12 Great Disney Channel Cartoons That Deserve More Love

First episode: September 13, 1997
Final episode: March 4, 1998

Based on: The Hundred and One Dalmatians; by Dodie Smith; One Hundred and One Dalmatians; by Bill Peet

The 101 Dalmatians cartoon first aired in 1997 on the Disney Channel and is based on the 1961 animated film of the same name.

The story follows 101 Dalmatian puppies trying to evade capture by the villainous Cruella de Vil, who wants to use their fur for a new coat. Along the way, they receive help from animal friends and find homes forever with loving owners.

The show emphasizes themes of friendship and family, teaching young viewers about the importance of loyalty and love. Despite initially receiving mixed reviews, it has gained a cult following and remains popular among fans of classic Disney films. Additionally, 101 Dalmatians was recently adapted into a live-action movie starring Emma Stone as Cruella de Vil, set to be released in 2021.

Overall, the 101 Dalmatians cartoon has continued to delight viewers with its endearing characters and heartwarming message.

First episode: September 4, 1993
Final episode: February 23, 1994
Networks: Toon Disney, Disney Channel

Bonkers The Cartoon was a popular animated show that aired from 1993 to 1994. The main character Bonkers, a former cartoon star turned police officer, teams, up with his human partner Lucky Piquel to solve wacky cases in Hollywood.

Bonkers often utilized his cartoon skills, such as stretching and shape-shifting, to help him in his investigations. Along with Bonkers and Lucky, the show also featured recurring characters such as Jitters A.

Dog (Bonkers’ old co-star) and Fall-Apart Rabbit (a constantly falling apart cartoon character). Bonkers The Cartoon had a cult following during its airtime and continues to have a dedicated fan base today.

Most of Bonkers’ personality is akin to Roger Rabbit’s, as both are crazy in and out of Toontown. Bonkers isn’t the most brilliant or most thinking cop in the station.

Due to his lack of experience in law enforcement and his wild, exaggerated, cartoonish nature, Bonkers usually messes up cases for his fellow officers. At one point, he tells Lucky he is not good at logical police thinking because he is a Toon.

First episode date: January 19, 2002
Networks: Toon Disney, American Broadcasting Company
Written by: Phil Walsh; Ford Riley

Disney’s animated television series Teamo Supremo features a variety of characters.

The story follows Captain Crandall, Skate Lad, and Rope Girl, three superhero kids animated in the limited animation style pioneered by Jay Ward.

This trio of supervillains thwarts all supervillains, such as Baron Blitz and Madame Snake.

Most of the show’s first season aired on Disney’s One Saturday Morning block on January 19, 2002. In September of that same year, it began airing regularly on Toon Disney, where most of its second season was released.

Network: Disney Channel
First episode: June 7, 2002
Final episode: September 7, 2007

Kim Possible is the iconic cartoon heroine who always managed to “save the world… and do it all in a day’s work.” From her bright red jumpsuit to her trusty sidekick Ron Stoppable, Kim defeated evil villains like Dr. Drakken and Shego while maintaining a perfect GPA and keeping up with cheerleading practice.

Thank you, Kim, for showing us that teenage girls are more than just pretty faces; we’re capable of kicking butt and taking names.

Kim taught us that being a badass doesn’t mean sacrificing our femininity or ignoring our responsibilities – we can have it all.

So call us Kim Possible because we know we can do anything.

First episode: January 21, 2005
Program creator: Jeff Goode
Networks: Disney Channel, Toon Disney

Created by Jeff Goode and produced by Walt Disney Television Animation, American Dragon: Jake Long was an animated television series. The show aired on Disney Channel and Disney XD in the United States.

Originally broadcast on Disney Channel, it moved to Disney XD in the United Kingdom. In Australia, it was also broadcast on Disney Channel. A third and fourth season of the series was planned (including a live-action film), but Disney Channel decided to end it after only two seasons.

First episode date: September 20, 2003
Final episode date: July 29, 2006

The Lilo & Stitch: The Series continues the adventures of Lilo and her extraterrestrial friend, Stitch, as they work together to capture other experiments that have escaped from captivity on their Hawaiian island.

Along the way, Lilo learns valuable family, friendship, and responsibility lessons.

The series also delves into the backstories of characters like Jumba and Pleakley, giving them more depth and complexity. Fans of the original Lilo & Stitch film will not be disappointed by this beloved continuation of the story.

First episode: September 8, 1995
Final episode: September 24, 1999

Timon and Pumbaa, the lovable meerkat and warthog duo, first appeared in Disney’s 1994 animated film The Lion King. Their comical but caring friendship stole viewers’ hearts and led to their spin-off TV series, Timon & Pumbaa, which ran from 1995 to 1999.

In this show, Timon and Pumbaa embark on adventures worldwide, encountering new characters and obstacles.

Timon’s motto “Hakuna Matata” (no worries) becomes a central theme as they learn lessons about responsibility, trust, and friendship.

Timon & Pumbaa continue to be fan favorites in the Disney universe, making appearances in various television shows and films, including the recent reimagining of The Lion King.

First episode: January 27, 2006
Final episode: November 20, 2008

Awards: Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer In An Animated Program

The Emperor’s New School is a Disney animated television series that aired from 2006 to 2008.

The show follows the adventures of young emperor Kuzco as he attends his kingdom’s school to regain his throne after being temporarily turned into a llama by his power-hungry advisor, Yzma.

The series explores leadership, responsibility, and self-growth themes through comedic misadventures and various lessons from Kuzco and his friends.

The show also features characters from the 2000 film The Emperor’s New Groove, including Pacha, Kronk, Chicha, and Yzma. The Emperor’s New School received positive reception for its humor and vocal solid performances by its cast, which includes J.P. Manoux, Eartha Kitt, and Patrick Warburton.

The series was nominated for two Emmy Awards and a Golden Reel Award during its run.

First episode: October 2, 2001
Final episode: January 13, 2001

Based on: Toy Story by John Lasseter; Pete Docter; Andrew Stanton; Joe Ranft

Buzz Lightyear Of Star Command was a spin-off television series from the popular Toy Story franchise.

The show followed Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen, as he traveled through space on missions with his team at the Galactic Alliance. Buzz faced off against villains such as Emperor Zurg and Mira Nova while encountering allies like Mira and Booster.

The show ran for three seasons from 2000 to 2001 and spawned a direct-to-video movie in 2000 titled Buzz Lightyear Of Star Command: The Adventure Begins. Despite its short run, Buzz Lightyear Of Star Command remained popular among fans of the Toy Story franchise and gained a cult following.

In recent years, there have been rumors of a revival or reboot of the series.

Fans can catch Buzz Lightyear Of Star Command on Disney+ and DVD.

First episode: September 14, 1985
Networks: Disney Channel, American Broadcasting Company, NBC
Final episode date: February 22, 1991

Disney’s Adventures Of The Gummi Bears follows a group of anthropomorphic bear creatures who use their magical abilities and skills to defend their homeland from threats.

Along with the help of a few human friends, the Gummi Bears embark on various adventures and battles against villains such as Duke Igthorn and Lady Bane.

The show first premiered in 1985 and ran for six seasons, earning several awards along the way, including four Emmy nominations. Disney continues to release episodes through DVD sets and streaming platforms, introducing the beloved characters to new generations of fans.

Disney’s Adventures Of The Gummi Bears showcases themes of friendship, teamwork, bravery, and loyalty as the Gummi Bears fight to protect their home and loved ones. It remains a cherished part of Disney’s animated television series lineup.

Original run: October 5, 1996 – January 10, 1998

Jungle Cubs is a spin-off series of Disney’s The Jungle Book, following the adventures of a young Mowgli and his friends Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, Shere Khan the tiger, and Hathi Jr. the elephant.

The show debuted in 1996 and ran for one season on ABC before moving to Toon Disney, where it continued airing until 2001. Despite its short run, Jungle Cubs gained a loyal fan following for its charming animation style and heartwarming coming-of-age stories.

The show also featured several musical numbers by composer Mark Watters, including “Good King Louie,” “Jungle Rhythm,” and “Jungle Cub Jive.” In addition to entertaining viewers, Jungle Cubs aimed to educate young audiences about conservation and respect for the natural world.

Jungle Cubs has continued to be popular with fans over the years, leading to a direct-to-video film in 1998 and a comics series published by Disney Adventures magazine from 1997 to 1998.

It also inspired Disney’s 2016 live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book. Fans have called for a reboot or continuation of Jungle Cubs, but they can now relive the magic through DVDs and streaming on Disney+.

First episode: November 2, 1992
Original network: The Disney Channel
Production company: Walt Disney Productions

The Disney Channel and Toon Disney aired Donald’s Quack Attack, an American animated television series. The Disney Channel premiered it on November 2, 1992, along with Mickey’s Mouse Tracks.

Donald Duck as he tries to rid his pond of pesky ducks who constantly cause trouble. In his attempts to get rid of them, Donald accidentally creates chaos and ultimately learns to accept and coexist with the ducks.

Donald’s Quack Attack ran for three seasons and featured other famous Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse and Goofy.

The show was praised for its comedic writing and positive messages about acceptance and problem-solving.

Despite its success, the series ended in 1995 due to budget cuts at The Disney Channel. However, reruns continued to air until 2003, and the show remains a favorite among fans of classic Disney cartoons.