There was nothing like waking up early on a Saturday morning, grabbing your favorite cereal, and settling in for a marathon of cartoons. The 1970s were a golden era for kids’ TV, especially with shows that filled the airwaves long before streaming was a thing. For those who lived through it, it was pure magic.
But as time went on, many of these beloved cartoons faded from memory. While a few have stood the test of time, countless others have slipped through the cracks. Some may feel like distant memories, others completely forgotten.
This trip down memory lane will bring back those classic cartoons that made your childhood feel awesome. Let’s take a look at the 1970s gems you may have loved, but haven’t thought about in years.
1. Groovie Goolies
Groovy Goolies brought a fun, spooky vibe to Saturday mornings in the early ’70s. This animated show followed a group of hip monsters living in Horrible Hall, a playful nod to the classic horror icons from the 1930s and ’40s.
Packed with pun-filled jokes and catchy tunes, each episode featured two pop songs performed by the quirky creatures. It was a lighthearted blend of humor and music that kept kids entertained week after week.
2. Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Sabrina the Teenage Witch was a lively animated series that aired on CBS from 1970 to 1974. Set in Riverdale High, Sabrina balanced life as a teenager while secretly using her magical powers to face off against various foes.
This spin-off from the Archie Comedy Hour even had some crossover with Groovy Goolies. Sabrina’s adventures kept viewers entertained as she tried to keep her witchy powers hidden from her friends while navigating typical high school drama.
3. The Funky Phantom
The Funky Phantom aired briefly on ABC from 1971 to 1972. The story began when a group of teenagers stumbled upon an old house during a storm and accidentally released two ghosts by setting a clock to midnight.
The ghosts, a Revolutionary War patriot named Muzzy and his cat Boo, became their unlikely companions. Together, they teamed up to solve mysteries, with the ghosts lending a spooky but invisible hand along the way.
4. Help, It’s the Hair Bear Bunch
Help, It’s the Hair Bear Bunch ran for just one season in 1971, but it packed plenty of mischief. The show centered on three bear cousins living at Wonderland Zoo, where they were constantly scheming to improve their living situation.
These clever bears managed to sneak out of the zoo on invisible motorcycles, pulling off stunts while avoiding getting caught by the zookeeper and director. Their antics and endless pursuit of a better life made for lighthearted, adventurous fun.
5. The Pebbles and Bamm Bamm Show
The Pebbles and Bamm Bamm Show brought the beloved Flintstones kids back as teenagers for a brief run in 1971. Set in Bedrock, the two high school sweethearts navigated their teen years while also forming a band called the Bedrock Rockers.
Hanna-Barbera added a modern twist by incorporating contemporary rock music into the show, aiming to attract a new audience. Though it only lasted one season, reruns continued to air in 1975 and 1976, keeping the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive.
6. Speed Buggy
Speed Buggy hit the screen in 1973, airing for one season on CBS before later popping up on NBC and ABC. The show followed three teenagers and their trusty, talking dune buggy as they went on thrilling adventures.
Along the way, they took down criminals and villains while competing in racing events to win trophies. With its mix of action, humor, and fun races, Speed Buggy was a classic Hanna-Barbera creation that brought excitement to Saturday mornings.
7. The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan
The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan aired in 1972 and featured the famous detective Charlie Chan, now solving mysteries with the help of his 10 kids and their dog, Choo-Choo. Loosely based on the Charlie Chan novels and films, the show brought a fun, family dynamic to the world of crime-solving.
Traveling the world in their transforming Chan Van, the family took on criminals in each episode. The kids even had a band called the Chan Clan, performing a new song in every show, adding a musical twist to their detective work.
8. Inch High Private Eye
Inch High Private Eye, airing in 1973 on ABC, featured a detective who stood just an inch tall thanks to a secret shrinking potion. This pint-sized sleuth zipped around in his nearly silent Hushmobile, making it easy to tail criminals without getting caught.
Unlike many other Hanna-Barbera cartoons, this show focused on adult characters rather than teenagers. Modeled after Maxwell Smart from Get Smart, Inch High brought a quirky and comedic twist to the world of mystery-solving.
9. Hong Kong Phooey
Hong Kong Phooey, a fun Hanna-Barbera cartoon, hit the airwaves for one season in 1974. The show followed Penrod “Penry” Pooch, a police station janitor who transformed into the bumbling crime-fighter Hong Kong Phooey, though his disguises often involved getting stuck in a file cabinet.
With the help of his clever cat, Spot, Phooey tackled crime using skills from a martial arts handbook he got through a correspondence course. His successes were usually accidental, with Spot or sheer luck saving the day, making for a lighthearted and comical adventure.
10. Grape Ape Show
The Grape Ape Show, a quirky creation from Hanna-Barbera, aired for one season in 1975. The main character, a giant 40-foot purple gorilla with a childlike mindset, often responded with his signature phrase, “Grape Ape, Grape Ape,” as a way to acknowledge others.
Traveling in a small yellow van with his beagle friend Beagly Beagly, Grape Ape always perched on the roof due to his immense size. His sneezes could unleash hurricane-force winds, and his tears could cause serious floods, adding a humorous twist to their adventures in the countryside.
11. Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels
Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels delighted viewers from 1977 to 1980. The show centered on a group of teenagers who discovered a caveman trapped in a block of ice, leading to a series of mystery-solving adventures.
Captain Caveman possessed super strength and cleverly concealed various tools in his thick hair, using them to battle crime. His iconic battle cry, “Captain Caveman!” became a memorable part of the show’s charm, adding to the fun and excitement of their escapades.
12. Devlin
Devlin hit the airwaves in 1974 as a unique Hanna-Barbera series, airing for just one season on ABC. Inspired by the fame of motorcycle daredevil Evil Knievel, the show followed Ernie Devlin, a stunt motorcyclist performing thrilling acts in a traveling circus.
Unlike many of Hanna-Barbera’s lighthearted cartoons, Devlin brought a more dramatic flair to Saturday mornings. The series showcased daring stunts and the challenges faced by a performer in the spotlight, making it a standout in the animation lineup of its time.
13. Bailey’s Comets
Bailey’s Comets burst onto CBS in 1973, showcasing a thrilling animated adventure. The series revolved around roller skating teams racing across the globe, hunting for clues that would lead them to a million-dollar prize.
Throughout their journey, these teams encountered rival competitors and various obstacles that threatened their progress. The show combined elements of teamwork and competition, making it an exciting watch for fans of animated series.
14. Sealab 2020
Sealab 2020 made a splash on NBC in 1972, airing for one season. Set in an underwater research base, the series followed a crew of 250 people dedicated to exploring the ocean and safeguarding marine life.
Throughout their adventures, the inhabitants of Sealab faced numerous threats, including attacking sharks, giant squids, and environmental disasters. The show’s unique premise and challenges set it apart, later inspiring the parody series Sealab 2021, which aired on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim from 2000 to 2005.