Unless you live under a rock like Patrick Star, you have probably heard about Nickelodeon’s new channel devoted to ‘90s cartoons: The Splat!.
As “Doug,” “The Rugrats” and “Rocket Power” are shoo-ins for the nostalgic network’s launch, a number of titles are unworthy of regaining air time; in fact, some of these shows are unworthy of remaining in your memory, but your subconscious has held strong.
Nickelodeon’s library is a cloud where our wonderful childhood memories are uploaded, but this list is comprised of only the mediocre ones. You only watched the shows on this list because there was nothing else on TV while you were eating an after-school snack.
To have been considered for this list, the show must have aired in the late 1990s or early 2000s, not necessarily on Nickelodeon.
With much regret for resurrecting unwanted memories, here are the 14 childhood shows you probably forgot about.
1. "Pepper Ann" (Disney Channel, 1997-2001)
She’s the coolest middle schooler anyone has ever met, but no one remembers her.
2. "Stanley" (Playhouse Disney, 2001-2004)
Yes, the Baha Men actually recorded the theme song for their man Stanley. If you do not remember the "Great Big Book of Everything" song, then you must have had the TV muted. Every time someone muttered those words, a dog and a cat started harmonizing to that insufferable song.
3. "The Big Comfy Couch" (PBS, 1992-2006)
We were all mesmerized by Loonette’s stretching on the clock rug; how is anyone that immensely flexible?
4. "As Told By Ginger" (Nickelodeon, 2000-2006)
Do you remember how beautiful Darren was when his dental headgear was removed?
5. "The Weekenders" (Toon Disney, 2000-2004)
These kids never went to school, but their parents always gave them enough money to go to the mall and eat chili cheese fries. Not even a Krabby Patty sounds as good as chili cheese fries from the mall.
6. "Lloyd in Space" (Toon Disney, 2001-2004)
We all immediately changed the channel when that sci-fi synth intro came on; that sound was worse than your alarm clock. There is nothing enticing about a blend of “The Jetsons” and “Star Trek.”
7. "Pelswick" (Nickelodeon, 2000-2002)
A show about a paraplegic middle-schooler is cool, but how did his friend walk? What atrocious posture.
8. "ChalkZone" (Nickelodeon, 2002-2005)
Was that magical piece of chalk a euphemism?
9. "My Life as a Teenage Robot" (Nickelodeon, 2003-2009)
This show raised awareness of the real struggle that is going to high school as a robot. Growing up is tough; no one should have to do it as a robot.
10. "Maggie and the Ferocious Beast" (Nick Jr., 2000-2003)
If Maggie knew Spanish, she and Dora would have gone gloves-off.
11. "PB&J Otter" (Playhouse Disney, 1998-2001)
How convenient would it be if we had a slide from our bedroom to the kitchen? The noodle dance was the original whip, though.
12. "House of Mouse" (Disney Channel, 2001-2002)
Remember that time Mickey Mouse managed a night club?
13. "Out of the Box" (Playhouse Disney, 1998-2004)
Admit it, a tear was shed each time you heard, “So long, farewell, to you my friend. Goodbye, for now, until we meet again.” Simply tear-jerking.
14. "Brace Face" (Nickelodeon, 2001-2004)
There is nothing more appealing in a show geared toward teenagers than to remind them how awkward that phase is. Thanks for rubbing that in our faces, Disney.
This list is chock-full of honorable mentions, so what are some of your forgotten childhood shows?