"Dexter's Laboratory" was an original Cartoon Network animated series that first aired in 1996 (Image courtesy of Cartoon Network).

Cartoon Network is currently celebrating its 20th birthday and the cable television network released its own exclusive music video just for the occasion (featured below).  The official anniversary date was October 1st, but the festivities are still in full effect on its website and on the network. Just to commemorate, here is a look back at the most memorable animated series of the past and some recent additions.

Cartoon Network is most recognizable for its group of original animated cartoons that make the network so endearing to this existing college generation. Shows like “Tom & Jerry,” “Samurai Jack,” “The Powerpuff Girls,” “Dexter’s Laboratory,” and “Johnny Bravo” were all contributing factors to how Cartoon Network became so popular among children. It later added Toonami in 1997 that brought anime into the mix. The network played cartoons every day of the week, capturing the hearts of many youngsters who sought out pure, innocent laughs any time of the day. The shows all differed and provided the right kind of entertainment. Every animation balanced comedy and endearment. Cartoon Network should have stayed the way it was in its early years, but, unfortunately, was doomed to a downfall in its 20 years of existence.

Later on, more young adult-friendly animations made their way on the network, including “Teen Titans,” “Codename: Kids Next Door,” “Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi,” and more. These shows gave off the impression of being tailored for a slightly older crowd, while simultaneously still maintaining the easygoing nature of a Cartoon Network show. These were tolerable. Though Cartoon Network had clearly undergone a shift when including these shows, the animations still had the proper substance and became just as sensational as the earlier series.

However (say around 2004 or 2005), Cartoon Network went on a completely downward spiral. Now, shows like “Adventure Time,” “Total Drama Island,” “The Misadventures of Flapjack,” and “Regular Show” are plaguing the network. Above all else, it is perhaps most disappointing that the network felt the need to include a fictional reality series like “Total Drama Island,” a clear indication of the network’s downfall. The animations of today on Cartoon Network are just plain weird and complete contrasts from the earlier hits that the last generation grew up on. The characters are awkward and badly drawn, with disappointing personalities to match. Cartoon Network is now being heavily critiqued for steering clear of the original viewers’ expectations and for good reason. The network is going into its 20th anniversary much worse off than it started. 

Bringing the originals back and taking out these time fillers have become a requirement. Nowadays, Cartoon Network is unrecognizably different from what it used to be and that needs to change if the network hopes to celebrate 20 more years of production.