22 Cartoons From 70’s

First episode: September 13, 1969

During the 1970s, “Scooby-Doo” emerged as one of the most beloved and widely acclaimed cartoon shows. Although it premiered in 1969, it became a definitive hit during the following decade. Its unique blend of mystery, adventure, and humor captivated both children and adults, solidifying its place as an iconic series.

Centered around a group of teenagers – Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and their lovable talking Great Dane, Scooby-Doo – the show takes viewers on thrilling adventures as they unravel mysteries involving seemingly supernatural creatures. Ultimately, these creatures are revealed to be clever criminals in clever disguises.

The show’s enduring popularity during the 1970s can be attributed to its universal appeal, successfully engaging a wide and diverse audience. It left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers during that era and continues to resonate with fans of all ages to this day. With its timeless charm, “Scooby-Doo” remains an evergreen favorite in the world of animation.

First episode: September 6, 1969
Final episode: August 30, 1980

“The Pink Panther Show” is undeniably another iconic cartoon series that holds a special place in the hearts of many. Making its debut in 1969, the show introduces us to the unforgettable and suave Pink Panther, a silent, pink-colored feline character who initially appeared in the opening credits of the 1963 live-action film “The Pink Panther,” directed by Blake Edwards.

Thanks to the character’s immense popularity, the Pink Panther transitioned into a series of animated short films and, eventually, its own television show. Embodying the spirit of other beloved 1970s cartoons, “The Pink Panther Show” left an indelible mark on viewers and significantly contributed to the golden era of animation.

The suave, charismatic Pink Panther continues to be an enduring symbol of classic animation, charming audiences across generations with his silent but delightful adventures. The show’s timeless appeal has ensured its status as a cherished favorite among fans, solidifying its place as an icon in the realm of cartoons from the 1970s and beyond.

First episode: September 11, 1976
Created by: Edgar Rice Burroughs (characters)
Original network: CBS

“Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle” stands as another remarkable cartoon series from the 1970s, captivating audiences with its enthralling adventures and compelling storytelling. Making its debut in 1976, this animated series was based on the iconic character Tarzan, originally created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

The show masterfully brought Tarzan to life on the small screen, presenting him as a brilliant and articulate hero dedicated to safeguarding the African jungle and all its inhabitants. Setting itself apart from other cartoons of the 70s, “Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle” showcased lush and richly detailed animation, vividly portraying the beauty and diversity of the jungle.

Viewers were entranced by the captivating tales of Tarzan’s courage, strength, and compassion as he navigated through the untamed wilderness, protecting both animal and human alike.

Final episode: August 10, 1985
First episode: September 9, 1972

“Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids,” premiered in 1972, was an influential and groundbreaking animated series of the 70s. Created by Bill Cosby, the show stood out for portraying African American characters and focusing on urban, inner-city life. It offered a refreshing and authentic representation of African American youth during that era.

The series revolved around the adventures of Fat Albert, a kind-hearted and wise teenager, and his friends as they navigated life in a Philadelphia neighborhood. Through their experiences, the show tackled significant social issues, including bullying, racism, drug use, and poverty, effectively addressing topics often ignored in mainstream media.

First episode: September 12, 1970

“Josie and the Pussycats,” premiering in September 1970, swiftly became a massive hit, captivating audiences with its alluring blend of music, mystery-solving, and the thrill of touring the world. As a pre-teen girl, watching Josie and her friends live their dream was enchanting.

The show appeared to draw inspiration from its predecessors, namely “Scooby-Doo” and “The Archies.” Josie and the Pussycats featured characters and storylines reminiscent of “Scooby-Doo,” leading to constant comparisons. Additionally, the series embraced the captivating combination of bubblegum music and comedy characteristic of “The Archies.”

First episode date: January 6, 1973
Number of episodes: 64
Number of seasons: 7

In the early 70s, Schoolhouse Rock captivated audiences with its remarkable cartoon series, seamlessly blending education and entertainment to make learning fun for children. In 1973, the show presented short, animated segments set to catchy songs covering diverse subjects like grammar, mathematics, history, and science.

Children and parents alike instantly embraced the show’s innovative educational approach, as it turned into an instant hit. The memorable tunes, creative visuals, and engaging content allowed children to absorb and retain vital information, enhancing the joy and effectiveness of the learning experience.

First episode date: September 23, 1962 (Canada)
Final episode date: November 12, 1987

The Jetsons, originally aired in the 1960s, continued to captivate audiences as an iconic show throughout the 1970s. Hanna-Barbera, the same studio behind The Flintstones, created this beloved series, offering a distinctive and imaginative glimpse of the future, where flying cars, robotic assistants, and advanced technology were the norm.

The show revolved around the Jetson family – George, Jane, Judy, Elroy, and their dog Astro – as they navigated their daily routines in the futuristic city of Orbit City. Its futuristic vision and lovable characters kept viewers engaged and entertained.

Looney Tunes cartoons in the 70s were significant in American childhood, leaving a lasting impression with Bugs Bunny’s clever one-liners, Daffy Duck’s wild antics, and Sylvester and Tweety’s endless chase scenes. These timeless characters brought us years of laughter and entertainment.

What many might not realize is that Looney Tunes also played a role in shaping American history. As early as 1972, “Bundown at Mountee Ba” addressed environmentalism long before it gained widespread attention. Moreover, the iconic “I tawt I taw a puddy tat” line from Tweety and Sylvester’s “Gift Wrapped” found its way into the Watergate scandal, where White House officials used it. These cartoons entertained and touched on significant societal issues, making them even more memorable and impactful.

The Godzilla cartoons of the 1970s took a different approach from the destructive, terrifying monster we’re familiar with and fond of. In this version, Godzilla assumed the hero role, valiantly defending Earth from alien invaders and other colossal monsters.

It’s quite a departure from the traditional narrative, raising questions about whether Godzilla’s merchandise should be aimed at children. However, watching Godzilla wreak havoc on cities remains far more entertaining. Those signature Godzilla roars are irresistible.

The Adventures of Gulliver made its debut in 1974, following the escapades of a ship’s doctor who becomes stranded on an island inhabited by tiny beings known as Lilliputians. This show cleverly satirized contemporary political and social issues, including environmentalism, women’s liberation, and racial prejudice.

The animated series boasted voice acting from legendary stars like Mel Blanc and Casey Kasem, and it even featured a crossover episode with The Jackson Five animated series.

While not as widely recognized as other 70s cartoons like The Flintstones or The Smurfs, The Adventures of Gulliver has gained a cult following due to its witty writing and relevant themes.

The late 1970s saw the revival of the classic character Popeye the Sailor in The All-New Popeye Hour, a captivating cartoon series. Premiering in 1978, the show presented an hour-long format featuring a variety of segments, including new and exciting Popeye adventures and appearances by other beloved characters like Dinky Dog and Private Olive Oyl.

Throughout the series, the iconic character of Popeye took center stage – a rugged yet kind-hearted sailor who derived superhuman strength from his love of spinach. The show’s return to television delighted audiences with fresh and entertaining content while keeping the spirit of Popeye alive and well.

The 1969 animated television series, Cattanooga Cats, mesmerized audiences with its one-of-a-kind blend of music and comedy. The show’s heart revolved around anthropomorphic cats joining forces to form a rock band known as the Cattanooga Cats. The band consisted of Country, the charismatic lead singer, Scoots, the talented guitarist, Groove, the groovy bassist, and Chessie, the rhythmic drummer. Set in the fictional town of Cattanooga, the series followed their thrilling adventures and journey towards musical stardom.

Beyond the captivating story of the Cattanooga Cats, the show also featured other engaging segments, including “Around the World in 79 Days,” “It’s the Wolf,” and “Motormouse and Autocat.” This diverse combination of music, humor, and various storylines made Cattanooga Cats a true delight for viewers of all ages.

In the ’70s cartoon Sabrina and the Groovie Goolies, we follow the adventures of Sabrina Spellman, a teenage witch, and her group of friends in the eerie town of Monster High, home to various monsters and ghouls. Alongside Sabrina are Frankie Stein, Drac (a vampire), Hauntley (a ghost), Wolfie (a werewolf), and more intriguing creatures. The show’s unique charm lies in its spooky yet comedic tone as Sabrina and her friends frequently find themselves entangled in supernatural escapades.

From accidentally transforming someone into a frog to thwarting plots to steal Monster High’s famous Witch’s Brew, Sabrina and the Gang always manage to come to the rescue. The series effortlessly combines elements of the supernatural with humor, keeping viewers entertained and enthralled throughout their exciting journeys.

In the early 1970s, The Hardy Boys, an animated television series, breathed life into the well-loved characters of Frank and Joe Hardy through animation. Inspired by the popular mystery book series penned by Franklin W. Dixon, the show made its debut in 1969 and entertained audiences until the early 1970s.

This creative adaptation portrayed the Hardy Boys as a musical group who embarked on tours and performances while solving intriguing mysteries.

Staying true to the essence of the original books, the animated series presented thrilling puzzles and exhilarating adventures for the two young detectives to unravel. The show’s blend of music, mystery, and excitement captivated viewers, making The Hardy Boys a must-watch for fans of the book series and animation enthusiasts alike.

Airing in 1971, The Funky Phantom was an animated series that followed the escapades of three teenagers and their spectral companion, Molly The Ghost. Together, they embarked on time-traveling adventures, using their ghost-detecting wristwatches to solve mysteries.

While The Funky Phantom may not have achieved the same level of fame as other cartoons from that era, it remains a hidden gem in classic animations.

After all, who wouldn’t love to have a friendly ghost as their best friend? While it may not be as widely recognized as Scooby-Doo or The Flintstones, The Funky Phantom offers a delightful blend of spookiness and fun that will captivate audiences looking for good old-fashioned enjoyment.

Premiering in 1972, The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show, a spin-off of The Flintstones, chronicled the teenage escapades of Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm as they navigated high school while getting entangled in various misadventures.

The show struck a chord with viewers, becoming a hit and running for three successful seasons until its cancellation in 1976. Throughout the series, beloved characters like Fred and Wilma Flintstone, Barney and Betty Rubble, and The Great Gazoo made appearances, adding familiar faces to the mix and further delighting fans of The Flintstones universe.

Though it aired for only one season in 1973, Inch High, Private Eye, a pint-sized detective, made a significant impact. In a world of giants, Inch High cleverly utilized his small stature to his advantage while solving cases with the aid of his trusty magnifying glass and dependable sidekicks, Gator and Spook.

Despite being tiny in size, Inch High consistently outwitted the bad guys, proving that it’s not the size of the detective that counts, but the size of their brain and determination that truly matter. His adventures may have been short-lived, but Inch High’s ingenuity and wit left a lasting impression on viewers.

In the 1970s, Wheelie and the Chopper Bunch were the highlight of Saturday mornings, making waking up early totally worth it. These daring motorcycles embarked on thrilling adventures, always ready to thwart the wicked schemes of Wheelie’s nemesis, Rota Ree, and her sidekick, Scrambles.

With Wheelie’s impressive “wheel-spinning” capabilities, the gang never had a dull moment, leading the pack with their daring escapades. So, let’s rev up those engines and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Wheelie and the Chopper Bunch, a show that kept us entertained and on the edge of our seats!

From 1966 to 1973, the beloved animated television series, Road Runner, enthralled audiences with the fast-paced and humorous escapades of two iconic characters: the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote.

The brilliant animator Chuck Jones created this classic show, a Warner Bros. Animation production and a significant part of the larger Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies universe.

The series centered around the never-ending chase, as the relentless Wile E. Coyote tirelessly pursued the speedy and elusive Road Runner, leading to hilariously futile attempts and comical mishaps. Road Runner remains a timeless favorite, capturing viewers’ hearts with its clever humor and memorable characters.

The Harlem Globe Trotters, renowned for their exceptional athletic abilities and comedic flair, were a professional basketball team that captured hearts worldwide. In 1970, they took center stage as the stars of their animated series on CBS, titled “The Harlem Globe Trotters.”

The show followed the team’s globetrotting adventures, using their basketball skills to solve problems and vanquish villains along the way. Throughout its three-season run, the series featured guest appearances from sports legends such as Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, adding even more excitement for viewers.

Airing from 1971 to 1974, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, an animated television series, beautifully brought the enchanting and magical character of Sabrina Spellman to the screen. Drawing inspiration from the popular Archie Comics character, the show delved into the adventures of Sabrina, a teenage witch striving to balance her magical abilities and the everyday trials of being a teenager. Sabrina resided with her two witch aunts, Hilda and Zelda, and her talking cat, Salem.

Throughout the series, Sabrina’s magical powers often come to the rescue when faced with challenges, but these solutions sometimes result in bigger problems. The show cleverly depicted Sabrina’s journey of learning and growing as she navigated the complexities of her magical and personal life.

Inch High Private Eye, a beloved Hanna-Barbera cartoon classic from the 70s, truly lived up to its title in both concept and execution. The series revolved around the comical misadventures of Inch High, an inch-tall private investigator who ingeniously utilized his tiny stature to crack crimes and unravel capers.

Despite its originality and charm, the show unfortunately only lasted for one season before exiting the rotation. Nevertheless, Inch High Private Eye remained memorable. It stood out among the plethora of cartoons featuring teenagers unmasking ghosts, providing audiences with a refreshing and imaginative alternative to the popular Scooby-Doo format.