The Smurfs (Hanna-Barbera, 1981-1989)

9 seasons, 101 little blue fellows, and one nearly inescapable cultural force. The Smurfs, straight out of Belgium and the pen of creator Peyo, sang and played while evading Gargamel to the delight of 80s kids and no doubt the annoyance of their parents. Behind the Hanna-Barbera created cartoon is a long history of comics and other animations extending both before and after it, but for American kids like your hosts, it's the natural starting point. So Smurf along with us and enjoy!