5 Cartoon Network May 2026

Cartoon Network’s best era took risks—weird art, dark themes, genuine sadness. These five shows aren’t just nostalgia; they’re benchmarks of creative courage. If you only watch one, make it Samurai Jack . But clear your schedule for the rest.

Rating: ★★★★★ Terrifying, bizarre, and unexpectedly heartfelt. Courage is a pink beagle who faces eldritch horrors (a returning mummy, a zombie barber, a sentient mattress) to protect his elderly, oblivious owners. The show’s mix of low-fi CGI, expressionist backgrounds, and shrieking sound design shouldn’t work—but it’s a masterpiece of atmosphere. Underneath the fear? A story about anxiety, love, and bravery. Not for very young kids, but unforgettable. 5 cartoon network

Rating: ★★★★½ Three boys, one cul-de-sac, endless jawbreakers. The art style—squiggly, angular, like a fever dream of 1970s schoolbook illustrations—is pure genius. The humor runs on slapstick, scams, and sibling rivalry, but the show’s secret weapon is its heart. Ed’s rock-eating innocence, Double D’s OCD kindness, and Eddy’s desperate need for approval create a surprisingly tender portrait of lower-middle-class suburban life. A timeless comedy of failure. Cartoon Network’s best era took risks—weird art, dark