The ’90s are currently making a return to popular culture in a big way. Nostalgic influences continually draw back those who experienced the decade firsthand, while younger generations are getting swept up in the clothing, music, and general vibe of the era before the internet.

Additionally, the ’90s renaissance has given rise to a slew of television reboots, including The Conners, Will & Grace, and Saved by the Bell. Though several ’90s cartoon reboots are in the works, some animated gems from the golden age of the fanny pack have yet to receive the attention they deserve. Let’s take a look at several properties that are itching for a remake.

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Dexter’s Laboratory

     Cartoon Network

If you do the math, this one is a no-brainer. Dexter’s Laboratory was easily one of the most notable cartoons of the mid-90s. At the center of the show is Dexter, a boy genius around ten years old. He spends his days slinking off to his secret, underground laboratory and inventing myriad scientific wonders. That is, if he can keep his treasured technology away from his sweet yet destructive older sister, Dee Dee.

Dexter’s Laboratory was Cartoon Network’s highest-rated original series the company had released in years. The show ran an impressive four seasons with a total of 78 episodes, developing a fan base that has never seemed to diminish.

A reboot of the show would be sure to draw in a brand-new audience of kids everywhere, not to mention the adults who grew up watching the show themselves. As technology continues to exponentially develop, now is the perfect time for a return to the scientifically goofy exploits of Dexter’s Laboratory.

Captain Planet and the Planeteers

     Warner Bros. Television Distribution

Captain Planet and the Planeteers centers around a group of five teenagers who receive magic rings representing the basic elements of the planet (Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Heart). The quintet of teens seeks to defend Earth by encouraging environmentally responsible behavior and working to stop the destruction of natural disasters. When the situation gets too out of hand, the group combines their powers to summon Captain Planet, essentially earth’s protective avatar.

See the opening narration below:

Sure, the premise might sound a little hokey, but this ’90s cartoon offers up an important message to kids and adults alike. Ecological preservation and recognizing human responsibility toward the planet we call home have never been more important than they are today. A return of Captain Planet and the Planeteers in a modern format could do away with the cheesier elements of the story and even look to add a bit of solemn reality. As we look around our planet, it shouldn’t be hard to find plenty of disasters, both natural and manmade, that the show could place in the much-needed spotlight.

Exosquad

     MCA TV

Exosquad is perhaps the most underpraised ’90s cartoon property of them all. Set in the 22nd century, the show focused on an interplanetary war between humanity and the Neosapiens, a race of artificial beings initially created by humans for the purpose of labor. The show follows the progress of J.T. Marsh and his squad of pilots who utilize exoframes – a type of mechanized suit equipped with unique weapons and a personal aesthetic that reflects the operator. Known as Able Squad, the group often finds themselves at the center of crucial battles during the ongoing Neosapien War.

Unlike most kids’ shows, Exosquad wasn’t afraid to present younger audiences with deep messages and complex relationships. Themes of bigotry and hatred played out heavily within the interactions between humans and the Neosapiens. Subtle connections to slavery were drawn as the story worked to educate on the perils of the human experience in a way that was appropriate while still informative for young viewers.

Exosquad could be rebooted with very few changes and find a comfortable place within today’s television offerings. The action-heavy backdrop of an interplanetary war utilizing unique and powerful mechanized suits draws comparisons between highly successful properties such as Transformers and Pacific Rim. Should Exosquad ever receive its much-deserved reboot, the show could continue the laudable tradition of presenting difficult and important questions to viewers through the softening medium of an animated story.

Gargoyles

     Buena Vista Television

Who better to explain the premise of the show than the lead character, himself? Goliath, the central protagonist of Gargoyles opens the story in epic fashion:

Gargoyles was meant to be Disney’s strategic response to the success of Batman: The Animated Series. It was a darker and more serious show that looked to draw in a slightly more mature audience than Ducktales or Darkwing Duck, which were mainstays of The Disney Afternoon. Gargoyles picked up a notable following and received overall positive reviews.

Sadly, Gargoyles would not survive past its second season. Despite the show’s best efforts, it simply could not compete with the prolific success of Batman: The Animated Series. Regardless of the short duration of the series, Gargoyles maintains a loyally devoted fan base who continue to hold out hope for a return of one of the best shows of the ’90s.