9 Saturday Morning Cartoons Every 70s Kid Remembers That Defined an Era
Growing up in the 70s meant you had special memories tied to Saturday mornings.
You eagerly grabbed your cereal and plopped down in front of the TV for hours of animated adventures and memorable characters. These shows weren’t just cartoons—they were a defining part of your childhood.
You’ll likely remember the excitement of your favorite characters coming to life week after week.
Whether it was superheroes from comic books or original creations, these cartoons hold a special place in your heart and continue to bring a smile to your face.
1) Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
You must remember the gang: Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma.
They drove around in the Mystery Machine, solving spooky mysteries. “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” first aired on CBS in 1969.
The show’s formula was simple and fun.
Each episode featured the team unmasking a villain dressed as a ghost or monster.
They always ended up saying, “And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for you meddling kids!”
“Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” was one of the first cartoons to use a laugh track.
This added to the show’s charm and made it even more enjoyable.
The loveable, cowardly Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, and his best friend, Shaggy, provided lots of laughs.
The show originally ran for two seasons with 25 episodes.
Later, nine additional episodes aired on ABC.
This cartoon left a big impact and led to many other Scooby-Doo series and movies.
2) The Flintstones
The Flintstones aired from 1960 to 1966.
You probably remember Fred, Wilma, and their friends in the prehistoric town of Bedrock.
This show was like The Honeymooners but set in a world with dinosaurs and stone-age gadgets.
You watched Fred Flintstone work at the rock quarry and heard his iconic “Yabba Dabba Doo!” The Flintstones also had a pet dinosaur named Dino, who was always full of energy.
The show’s humor came from modern-day problems placed in a stone-age setting.
Besides Fred and Wilma, there were their best friends, Barney and Betty Rubble.
Their kids, Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, added extra fun to the show.
The Flintstones offered laughs and was a must-watch on Saturday mornings.
3) Yogi Bear
You probably remember Yogi Bear, the lovable and sneaky bear from Jellystone Park.
Yogi made his first appearance in 1958 as a supporting character on “The Huckleberry Hound Show.” His antics quickly made him popular enough to get his own show.
Yogi is famous for trying to steal picnic baskets while outsmarting Ranger Smith.
His sidekick, Boo Boo, often warns him of the consequences, but Yogi’s clever schemes usually get them both into trouble.
Yogi’s catchphrase, “I’m smarter than the average bear,” is something every fan remembers.
The show combined humor with action, making it a hit among kids and even adults.
Watching Yogi and Boo Boo’s adventures became a Saturday morning ritual.
The animation style and quirky characters added to its charm, making it a memorable part of childhood for many.
Even though “Yo Yogi!” was a later attempt to modernize the character in the early 90s, the original show remains a classic.
It might not have the same impact today, but for kids of the 70s, Yogi Bear was a must-watch.
4) The Jetsons
If you grew up in the ’70s, you probably remember The Jetsons.
This futuristic animated series took you on adventures with George Jetson, his family, and their quirky robot maid, Rosie.
The show was set in a world with flying cars, moving sidewalks, and other high-tech gadgets.
It made you dream about what the future might look like.
Characters like George, Jane, Judy, and Elroy Jetson, along with their dog Astro, brought humor and fun into your Saturday mornings.
Their everyday problems and family dynamics felt relatable, even set in a world of advanced technology.
The Jetsons wasn’t just about gadgets; it was also about the close relationships within the family.
Each episode had a mix of humor and heart that kept you coming back for more.
5) Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids
“Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids” is a show many 70s kids hold dear.
It ran from 1972 to 1985.
The cartoon was created by Bill Cosby, who also voiced several characters, including Fat Albert himself.
The show followed a group of kids from an urban neighborhood in Philadelphia.
You probably remember the unique way it combined fun adventures with important lessons about life.
Each episode tackled real-world issues like bullying, smoking, and peer pressure.
One of the coolest things about the show was how it used humor and relatable stories to teach these lessons.
You might recall that Fat Albert and his friends often found themselves in tricky situations.
They learned valuable lessons, which encouraged viewers to think critically and make good choices.
The characters in the show were diverse and unique.
Each one brought something different to the table, making the group dynamic entertaining and memorable.
Whether it was Weird Harold’s clumsiness or Dumb Donald’s hat, each character left a mark on the audience.
6) Super Friends
Super Friends was one of the most iconic cartoons of the ’70s.
You might remember watching Superman, Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman taking on villains together.
It was based on the Justice League of America from DC Comics.
The show ran from 1973 to 1985 on ABC.
It was produced by Hanna-Barbera, the same studio behind other hits like Scooby-Doo.
As a kid, you probably loved seeing your favorite superheroes working as a team.
Each episode featured different adventures and bad guys, keeping you glued to the screen every Saturday morning.
The animation style and catchy theme song made it even more memorable.
If you were a fan of comics, this show was a dream come true.
7) Hong Kong Phooey
If you were watching cartoons in the mid-70s, you definitely remember Hong Kong Phooey.
This show was a fun mix of comedy and action, with a clumsy janitor named Penrod “Penry” Pooch who turns into the superhero Hong Kong Phooey.
With his karate moves and trusty sidekick, Spot the cat, Hong Kong Phooey tackled crime.
The show aired on ABC and originally ran from September 7 to December 21, 1974.
Even after the original episodes ended, reruns kept the spirit alive throughout the late 70s and into the 80s.
One of the coolest parts? The voice of Hong Kong Phooey was none other than Scatman Crothers.
His voice brought a unique charm and fun to the character.
The theme song was catchy and memorable.
It even got a reboot by the band Sublime for the 1995 album “Saturday Morning: Cartoons’ Greatest Hits.”
The show had a light-hearted vibe and was just right for a Saturday morning.
It might not have had the longest run, but Hong Kong Phooey left a lasting impression on kids of the 70s.
8) Josie and the Pussycats
If you grew up in the 70s, you probably watched “Josie and the Pussycats.” This animated show was based on the Archie Comics series by Dan DeCarlo.
It aired on CBS from 1970 to 1971.
The show featured a rock band with three girls: Josie, Valerie, and Melody.
They went on wild adventures while solving mysteries.
You might recognize their catchy theme song and colorful outfits.
Hanna-Barbera, the studio behind many classic cartoons, produced this series.
Even though only 16 episodes were made, it left a big impact.
The mix of music, mystery, and fun characters made it memorable.
Casey Kasem, famous for his radio show, voiced Alexander Cabot III, their manager.
Other voice talents included Janet Waldo as Josie and Jackie Joseph as Melody.
“Josie and the Pussycats” also had a unique touch with Valerie being one of the first African American characters in a cartoon band.
This was a big deal back then.
Years later, the show was revived and even got a live-action film in 2001.
If you remember Saturday mornings, “Josie and the Pussycats” likely holds a special place in your heart.
9) The Pink Panther Show
You can’t think of Saturday morning cartoons without mentioning The Pink Panther Show.
This series showcased the smooth, silent Pink Panther in various comedic adventures, using clever tricks to outsmart his opponents.
Airing from 1969 to 1980, it started on NBC and then moved to ABC.
Kids loved how the Pink Panther never spoke but still managed to convey so much through his actions.
Each episode had a unique charm, thanks to the creative work of David H. DePatie and Friz Freleng.
Even though the humor was simple, it was timeless and appealed to both kids and adults.
The catchy theme music by Henry Mancini was another highlight.
You probably still find yourself humming it from time to time.
The show included classic shorts like “The Pink Phink” and “Pink Pajamas,” which are unforgettable.
Watching the Pink Panther outwit everyone made for great entertainment.
If you grew up in the ’70s, you likely spent many Saturday mornings laughing at his antics.
It’s a show that still brings back fond memories today.
The Cultural Impact of 70s Cartoons
Cartoons from the 70s didn’t just entertain; they shaped pop culture and introduced catchphrases and characters that are still beloved today.
Influence on Pop Culture
Cartoons like Scooby-Doo and Super Friends significantly influenced pop culture. Scooby-Doo set the standard for mystery-solving teams, while Super Friends brought superheroes into living rooms, making them household names.
Saturday mornings became a ritual, where you would gather to watch your favorite shows.
These cartoons also inspired various toys, comic books, and even live-action movies, creating a lasting legacy.
Memorable Catchphrases and Characters
You probably still remember catchphrases like “Jinkies!” from Scooby-Doo or “Wonder Twin powers, activate!” from Super Friends.
These phrases became part of everyday language.
Characters like Velma, Shaggy, and Superman were more than just TV figures; they were icons.
Their unique traits and memorable quotes made them unforgettable and loved by audiences everywhere.
Animation Styles and Techniques of the 70s
During the 70s, animation saw a lot of creative styles.
Traditional hand-drawn methods were still popular, with artists manually drawing each frame.
The use of color and sound also played a major role, making cartoons more engaging for kids.
Traditional Hand-Drawn Animation
In the 70s, cartoons were mostly made using hand-drawn animation. Artists drew every frame by hand, which was a very time-consuming process.
Characters and backgrounds were drawn on transparent sheets called cels.
These cels were then layered on top of each other to create a full scene.
This method gave cartoons a distinct and detailed look.
It was all about precision and consistency, ensuring each frame flowed smoothly to the next.
Examples include Scooby-Doo and Super Friends.
These shows had great detail, thanks to the dedication of the animators who drew every single movement.
The Use of Color and Sound
Color was key to making 70s cartoons come alive.
Bright and vibrant colors were used to grab your attention and keep it.
Backgrounds often had bold, simple colors to make characters stand out more.
This contrast made it easier for kids to follow the action on screen.
Sound effects and music were also essential.
Shows used exciting music and fun sound effects to make scenes more dramatic or funny.
Voice acting became more prominent, adding personality to characters.
For example, Hanna-Barbera cartoons are known for their memorable voices and catchy themes.
Using color and sound together created a more immersive experience, making Saturday mornings something to look forward to.
Television Broadcasting and Scheduling
Saturday mornings in the 1970s were special times for kids, with TV networks creating specific schedules just for them.
These shows featured a mix of cartoons and live-action series that captured young imaginations.
Saturday Morning TV Traditions
Saturday mornings became an important tradition for kids.
They would wake up early, sometimes with snacks in hand, to watch their favorite cartoons.
The shows ranged from superhero adventures like Super Friends to fun and light-hearted series involving animals and fantasy worlds.
These special mornings were all about enjoyment and entertainment, creating memories for many children of that era.
Networks and Time Slots
In the ‘70s, the “Big Three” networks—ABC, NBC, and CBS—dominated the airwaves.
Each one had its own lineup from around 8 AM to 12 PM.
ABC: Known for shows like Scooby-Doo and The Jetsons.
NBC: Highlighted series like The Smurfs and Space Sentinels.
CBS: Featured classics such as Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.
Each show had a specific time slot, making it easy for kids to follow their favorites week after week.
It was a dedicated block just for the young audience.
