Cartoons have been a staple in the lives of children since they were first introduced to television. The early cartoons, like Popeye and Betty Boop, entertained both kids and adults alike with their wacky hijinks.
Some cartoons, like Donald Duck and Bugs Bunny, were so popular that they became household names. And then there was Mickey Mouse! Introduced as a supporting character in the 1928 animated short film Steamboat Willie (which is now considered one of the most important films ever made), Disney’s mouse soon rose to prominence when he starred in his very own series of animated shorts.
The precursor for what would later become Walt Disney Studios’ signature style. In fact, by 1940 Mickey Mouse had become so well-known that TIME magazine called him “the biggest star since Charlie Chaplin.”
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As history has demonstrated time and time again, in order to become a true cultural icon in America, it helps if you have your own TV show. While the adults in the family would watch Amos ‘n’ Andy on Sunday nights during prime-time, their kids would tune in to Bugs Bunny and friends on Saturday mornings.
As we fast-forward to the present day, cartoons continue to remain popular with both kids and adults alike. From Marvel’s Avengers Assemble to Disney’s Gravity Falls, cartoons are still playing an important role in shaping our culture.
But what about the children of 2021? What cartoons were they watching as their parents watch NCIS and Modern Family?
According to studies conducted by the Nielsen Company, the most popular cartoon for kids in 2021 was … Beyblade Burst.
About Beyblade Burst
Beyblade Burst is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Takafumi Adachi. The story focuses on the lives of middle school students who battle with tops called “Beyblades.” Its characters are anthropomorphic representations of various objects, including fruits, desserts, lollipops, animals, etc.
Although the concept is similar to the popular American show Battle B-Daman, Beyblade Burst features several key differences, including larger tops and a rule set based on that of the Takara Tomy game.
The series’ most distinguishing feature is its unique animation style. Character movements are highly exaggerated; they frequently shake their arms and legs as they move about the arena, and are able to defy gravity by jumping several feet into the air.
In conclusion, Beyblade Burst is the cartoon of choice for kids in 2021, with a viewership that eclipsed that of its competition by over 200%.
Did you know? Beyblade burst was originally broadcast on Cartoon Network beginning in 2016. Its high ratings resulted in it being moved to prime-time where it continued to score strong numbers against other top-rated shows, including Rick and Morty.