Standards a show has to meet to become your favorite

[Cobblepot1982]

I know people go gaga over Family Guy, Simpsons, etc.

But y'know what? NONE of the above are favorites of mine! Don't get me wrong; I LIKE them, but I don't LOVE them.

For me, here's the criteria a show- ANY show -has to meet to become a favorite of mine:

the show MUST unquestionably last the test of time. Meaning.....I still have to be able to go back, and watch this show later on, when the hype has LOOOONG died down & the dust has settled, and still find it hilarious, and really enjoyable. If I don't, it really didn't have much going for it to begin with.

Family Guy, for instance, is a show I can watch, get a few laughs from..and I can't go back and watch that episode again. I watched a repeat with my girlfriend recently....and was like "oh yeah, here's the scene where they're making fun of this '80s movie..." and I wasn't even stimulated by it.

It just doesn't hold up to the test of time for me; neither does the Simpsons. I can get some nostalgic enjoyment out of the Simpsons, but I can't find it just as funny- if not funnier- every time.


Now, take the Critic: every time I watch this show, I love it even more. VERY good writers for this show...you don't get all the jokes the first time you watch it...you gotta watch it over and over again to pick up on everything; they're VERY subtle...and it's great.

The Critic didn't get any hype, so there's no major hype to live up to, which makes it more enjoyable for me to appreciate.

However, a lot of other shows I love DID have hype, but they're still great later on, including many shows that AREN'T animated, like Family Ties, the Jeffersons, Three's Company, and more.

South Park I still enjoy even after watching it the first time; that holds up, too.

So anyway....what qualifications does a show have to meet to become one of YOUR favorites?

[AlgeaX]

I have only one criterion for a show to become one of my favorites...

1. It must be frikkin' awesome.

[Mini Garbonzo]

For me it just needs to be entertaining and the show needs to distinguish itself from the rest.

[Silverstar]

1. The show has to be entertaining and compelling, with enduring characters that I find myself caring about.

2. It has to not rely on a bunch of shopworn cliches. Even the standard formulas must have a unique spin to them. Give me something I haven't seen before.

3. It has to be able withstand the test of time, and not rely on a bunch of "hip" pop-culture references and allusions which will quickly date the show.

4. It has to not suck. If a show makes my very rare favorites' list, then I can even excuse the stinker episodes, as long as the bad installments outweigh the good.

[Serge1228]

1) I have to find myself caring about the characters. Sure, I can like a show and not care about the characters in it, but it wont ever come close to being my favorite unless I do.

2) It has to either have far more good installments then bad, or it has to have such a high number of good episodes that I can enjoy the show regradless of the bad ones (For example, The Simpsons).

3) Pretty much every piece of animation has something that dates it. I dont mind pop culture-references so long as they dont overshadow the entire show (The Looney Tunes and The Flintstones both make countless references to the styles of thier day, but they dont come up often enough to hurt themselves. This is one of Family Guys biggest problems).

4) When I think of mature, I think about detailed plots and deep subject matter or sharp satire, which might or might not involve some violence or cursing. An "adult" series that does nothing but curse or show gore for no reason other then because they are "adult" is a pet peeve of mine (I enjoy South Park, as it usually has some strong satire to it, meaning it not one of the brain dead shows I'm talking about. I'm refering more to shows like Drawn Together).

5) It has to be timeless. Of course everyone show has a couple of jokes that just dont work anymore, but I should be able to enjoy the show just as much now as I can ten years from now.

[soundmonkey44]

I have many Criteria before i watch a show\

1) the Characters must have VA's that match their personallity

2) It must have a good story

3) It has to have some type of Philisophical/ moral sub-text to it be they holy or benin.

4) if not Philisophical it must have a decent amount of storytelling &/or action

5) If its live action it can't have genaric of chessy actors/actresses

6) If its cgi it must be Good quality, can't stand low-budget CGI shows!

7) It must expand my mind or imagination , and get me to think new thoughts that may have crossed my mind before...Preferibly deep ones!

[warnerbroman]

I have some

1) the Characters must have VA's that match their personallity(I agree)

2) It must have a good story arcs

3) It has to have Fanservice (sexy and easter eggs)

4) must have a decent amount of storytelling &/or action

5) make me not hate the main character after a while

6) the butt monkey get a banana once in a while

[Dr.Pepper]

Likable characters
Little or no pop culture referances
Re-watchablity factor. I want to be able to watch the series years from now and not thinking "Why did I like this?"

[Gokou Ruri]

1. A set goal, or overall sense of purpose for the series. Just having random adventures for the heck of it doesn't cut it anymore in this day and age when certain shows have shown us this is possible, and even a random guy like me can pen out a series with this in it.
2. No filler episodes, writers should use each episode carefully to expand the plot or characters, not waste them on random pointless adventures that mean nothing to the overall story or to simply waste time.
3. An actual well-written story, with plenty of creative twists and turns throughout the series. Just having a simple, uncreative story of "point A to point B"that's as basic as you can get isn't as impressive.
4. Developing characters who also have their own purpose or goal; no throwaway characters or one-shots.
5.Should go along with number one, but I'll clarify it should have a conclusion ending that doesn't leave plot-points open or go on for ten years trying to milk the series out. Let it end with respect where it should, basically.

Needless to say, I can count the number of shows that fit this criteria on one hand. But despite their few numbers, they're basically the best action animation series out there and I can rewatch them over and over again, so quality over quantity in my book.

[DarthGonzo]

Needless to say, I can count the number of shows that fit this criteria on one hand. But despite their few numbers, they're basically the best action animation series out there and I can rewatch them over and over again, so quality over quantity in my book.

So you don't enjoy a good laugh huh? :(

[SuperMegaHyper]

For me in no particular order.

Well writen and thought out plot.

Interesting characters.

little refernces to other properties.

Well disigned enviorments.

[Ryusuke]

In no particular order...even if it has numbers...

1. The show must set itself apart from other shows. It doesn't have to be completely original.
2. Little to no pop culture references.
3. A well-written story, with lots of creativity involved. If it has a certain formula that the story follows, the writing has to keep things fresh.
4. Knows when to let loose.
5. Little to no fan service. ... ...seriously. No more, please. :shrug:
6. If it has a romance, it's either not obvious, or just well-written.
7. If it has a long running plot, it must not ignore any side plots introduce and develop the characters as the series goes on, giving a respectful ending.
8. Rewatchable.
9. Just down-right entertaining.
10. A reason for me to follow it.
11. Fairly likable characters, that are consistent, etc.
12. If it does have action, it has to keep things exciting...if that makes sense.

But, I'd be just fine with just shows that follow half of this criteria. :sweat:

[DarthGonzo]

I just want to be entertained. I'm not that picky. If a show interests me and gives me a good laugh it's good enough for me. I don't watch enough new cartoons these days to really be sitting there making a list of the criteria that makes a show worthy of my viewership.

Some of you seem to be asking for the moon. No wonder so many people around here are unhappy with today's cartoons. When your shopping list for new cartoons includes stuff like sexy fan service and ongoing plots with absolutely no tangents I can see how there wouldn't be much out there to satisfy you.

No wonder everyone here hates Spongebob. Heaven forbid you're an episodic, silly cartoon going for cheap laughs. :)

[All Star Blitz]

In no particular order...even if it has numbers...

1. The show must set itself apart from other shows. It doesn't have to be completely original.
2. Little to no pop culture references.
3. A well-written story, with lots of creativity involved. If it has a certain formula that the story follows, the writing has to keep things fresh.
4. Knows when to let loose.
5. Little to no fan service. ... ...seriously. No more, please. :shrug:
6. If it has a romance, it's either not obvious, or just well-written.
7. If it has a long running plot, it must not ignore any side plots introduce and develop the characters as the series goes on, giving a respectful ending.
8. Rewatchable.
9. Just down-right entertaining.
10. A reason for me to follow it.
11. Fairly likable characters, that are consistent, etc.
12. If it does have action, it has to keep things exciting...if that makes sense.

But, I'd be just fine with just shows that follow half of this criteria. :sweat:

I think just about all of these are what I want in a show as well. I generally don't like romance, but executed properly it can be interesting. I also haven't witnessed anything fan-service-y in a cartoon, ever; how common is it outside anime?

[Gokou Ruri]

So you don't enjoy a good laugh huh? :( I hold comedy shows to a different standard.. but in general I don't care much for comedy series. The only comedy show I'd consider a favorite is Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (since it actually did have a developing plot and characters), but it's not a cartoon. I don't really watch TV anymore unless some epic action series catches my eye (and I'm always looking for a new one :sweat:). Not to say if Spongebob or something is playing on a TV I wont watch it (like if I'm stuck watching my younger cousin), but I wont go out of my way to watch it either, is all.


When your shopping list for new cartoons includes stuff like sexy fan service and ongoing plots with absolutely no tangents I can see how there wouldn't be much out there to satisfy you. I hate fanservice, but W.I.T.C.H. had an ongoing plot with no tangents and that's only 2 years old. We're bound to get another show like it eventually.

[Blackstar]

1. It must be entertaining.

2. I have to care about the characters, especially the principal characters. If I'm going to follow their exploits/misadventures for an entire series, it certainly helps if they're likable or relateable.

3. Something new and innovative would be preferable, although even shopworn cliches are OK with me, provided they're done well.

4. Good animation isn't necessarily a requirement, but it's certainly a plus.

[Radio Clash 5150]

1) Art/animation/character designs should be passable, whether it's simplified or detailed.

2) Premise should be just original enough.

3) The right amount of characters get developed properly.

4) If making commentaries, don't try to make me feel bad if I might disagree.

5) If the humor's random, don't swerve off and deviate into something completely unrelated towards the end of the episode.

6) Come up with original twists when you dig into the bag of re-used cartoon plots.

7) I have to enjoy 90% of the episodes.

8) A minimum of fan-service is acceptable as long as it doesn't interfere with the story.

[Bloody Marquis]

1. Likeable and relatable characters.

2. A good plot with some fresh ideas.

3. Character Development

4. Good acting from the VAs.

5. Something that makes you want to watch it from beginning to end.

6. Timelessness.

7. And last of all, it must be entertaining.

[RavenFan17]

Needless to say, I can count the number of shows that fit this criteria on one hand. But despite their few numbers, they're basically the best action animation series out there and I can rewatch them over and over again, so quality over quantity in my book.

WITCH, Beast Wars, and...?

[Lavenderpaw]

Good plotline and characters who develop over time. :)

[Elven Moon]

1. Little to no toilet humor. I am not interested in a show that constantly tries to gross me out, pin a fart on someone, etc.

2. Characters that I can become attached to. I don't necessarily have to relate, but if I find myself up to spending a Saturday afternoon hanging out with them, they've done their job.

3. It helps if there's romance or at least characters I can pair up.

4. Passable animation. The more heart and style put into it, the better.

5. Humor helps, but that doesn't mean it has to be an all out comedy.

6. It must ENTERTAIN me.

7. Rewatchable and well written.

[Neo Yi]

It really depends on the genre they're taking, but just to clarify with a few list of my choices:

1. If it's a cartoon that mostly relies on humors and gags, then it must be funny. For the most part, I don't mind the immature gags that many childrens' cartoons are plagued with, but only if they're sophisticated for the most part. Nothing turns me off then having to hear raunchy fart jokes. Throw in something intelligent every so often. Not all kids (and the olda' folks watching) are dumb. And don't rely on repetition. I also don't like jokes that goes on for too long, especially if it's so obvious (I'm looking at that Super Mario short in Cavalcade of Comedy - I've heard that joke so many times). I can only take so much.

2. When it comes to cartoons that rely on stories, character development. An Arc only works for me if there is significant character growth in the series. Seeing how they turned from a naive hero to a mature warrior will make all the difference and satisfy both the main characters and the viewers.

3. If a villain is the type that doesn't get character development, then I hope for something interesting that makes him stand out. Makes him likable (or easy to hate). I love villains that entertain. In fact, this is a rule for the main cast: be likable. There are a number of stereotypical personalities to use beyond what it says on the description. A brilliant writer will be able to take advantage of that instead of leaving them dull, straight-to-the-point characters. The typical male hero can be goofy while deadset on saving the world or the standard chick can be a chatty, witty one-liner, etc.

4. The right kind of pop culture. True, many writers attempting to write teenage dialogue are adults old enough to have teenagers, but that's no excuse. Having to hear outdated jibber-jabber makes me cringe...so badly. The same goes for references to various popular whatzits of today. Knock it off with the surfer accent, that was so over. Stop with the bullet time parody, it no longer carries relevance as it once did. And so forth.

5. Be original. Now, I don't expect an innovative twist; nothing is truly original these days, but take that old method and give it a different spin. Even if the outcomes will be the same, the difference will have all been worth it to keep me on the edge of my seat.

6. Parental Bonus. I like the idea that writers can sometimes sneak in an adult reference that only the grown-ups get. It's fun to look back and see how many you can spot and wonder how they got that past the radars.

[Dub C]

This is an interesting topic. Well, thinking about some of my favorite shows, I'll chime in with these:

1. Art Style -- For a medium that relies completely on visual stimulation, an attractive set of designs are a must. Heck, an anime I recently discovered called Soul Eater has my attention mostly because of it's art direction.

2. A Fun, Enjoyable Story -- I know nothing's completely original these days, as long as you can try to give me something I haven't seen too often, or attempt to steer away from general cliches, I'll give ya a watch.

3. Compelling Protaganists -- I don't have to relate to them, but make me care for them. Make me entertained by them. Make me think it would be awesome to be around them if they were real or even be in their own shoes.

4. No Blatant Fanservice -- I have NO objections to seeing beautifully drawn females in animation, however as someone well into his 20s, the show should not have me thinking I should be a horny teenager to enjoy it with their all to conveninent camera shots & whatnot. (Code Geass instantely comes to mind with me)

5. Great fight scenes (Action Shows) -- As someone that enjoys a lot of action shows, their needs to be at least one fight that wows me and keeps my eyes on the screen. (Spectular Spiderman has done this very well). Oh, and nothing against shonen like DBZ, Naruto, Bleach, etc, I'd like the fights to start & end in the same episode.

That's basically it on the surface level atleast. I'm fairly easy to please as far as cartoons go, but for a show to be one of my absolute faves, it's got to hit the mark on these points here.

[Gokou Ruri]

WITCH, Beast Wars, and...? The first few seasons of the 2003 Ninja Turtles series would fit for the most part, but that's definately a show that would have benefited from ending quite a few seasons ago.

[Luna]

I'm not really that picky....I like series that are funny and have interesting/likeable characters....Ongoing storylines are nice,but not really a necessity for me (I like series like Futurama,which has stand-alone episodes,but they keep making references to things that happened earlier in the series,and some characters in the series have changed over time)...I'm also not fond of "toilet humor",and mostly avoid shows that have alot of it (strangely enough,I love South Park,and Shin-Chan,though)....

[cyde]

I'd never look for a toon containing fanservice, cliches nor stereotypes, just good storylines.

[Radical Raven]

Hmmm... this is a very vague question.

You know how sometimes, near the end of a movie, or episode, or whatever, your just sitting there in awe thinking "that was so awesome", and, if it was a play, you would be clapping?

Well, my favorites should have at least one of these moments.

Then you have the exact opposite of the above, those painful moments where you roll your eyes and say "that's so stupid". These should be kept too a minimum.

Thats... all that pops into my head, as of now. Comedy has a much harder time than action/adventure, but I'd still rate some comedies among my favorites. This is a very hard question...

[Racattack!Force]

All I ask for in an animated series (heck, any series) is character development. I want the character's to grow and change over time, and in the process, seem more like real people you could relate too. Could I enjoy a series without any of it? Sure. But for a series to be my favorite, character development is a must. The only things that are exempt from this are one-shots.

[TheTerror]

It has to make me want to watch it week in and week out, I have to have that feeling of excitement and passion for it when it comes on. A show must be compelling enough to make me feel these emotions, then and only then it is worthy of being called my "favorite".

[Darklordavaitor]

WITCH, Beast Wars, and...?
Uh, adding upon to Marn's list of requirements, I'd think that Yu Yu Hakusho could most certainly qualify, if we're counting anime.

But that's really about it when you try to think of long-running anime that doesn't succumb to filler.

[Zekehawk]

1. It has to have a good plot.
2. Characters with personality.
3. Can be funny, but not always funny.
4. Good ending if it has a long plot.
5. A little bit of action never hurt.

Those are some of my standards.

[Taco Wiz]

Brilliant idea for a thread!

Weird, but not TOO weird: This is a must. For example, in one episode of Invader ZIM, the title character meets a hologram stating that his people worked themselves to death converting the planet Mars into a spaceship. Why? Apparantly because it's cool. Zim is horribly confused, but GIR appears to understand perfectly, being smart enough to understand the logic.

Good characters: The characters can't be one dimensional, unless the dimension hasn't been done before. Joel from Bonus Stage isn't very complicated, but I honestly can't say I've ever seen his exact kind of "wackyness" before. Another example of that one dimensional thing would be WALL-E. He's the most perky, cheerful guy you've ever met. That's surprising, considering how he's lived on a deserted planet 700 years after the few remnants of humanity escaped. You gotta admire his spirit. PLUS, HE'S SO CUTE! An example of a more complicated character would be Dib from Invader ZIM. We are the real insane ones, and the people we deem insane are themselves brilliant. This is the tragic story of Dib, who is the only human that's smart enough to see the existence of aliens, ghosts, monsters, and other such topics. He's brave and determined, but at the same time, somewhat selfish and arrogant. However, he makes up for it by risking his life often to save the very world that shunned him. YOU GOTTA LOVE THAT!

Humor: Duh.

[Gokou Ruri]

Uh, adding upon to Marn's list of requirements, I'd think that Yu Yu Hakusho could most certainly qualify, if we're counting anime.

But that's really about it when you try to think of long-running anime that doesn't succumb to filler. I haven't seen much of it, but I hear it actually cut down filler stuff from the comic. That's always a plus in my book :sweat:

I guess I should mention even if a show isn't considered one of my favorites, I can still enjoy it. A few current action cartoons are entertaining, even though they don't live up to my standards. I just reserve calling a show my favorite unless it breaks new ground and pushes the standard of storytelling forward and whatnot.

[Classic Speedy]

For a comedy, it has to make me laugh pretty consistently. I think Matt Wilson made a good grading system a while back: If an episode of a show makes you laugh 50% of the time (because laughing throughout 100% of the show is impossible), that equals an A. 40%, B. 30%, C. 20%, D. 0-10%, F. I'm not terribly picky when it comes to types of jokes. As long as they're executed well, that's mostly what matters.

For a drama, I have to care about what happens to the characters. That's just a given.

For an action/adventure, it has to have engaging storyboarding and heavy (read: NOT out of control) action that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. The gunfire and explosions have to mean something, and the main character cannot be an indestructible wrecking machine that is never hit. Unless, of course, it's meant to parody the conventions of the genre. Then it's OK.

[~Shoяe]

There must be at least a couple episodes that make me lol hysterically. If I'm not rolling on the floor in hysterics than its not a good comedy for me. If its action, I want original ideas and innovative choreography, and for it to be powerful as well as ruthlessly entertaining.

Animation must be good, either by being lively, energetic, over the top, creative or stylized.

Good music isn't a must but it certainly helps. Samurai Jack wouldn't be anywhere near as awesome as it is without James L. Venable's amazing score.
CREATOR INVOLVEMENT!!!!! if the creator doesn't write, board, voice art direct, or direct, I am completely uninterested. More is better, with John K. being one of my fav creators since he writes outlines, does boards and such, and directs tons of episodes. Thurop Van Orman is good cuz he does voices and has boarded a couple episode. C.H has done a bunch of boards and outlines. In the Spongebob pilot, Stephan Hillenburg was credited as "storyboard director" and co-writer alone with two other people. Thats not enough involvement for me :/ which is one reason I like the movie, which he directed, better.

[DarthGonzo]

There must be at least a couple episodes that make me lol hysterically.

Right there is a biggie for me. Some of top favorite shows (Ed, Edd and Eddy, Simpsons [in the good years], South Park, Futurama, Spongebob, Family Guy) all have made me fall on the floor laughing on a regular basis. Obviously that's why they're my favorite.


CREATOR INVOLVEMENT!!!!! if the creator doesn't write, board, voice art direct, or direct, I am completely uninterested.

That's asking for a bit much, IMHO. Some of my favorite 90's shows had little to no creator involvement but I love them anyway.


More is better, with John K. being one of my fav creators since he writes outlines, does boards and such, and directs tons of episodes.

And he's a complete control freak whose perfectionism ticks off everyone he works for because he goes over budget and misses deadlines. So there's a downside to allowing a creator complete creative control.


In the Spongebob pilot, Stephan Hillenburg was credited as "storyboard director" and co-writer alone with two other people. Thats not enough involvement for me :/ which is one reason I like the movie, which he directed, better.

Perhaps, but some of my all-time favorite Spongebob episodes (and indeed some of the most popular) were made in the second and third seasons by many different people. Just because you didn't create the show doesn't mean you don't understand how to make it work. And conversely just because you've created something doesn't mean you always know what's best for it. The Tom and Jerry cartoons made once Hannah and Barbara became producers are good examples of this.

While we're on the subject one of the reasons why I love the Peanuts specials so much is because they were almost all done by the same three men: Charles Schultz, Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez. Granted there hasn't been a really good special in more than two decades.

[peterg14]

I need to be hooked by by the first few episodes, the visuals have to be appealing as well, and above all else I just want to be entertained for a few minutes of my day. The shows don't have to be deep, philosophical metaphors for life or anything, just some gags and stories that are fun and enjoyable.

[Silverstar]

I need to be hooked by by the first few episodes, the visuals have to be appealing as well, and above all else I just want to be entertained for a few minutes of my day. The shows don't have to be deep, philosophical metaphors for life or anything, just some gags and stories that are fun and enjoyable.

:^: Add appealing, interesting characters for me to care about, and I change my assessment to this.

[Craig Crumpton]

I guess being an animated cartoon addict, I never have given much thought to having a set of "standards" as to what becomes a personal favorite (although I agree with Speedy Boris' assessment and opinion above).

I'd say "quality" production values, but then again I've liked some low-budget, crudely or limited-animation stuff like Squidbillies, Superjail, Dr. Katz, Home Movies, Skunk Fu!, and Stickin' Around.

And then there are shows I watch simply for the voice talent. And I've endured some pretty crappy shows just to hear performances by favorite voice actors.

I've watched enough cartoons in my life to know when something will likely be a hit, like the first time I saw The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Lab, The Venture Bros, and Samurai Jack. And I hated Family Guy when I first saw it (and still don't care much for it), but my gut instinct told me it was going to be a network hit and probably grow into a cult favorite.

But what it boils down to is I just like shows because I find them amusing and/or entertaining.