In 1991, The Ren & Stimpy Show. The initial ingenuity of Nicktoons was that the shows were creator-driven in comparison to the majority of '80s cartoons that were produced by toy companies to sell their merchandise. Over thirty years later, the studio has released a plethora of classics (including the three mentioned above) such as Hey Arnold! (1996), The Angry Beavers (1997) and As Told By Ginger (2000).
However, like any network, they've had their share of critical duds including Pig Goat Banana Cricket (2015), Bunsen Is a Beast (2017), and The Adventures of Kid Danger (2018). Based on the list below, readers can observe the highs and lows of Nickelodeon's programming.
BEST: Rocko's Modern Life 1993-1996 (7.9)
Created by Joe Murray. Rocko and his friends Heffer and Filburt. The series followed their chaotic escapades and fleeting attempts to survive adulthood. Murray and the writers based the stories on their own experiences as young adults. Besides being insanely hilarious a hallmark of the show was its adult references. Some of the jokes including Mrs. Bighead being sexually aggressive towards Rocko and Rocko working as "specialty phone operator" resulted in these scenes being removed for being too raunchy.
WORST: Tak & the Power of Juju 2007-2009 (3.4)
Based on the video game of the same name. It was the first CGI cartoon to have been personally supervised by Nickelodeon Animation Studio. Tak & The Power of Juju followed the titular character's life in the village and protecting the villagers from Tlaloc's sinister magic. Those who were fans of the game were disappointed it didn't follow the video game series. Meanwhile, others were turned off by the generic storylines, toilet humor, and unappealing recurring characters and obnoxious main character.
BEST: Spongebob SquarePants 1999-present (8.1)
Created by former marine science teacher Stephen Hillenberg. Patrick and Sandy and others.
The series was a huge hit for the network and continues to be popular despite some complaints about the decline in quality. Having spawned several video games, two theatrical pictures (with a third in limbo), and many toys. Fans were won over by the three-dimensional characters, outlandish humor, catchy music, and amazing voice talent.
WORST: The Adventures of Kid Danger 2018 (3.3)
An animated spin-off of Dan Schnieder. The series continued the heroic quests of Ray and Henry as they battled new foes. Some viewers who were fans of Henry Danger itted they didn't enjoy the series. General complaints were targeted towards the series' embarrassing jokes, low-quality animation, unlikeable characters, and boring action scenes. Some viewers have also pondered whether the show was the network's attempt to have their Teen Titans Go!
BEST: Invader ZIM 2001-2002 (8.1)
From the mind of Jhonen Vasquez. Zim being sent to Earth under the impression he was on a mission to take over the planet but was actually sent to his death by his leaders the Mighty Tallest. The series was one of Nickelodeon's darkest cartoons. Featuring an episode where Zim stole his peers' internal organs to appear more human and Zim and Dib turning into bologna. Despite upsetting some parents the show was praised for its macabre sense of humor, memorable characters, and iconic theme song.
WORST: Fanboy & Chum Chum 2009-2014 (3.3)
The show followed the two titular characters (dressed as superheroes) running amok in their hometown and inadvertently/intentionally annoying their authority figures and peers including Kyle, who was a wizard. Some of the issues directed at Fanboy & Chum Chum were towards its two leads. Despite being the central protagonists (and consequently rooted by the audience) they usually antagonized Kyle and others with little to no provocation. Others were also dismayed by its hectic pace and insipid jokes.
BEST: The Legend of Korra 2012-2014 (8.4)
The successor to Avatar: The Last Airbender. The Legend of Korra followed the latest Avatar's journey to learning all four elements and facing new dangers in the landscape of Republic City. Fans applauded the show for its diverse characters, titillating action, cameos from the original series and generally seeing how the world of Avatar evolved since ATL's end. While some were dissatisfied with the show's love triangle and decisions made within the series others agreed it was a satisfying follow-up.
WORST: Planet Sheen 2010-2013 (3)
This follow-up to The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius centered on the former series' comic relief Sheen accidentally ending up on another planet millions of light-years away from Earth.
Determined to return home, he enlists the help of his new friends while the show's antagonist Dorkis was set on eliminating him. Viewers found the spin-off to be inferior to the original series in almost every shape and form including its comedy, characters, music, and animation. While viewers commended the actors they felt they weren't enough to save the series.
BEST: Avatar: The Last Airbender 2005-2008 (9.3)
Sokka Aang in his journey to learning the other elements with a scorn Prince Zuko pursuing them. The series has been hailed for its amazing cast and characters, astounding fight sequences with the elemental bending being based on real Chinese martial arts styles, clever writing, ingenious comedy, and resonating world themes.
WORST: Breadwinners 2014-2016 (2.4)
Breadwinners was created by Steve Borst and Gary DiRaffaele. The cartoon focused on two ducks who rode in a rocket-powered van and delivered bread to other ducks. Some viewers made up their minds after watching the previews and while others still gave it a fair try they were still disappointed. Criticisms have been made towards the series' lackluster humor, crude animation, and inane storylines. Some reviews have claimed it to be Nickelodeon's worst series while another said it almost provoked them to throw out their TV.