The Death of Saturday Morning Cartoons | Growing Up Geek

Steeven Orr Else Media Presents

The end of an era. The start of something new. Episode 2 of Growing Up Geek takes you on an emotional rollercoaster through the bittersweet decline of Saturday Morning Cartoons.

Host Steeven R. Orr dives headfirst into the seismic shifts of the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s—a time when cable TV, streaming platforms, and regulatory changes conspired to dim the golden glow of Saturday morning magic. From the groundbreaking creator-driven shows of the 90s (Batman: The Animated Series, Animaniacs, X-Men) to the anime invasion led by Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon, we explore how these innovations redefined children’s programming.

But the story doesn't stop there. As the 2000s rolled in, DVRs, on-demand content, and the rise of streaming giants transformed how we consumed media. With shows like Teen Titans, Justice League, and The Spectacular Spider-Man, we witnessed the rise of narratives with depth, heart, and sophistication. And by the 2010s, Saturday morning blocks were replaced with live-action educational content, marking the official end of a beloved tradition.

This episode is more than a trip down memory lane—it's a celebration of the legacy these cartoons left behind and their lasting impact on the way we tell stories today. So, grab your cereal, buckle up, and join us for a nostalgic goodbye to the ritual that defined generations.

Growing Up Geek: Where nostalgia fuels the conversation, and the spirit of Saturday mornings lives on forever.

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