Cozying up with your favorite snacks, vowing to finish your assignments the next day, you decide it’s time to turn on a show.

“SpongeBob” has always been one of your favorites, but you’re older now, so doesn’t that mean your taste in shows should grow as well?

Many adults have been facing this same dilemma: 

Maturity versus immaturity. 

Youth versus adolescence. 

In recent years, the question of whether cartoons are solely for children has become more complicated. Historically, cartoons were developed primarily for children, with bright colors, simple plots and humorous antics designed to capture young audiences. Saturday morning cartoons, like “Scooby-Doo” and “The Flintstones,” played some of the greatest roles in defining animation as child-friendly content. 

Cartoons are enjoyed far and wide. Many still watch these cartoons today for reminiscence, but also for the joy they once invoked.

But for all the loved cartoon shows from our youth, weren’t our parents right there watching them with us?

“I watch [cartoons] occasionally still … mostly because it reminds me of my grandfather,” Early College junior Marnie Lasher said. “When I was little we would watch them every morning and every afternoon.”

As animation evolved, however, it began to incorporate more nuanced storytelling and adult-oriented themes. Animated films like Disney’s “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast” introduced emotional depth and complex characters, appealing to both children and adults. 

But even with these advancements, there was still a perception that cartoons were primarily for kids.

However, the landscape of animation has shifted significantly, with shows and films increasingly blurring the lines between children’s entertainment and content aimed at an older audience. 

Animation has become more versatile, with more cartoons for a mature audience. Shows such as “Rick and Morty,” “Family Guy” and “Invincible” pushed boundaries with their mature themes, dark humor and surreal storytelling.

These shows often explored existential questions, dealt with complex moral dilemmas, and featured crude language and graphic content — topics that were far from the innocent plots of children’s cartoons. This marked a turning point for animation, demonstrating that it could appeal to a much broader audience.

As cartoons evolve, the reasons for their appeal develop as well. Whereas someone may appreciate the graphics of a show, another person might appreciate the storyline or both of these elements simultaneously.

For Anya Li, also a junior at the Early College at Guilford, she appreciates the music.

“I like the Studio Ghibli movies because of the art styles and also the music and soundtrack,” Li said. “It’s very calming.”

Animations are now enjoyed for the different opportunities they grant viewers. Whether it’s an incredible auditory or visual experience, the advancements in animations have been revolutionary for the children sitting in front of their TVs.

Now, grown adults.

Perhaps one of the most notable examples of a children’s show that transcends age is “Bluey,” an Australian animated series. “Bluey” was originally meant for preschool-aged children, but its portrayal of family dynamics has made it incredibly popular among adults as well. 

Parents have come to appreciate the realistic showing of how turbulent parenting can be, and many refer to it as a “comfort show” according to HuffPost Uk.

“Bluey” has become a global sensation, with adults often tuning in for the heartwarming stories and relatable themes. 

Children’s animation can always offer content that has deep emotional resonance for grown-ups, even after societally aging out of the genre.

As animation continues to evolve, it becomes clear that cartoons are no longer just for children. The medium’s ability to tackle complex themes, yield emotion and entertain audiences of all ages makes it one of the most powerful forms of entertainment today. 

Whether it’s a family-friendly show like “Bluey” or a more mature series like “Rick and Morty,” animation has become a tool for storytelling that transcends age, offering something for everyone. 

The idea that cartoons are only for children remains in the 1900s.

Why?

Because we simply have too many outlets for animations that adults would love to indulge in.

And even if they didn’t, we always return to “SpongeBob” anyway.