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5 Classic '90s Cartoons That Need a Major Reboot in 2026
Move over X-Men '97, these animated heroes are ready to come back.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The 1990s were a golden age for animated TV shows, with classics like DuckTales, TaleSpin, Chip n' Dale: Rescue Rangers, Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, Batman: The Animated Series, and X-Men. While some of these shows have been rebooted, there are still a few gems from the '90s that deserve another chance to shine, including The Pirates of Dark Water, Exosquad, Gargoyles, Freakazoid, and Darkwing Duck.
Why it matters
These '90s cartoons had unique styles, mature storytelling, and dedicated fanbases that have kept them alive in the decades since. A reboot could introduce these shows to a new generation of viewers while also providing closure and continuation for long-time fans.
The details
The Pirates of Dark Water had a short run but left a lasting impression with its watercolor backgrounds and serialized story about Prince Ren's quest to save his planet. Exosquad was a pioneering show that used serialized storytelling and explored themes of prejudice, but was canceled too soon. Gargoyles stood out for its Shakespearean themes and darker tone, and has been discussed for film adaptations. Freakazoid was ahead of its time with its superhero parody and internet humor. Darkwing Duck was a beloved Batman spoof that has seen cameos in recent reboots but hasn't gotten its own full revival yet.
- The Pirates of Dark Water aired for 21 episodes in the early 1990s.
- Exosquad ran for 52 episodes from 1993 to 1994 before being canceled.
- Gargoyles aired for 3 seasons from 1994 to 1997.
- Freakazoid premiered in 1995 and ran for 2 seasons.
- Darkwing Duck aired for 3 seasons from 1991 to 1992.
The players
Greg Weisman
The creator of Gargoyles who has never given up on bringing the show back.
Bruce Timm
The co-creator of Freakazoid, known for his work on other acclaimed superhero cartoons.
Paul Dini
The co-creator of Freakazoid, a prolific writer for animated series.
Seth Rogen
The executive producer who was attached to a Darkwing Duck reboot in 2022 before it was shelved.
Evan Goldberg
The executive producer who was attached to the Darkwing Duck reboot alongside Seth Rogen.
What they’re saying
“In some ways, it is bewildering that Disney has never found a way to bring Gargoyles back.”
— Greg Weisman (ScreenRant)
“In August 2025, Jim Cummings, the voice of Darkwing Duck, confirmed that work was underway on a revival series that would take cues from The Dark Knight Returns, but all has been quiet since then.”
— Jim Cummings, Voice of Darkwing Duck (ScreenRant)
What’s next
The judge in the Darkwing Duck revival case will decide in the coming months whether the project will move forward.
The takeaway
These beloved '90s cartoons have maintained dedicated fanbases for decades, proving their enduring appeal. A reboot of any of these series could introduce them to new generations of viewers while also providing closure and continuation for long-time fans.
