“Hey Arnold”, “Recess” & “The Weekenders” were the holy trinity of “life as a kid” cartoons. These 3 shows captured the essence of being a kid in that era.

The original post: /r/television by /u/MrGittz on 2025-04-23 20:40:42.

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These 3 shows did it the best in my opinion. Hey Arnold took macro view, being a kid in a community. Life at home, life at school, life with friends. All scored to this sweet laid back jazz music.

Recess focused on the school aspect. The social cliques, the hierarchy.

The Weekenders focused on the social. Being with your core group of friends outside the confines of school. Hanging at the mall, going to the movies, worry about homework on Sunday.

For me Hey Arnold probably reigns supreme just for its vibe.

But all three of these shows just get the carefree ways of being a kid.