely interested, and almost every single time she even says hi to him, he has to remind her –sometimes at the top of his lungs- that he’s NOT her boyfriend. He sometimes reminds her multiple times in one episode alone; he even wrote a whole song about how there’s NOTHING between them. Unfortunately for him, Panini never listens; she just smiles and dreams of the future they might have together… whether Chowder likes it or not.
#6: The Demise of the Treehouse “Codename: Kids Next Door” (2002-08)
The Kids Next Door’s Treehouse is their base of operation and a symbol of their never-ending battle against the tyranny of adults… on a good day, anyway. Unfortunately, every now and then, the treehouse takes more than its fair share of abuse at the hands of various villains –or really irresponsible teammates. Sometimes it doesn’t even get destroyed, but completely cut down and hijacked by inconsiderate baddies with no regard for security. It must be frustrating for the team to watch their pride and joy get mistreated–especially for Numbuh 1 since it’s right above his actual house. For viewers however, it’s all in good fun, because we know that the Kids Next Door always manage to rebuild.
#5: Steven’s TVs “Steven Universe” (2013-)
The life of a Crystal Gem inherently involves some scrapes and bruises. But in Steven universe, the one who ends up taking the most hits is the television in Steven’s room. Every now and then, the little TV somehow ends up getting smashed –thanks to either a runaway weapon or just run-of-the-mill carelessness on the part of the Gems. Luckily, they always seem to have a backup TV at the ready to replace the destroyed set… only for it to end up getting broken all over again. Poor Steven does not have very good luck with televisions – if he’s not watching his TV get shattered by Gem shenanigans, he’s being grounded and losing TV for 1,000 years.
#4: Where’s Ezekiel? “Total Drama” (2007-14)
We all remember Ezekiel as the sexist, homeschooled contestant who was the first to be eliminated in Season 1. He returned to compete in Season 3 more determined than ever to win the million dollars… only to be booted in the second episode. However, unbeknownst to Chris and the other contestants, Ezekiel snuck back on board the plane and has been in hiding since. For the rest of the season –usually hidden in the background, we can catch a glimpse of the determined stowaway hiding from Chris, slowly devolving into a feral, Gollum-like beast. Even when caught, he still manages to find his way back onto the plane –ever determined to claim the coveted million dollars.
#3: Grim’s Scythe “The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy” (2003-08)
The Grim Reaper’s scythe is the key to his powers, helping him become the master of life and death . . . so you’d really think he’d try a bit harder to keep track of it. Throughout the series, people repeatedly manage to swipe Grim’s beloved scythe right from under him –leaving these various troublemakers free to wield its incredible power for their own gain. It’s embarrassing how easy of a time they have swiping the scythe – sometimes, they even manage to convince Billy or Grim to hand it over. While it’s frustrating for Grim given how much he depends on the scythe, it’s still hilarious to see it get taken time and time again, especially with each thief seeming more outlandish and ridiculous than the last.
#2: Edd’s Hat “Ed, Edd n Eddy” (1999-2009)
Double D is never seen without something covering his head – his trademarked black ski hat being his go-to. But you can’t help but wonder… what’s he hiding under there? There have been countless theories as to what’s under his hat – a bad haircut, a horrible injury, maybe even a conjoined twin. Whatever it is, he is certainly protective of it and wants to ensure that NOBODY finds out his secret. There have actually been times when the hat HAS come off –usually by accident, but thanks to creative censorship, the audience never gets to see what Double D’s really hiding. The series ended before the mystery was solved, but based on Eddy and Ed’s reactions… it must be pretty shocking. Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few repeating honorable mentions. Punchies “Regular Show” (2010-17) Johnny Bravo on the Prowl “Johnny Bravo” (1997-2004) “Stupid Dog!” “Courage: The Cowardly Dog” (1999-2002) “That’s LOOMpus!” “Camp Lazlo” (2005-08) “That’s NOT MY NAME!” “Mighty Magiswords” (2016-19)
#1: “What Does THIS Button Do?” “Dexter’s Laboratory” (1996-2003)
Any fan of “Dexter’s Laboratory” knows of the routine. Dee Dee wanders into the lab while Dexter’s working, something catches her attention, and she cannot resist the urge to literally push her brother’s buttons –no matter the consequences. Usually, her curiosity ends in disaster for the boy genius, though it can occasionally end up helping him out of a jam. Regardless of the outcome, it must be frustrating for the apparently brilliant Dexter to constantly be failing to keep his supposed “idiot” sister out of his sacred space to mess with his inventions. Despite Dexter’s pain, we can’t help but enjoy this cyclical pattern since it’s the foundation of what made the show a classic.