No, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is NOT on here. Sorry, bronies.
10. Bonkers
A famous celebrity decides to try his hand at being a cop. Half the time he doesn’t realize the seriousness of the situation. And half the time he drives his partner nuts. Keep in mind: he’s a TOON.
While people were too busy with Darkwing Duck, can we not forget Jim Cummings’ other beloved character?
Nothing against DW, but Bonkers was that friend who could turn a sh*tshow into a Hollywood premiere.
By the way, which *BBCBFF do you prefer him with? Lucky or Miranda?
To Lucky, Bonkers was the friend he couldn’t stand, but definitely couldn’t stand to live without.
To Miranda, he’s everything. (I smell you shippers...)
*Best Buddy Cop Best Friend Forever
9. Cupcake and Dino: General Services
Brothers Cupcake and Dino are General Servicers. They take care of any job you need done, so you don’t have to do it! Whether it’s taking care of an AI house. Helping Big City’s youngest mayor maintain her reputation. Or delivering pizzas. Cupcake and Dino will do the job, no complaints!
I really like how very social and approachable these two are.
Dino’s optimistic. Cupcake’s charismatic. And they are willing to take the tiniest of jobs, like babysitting or cleaning your room (so you don’t have too!).
Who wouldn’t want a friend that’ll bend their back for you?
8. Mao Mao: Heroes of Pure Heart
Swordsman cat Mao Mao finds his heroic ego put to the test when he must protect a valley of defenseless critters from danger. Granted, he did accidentally break their security system. Now the town’s sheriff, he takes his new duties very seriously. While practically babysitting an entire town has its perks, the real action starts when monsters, sky pirates, and self-esteem issues start attacking.
If you’ve watched “Popularity Conquest” or “Lonely Kid”, I know what you’re thinking: most of the characters in this show don’t deserve Mao Mao’s protection. Or a merch plush.
What it overwhelms in family and social issues, it makes up for in the relationships that truly matter.
While most of the Pure Heart Vallery citizens can burn a horrible death, we must protect Adorabat and Badgerclops at all cost! Just as much as Mao Mao protects them!
7. T.O.T.S.
Two junior workers begin their jobs at the amazing Tiny Ones Transport Service, aka T.O.T.S.. While they’re still learning the ropes, they know how honorable a job it is when you have adorable babies to deliver! Freddy and Pip, the first flamingo and penguin working at T.O.T.S., make sure every baby gets delivered to their family on time.
I like this show genuinely for its love, friendship, and that family doesn’t have to be blood (and not because Freddy is voiced by the VA of Darwin Watterson, whichever it was).
I’m not going to lie, this show seems made “for kids”. But it hasn’t even been five minutes, and the pilot episode already started with some racism (the French asshole stork saying a flamingo and penguin can’t work at T.O.T.S.).
But overall, I really enjoy how they make it clear that an adopted family is just as good as blood related.
In fact, the whole organization of T.O.T.S. is one big happy family.
Probably better than yours.
6. Amphibia
One day Anne was celebrating her birthday with her best friends. Next thing she’s in an entirely different world with living frog people and her friends nowhere in sight. Under the care of the Plantar family, Anne must search for her friends and find a way home.
This is a show that is not afraid to pinpoint the reality for a specific kind of friendship: the toxic kind.
Toxic relationships don’t just involve adults. Even kids can be victims to them too.
Peer pressure.
Codependency.
The desperation to be part of something.
This show really hits home about choosing your friends. And choosing your family.
5. Archibald’s Next Big Thing
Archibald is a goofy chicken with a mind full of goofier ideas. Whether it’s discovering aliens. Helping a dinosaur adapt to the 21st century after being encased in ice. Or helping an opera singer get a literal frog in her throat. Every day is always the next big thing.
Besides Glitch Techs and Hilda, you really need to watch this Netflix cartoon too.
Archibald is basically all of us in public. Or what we strive to be but usually stay inside like complete introverts.
His interactions with his neighbors and new friends will possibly give you a confidence boost.
Because if he can be a weirdo and still make friends, there’s got to be a chance for the rest of us!
4. The Amazing World of Gumball
Weird? Check. Questionable? Check. Amazing? Oh, yes. Welcome to Elmore, a town normal by its standards. Meet Gumball Wattersons and his amazing family, friends, and community. In this reality, nothing is ever boring. There are a ton of bad ideas, sure. But never boring.
I’ve never seen a closer friendship than Gumball and Darwin’s to the point it’s okay to kiss your brother.
Mind you, Darwin’s adopted. (And it’s freaking funny!)
3. Wander Over Yonder
Wander is a traveling nomad who, along with his best friend/trusty steed Sylvia, explores the universe’s many planets and species. Everywhere is a new place to see. And new people to befriend. And possible enemies to make...friends.
“An enemy is a friend you just haven’t met yet.”
As bullsh*t as that sounds, I love Wander’s optimism. He makes making friends SO easy.
Let’s not kid ourselves. We all need a friend like Wander.
And some of us are too much of a Lord Hater to admit it.
2. We Bare Bears
Three bear brothers live together in San Francisco. Every day it’s food, friends, and internet memes. But sometimes any of those can be difficult to acquire (especially memes). And sometimes it’s hard being a bear in a community. But for these brothers, they’ll handle anything together.
Some humans are complete assholes to these bears. Which says a lot about our society.
But, just like real life, the bears do have people that care about them.
My favorite episodes are the one with Chloe. She’s just a kid but is definitely ride or die for the bears.
Seriously, we need more people like the bears in this world today!
1. Craig of the Creek
Craig and his pals often head over to the famous creek where many groups hang around. Anyone of any niche is present at the creek. Older. Smaller. Crazier. More distinct. Possibly villainous (in their own mind). The creek is where anyone can be anything. And for Craig and his friends, they’ll try everything.
Unlike Steven Universe, this was a wholesome, feel-good cartoon.
Craig is a sweet kid who takes us all on an adventure. And not be afraid to get a little grass and mud on our pants.
The relationships he has with everyone is super positive. Even for the supposed “antagonists”, Craig shows a lot of empathy.
In fact, if you and your friends are going to do crazy stuff, learn from Craig and his friends.
The stuff they do is crazy. But not illegal.
