Nickelodeon produced and released some of the most memorable kids' TV of the past few decades. Specializing in both animated and live-action material, the TV channel released a TV show for everyone's taste, making it one of the most popular channels for children.
However, as the audience for that 'golden age' of Nickelodeon has reached adulthood, many from that generation have been wondering whether or not some TV shows from Nickelodeon ought to be brought back, showing us what the characters had been doing for the past decade or so. This article will list 5 shows that should be brought back and 5 that should be left behind. That being said, it should be noted that any show featured in the 'left behind' category isn't necessarily a bad show.
Return: Danny Phantom
Danny Phantom was an important show for many people. A simple scroll through Twitter or Tumblr will reveal that the show led many to experience their first goth phase, gave birth to an interest in the paranormal, or even gave many their first crushes.
This show could easily return today, both due to the immense popularity that Danny Phantom still retains and the fact that it was an action-packed show that appealed to all of Nickelodeon's demographics.
Leave Behind: The Ren And Stimpy Show
The Ren and Stimpy Show is one of the most iconic shows from the 1990s. The series ran from 1991-1996 during an era when animation was allowed to be far darker than it was today, allowing for a crazier brand of humor that appealed to both adults and children.
The reason why this features in the left behind category is that it appears to be a product of its time. The Ren and Stimpy show would be incredibly difficult to reboot in 2020 without losing its charm.
Return: Are You Afraid Of The Dark?
Are You Afraid of the Dark was a Canadian horror anthology series that revolved around kids sharing horror stories around a campfire. The series ran from 1990-2000 and terrified children regardless of their age.
This could be a smash hit for Nickelodeon as there aren't any good horror shows for kids at the moment. Further, the format was brought back for a miniseries in 2019 and received favorable reviews, showing that a full season would work.
Leave Behind: Rocket Power
Rocket Power was a cartoon created by the creators of Rugrats, showing the adventures and lives of four children that love playing extreme sports, such as surfing, skateboarding, or mountain biking.
The show was fantastic, but the reason why it is best left behind is its subject matter. Extreme sports were incredibly popular in the 90s and 2000s and it's no secret that their popularity has dwindled over the years.
Return: Rocko's Modern Life
Rocko's Modern Life, like the Ren and Stimpy Show, was a fantastic example of animated kids' TV in the 1990s. Running from 1993-1996, the series revolved around the adventures of the titular Rocko and the scrapes he would frequently find himself in.
While the show was resurrected for a special in collaboration with Netflix, this was hardly a full return and this special simply left fans wanting more.
Leave Behind: Rugrats
Rugrats was an iconic staple of kids' TV in the 1990s. The show followed a group of toddlers as they got themselves into several different scrapes and clashed with their babysitter.
While the show was fantastic, it would be incredibly difficult to reboot the show today. The show is far too iconic, both in of animation style and characters.
Return: iCarly
In many ways, the show was ahead of its time as it started and ended before YouTube really became the juggernaut that it is today. So, it would be interesting to bring the show back, not only to see how the characters are doing, but also to see how their lives have changed after online entertainment became so huge.
Leave Behind: Fairly OddParents
The Fairly Oddparents is one of the most iconic and long-running Nickelodeon shows of all time. The show follows the life of a young boy called Timmy and the adventures he has with his fairy godparents.
While the show was a huge hit with viewers for several years, there is no denying that the show has outstayed its welcome on Nickelodeon, with the show running from 2001 to 2017, so a break is certainly necessary.
Return: Drake And Josh
Drake and Josh was one of the most iconic Nickelodeon shows of all time. The series followed two step-brothers with conflicting personalities who had to live together after their parents got married. The series had a mix of intelligent humor and slapstick, in addition to iconic characters such as Megan and Crazy Steve.
Despite the fact that there have been several Drake and Josh movies released, fans have been clamoring for a new season for several years now. Both Drake Bell and Josh Peck seem up for a new season, so hopefully it's just a matter of time!
Leave Behind: Ned's Declassified
In addition to iCarly and Drake and Josh, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide was another live-action series that was a huge hit among the Nickelodeon audience. The series revolved around a Ned and his friends as they 'survive' middle school using Ned's guide.
While the series was memorable and still features in memes today, it would be pretty difficult to replicate the success of the show today.