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Adult Animation: Beyond Cartoons for Kids
28 Feb
Summary
- Animation was initially an adult medium before censorship.
- The Simpsons popularized animation on network TV.
- Cable and streaming enabled modern adult animation.
Animation's roots trace back to adult-oriented entertainment before code restrictions, with early cartoons often being risque. This historical context predates the popular perception of cartoons as solely for children.
While shows like The Flintstones used animation to comment on contemporary society with outlandish settings, it was The Simpsons' 1989 debut that cemented animation's presence on network television. Though it featured adult humor, its broadcast slot imposed limitations on its explicitness.
The true expansion of adult animation occurred with the advent of cable television and streaming platforms. These mediums liberated creators, allowing for a wider array of genres, from satire to profound explorations of the human condition, including popular anime from Japan.
