Episode 39: Nickelodeon vs. Cartoon Network

   Growing up, like most kids, I watched a lot of cartoons. My favorite of all was SpongeBob SquarePants. As a small child I watched mostly Nickelodeon, and built up in my head that Nickelodeon was better than its main opponent, Cartoon Network, because I liked a lot of Nick cartoons but the only Cartoon Network cartoon I really bothered with was Pokémon. I also really enjoyed different Nick cartoons like The Fairly Oddparents, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Danny Phantom.
   But then I discovered Regular Show and loved it. Then The Amazing World of Gumball. Then We Bare Bears. I also reflected back on superhero shows Cartoon Network offered that I enjoyed, such as Teen Titans and Justice League. Suddenly, Nickelodeon wasn't the clear winner anymore. It wasn't so one-sided.
    For the last while, I've been watching a lot of Cartoon Network cartoons, mostly because the 11-minute format of the episodes of the ones I watch is a nice little bite-sized adventure. I've rewatched Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, and We Bare Bears, and also watched Adventure Time for the first time.
    So, I thought today I would decide once and for all: which I do truly enjoy more: Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network? I will find out by comparing my top five shows of each and seeing who ends up with more points.

Round 1: SpongeBob SquarePants vs. Regular Show
   Both of these shows are very near to my heart and were both obsessions of child Mr. Hardy. But anyone who knows me know there is only one cartoon that truly shaped my childhood.
   SpongeBob. As much as I love Regular Show, I have to give this round to SpongeBob. It was my favorite thing as a kid and I spent my childhood with SpongeBob clothes and video games. I even remember when they came out with SpongeBob's Last Stand, I thought that meant he was going to die and I literally cried.
Nickelodeon: 1
Cartoon Network: 0

Round 2: Avatar: The Last Airbender vs. Adventure Time
   I finished Adventure Time just the other day as of the writing of this blog and boy was it a journey. It is quite the story and beats many live action shows in terms of the storytelling and adventure.
  But honestly, facing the facts, Avatar: The Last Airbender is literally one of the best television shows ever. Many professional rankings agree with that sentiment. The high-stakes story, the coming-of-age, the cultural representation, it simply cannot be beat by much. So I think Avatar has to take this round. Sorry, Finn and Jake. I love you guys.
Nickelodeon: 2
Cartoon Network: 0

Round 3: The Legend of Korra vs. The Amazing World of Gumball
   I didn't really watch Korra as a kid and didn't get into it until a few years ago. It's the sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender and centers around the Avatar after Aang. For what it's worth, I think this show is underrated and gets more hate than it deserves. I quite enjoyed it.
   But unfortunately for Korra, it's no contest for me. Gumball is such an amazing show. It's full of humor that both kids and adults can laugh at, and has so many lighthearted digs at pop culture and what it's like to grow up 
Nickelodeon: 2
Cartoon Network: 1

Round 4: Danny Phantom vs. We Bare Bears
   With as much as I love superheroes, a Nick cartoon about a superhero was one I really loved. I still have fond memories of Danny Phantom to this day.
   But Danny Phantom just cannot beat the originality and sitcom-ness of We Bare Bears. It is hilarious to see anthropomorphic bears trying to fit into human society and share a house together. The unique personalities that are Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear make their interactions and misadventures iconic.
Nickelodeon: 2
Cartoon Network: 2

Round 5: The Fairly Oddparents vs. Teen Titans
  Well, we're tied, and this round will decide the winner. And I'm just gonna say it: it's Teen Titans. As fun as The Fairly Oddparents is, it kinda falls off in the later seasons and jumps the shark several times. And Teen Titans is undebatably one of the best superhero cartoons we've gotten.
Nickelodeon: 2
Cartoon Network: 3

Congrats, Cartoon Network! You've won. And to the readers, see you next week.

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