It is difficult to find people who will not binge-watch their favorite cartoons even after getting old. Be it The Simpsons or Mickey Mouse; cartoons have an undeniable attraction that most of us can’t help but get hooked on our couches to watch them. But how many of you know the interesting cartoon facts behind them?
Twenty years ago, in the episode ‘Bart to the Future,” the Simpsons predicted Donald trump to be the future president of the United States of America. Could anyone ever imagine that it would become a reality? Did you know Donald Duck has an actual asteroid named after him? And Popeye made American kids fall in love with spinach?
Twenty years ago, in the episode ‘Bart to the Future,” the Simpsons predicted Donald Trump to be the future president of the United States of America. Image source: Tecno Innovador
There are tons of such cartoon facts that you could never imagine happening. And through this article, we will take you on the journey to unleash the top 10 cartoon facts that you need to know about. From the corners of Dexter’s Laboratory to the cave houses of the Flintstones, through this article, you will learn some unknown cartoon facts about your favorite that will blow your mind. Read ahead to reveal the secrets of your favorite cartoons-
1. The Simpsons – Cartoon Facts that Became Reel to Real
“The Simpsons” is not only one of the greatest cartoon shows ever made but also the whole house of future predictions. Be it the elections for the president of the United States of America to the Olympics; this cartoon show has already blown our minds by predicting the future so many times throughout its fabulous journey of 31 years. But did you ever think, why are all the residents of Springfield yellow in color? From Homer to Lisa, all our favorite characters being yellow is just a coincidence or …
Why are all the residents of Springfield yellow in color? Image source: simpsonswiki.com
According to Matt Groening, he was confused to come up with an idea to make his creation stand out among the crowd of cartoon shows. An animator showed him the yellow color, and the creative mind of Matt instantly knew this bright yellow color would be the identity of the Simpsons. And you know he was right when seeing the yellow color only you get that you are watching the Simpsons.
The cartoon facts around the Simpsons don’t end here. The running time of each Simpson’s episode is 22 minutes. But can you guess how long does it take to make one episode? It takes 6-8 months to give you 22 minutes of tummy, hurting laugh. The Simpsons have ruled the cartoon world for over 30 years now. And the cartoon facts around it are even more interesting. Be it reel or real.
2. The Flintstones; the first cartoon show to Show Couples sleeping on the same bed
The Flintstones were the undisputed rulers of the cartoon world until The Simpsons took the crown away in 1997. But that didn’t change the fact that “The Flintstones” was one of the greatest creations in the history of cartoons. But did you know the cartoon facts of the Flintstones were way ahead compared to the society of that time?
The Flintstones. Image source: https://www.loseternautas.com/
Can you imagine there was a point of time where showing couples sleeping on the same bed was a taboo on American Television? Fred and Wilma of the Flintstones were the first cartoon couple who slept on the same bed on our television screens. Even though real-life couples Mary Kay and Johnny were the first couples to share the same bed on TV, the Flintstones made it more accepted by all ages by bringing Fred and Wilma together on the same bed.
Another mind-boggling point in the numerous cartoon facts about the Flintstones is, it was the first of its kind to help to sell cigarettes. If you remember Barney asking Fred to take a Winston break, you know the break meant smoking out packs of cigarettes. The Flintstones were popular for presenting some cartoon facts that only adults can understand.
The Flintstones helped Winston Cigarettes to reach the peak of the market.
But if you noticed carefully, even the packs had Winston written on them. Winston was a real cigarette company in real who sponsored the cartoon show. Not to mention Fred saying its tagline made their sales touch the peak of the market.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVRO6GAfvzA
The show that made Hanna-Barbera the largest animated show producer has more astonishing cartoon facts around it. Did you realize that the voice of Bugs Bunny was the voice of Barney too? Yes, in “The Man of a Thousand Voices” Mel Blanc lent his voice to both iconic cartoon characters. And did you know how Pebbles turned into a girl from a boy to sell the famous Pebbles doll? Learn more here.
Related Article: The Flintstones Cartoon: The Top 10 Big Facts You Might Not Know
3. Scooby-Doo; Do you know Scooby’s full name?
“Scooby-Dooby-Doo” is to date, one of my favorite cartoons. And I am sure many of our readers will agree that even today if we find any channel broadcasting Scooby-Doo episodes, our hands forget to change the channel. For decades Scooby and his gang have entertained us, but how many of you know the real name of Shaggy’s beloved pet dog? Scooby’s full name is Scooby Doo. The list of fascinating cartoon facts about the popular show is long.
Scooby’s full name is Scoobert Doo. Image source: IGN
Can you name the five characters of the Mystery Incorporated? Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Velma, and Daphne. I know all of you got it right. But do you know what they were supposed to be called at first? Too Much, W.W., Geoff, Linda, and Kelly, respectively. Thank god the creators changed the names. I mean, “Too Much where are you” sounds weird now. Moreover, the show was initially titled “Mysteries Five,” and our power couple, Shaggy and Velma, were designed to be siblings there. It would be bizarre, wouldn’t it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dIeyDnFHbo
Other than being one of the greatest cartoon shows of all time, Scooby and Gang holds the record for the “Most Episodes of a Cartoon Comedy Series” But do you know why the voice of Shaggy, Casey Kasey made Shaggy a vegetarian? Read more here.
Related Article: The 7 Best of Shaggy Scooby-Doo Moments
4. Johnny Bravo; “Whoa, Mama!”
The bodybuilder narcissist with an unused brain, Johnny Bravo, often portrayed himself as the perfect example of beauty without the brain. Johnny Bravo was one of the most famous and popular cartoon shows on American television. But do you know the amusing cartoon facts about this all-time favorite macho womanizer? Like his visits to other cartoon shows?
Yes, Johnny Bravo often appeared in other popular cartoon shows. Among all of them, my favorite is where Johnny met Scooby-Doo and his gang. In this episode, Johnny is scared by his aunt when Scooby and the gang save him. But why was his aunt scaring him? Just because she didn’t like Johnny. Well, mostly on the show, didn’t like our macho hero, but who cares?
Johnny Bravo. Image source: WordPress.com
The list of amusing cartoon facts about one of the originals of Cartoon Network goes on. No matter who hated Johnny, little Suzy always had his back. But did you know Johnny didn’t go even one episode without being hit by girls? But ironically, most of his real-life fans were women. And between Elvis Presley and James Dean, who is the real-life Johnny Bravo? Feel free to add your thoughts below in the comment box.
5. Dexter’s Laboratory; the first animated series on Cartoon Network
Dexter’s Laboratory was one of the hype creators of our childhood. The bittersweet bonding of Dee Dee and Dexter is similar to the sibling bonding we have at our homes. But did you know there are a lot of secrets hidden in the corner of Dexter’s laboratory? Like, what is his last name? You got it already that there are cartoon facts about this science-loving boy and his lab, which most of you never knew. Read ahead to know more.
Dexter’s Laboratory was the first animated series on Cartoon Network. Image source: Best TV Shows
Dexter was a science-loving boy whose age was never revealed on the show. The show ran for four seasons, but even for once, his age was not mentioned anywhere on the show. Another secret among the cartoon facts about him is that he had me confused throughout the series- what is his last name? None knows yet. But did you know women voiced Dexter? Yes, not one woman, but three different actresses. More surprisingly, he and Bubbles from Powerpuff Girls had the same voice at the time. Tara Strong voiced both of the iconic characters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVY6f-hqEGo
Have you noticed any similarities between Marvel superhero comics and the Justice Friends of Dexter’s Laboratory? Did the Infraggable Krunk seem like the Incredible Hulk? If yes, then you noticed it right. Creator Genndy Tartakovsky created the team of Justice friends based on superheroes from Marvel and DC comics. Major Glory resembled Captain America and Superman; Van Hallen portrayed Thor and the real-life rockstar Eddie Van Halen and the Infraggable Krunk was the Dexter’s Laboratory version of the Incredible Hulk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO51ullrZDQ
Want to know some more exciting cartoon facts about Dexter? Read here. And if you’re going to taste Dexter’s favorite burritos from his beloved Burrito Palace, you can do it. Yes, the place exists. Cartoon facts around Dexter are as entertaining as he was.
Related Article: Dexter’s Laboratory: The Best Top 10 Inventions Dexter Made
6. Looney Tunes; The Two Times Academy Award Winner cartoon Series
“Looney Tunes” is an all-time favorite cartoon series. The pack of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety, Sylvester, and Speedy Gonzales were part and parcel of our lives. And who can forget the granny we all dreamt of having in our lives? So it is obvious the cartoon facts around our favorite cartoon series will leave smiles on our faces. The very first fact, it deservingly won two Academy Awards. With more than ten nominations in around 40 years of ruling the TV screens, the series came to an end in 2014. But neither the show nor the cartoon facts have lost their attraction till now.
Looney Tunes. Image source: WordPress.com
Do you remember Bugs often saying the word “Nimrod”? The word reached the peak of popularity after Bugs started using it. But do you what it mean? Bugs used the word to describe the clumsy hunter on the show, Elmer Fudd. Seeing him being humiliated quite easily by Bugs, you might think Nimrod defined the inefficiency of Fudd. But the real scenario is different. The audience was so into Bugs; they didn’t even care to find out that Nimrod was the great-grandson of Noah and a mighty hunter. So, yes, Bugs was just sarcastic as usual because what Nimrod means, Fudd could never be.
Looney Tunes reminds us of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety, and Sylvester the most. But how many of you remember Taz the mini cyclone? Did you notice this short-tempered animal with a gigantic appetite appeared in only five shorts?
Taz appeared in only five shorts. Image source: WikimediaIf you are asked to pick one Looney Tunes character as your favorite, whom would you choose? Let us know in the comments. But I know Bugs can easily steal the crown of being the most favorite. Maybe his undeniable popularity led him to be the 9th most portrayed film personality in the world. He even has his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Bugs Bunny is the 9th most portrayed film personality in the world and has his own Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Image source: WikimediaBut the cartoon facts around him are not done yet. The voice behind Bugs, Mel Blanc, has “That’s All Folks” written on his grave. And Bugs has saved his life. After a horrifying accident, Mel Blanc was in a coma, and doctors brought him out of the trance by addressing him as Bugs Bunny. There is another interesting story about the impact Bugs Bunny and Looney Tunes have in our lives. To read that, click here.
Mel Blanc has “That’s All Folks” written on his grave. Image source: Wikimedia
7. Mickey Mouse; Mickey or Mortimer?
The title suggests the debate that hailed before Mickey made his first public appearance. Walt Disney planned to name him Mortimer at first. But thanks to his wife, we got Mickey as the star of the show, with Mortimer being his biggest rival. Mickey Mouse lovers know a lot of cartoon facts about him, like how Walt Disney had the idea to create him from his pet mouse. But how many of you know that Mickey Mouse was the first cartoon ever to speak? Yes, Mickey was the first-ever cartoon to talk in the episode “The Karnival Kid.” And guess what his first words were? “Hot Dogs!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPtRGsTIXns
Let us continue the journey of unknown cartoon facts about our favorite mouse. So, Mickey Theodore Mouse was the first cartoon to have his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Oh, you didn’t know his middle name is Theodore? Do you know what’s more amusing? With more than 10 Academy Awards nominations and an Oscar with his name, Mickey launched his first music album in 1979. The audience loved a musical muse so much that it ended up earning double-platinum status. Are cartoon facts full of Glory? Mickey Mouse has it all.
Mickey launched his first music album in 1979. Image source: Flickr
Loved the power couple, Mickey and Minnie. Read and hear how the voices behind the evergreen cartoon characters, Wayne Allwine and Russsi Taylor, got married in real life.
8. Peanuts; Here’s Joe Cool Revealing Some Unheard Cartoon Facts About the Gang
Charles Schulz gave us one of the best comic and cartoon series through Peanuts. Snoopy and gang deservingly surpassed the popularity of Santa Claus. Yes, Peanuts used to be published in 21 languages in more than 75 countries. So obviously, people knew Snoopy and Charlie Brown more than they knew Santa Claus. But do you know the funny and interesting cartoon facts about the Peanuts gang? How many of you know that Charles Schulz himself was the inspiration behind the character Good Ole Charlie Brown?
Snoopy and Gang are more popular than Santa Claus. Image source: Wikipedia
Most of the Peanuts characters were inspired by real-life people. Snoopy himself was inspired by Charles’ dog Spike. In the comics, Spike is one of Snoopy’s five siblings. Snoopy not only has his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but also he is the proud owner of two Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, and two Tony Awards. Only a few in the entertainment industry have this achievement.
Charles Schulz was the creator of Peanuts. He was also the inspiration behind Charlie Brown. But his drawings were rejected to be published in his high school yearbook. Image source: Wikipedia
From World War II to the Moon, Snoopy has gone everywhere, and Charles Schulz had drawn them all by themselves. But did you know his drawings were rejected to be published in his high school yearbook? His teachers must have regretted a lot! And that’s the same high school to have a six feet statue of Snoopy. That’s called real success!
There are more interesting cartoon facts about the characters of the Peanuts gang. If you notice carefully, snoopy has eyes only on one side of his head. Linus didn’t speak for two years after his first public appearance. The little red-haired girl was never fully revealed. Charlie Brown has failed in a lot of things, but do you know one of his greatest achievements? He is one of the very few cartoon characters to be featured on Forever stamps released by the U.S Postal Service.
9. South Park; They Were Not Supposed to Kill Kenny
If South Park is bread, then Kenny’s death is butter on it. Kenny has died in each episode, and his wide popularity brought him back again and again. But do you know the original idea was not killing Kenny? Instead of Kenny, Kyle was supposed to die, but poor Kenny had to take responsibility for himself. Here are some best moments of Kenny’s death.
Kenny was not supposed to die so often. Image source: Wikimedia
The cartoon facts of South Park are as exciting as the show itself is. And the more amusing fact is, the cartoon facts have become real to reel. For example, characters like Kenny, Liane, Wendy, and even Mr. Hankey were inspired by real-life people in Trey Parker’s life. I know among them all you will be the most interested in knowing the real-life Mr. Hankey. So here’s the full story for you.
Real-life people inspired by Mr. Hankey. Image source: Blogspot.com
Kenny was portraying a kid who could hardly be understood. But did you notice him express his admiration for female bodies in the title song of season one? Bet even you can’t express your admiration in a subtle manner like Kenny. Not only the theme song, but South Park also overused the Lollipop King so much, that the episodes featuring the Lollipop King were banned.
Never heard of Lollipop King? Find him here. And have you noticed the moments when South Park parodied Family Guy? That was amazing, right? Even the Simpsons crew found it, so mind-blowing that they sent flowers to the South Park Crew. After all, there’s no harm in friendly competition.
10. SpongeBob SquarePants; SpongeBob or Spongeboy?
SpongeBob is the longest-running cartoon series on Nickelodeon. But did you know SpongeBob was originally named SpongeBoy? The show was originally thought to be called “SpongeBoy, Ahoy!” But thanks to copyright infringement, we got our beloved SpongeBob. And did you know the characters in SpongeBob SquarePants represented the 7 deadly sins? Where Mr. Krabs is greedy, Patrick is the Sloth, and Squidward is the Wrath. And others? Find out here.
Talking about Squidward, if you notice carefully, you would know Squidward lacked the number of tentacles to make him an actual squid. So technically, with just six tentacles, he was never a squid.
Squidward was never a squid. SpongeBob SquarePants is so popular that even former US PresidentBarack Obama admitted it to be his favorite cartoon. Even an actual mushroom is named after SpongeBob. We all loved to watch all the episodes on repeat, but how many of you know the real name of the “My Leg!” fish? No, don’t go like he has a name. Of course, he does. His name is Fred, which was revealed in the episode “Patty Hype.” Need to know more fantastic cartoon facts about SpongeBob? Head out here. The list of cartoon facts about the immortal sponge is never-ending!
So this was our list of 10 cartoon facts that you inevitably needed to know. Admit it, and you have not found such a compact collection of all these mind-blowing cartoon facts anywhere else. Thank us later, but don’t forget to add your thoughts below in the comment box. Want us to add some more? Let us know that too!
Last Updated on by Sathi
The simpsons used to be great, but they went downhill for a long time-now.