TV Shows Every 2000s Kid Remembers

Growing up in the 2000s meant channel-surfing between animated adventures, school-hall sitcoms, and after-school action shows that everyone talked about the next day. Networks like Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, Kids’ WB, and PBS Kids rolled out series that mixed relatable school stories with big-idea worldbuilding, catchy theme songs, and memorable characters.

Below is a look back at 25 shows that defined that era for a generation. You’ll find creators, main cast members, networks, formats, and the basics of each premise, so you can place each series in context and remember exactly what made it part of the everyday watchlist.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–present)

Created by Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon, ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ follows a sea sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. The series uses traditional and digital animation techniques and features a core voice cast including Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, and Clancy Brown.

The production is known for slapstick gags, nautical-themed jobs like the Krusty Krab fry cook role, and supporting characters such as Patrick Star, Squidward Tentacles, and Mr. Krabs. The property expanded into television specials, feature films, and multiple spin-off series under the Nickelodeon umbrella.

‘The Fairly OddParents’ (2001–2017)

Created by Butch Hartman, ‘The Fairly OddParents’ centers on Timmy Turner, a child who is assigned fairy godparents named Cosmo and Wanda who grant wishes with unintended consequences. The Nicktoons series employs a bold-lined, geometric art style and fast-paced episodic plots.

Recurring characters include school bully Francis, babysitter Vicky, and teacher Mr. Crocker, whose obsession with fairies drives many conflicts. The franchise produced TV movies, crossover events, and later seasons that introduced additional wish-granting characters and expanded the show’s continuity.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

Developed by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko for Nickelodeon, ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ is an American animated series inspired by East and South Asian cultures, martial arts, and elemental “bending.” It follows Aang, the current Avatar, and his companions Katara, Sokka, and later Toph as they travel across four nations.

The series is structured as three “Books,” each focusing on a distinct arc with serialized storytelling. Voice actors include Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena, and Dante Basco, and the show’s production emphasized choreographed fight animation tied to real-world martial arts forms.

‘Kim Possible’ (2002–2007)

Produced by Walt Disney Television Animation, ‘Kim Possible’ features an American high school student who balances everyday classes and cheerleading with global missions against colorful villains. The show was created by Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle and uses a sharp, graphic visual style.

Its main cast includes Christy Carlson Romano as Kim, Will Friedle as Ron Stoppable, and Nancy Cartwright as Rufus, the hairless mole-rat. The series spawned TV movies, video games, and merchandise, and it helped define Disney Channel’s action-comedy slate with mission-based episodic plots.

‘Teen Titans’ (2003–2006)

‘Teen Titans’ is a Warner Bros. Animation series for Cartoon Network that adapts DC Comics characters into a team-based format with Robin, Starfire, Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy. The show blends Western superhero storytelling with anime-influenced visuals and expressive comedic beats.

Story arcs introduce adversaries like Slade and the H.I.V.E., while stand-alone episodes focus on individual team members. Voice talent includes Scott Menville, Hynden Walch, Tara Strong, Khary Payton, and Greg Cipes, and the series later connected to additional specials and a comedic reimagining under a related title.

‘Ben 10’ (2005–2008)

Created by Man of Action (Duncan Rouleau, Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, and Steven T. Seagle) for Cartoon Network, ‘Ben 10’ follows Ben Tennyson, who discovers the Omnitrix, a device that lets him transform into various alien forms. The show combines monster-of-the-week adventures with an expanding sci-fi mythology.

Primary characters include Ben, cousin Gwen, and Grandpa Max, who travel in the Rust Bucket while facing enemies like Vilgax. The property continued with sequel series, TV movies, and reimaginings, turning the Omnitrix concept into a long-running action franchise.

‘Ed, Edd n Eddy’ (1999–2009)

‘Ed, Edd n Eddy’ is a Cartoon Network original created by Danny Antonucci and produced at a Canadian studio, known for its hand-drawn “boiling line” aesthetic. The series follows three boys—each with the name Ed—who scheme to obtain jawbreakers in a suburban cul-de-sac.

The ensemble includes neighborhood kids like Kevin, Nazz, Rolf, Jimmy, Sarah, and the Kanker Sisters, providing rotating dynamics for episodic plots. The show ran across multiple seasons, holiday specials, and a concluding TV film that wrapped key character threads.

‘Codename: Kids Next Door’ (2002–2008)

Created by Mr. Warburton for Cartoon Network, ‘Codename: Kids Next Door’ depicts a global organization of children operating treehouse bases and using gadgetry to oppose adult authoritarian figures. Episodes often feature codenamed operations spelled with acronym titles.

The central team—Numbuhs 1 through 5—anchors stories that mix standalone missions with multi-episode arcs. The production includes crossovers with other network series, stylized action sequences, and a finale that introduced a space-based continuation hook for the broader universe.

‘Danny Phantom’ (2004–2007)

A Nickelodeon series from creator Butch Hartman, ‘Danny Phantom’ follows Danny Fenton, a teenager who gains ghost powers after a lab accident and becomes a superhero protecting his town. The show uses a sleek, angular design and a blend of humor and action.

Main characters include Sam Manson and Tucker Foley as Danny’s closest allies, with antagonists such as Vlad Plasmius and Skulker. The series developed recurring lore around the Ghost Zone, featured multi-part storylines, and released branded tie-in media across games and merchandise.

‘The Powerpuff Girls’ (1998–2005)

Created by Craig McCracken for Cartoon Network, ‘The Powerpuff Girls’ centers on Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, three kindergarten-aged superheroes created by Professor Utonium. The show’s minimalist design and pop-art-inspired direction support both action and comedic segments.

Regular foes include Mojo Jojo, Him, and the Gangreen Gang, with Townsville serving as the primary setting. The brand expanded with specials, a theatrical film, and later reboots under related titles, maintaining a presence across toys, apparel, and publishing.

‘Pokémon’ (1997–present)

‘Pokémon’ is a Japanese animated series produced by OLM that follows a young Trainer named Ash Ketchum traveling with companions to compete in regional leagues and collect Gym badges. The show localizes for international markets with English voice casts and adapted scripts.

The franchise coordinates with video games, trading cards, and films, aligning new regions and species with each major game generation. Broadcasts spanned multiple networks and blocks worldwide, and the series maintains a rotating roster of companions and tournament arcs.

‘Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters’ (2000–2004)

Produced by Studio Gallop, ‘Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters’ adapts a manga into a card-battle series featuring Yugi Mutou and the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle. Episodes focus on duels that showcase evolving rulesets and monster mechanics connected to collectible cards.

International distribution included English dubbing and edited content for television standards. The property supported a physical trading card game, video game tie-ins, and subsequent spin-off anime set in new locations with new casts.

‘Beyblade’ (2001–2005)

‘Beyblade’ is a Japanese animated series based on spinning-top toys by Takara Tomy, following teams and individuals who battle using specialized tops within arenas. The show’s narrative introduces signature Bit-Beasts and tournament structures across various locales.

Localization brought the series to Western networks with new theme songs and voice casts. The brand expanded through multiple sequel series under related titles, live events, and evolving product lines that introduced interchangeable parts and competitive rulesets.

‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)

Animated by Studio Pierrot and adapted from Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, ‘Naruto’ chronicles a ninja-in-training who seeks recognition within his village while mastering advanced techniques. The series blends serialized arcs with mission-based episodes.

Distribution included broadcast television, home video releases, and streaming availability with both subtitled and dubbed tracks. The property extended into sequel series, animated films, and a broad range of licensed merchandise and video games.

‘Hannah Montana’ (2006–2011)

A Disney Channel original created by Michael Poryes, Rich Correll, and Barry O’Brien, ‘Hannah Montana’ stars Miley Cyrus as a student who maintains a secret stage persona. The multi-cam sitcom format is supported by musical performances integrated into plotlines.

The main cast includes Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, Jason Earles, and Billy Ray Cyrus, and the series produced concert specials, soundtrack albums, and a feature film. Marketing aligned with tours, apparel, and mass-market tie-ins coordinated with Disney’s music subsidiaries.

‘Lizzie McGuire’ (2001–2004)

Created by Terri Minsky for Disney Channel, ‘Lizzie McGuire’ presents a middle-schooler whose animated alter ego comments on her everyday experiences. The series mixes live action with stylized cutaways to deliver character perspective.

Hilary Duff leads the cast, alongside Lalaine and Adam Lamberg, with recurring school and family settings. The brand generated a theatrically released film, soundtracks, and extensive licensed merchandise, and it influenced later Disney Channel comedy formats.

‘Even Stevens’ (2000–2003)

‘Even Stevens’ is a Disney Channel sitcom created by Matt Dearborn that follows the Stevens family, focusing on sibling dynamics between Louis and Ren in a suburban setting. The production uses single-camera comedy with occasional musical and parody episodes.

Shia LaBeouf and Christy Carlson Romano headline the cast, supported by a recurring ensemble of classmates and teachers. The series concluded with a made-for-television movie and contributed to Disney Channel’s move toward character-driven family comedies.

‘That’s So Raven’ (2003–2007)

Developed by Michael Poryes and Susan Sherman, ‘That’s So Raven’ centers on a teenager with short visions of future events that she attempts to manage with friends and family. The show employs physical comedy and disguises as recurring plot devices.

Raven-Symoné leads a cast that includes Orlando Brown, Anneliese van der Pol, and Kyle Massey. The property expanded into spin-off programming, soundtrack releases, and cross-programming events across Disney Channel’s lineup.

‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’ (2005–2008)

A Disney Channel sitcom from creators Danny Kallis and Jim Geoghan, ‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’ takes place in the Tipton Hotel and follows twin brothers interacting with staff and guests. The multi-cam format incorporates recurring settings like the lobby and the candy counter.

Dylan and Cole Sprouse star alongside Brenda Song, Ashley Tisdale, Phill Lewis, and Kim Rhodes. The show led to a spin-off set aboard a cruise ship, television movies, and crossover episodes with other Disney Channel series.

‘Drake & Josh’ (2004–2007)

Developed by Dan Schneider for Nickelodeon, ‘Drake & Josh’ centers on two stepbrothers with contrasting personalities navigating school, part-time jobs, and family life. The show is filmed in a multi-cam style with recurring home and school sets.

The principal cast includes Drake Bell, Josh Peck, and Miranda Cosgrove, with recurring appearances by Nancy Sullivan and Jonathan Goldstein. The series produced TV films, soundtrack tie-ins, and became part of Nickelodeon’s live-action comedy slate during that period.

‘iCarly’ (2007–2012)

Created by Dan Schneider, ‘iCarly’ follows a group of friends who host a web show from a Seattle apartment, integrating user-submitted videos and fictional internet challenges into plots. Production utilized on-set screens and props to depict online content within episodes.

Miranda Cosgrove, Jennette McCurdy, Nathan Kress, Jerry Trainor, and Noah Munck star in the main ensemble. The property extended to TV movies, companion websites, and later continuation projects under related titles on additional platforms.

‘Zoey 101’ (2005–2008)

‘Zoey 101’ is a Nickelodeon series set at a fictional Southern California boarding school called Pacific Coast Academy, showcasing dorm life, classes, and student-run clubs. The production filmed on real campuses to establish the coastal setting.

Jamie Lynn Spears leads a cast that includes Paul Butcher, Victoria Justice, Christopher Massey, and Erin Sanders. The series incorporated serialized school-year arcs, tie-in products, and later revisitations under related names in reunion-style projects.

‘Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide’ (2004–2007)

Created by Scott Fellows, ‘Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide’ uses a mock “guidebook” format where the lead character shares strategies for typical middle-school situations. The show integrates on-screen captions, cutaways, and recurring gags tied to specific school scenarios.

Devon Werkheiser, Lindsey Shaw, and Daniel Curtis Lee star as the core trio, with a roster of teachers and classmates forming the wider ensemble. Episodes often structure around a pair of themes per half-hour, with running jokes and character arcs that evolve across grade levels.

‘The Proud Family’ (2001–2005)

Produced by Jambalaya Studios for Disney Channel, ‘The Proud Family’ focuses on a teenager and her family, friends, and neighbors in a suburban community. The series blends comedy with slice-of-life stories and features distinctive character designs and music cues.

The voice cast includes Kyla Pratt, Tommy Davidson, Paula Jai Parker, JoMarie Payton, and Soleil Moon Frye, among others. The property expanded into a TV movie, music releases, and later continuation entries under related titles on new platforms.

‘Phineas and Ferb’ (2007–2015)

Created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, ‘Phineas and Ferb’ follows stepbrothers who build elaborate inventions during their summer vacation while their sister attempts to report them. Episodes pair an A-story invention with a B-story featuring Agent P and Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

The show incorporates original songs in most episodes, a flat, graphic art style, and recurring narrative patterns that reset environments by the end of each segment. The franchise produced specials, TV movies, crossovers, and a robust line of licensed products.

Share your favorites from this era in the comments and tell everyone which ‘shows’ you’d add to the list!