Image via Complex Original
Nickelodeon, it's that channel that still continues to push through, creating television series that both children and adults can appreciate (what up, iCarly?). But nothing will ever beat the golden age of Nickelodeon. You know what I'm talking about: Rugrats, Hey Arnold!, Ren & Stimpy, Rocket Power, Doug, Rocko's Modern Life—the list goes on and on. Nicktoons were ambitious, unique, sprawling television shows that never underestimated the intelligence and imaginations of their youthful audience. They were indelible and iconic, and all so good—which is why nailing down a Top 5 is damn near impossible. So it makes sense that the powers that be at Nickelodeon are bringing back some of their most memorable shows, including many of the aforementioned ones. In honor of that return, we remember seven great Nicktoons, and some of the life lessons they gave us. Because, whether we realized it or not when we were seven, Nickelodeon TV shows kept it very real at all times.
Rugrats
Lesson: Life Is Tough AF Sometimes
Episode: "Chuckie's First Haircut" (Season 3, Episode 2a)
The older you get the more you understand that life can be really tough. Just ask Chuckie. In the episode "Chuckie's First Haircut," the Rugrat OG was really scared of getting a haircut, which led him to this unbelievably existential realization. Sure, Chuckie had yet to actually encounter something that really merited such a discovery, but that doesn't mean he was wrong—life is pretty hard. However, Chuckie did eventually overcome his fear to find that haircuts aren't so bad. So yes, life is scary and tough, but you'll be okay. That haircut will eventually grow out.
Rocko's Modern Life
Lesson: Working Lame Ass Jobs Is Inevitable
Episode: "Skid Marks" (Season 1, Episode 4b)
At least once (or maybe twice, or maybe more than twice) in your life, you're going to have to work somewhere doing something that you don't like. Wu-Tang told us that C.R.E.A.M. makes the dream, and therefore you're going to have to make that money in order to survive in the world. Rocko knew this too—he worked as a phone sex operator to make it through. We all have to get through the muck, but the point is that it'll all be worth it when you make it out and look back on the days when you had to fulfill someone's fetish via hotline.
SpongeBob SquarePants
Lessons: Sometimes You Will Be Off Your Game
Episode: "Something Smells" (Season 2, Episode 22a)
Feeling yourself on a day to day basis takes plenty of patience. You can go from feeling 100 one minute, to negative 100 the next. Just ask our boy, SpongeBob. He's always confident, humble and optimistic, never letting the fact that he's the most fire fry cook blow up his ego. But, as seen in this episode, SpongeBob has his off days too. Granted, he had eaten a horrible ice cream sundae which gave him the worst breath in the deep blue sea, and sent him on a confidence tailspin. But still, it speaks to the fact that every day of your life won't work in your favor. No matter what though, you've still got to roll with the punches—even if you do smell like shit.
Rocket Power
Lesson: Make Sure You And Your BFFs Have A Handshake
Episode: ALL OF THEM
Having a special handshake with your closest friends is such an underrated thing. It's a shared bond and a testament to a friendship that, no matter what happens, will hopefully always be there. Case and point: the Rocket Power squad. Sure, they got mad at each other every once in awhile, but once they patched things up they always made sure to do that now infamous "woogity, woogity, woogity" handshake that was for them and no one else. If you and your closest friends don't have one yet, maybe now's the time to start making one.
Ren & Stimpy
Lesson: Get Sleep Whenever You Can
Episode: "Insomniac Ren" (Season 4, Episode 18)
We always take sleep for granted. It's an everlasting problem that we probably won't ever get right, but at least we try our best to get it when we can. Because if you don't, well, you'll end up like Ren. In "Insomniac Ren," Ren finds it harder and harder to go to sleep. He starts to go insane and eventually begs Stimpy and some next door neighbors to knock him out (which they do) for five dollars. The moral of the story? Get sleep, before you turn into the scariest fucking version of yourself.
Doug
Lesson: Spend Quality Time With Bae
Episode: "Doug's Cookin'" (Season 1, Episode 11a)
Doug taught us the power of being sprung at a young age. Whenever his crush Patti was around you could always expect Doug to be absolutely smitten. And while he was never able to really play it cool, he did teach us this: spend time with bae. If you really want them around, make things more interesting than just Netflix and Chill. Maybe go on a wine tour or hit up a museum. Or you know what? Just steal Doug's moves wholesale make a pizza with your girl. Not only will you both enjoy making something together, but it's also pizza. Everyone likes pizza.
The Wild Thornberrys
Lesson: Turn Up Like No One's Watching
Episodes: Many
The Wild Thornberrys were an eccentric family: the one that you kind of admired as a child for their weirdness. With eccentric characters, you're always bound to get some memorable moments that teach you something. For example, Debbie Thornberry was a G, guys. The angsty teen badass often loathed being around her family, but she seemed to make the best of it. Just look at her, turning up without giving one fuck who sees. Live like Debbie and let your freak flag fly—life's more fun that way.