1. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969–70; reruns through the ’70s)
Saturday mornings in the 1970s were sacred. Kids raced to the TV with bowls of cereal, ready for a lineup of bright, funny, and action-packed cartoons that defined childhood. Scooby-Doo may have premiered in 1969, but the 70s made him a household name. The Mystery Machine crew turned spooky mysteries into weekly fun. Its formula of masked villains, haunted houses, and that unforgettable groovy theme kept kids hooked. As reruns and spin-offs dominated mornings, Scooby became more than a show. He became comfort viewing and the ultimate reminder of carefree childhood laughter.
2. Josie and the Pussycats (1970–71)
Kids loved music in the 70s, and Josie and the Pussycats gave them a cartoon band to root for. With Josie, Melody, and Valerie rocking in animal-print outfits while solving mysteries, the show blended pop culture with cartoon fun. Hanna-Barbera gave it style, sass, and plenty of slapstick. Its catchy bubblegum pop songs stuck in kids’ heads and its mod-inspired look felt cool. Though it ran briefly, its impact was lasting. For children of the time, it was like watching a music video wrapped in colorful comedy, and it gave Saturday mornings a fresh, stylish groove.
3. The Archie Show (1968–70; reruns into the ’70s)
Archie, Jughead, Betty, and Veronica were already comic book staples, but Saturday mornings brought them to life. The Archie Show leaned into teen humor and catchy pop songs. Its biggest claim to fame was “Sugar, Sugar,” which became a real chart-topping hit, proving a cartoon could make waves beyond TV. By the 70s, reruns made sure the gang stayed part of weekend traditions. Riverdale’s friends were funny, relatable, and musically fun. For kids, it was lighthearted entertainment that fit perfectly alongside cereal and cartoons, a show that blended laughs and tunes in just the right way.
4. Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (1972–85)
Fat Albert’s “Hey, hey, hey!” was the sound of something different on Saturday mornings. Instead of endless slapstick, this show taught lessons while still making kids laugh. The Junkyard Gang faced issues that felt real, like bullying, honesty, and sticking together. The stories came with music and fun, but always circled back to a message kids could take away. It was a cartoon with heart and purpose, showing that animated shows could offer more than giggles. For many children, Fat Albert stood out as the program that mixed fun with lessons they could remember.
5. Super Friends (1973–85)
Before superhero movies ruled theaters, kids met their favorite heroes through Super Friends. Featuring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, it turned comic legends into weekly Saturday icons. The stories were bright, simple, and full of teamwork, making every episode a lesson in doing the right thing. Villains were over the top, but that only added to the fun. For many children, this was the first glimpse of superhero worlds they would love forever. It was colorful, imaginative, and perfectly suited to weekend mornings, creating the foundation for generations of superhero fans to come.
6. Speed Racer (1967–68; reruns through the ’70s)
When Speed Racer hit Saturday reruns, it felt like a different world. Imported from Japan, it had action, drama, and a slick style kids had never seen. The Mach 5 was the car every child wanted, full of gadgets and thrills. The fast-paced races and unique animation stood out in a sea of Hanna-Barbera shows. While older than most of its lineup, it fit the 70s perfectly by giving kids excitement at full throttle. For many, Speed Racer was their first introduction to international animation, sparking a love for high-speed adventures and cool storytelling.
7. Hong Kong Phooey (1974–76)
At the height of America’s kung fu craze, Hong Kong Phooey brought martial arts comedy straight to Saturday mornings. The mild janitor who transformed into a karate hero was clumsy but lovable. Voiced with humor and backed by a funky theme song, Phooey’s adventures made kids laugh as much as cheer. His karate chops rarely worked, but his good intentions always won. It was silly, groovy, and right in step with the era’s fascination with kung fu films. For kids, Phooey became a goofy hero worth rooting for, even if he stumbled his way through.
8. Mr. Magoo (classic shorts, rerun in the ’70s)
Mr. Magoo had been around for decades, but reruns kept him alive for 70s kids. His poor eyesight created constant misunderstandings, often leading him into ridiculous situations. Children laughed as he narrowly avoided disaster, never realizing the trouble he was in. While newer shows filled the airwaves, Magoo showed that older slapstick still had a place. His silly blunders were timeless, and the mix of tension and humor entertained kids who watched with wide eyes. Saturday mornings needed variety, and Magoo brought classic comedy that continued to make children giggle year after year.
9. Heckle and Jeckle (classic shorts, rerun in the ’70s)
Heckle and Jeckle were magpies who never ran out of jokes or tricks. Their wisecracking voices and nonstop antics made reruns a fun part of Saturday mornings. Though their origins stretched back decades, kids in the 70s embraced their mischief as something different from the usual lineup. Their quick wit, schemes, and constant chatter gave cartoons a touch of cleverness that stood out. They were like stage comedians trapped in animated form, always ready to stir up trouble. For children of the 70s, these magpies added a unique flavor of laughter to the weekend.
10. Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show (1971–84)
Bugs Bunny was already a star, but in the 70s he became the centerpiece of Saturday mornings. The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show repackaged Looney Tunes shorts with new intros, making classics feel brand new. Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote delivered endless chases while Bugs cracked jokes that never got old. It was a tradition for kids to settle in and watch these legends do what they did best. For many, this show was the highlight of the morning, proving that slapstick and wit never went out of style no matter the decade.
11. Wacky Races (1968–69; reruns in the ’70s)
Though its original run was short, Wacky Races thrived in 70s reruns. The wild competition between eccentric racers gave kids endless laughs. Dick Dastardly and his dog Muttley stole the show, always cheating but never winning. The cars were ridiculous, the crashes constant, and the humor spot-on. It was chaotic fun that kept children glued to the screen. Wacky Races showed that a simple concept could be hilarious when packed with gags and silly characters. For 70s kids, it was the perfect mix of action and comedy that made mornings unpredictable and fun.
12. The Jackson 5ive (1971–72)
Music and cartoons blended perfectly in The Jackson 5ive. Starring Michael and his brothers as animated versions of themselves, the show combined wacky adventures with hit songs. Kids were thrilled to see a real pop group in animated form, making Saturday mornings feel like a concert. The catchy tunes and playful storytelling brought Motown into living rooms in a whole new way. Even though it lasted only a short time, it stood out as fresh and cool. For young fans, it was part comedy, part music video, and all-around unforgettable Saturday morning fun.
13. Speed Buggy (1973–74)
Speed Buggy was Hanna-Barbera’s clever twist on the talking sidekick formula. The star was a lovable dune buggy with a silly voice who went on adventures with his teen friends. The mix of car humor, slapstick, and mystery solving was familiar but still fresh. Children loved the way Speedy would sputter, stall, and still save the day. It may not have reached Scooby-Doo’s fame, but it gave Saturday mornings a fun new mascot. With its mix of action and comedy, Speed Buggy rolled into kids’ hearts and made them laugh along the way.
14. The Flintstones (1960–66; reruns through the ’70s)
The Flintstones may have been a 60s hit, but reruns made it a cornerstone of 70s Saturday mornings. Fred, Barney, Wilma, and Betty lived in a prehistoric suburb that felt strangely familiar. With stone-age cars, dinosaurs as appliances, and endless laughs, it entertained kids year after year. The humor was timeless, and the simple family dynamics made it relatable. Watching reruns gave children a sense of comfort, connecting them with one of the most beloved cartoons ever made. For the 70s generation, it felt like an old friend showing up every weekend.
15. The Jetsons (1962–63; reruns in the ’70s)
If The Flintstones looked to the past, The Jetsons gave kids a playful look at the future. Reruns of George, Jane, Judy, Elroy, and Astro filled Saturdays with flying cars and robot maids. Rosie the robot and all the futuristic gadgets sparked wonder about what life could be like one day. It was optimistic, colorful, and full of charm. While the world never quite matched the Jetsons’ vision, it made kids dream. For Saturday mornings, it balanced out stone-age laughs with space-age possibilities, creating a lineup that spanned past and future worlds.
16. Jabberjaw (1976–78)
Jabberjaw was hard to miss. A giant talking shark with a nervous laugh who played drums in a rock band was as odd as it sounds, but kids loved it. The show followed Jabberjaw and his human bandmates on underwater adventures that felt silly and fun. It was basically Scooby-Doo under the sea, with a shark instead of a dog, but it worked. The slapstick gags, catchy music, and underwater setting made it memorable. Jabberjaw added a playful splash to Saturday mornings, proving even the strangest ideas could win children over.
17. Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle (1976–80)
Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle, brought something different to Saturday mornings. It was more serious than many cartoons, with rich backdrops and adventurous plots. Instead of endless slapstick, kids watched Tarzan battle villains, animals, and the elements with courage and strength. It leaned into pulp-style storytelling, giving children something adventurous to balance out comedy-heavy shows. The action and lush settings set it apart, showing that Saturday mornings had room for different styles. For children who wanted a little more excitement, Tarzan offered a heroic dose of jungle adventure every weekend.
18. Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels (1977–80)
Captain Caveman was loud, wild, and unforgettable. With his booming call of “Captain Caaaaavemaaaaan,” he smashed his way into Saturday mornings. Teamed with the Teen Angels, he solved mysteries with plenty of slapstick and over-the-top antics. His club could do just about anything, making him both a superhero and a comic disaster. The show mixed the mystery format of Scooby-Doo with an extra layer of zany chaos. Kids loved the energy, the silliness, and the fun catchphrases. Captain Caveman quickly became a favorite, adding comic mayhem to Saturday cartoon lineups.
19. Godzilla (1978–79)
The King of the Monsters stormed into Saturday mornings with a kid-friendly twist. In this animated version, Godzilla was more hero than terror, battling villains and other monsters to save the day. Alongside his smaller sidekick, Godzooky, he gave children a monster-sized spectacle without being too scary. The action was exciting but safe, making it perfect for weekend viewing. It wasn’t the dark film version, but that made it fit better for kids. Godzilla’s presence made Saturday mornings feel big and adventurous, giving young viewers a taste of monster magic.
20. The New Adventures of Batman (1977–78)
Batman returned to TV in animated form, bringing Gotham’s villains and heroes back into children’s weekends. With bright colors, simple stories, and familiar voices from the live-action show, it was lighthearted fun that kids loved. The Joker, Penguin, and Catwoman all appeared, keeping things exciting and familiar. It wasn’t dark or gritty, but it didn’t need to be. For kids in the 70s, it was their Batman, and it brought adventure to mornings in a way that was fun and approachable. Together with other hits, it made Saturdays feel unforgettable.
The 1970s lineup of Saturday morning cartoons mixed rerun classics like The Flintstones and The Jetsons with brand-new hits like Super Friends and Fat Albert. Together, they created a magical era of cartoons that shaped childhoods and still inspire nostalgia today.
This story 20 Saturday Morning Cartoons from the 1970s That Shaped a Generation was first published on Daily FETCH
