20 Cartoons You Won’t Believe Are Still Airing Today! Cartoons often hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of childhood days or providing entertainment across generations. While some shows come and go, others have remarkable staying power, continuing to produce new episodes year after year. Here are 20 cartoons that you might be surprised to learn are still airing as of 2023.
1. The Simpsons (1989–Present)
Overview: This iconic animated sitcom has been on the air for over three decades, chronicling the lives of the Simpson family in the town of Springfield.
Why It’s Surprising: With over 30 seasons, “The Simpsons” is the longest-running American scripted primetime television series. Many might assume it ended years ago, but it continues to release new episodes, remaining culturally relevant.
2. South Park (1997–Present)
Overview: Known for its satirical and often controversial content, “South Park” follows the misadventures of four boys in a small Colorado town.
Why It’s Surprising: Despite pushing boundaries and facing censorship over the years, the show continues to produce new seasons, maintaining its sharp commentary on current events.
3. Family Guy (1999–Present)
Overview: This animated sitcom centers on the Griffin family and is known for its cutaway gags and irreverent humor.
Why It’s Surprising: “Family Guy” was once canceled after its third season but was revived due to strong DVD sales and rerun ratings. It continues to air new episodes, often pushing comedic boundaries.
4. SpongeBob SquarePants (1999–Present)
Overview: Set in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom, the show follows the optimistic sea sponge SpongeBob and his friends.
Why It’s Surprising: Over two decades since its debut, SpongeBob remains a staple on Nickelodeon, appealing to both children and adults with its humor and charm.
5. One Piece (1999–Present)
Overview: This Japanese anime series follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in search of the ultimate treasure known as “One Piece.”
Why It’s Surprising: With over 1,000 episodes, “One Piece” is one of the longest-running anime series. Its ongoing story continues to captivate fans worldwide.
6. Pokémon (1997–Present)
Overview: The series began with Ash Ketchum aiming to become a Pokémon Master. Over the years, the show has introduced new regions and characters.
Why It’s Surprising: Even after over 25 years, the Pokémon anime continues to release new episodes, adapting to new game releases and introducing new generations of Pokémon.
7. Doraemon (2005–Present)
Overview: This beloved Japanese series features Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future who helps a young boy named Nobita with futuristic gadgets.
Why It’s Surprising: While Doraemon has been around since the 1970s, the 2005 anime series continues to produce new episodes, remaining popular in Japan and other countries.
8. Crayon Shin-chan (1992–Present)
Overview: The show revolves around the antics of five-year-old Shinnosuke “Shin” Nohara and his family.
Why It’s Surprising: With its unique humor and art style, “Crayon Shin-chan” continues to air new episodes, maintaining its popularity in Japan.
9. Thomas & Friends (1984–Present)
Overview: Based on “The Railway Series” books, the show features anthropomorphized trains on the Island of Sodor.
Why It’s Surprising: “Thomas & Friends” has undergone various updates and changes, including a recent switch to a new animation style, but continues to produce new content.
10. Bob’s Burgers (2011–Present)
Overview: This animated sitcom follows the Belcher family as they run their hamburger restaurant.
Why It’s Surprising: Despite a modest start, “Bob’s Burgers” has grown in popularity, continuing to air new seasons and even releasing a feature film in 2022.
11. Blue’s Clues & You! (2019–Present)
Overview: A reboot of the original “Blue’s Clues,” this interactive show helps preschoolers solve puzzles with the help of Blue, a playful puppy.
Why It’s Surprising: Many may not realize that “Blue’s Clues” has been revived and continues to engage new generations of children.
12. Rugrats (2021–Present)
Overview: A reboot of the original 1990s series, “Rugrats” follows the adventures of a group of toddlers from their perspective.
Why It’s Surprising: The CG-animated reboot brings back the classic characters, introducing them to a new generation while appealing to nostalgic fans.
13. Beavis and Butt-Head (2022–Present)
Overview: The iconic duo returns with new episodes featuring their satirical and often crude humor.
Why It’s Surprising: After ending in the 1990s and a brief revival in 2011, “Beavis and Butt-Head” made another comeback in 2022 on Paramount+, much to the surprise of fans.
14. Looney Tunes Cartoons (2020–Present)
Overview: A revival of the classic “Looney Tunes,” featuring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and other beloved characters in new adventures.
Why It’s Surprising: Despite their origins in the early 20th century, these characters continue to entertain audiences with fresh content on streaming platforms.
15. Masha and the Bear (2009–Present)
Overview: A Russian animated series about a mischievous girl named Masha and her friend, a retired circus bear.
Why It’s Surprising: The show has gained international popularity and continues to produce new episodes, charming audiences worldwide.
16. Peppa Pig (2004–Present)
Overview: Follows the life of Peppa, a young pig, and her family and friends as they engage in everyday activities.
Why It’s Surprising: Despite its simple animation and premise, “Peppa Pig” remains a global phenomenon, still producing new episodes.
17. Curious George (2006–Present)
Overview: Based on the classic children’s books, the series follows the adventures of an inquisitive monkey named George.
Why It’s Surprising: The show has been airing for over 15 years, continuing to educate and entertain young viewers.
18. Case Closed (Detective Conan) (1996–Present)
Overview: A high school detective is transformed into a child but continues to solve mysteries under the alias Conan Edogawa.
Why It’s Surprising: With over 1,000 episodes, “Case Closed” is one of the longest-running anime series, still producing new mysteries.
19. Power Rangers (1993–Present)
Overview: A group of teenagers gain superpowers to fight evil forces threatening Earth.
Why It’s Surprising: While not an animated series, “Power Rangers” continues to release new seasons with different themes and characters, maintaining its appeal to new generations.
20. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012–Present)
Overview: The iconic quartet of crime-fighting turtles continues to battle villains in various animated adaptations.
Why It’s Surprising: The franchise has seen multiple reboots, with recent series like “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2018–2020), and continues to be a staple in children’s programming.
20 Cartoons You Won’t Believe Are Still Airing Today!
It’s remarkable how these cartoons have endured over the years, continuing to bring joy and entertainment to audiences around the world. Whether through continuous new episodes, reboots, or revivals, these shows prove that good storytelling and beloved characters can stand the test of time.
