Rugrats
On Aug. 11, 1991, television audiences were invited over for their first playdate with the Rugrats — Nickelodeon’s famous band of toddlers that turned common life experiences into full-blown adventures.
It is Rugrats’ unique and quirky approach to the typical children’s program format that still charms audiences and has them knocking on the front door of Tommy Pickles’ home more than 20 years later.
Rugrats recognized the uneventful occurrences of everyday life but spun routine tasks depicted in a given episode into surprising adventures. There was the time Tommy was kidnapped by a thug after being mistaken for the son of a millionaire. There was the time the gang camped out in the backyard and encountered the Satchmo monster. There was the time the Rugrats found themselves living in an old detective radio show.
Toddlers told the story of each adventure. Their imaginations built universes and created scenarios that had every 5-, 6- or 7-year-old wishing they were right in the middle of the shenanigans.
And they were.
Series developers Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó and Paul Germain understood the show would resonate mainly with young children, and they succeeded in pulling viewers into a world that both challenged them to be creative and encouraged them to begin exploring themselves as individuals.
The show featured a dynamic group of characters in which viewers could and perhaps did see themselves. Tommy Pickles served as the group’s wise leader and primary voice of reason. Famous redhead Chuckie Finster was the goofy, insecure best friend. Twins Phil and Lil romped around as an eccentric and bubbly duo, while bully Angelica proved there can be sweetness under the seemingly coldest hearts.
The Rugrats characters served a greater role for the audience beyond pure entertainment and laughs through their toddler hijinks. The characters introduced viewers to real-world issues — ultimately, to educate audiences.
Throughout the show’s run, Chuckie struggled with identity issues and coming to terms with his mother’s death. Additionally, Tommy faced multiple obstacles in leading the group while still remaining balanced and keeping his morals in check.
Perhaps Rugrats remains so deeply embedded in pop culture because it was the coming-of-age show for children. The series wasn’t afraid to touch on subjects that reached deeper than the value of friendship.
The show’s success was embodied by its jumps to the big screen in 1998, 2000 and 2003 with The Rugrats Movie, Rugrats in Paris and Rugrats Go Wild, respectively. The series also spawned a spin-off titled All Grown Up!, in which Tommy and his friends explored their preteen years.
While the sequel was crafted with the same heart as the original show, the Rugrats will forever live on as television’s favorite group of talking babies who inspired creativity and welcomed viewers to join the adventure every Saturday morning.
