9 Memorable Saturday Morning Cartoons from the 70s That’ll Hit You Right in the Nostalgia
If you grew up in the 1970s, Saturday mornings were a special treat filled with colorful characters and exciting adventures.
You might have spent those mornings in front of the television, glued to your favorite cartoons, eagerly waiting to see what your heroes would do next.
These cartoons weren’t just shows; they were a key part of your childhood that shaped your sense of fun and imagination. From superheroes to talking animals, the iconic cartoons of the ’70s have left a lasting impression on pop culture and continue to be fondly remembered by many.
1) Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
You can’t talk about Saturday morning cartoons from the ’70s without mentioning “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” This show debuted in 1969 and quickly became a hit with its spooky mysteries and fun characters.
You followed the adventures of Scooby-Doo, a talking Great Dane, and his group of teenage friends.
They traveled around in their van, the Mystery Machine, solving creepy cases usually involving ghosts or monsters.
Each episode had a formula that kids loved.
The gang would find clues, split up, and then Scooby-Doo and his best buddy, Shaggy, would usually stumble upon the answer by accident.
The big reveal typically showed that the “monster” was just a person in disguise.
“Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” was not only entertaining but also had an element of comedy that made it stand out.
Shaggy’s constant hunger and Scooby’s silly antics kept you laughing throughout each episode.
The catchy theme song is another part of what made this show memorable.
You probably still find yourself humming “Scooby-Doo, where are you?” from time to time.
This cartoon became such an icon of the ’70s that it spawned numerous spin-offs, movies, and reboots over the years.
It’s a show that stuck with you and possibly even introduced you to the fun of solving mysteries.
2) The Pink Panther Show
The Pink Panther Show was one of the most memorable cartoons from the 1970s.
It first aired on NBC in 1969 and continued there until 1978.
After that, it moved to ABC and stayed on air until 1980.
You could always count on The Pink Panther for a good laugh.
The show featured the clever and silent Pink Panther character.
Each episode was full of fun and mischief.
The creators, David H. DePatie and Friz Freleng, produced short animated films for the show.
These shorts often involved the Pink Panther outsmarting others in a humorous way.
Many kids enjoyed watching these cartoons during their Saturday mornings.
The Pink Panther’s sly and cool demeanor made him a favorite among young viewers.
His adventures and the catchy theme music are still remembered fondly.
3) Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids
You couldn’t talk about Saturday morning cartoons in the 70s without mentioning “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.” Created by Bill Cosby, it first aired in 1972.
The show centered around Fat Albert and his group of friends.
They lived in an urban neighborhood and each episode brought a new adventure and lesson.
What made “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids” special were its educational messages.
Every episode ended with a lesson, often focusing on real-life issues like bullying or friendship.
Fat Albert himself was known for his famous catchphrase, “Hey, hey, hey!” The characters were diverse and relatable, making the show appealing to many kids.
The animation style was simple but effective.
It may not have been the most visually stunning cartoon, but its charm lay in the characters and stories.
“Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids” continued to be popular throughout its run from 1972 to 1985.
The show was later adapted into a live-action movie in 2004.
4) Super Friends
If you watched Saturday morning cartoons in the 1970s, you probably remember “Super Friends.” This show ran from 1973 to 1985 on ABC.
It featured popular DC Comics superheroes like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman.
The animation was done by Hanna-Barbera.
They made the show kid-friendly with simple stories about good vs. evil.
The heroes often teamed up to fight villains and save the day.
Each episode of “Super Friends” had different adventures.
Sometimes, the heroes would tackle natural disasters, like earthquakes or floods.
Other times, they faced off against supervillains plotting world domination.
The show had several different versions over the years.
These included “The All-New Super Friends Hour” and “The World’s Greatest Super Friends.” Despite the changes, the core group of heroes remained the same.
One of the coolest parts of “Super Friends” was the Hall of Justice.
This was the headquarters where the heroes gathered to plan their missions.
It became an iconic part of the show.
You might also remember the Wonder Twins, Zan and Jayna.
They could transform into various shapes and forms to help the team.
Their pet monkey, Gleek, often added comic relief.
5) The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show
The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show was a classic that many looked forward to on Saturday mornings.
It featured a mix of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons.
Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and the Road Runner were the stars.
You couldn’t forget their memorable antics and catchphrases.
This show started in the 1960s and went through the 1970s and 1980s.
It brought laughter and excitement to kids everywhere.
The show’s format included several short cartoons, linked together by new sequences.
Bugs would often provide witty commentary.
This series was known for its slapstick humor and clever wordplay.
Watching Wile E. Coyote’s endless schemes always made you chuckle.
The show’s long run is a testament to its popularity and the enduring appeal of its characters.
Even today, it remains a beloved part of many people’s childhood memories.
6) Hong Kong Phooey
Hong Kong Phooey aired during the mid-70s and quickly became a fan favorite.
The show features a dog named Penry, who works as a mild-mannered janitor at a police station.
When trouble arises, Penry ducks into a filing cabinet and emerges as Hong Kong Phooey, a martial arts superhero.
The show only had 16 episodes, but it left a lasting impact.
The humor and action made Hong Kong Phooey memorable.
Penry had a cat sidekick named Spot, who often helped solve problems behind the scenes.
The show aired on ABC and continued in reruns through the late 70s and early 80s.
Voiced by Scatman Crothers, Hong Kong Phooey’s catchy theme song is still remembered today.
Hong Kong Phooey was part of the 70s kung fu craze.
While it didn’t last long, the show has a cult following.
Kids loved the idea of a dog as a crime-fighting hero.
7) Josie and the Pussycats
You might remember watching “Josie and the Pussycats” on Saturday morning TV.
It aired on CBS from 1970 to 1971.
The show was based on the Archie Comics series created by Dan DeCarlo.
In each episode, Josie, Valerie, Melody, and their friends faced wild adventures.
Whether they were running from mad scientists or invisible aliens, the band always managed to play a song.
This cartoon was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions.
It featured a talented voice cast.
Janet Waldo, Cathy Dougher, Barbara Pariot, and Patrice Holloway brought the characters to life.
Casey Kasem voiced Alexander Cabot III, adding more to the fun.
Each episode had catchy songs and lots of humor.
If you loved mystery and music, “Josie and the Pussycats” was a perfect pick.
The show may have had a short run, but it left a lasting impression on fans.
8) Schoolhouse Rock!
If you grew up in the 70s or 80s, you probably remember “Schoolhouse Rock!” It was an animated series of musical shorts that aired on ABC during Saturday mornings.
Each episode taught kids about grammar, science, economics, history, mathematics, and civics.
The catchy tunes made learning fun and stuck in your head for years.
Famous songs like “I’m Just a Bill” explained how a bill becomes a law. “Conjunction Junction” taught you about grammar with memorable lyrics and animations.
“Schoolhouse Rock!” ran from 1973 to 1985.
The episodes were so popular that they continued to air in reruns for many years.
The series was a staple of Saturday morning TV and is still beloved by many who grew up watching it.
Its unique blend of education and entertainment made it a standout show of its time.
9) The Jetsons
The Jetsons is a classic cartoon that first aired in the 1960s.
This futuristic family quickly became a favorite for many kids.
They lived in Orbit City, where everyone had flying cars, robot maids, and all sorts of advanced gadgets.
Even though it started in the ’60s, The Jetsons was a big hit in the ’70s and ’80s too.
Many channels kept showing reruns, so you might have watched it on Saturday mornings.
It featured George Jetson, his wife Jane, their kids Judy and Elroy, and their dog Astro.
What made The Jetsons special was how it showed life in a future world.
It had cool inventions and funny stories that made you wonder what the future might be like.
The show blended everyday family issues with futuristic settings, making it easy to relate to even if it was set in space.
The humor in The Jetsons was timeless.
Even if the technology seemed like science fiction, the family dynamics were very real.
Parents, kids, and even their talking dog had a way of making you laugh.
Watching The Jetsons was a fun way to imagine what life could be like in the far-off future.
The Golden Era of Saturday Morning Cartoons
This period was magical, blending creativity and storytelling.
The cartoons from these decades shaped a generation and left a lasting cultural impact.
Why the 70s Were Special
The 1970s brought unique shows that became staples in many households.
Shows like Scooby-Doo and Super Friends captivated kids every Saturday morning.
Cartoons then often had vibrant characters and plots that mixed humor with adventure.
They provided a break from daily routines, creating joy and excitement.
Brands like Hanna-Barbera introduced many iconic series, further solidifying the charm of this era.
Running between 1969 and 1985, The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show is another example.
It featured classic Looney Tunes characters, drawing in both young and older audiences.
These shows are the essence of what made the era so special.
Cultural Impact on Kids
Saturday morning cartoons were more than just fun animations.
They influenced the way kids saw the world.
Heroes and heroines in these shows taught lessons about friendship, bravery, and kindness. Captain Caveman and Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids are examples of shows that aimed to provide more than entertainment.
They incorporated educational elements and moral lessons.
Advertisements often targeted young viewers during these blocks, creating a blend of entertainment and consumer culture.
The legacy of these cartoons continues to shape modern animated shows, reminding us of their importance in shaping childhood experiences.
Animation Techniques and Styles
The animation world of the 1970s saw many changes.
Animators used new techniques to bring cartoons to life and experimented with distinctive art styles that made each show unique.
Evolution of Cartoon Animation
In the 1970s, animators began using more advanced methods. Limited animation was popular.
This technique involved fewer frames per second, making the process quicker and cheaper.
Shows like The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo used this method a lot.
Limited animation meant reusing backgrounds and characters, which might move just one part of their body, like an arm or mouth.
Traditional cel animation was still in use.
Artists drew each frame by hand and painted them onto celluloid sheets.
It was a time-consuming process but created smooth and detailed animations.
Shows like Super Friends and The Jetsons benefited from this technique, providing vibrant and engaging episodes.
New tools like the xerography process allowed drawings to be copied onto cels more efficiently.
This technology improved animation speed and consistency.
Techniques evolved, making cartoons more dynamic and visually appealing for viewers.
Distinctive Art Styles of the 70s
The 1970s had diverse and unique art styles. Hanna-Barbera Productions dominated with their simple, bold-lined characters and bright colors.
Shows like Yogi Bear and The Smurfs had a recognizable look that kids loved.
Filmation had its own style with shows like Fat Albert and He-Man.
These cartoons had a more realistic design with stronger muscle definitions and shadows.
They aimed for a lifelike approach, which was appealing to both kids and teens.
Japanese anime also started influencing Western animations.
Shows like Speed Racer brought a different art style with more exaggerated features and complex action scenes.
This blending of Eastern and Western styles created a unique visual experience.
Different studios experimented with visual aesthetics, ranging from simple to detailed, giving each show its own flavor that kids eagerly watched every Saturday morning.
Behind the Scenes Insight
The magic of Saturday morning cartoons from the ’70s didn’t just happen on its own.
It involved a lot of dedicated creators, producers, and talented voice actors who brought the characters to life.
Key Creators and Producers
Many of the cartoons you loved as a kid in the ’70s came from the creative minds at Hanna-Barbera, Filmation, and DePatie-Freleng Enterprises. William Hanna and Joseph Barbera were legends in the industry, responsible for hits like The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo. Lou Scheimer and Norm Prescott from Filmation produced classics such as Fat Albert and The Archies.
These creators often worked with a range of talented animators and writers.
Their goal? To craft stories and characters that were both entertaining and morally instructive.
They managed tight schedules and budgets to keep the shows on the air, which often meant producing at a breakneck pace.
Voice Actors Who Brought Characters to Life
Voice actors played a pivotal role in making these cartoon characters memorable. Mel Blanc, known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices,” was behind many of the Looney Tunes characters and extended his talents to characters like Speed Buggy. Casey Kasem was the iconic voice of Shaggy in Scooby-Doo, and his distinct delivery made Shaggy a favorite among fans.
June Foray lent her voice to numerous characters, including Rocky the Flying Squirrel from The Bullwinkle Show.
You might also recognize Frank Welker, who voiced Fred from Scooby-Doo and went on to have a prolific voice acting career.
These actors didn’t just read lines—they added personality and emotion, making each character unique and beloved.
Legacy and Influence on Modern Cartoons
Saturday morning cartoons from the 70s left a lasting mark on the world of animation. Classic characters and storytelling techniques from that era continue to shape today’s cartoon landscape.
How 70s Cartoons Shaped Today’s Animation
Iconic Characters: The 70s introduced characters like the Super Friends team, which included superheroes from DC Comics.
These characters set a standard for heroism and teamwork, inspiring modern superhero shows like Justice League and Teen Titans Go!.
Storytelling: Shows like The Pink Panther and Here Comes the Grump used clever and light-hearted humor that many of today’s cartoons still use.
This style appeals to kids and adults alike, making content more accessible for all ages.
Animation Techniques: The 70s focused on hand-drawn animation, a technique that influenced the visual styles of later decades.
Today’s animators often look to this period for inspiration, blending classic hand-drawn methods with modern digital techniques to create unique visuals.
Cultural Impact: Nostalgia for 70s cartoons has sparked reboots and revivals.
Shows like Scooby-Doo keep coming back in new forms, proving that the affection for these classics never fades.
This continuous reinvention keeps the spirit of 70s cartoons alive in popular culture.
These legacy traits remind you that the 70s era isn’t just a memory; it’s a foundation for present-day animation.
