Clowns

Cartoons Aren’t Just for Kids on Satellite TV

When many of us were growing up, our parents were discovering that something fundamental in the world of television cartoons was changing- they weren't just for kids anymore.  When red-flagging programs like the Simpsons, little did parents just a few generations ago imagine the world of R-rated cartoon-ery that would soon be gracing their high definition television screens.  With satirical political and social themes, the mouths of sailors, and the irony of expressing very adult opinions against the backdrop of the traditionally childlike medium of cartoons, these adult-directed programs have catapulted into mainstream popularity.  With timeslots beginning around primetime and extending into the wee-hours of the morning, some of the best new programs for adults are the hottest new cartoons to hit satellite TV.

The Simpsons are of course TV's leading animated family, with a winning recipe of characters, wit and socially relevant satire they've been a fan favorite since the late 1980s.  What do the Simpsons have that other TV families seem to lack?  To begin with, not only are the episodes timeless, but the characters themselves are ageless.  As seemingly limitless plotlines unfold around the show's cast of colorful and crazy characters it becomes clear that their ability to reach outside the realm of reality is what gives them creative staying power.  Many compare the Simpsons to fellow Fox cartoon program, Family Guy, another take on the traditional cartoon-sitcom family.  However, with basic differences in comedic styling and theory it's sort of like comparing apples and oranges.  One thing is for sure, both programs seem to be continually pushing the envelope in terms of what can be said/shown/implied on television, and what heights the medium of 'cartoon' can really reach in the world of programs for grown-ups.

Often overlooked as crude and vulgar, South Park is another cartoon with grown-up themes that viewers find to be finding its own voice.  Although this voice can sometimes be drowned out by the language, offensive plotlines, and off-beat characters, it is a show which demonstrates at least some political and social consciousness with episodes like 'Underpants Gnomes' which deals with the problems facing small and locally owned businesses in an increasingly corporate global economy, 'Goobacks,' covering just about every aspect of the issues of illegal immigration in the United States, and 'Douche & Turd' chronicling the difficulties in voting in an election when the choice is between two less than ideal candidates.  It may be a bit crude, but off of network TV and onto the many channels satellite TV has to offer that's increasingly acceptable.  At the very least South Park shows us the comedy which can unfold when we don't take ourselves so seriously, in half-hour segments.  

Other popular programs on the air include 'Futurama' from the Simpsons creators, and 'American Dad,' by the people from Family Guy.  Although maybe not as popular as their respective predecessors, both have their own fan base.  Amongst the teen-to-twenties crowd, another popular cartoon style program is Adult Swim, featuring cartoons of varying lengths like Robot Chicken and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.  Maybe a more acquired taste in comedy, Adult Swim is another great example of how cartoons can be great adult entertainment.  With animation becoming more and more lifelike and high definition becoming a more standardized feature, it's a sure bet that cartoons are not going to become a thing of the past any time soon.