Why it was so good: You know a show is great when it makes you actually want to do the same thing that the characters are involved in. While I never took a surf lesson (RIP), Stoked encapsulates all of those feelings about being young, growing up, not giving a shit and just enjoying the sun and waves. Also it introduced me to the Canadian pastry that is beaver tails (called beaver butts in the series). Why it was so good: As someone who now writes articles for a living, I can see why I was so obsessed with this show. It was fun, the characters were hilarious and I feel a strong urge to rewatch it because I just realised that Vanessa Morgan (aka Toni Topaz on Riverdale) plays Amanda. Why it was so good: If I’m being honest, much of this show felt like a fever dream. But it had some banger tunes and formed an essential part of every Aussie’s upbringing during the 2000s. Why it was so good: It had that perfect mixture of comedy and romance, plus it was super relatable! Hazel, Sophie and Rebecca just wanted to fit in like you did. Also, does anyone remember a young Aisha Dee being in this show?! Why it was so good: Radio Free Roscoe made you want to ~rebel~ and start your own underground radio station. Plus, it had the BEST music. Why it was so good: As a kid, I was hooked on watching Storm Hawks. It had the best action sequences, interesting characters, a unique setting…but, like all brilliant series, it was cancelled and ended on a cliffhanger. It’s been 13 years and I’m still waiting for Season 3. Why it was so good: Today I’m learning that there were only 26 episodes of Spliced, which doesn’t feel right because it felt like a lot more than that as a kid. This show will always have a place in my heart though because of how unique and funny it was. Why it was so good: It was so pure and wholesome! Also, I’m preeeeettyy sure I had a crush on Marv, Charlie’s best friend, as a kid. But then again, who didn’t? Why it was so good: While it never reached the heights of Lizzie McGuire, Naturally Sadie was still a lot of fun for a teen show! Plus, it gave you the opportunity to learn more about animals, which was kind of cool. The story revolves around Lena, a young Seijin, and her brother Mahad, who join a pirate rebellion after their mother is captured by the Sphere, a dictatorship organisation who rules over Skyland. Why it was so good: Honestly, if I were to rewatch Skyland as an adult, I think I would enjoy it even more than I did as a kid. It has such an interesting backstory, as well as cool sci-fi elements. Plus, the animation is so lifelike! Why it was so good: It was hella entertaining, had a banger of a theme song and Chloe (Carl’s goth sister) was — and still is — iconic. Why it was so good: M.I. High was elite and I will not hear a bad word against it. It had you WISHING you worked as an undercover agent for MI9, when instead you were simply walking to the shops to pick up some milk for mum. Why it was so good: A kids’ show with Tim Burton vibes? What’s not to love? Like Ruby Gloom (another 10/10 cartoon), Growing Up Creepie was all about individuality and being yourself. Why it was so good: It was an absolute crime that Dragon Booster was cancelled after three seasons (I’m still not over it) because this cartoon perfectly blended sci-fi and fantasy elements together. Sometimes the phrase “RELEASE THE DRAGON!!!” pops into my head and I get all nostalgic again. Why it was so good: Vlad, Robin and Ingrid were super relatable, and the Count was wickedly funny. Also, does anyone else remember having to wait THREE YEARS for Season 3 to come out?! Worth the wait though. Why it was so good: Even though it was gross (duh), the science behind each episode was actually really interesting to learn about. Oh, and if I’m being really honest, I probably had a crush on Ty. Why it was so good: Okay, the theme song for one, but also the machines that George and his dad invented were SO cool. It almost made me wish I was three inches tall, but then again as an adult, I’m only 5'1 so I guess that sort of came true. Why it was so good: Because the plots were so random and silly, Kid Vs. Kat never failed to make you laugh after a rough day at school. Why it was so good: King Arthur’s Disasters never took itself too seriously and instead provided a bunch of laughs. There were rabid squirrels, a dangerous butterfly and I loved how sassy Princess Guinevere was.
