10 Canceled Animated TV Shows That Desperately Need A Revival

Although cancellations of animated TV shows are common in the television industry, there are numerous series that could significantly benefit from being revived. From cult classics like Invader Zim and Freakazoid! to critically acclaimed classic ‘90s Saturday morning cartoons such as Hey Arnold, many animated shows have been cut short due to various reasons, including financial constraints, business decisions, or shifts in network priorities. These premature endings often leave storylines unresolved and characters’ arcs incomplete, leaving viewers yearning for more.

Shows like Gargoyles have demonstrated their enduring popularity and relevance, even years after their cancellations through sustained fan interest and the exploration of mature themes. By reviving these series, networks and streaming platforms could tap into a dedicated fan base while introducing these beloved characters and stories to a new generation of viewers. The potential for further character development, world-building, and tackling of important issues makes these shows prime candidates for revival, offering a wealth of untapped storytelling possibilities.

10
Wolverine and the X-Men (2008-2009)

1 season

The compelling storyline and adherence to the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series make Wolverine and the X-Men a strong candidate for revival. The show’s premise, centered around Wolverine’s efforts to reunite the disbanded X-Men team following a mysterious incident, offers a captivating narrative. Despite its cancellation after a single season, the series maintained the multi-episode structure and character arcs that made its predecessor so successful. With the rights to the X-Men franchise now under Disney’s control, the time is ripe for Wolverine and the X-Men to make a triumphant return.

9
The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008-2009)

2 seasons

The classic superhero cartoon, The Spectacular Spider-Man, included mature themes and brilliant vocal performances that set it apart from other adaptations. The show’s quality and impact are evident in the avid cult following it garnered, despite its short run. With the enduring popularity of the character and the success of recent Spider-Man projects, a reboot of this series would be a welcome addition to the superhero landscape. Bringing back The Spectacular Spider-Man would allow for further exploration of its unique take on the iconic hero and provide an opportunity to continue the story that resonated with so many.

8
Invader Zim (2001-2006)

2 seasons

Invader Zim‘s dark comedy and unique premise, focusing on the titular alien’s repeated attempts to conquer Earth, makes it perfect to appeal to modern audiences. Despite Invader Zim being canceled after two seasons, its critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award, is a testament to its quality and impact on the genre. A revival would allow for the exploration of new storylines and the continuation of its signature humor, which has resonated with fans for years. With the right budget and creative direction, a new season could build upon the show’s strengths and introduce it to a new generation of viewers.

7
Gargoyles (1994-1997)

3 seasons

The masterful blend of superhero action and fantasy horror in Gargoyles created a unique and captivating viewing experience that left a lasting impact on its audience. The show’s fearless exploration of gothic themes and its seamless integration of Shakespearean tragedies into the supernatural narrative showcased the creators’ storytelling skills. While the series was cut short after three seasons, its enduring popularity and the recent announcement of a live-action reboot demonstrate the timeless appeal of Gargoyles. However, a revival of the animated series would provide an opportunity to dive deeper into the rich lore that made the original a cult classic.

6
The Oblongs (2001-2002)

2 seasons

The Oblongs may have initially struggled to find its audience, but the untapped potential of this unique adult animated series deserves a second chance. Loosely based on Angus Oblong’s book Creepy Susie and 13 Other Tragic Tales for Troubled Children, the show’s premise of a bizarrely deformed family living in a radioactively polluted slum offers a wealth of storytelling possibilities. The show’s willingness to tackle unconventional subjects and its distinctive visual style set it apart from other animated series of its time. Given the opportunity to develop its characters and further explore its world, The Oblongs could find new life.

5
Freakazoid! (1995-1997)

2 seasons

Freakazoid!‘s ingenious fusion of Looney Tunes-inspired zaniness with superhero tropes created a truly unique and hilarious viewing experience that was ahead of its time. The show’s titular character, with his unconventional approach to defeating villains through sheer annoyance and insane cartoon antics, brought a fresh perspective to the superhero genre. Despite its short run of 24 episodes, Freakazoid! cultivated a devoted following that recognized the series’ absurdly creative and creatively absurd nature. A revival or reboot of this groundbreaking show would not only delight long-time fans, but also introduce a new generation to its irreverent humor and inventive storytelling.

4
Danny Phantom (2004-2007)

3 seasons

Danny Phantom was a unique blend of high school drama and ghostly superhero action that was combined with an amazing theme song. These elements made for a captivating and memorable animated series that ended way too soon. The show skillfully incorporated classic superhero elements while putting a fresh spin on the genre, resulting in a series that stood out from its contemporaries. Despite receiving a proper send-off in the form of a TV movie, the demand for more Danny Phantom content remains strong.

3
Inside Job (2021-2022)

2 seasons

A Netflix animated TV show canceled too soon, Inside Job‘s fresh take on the workplace comedy genre, set in a world where conspiracy theories are real, made for a compelling and entertaining animated series. The show’s clever writing, well-developed characters, and engaging storylines earned it positive reviews from both critics and fans. Despite its success and the fact that it ended on a cliffhanger, Netflix’s decision to cancel Inside Job after just one season left viewers yearning for more. The series’ premature cancelation was a disappointing outcome for a show with so much potential.

2
Hey Arnold! (1996-2004)

5 seasons

Hey Arnold! was a show that effortlessly tackled the real-life challenges faced by children, such as navigating friendships and family dynamics, setting it apart from its contemporaries. Arnold, with his iconic football-shaped head, served as a likable and witty protagonist, while his interactions with his secret admirer, Helga, added a layer of charm and humor to the series. The show’s cool and jazzy soundtrack perfectly complemented the visually striking setting, inspired by elements of New York City. Although Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie provided a satisfying conclusion to the series in 2017, a reboot would allow for further exploration.

1
The Boondocks (2005-2014)

4 seasons

The Boondocks was a groundbreaking adult animated series created by Aaron McGruder that fearlessly tackled social and political issues with biting satire and razor-sharp wit. The show’s unique blend of humor and commentary made it a voice for a generation, unafraid to confront controversial topics head-on. With its memorable characters, including the Freeman family and their eccentric neighbors, The Boondocks provided a fresh perspective on American society and culture. Despite the disappointing news of the decision to cancel the planned HBO Max reboot, the demand for more of The Boondocks remains strong.