2000s - The Rise of Adult Animation and Animation on Cable

Futurama (1999-2013, 2023-present)
A sci-fi comedy from The Simpsons creator Matt Groening.

SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-present)
An absurd, underwater-set cultural phenomenon.

The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005)
An icon of girl-power with unforgettable villains.

Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999-2009)
Three friends navigate suburban life.

Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999-2002)
Through a surreal and often creepy setting, a timid dog protects his owners.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2000-2015)
One of Adult Swim’s earliest hits.

Sealab 2021 (2000-2005)
A parody of the 1972 Sealab 2020, this show used recycled animation to create an entirely new and entirely absurd show.

Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law (2000-2007)
A repurposing classic Hanna-Barbera characters into a superhero-led legal satire.

Samurai Jack (2001-2017)
Genndy Tartakovsky’s visually stunning series following a samurai in a dystopian future.

Justice League / Justice League Unlimited (2001-2006)
This series continued the legacy pioneered by Batman: The Animated Series.

Teen Titans (2003-2006)
With anime-influenced styles, this superhero series is a fan favorite.

The Venture Bros. (2003-2018)
A dark comedy parodying superhero tropes.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
Avatar set new standards for animated fiction through extensive world-building.

Family Guy (1999-present)
Known for its edgy humor and pop culture references.

The Boondocks (2005-2014)
Combined anime-inspired visuals with social/political commentary. Explores African American culture.

Squidbillies (2005-2021)
A series about redneck squids in Georgia.

12 oz. Mouse (2005-2020)
An experimental series peddling minimalist art.

Robot Chicken (2005-present)
Short humorous skits through stop-motion parodying pop culture.

Code Lyoko (2003-2007)
A French animated series with a unique visual style of hybrid 2D/3D animation.

Ben 10 (2005-2008)
A superhero series for kids.

Moral Orel (2005-2009)
A dark stop-motion satire of religious fundamentalism.

Metalocalypse (2006-2013)
A dark comedy about a death metal band in a hyper-violent world.

Frisky Dingo (2006-2008)
A cult-followed show created by the team behind Archer.

Superjail! (2008-2014)
Superjail! is a psychadelic-inspired animation depicting an insane prison environment.