Nicktoons is currently a two-party system: the eternal, meme-generating reign of SpongeBob and the high-stakes, cinematic expansion of the Avatar universe. For a while, Nickelodeon felt like it was idling on repeats of the same three shows, but the 2026 landscape is different. Between the massive theatrical return of the original Team Avatar and a new crop of weirder, creator-driven shorts, the network is finally moving past its "Loud House" era and back into prestige animation.
TL;DR: Nickelodeon has pivoted from being a "one-show" network to a franchise powerhouse. SpongeBob SquarePants is still the wallpaper of childhood, but the Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise is the new gold standard for family viewing, especially with the 2026 movie now available and the new Earth Avatar series set to drop soon. If you want quality, follow the Avatar path; if you want chaotic background noise, SpongeBob remains undefeated.
It is impossible to overstate how much SpongeBob SquarePants dominates the Nicktoons lineup. It’s been on the air for over a quarter-century, and at this point, it isn't just a show—it’s the primary language of the internet.
The "SpongeBob is brain rot" take is decades old and mostly wrong. It isn't educational, but it isn't toxic either. It’s absurdist theater. The early seasons (1-3) are genuine comedy classics that hold up for adults, while the modern seasons have leaned into "squash and stretch" animation that is basically visual caffeine. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s designed to be watched in 11-minute bursts.
If your kid is deep into Bikini Bottom, the move isn't to fight it—it’s to steer them toward the spin-offs if they want a change of pace. The Patrick Star Show is even more chaotic and meta, while Kamp Koral is the CG-animated prequel that feels a bit more like a standard modern kid’s show.
The biggest shift in 2026 is that Avatar: The Last Airbender has moved from "cult classic" to "active blockbuster franchise." With the first of the new animated theatrical films—Aang: The Last Airbender—having hit screens earlier this year, the series has successfully bridged the gap between the parents who grew up with it and the kids discovering it now.
This is the "prestige" side of Nicktoons. It’s where the actual storytelling happens. If you have a kid who is graduating from episodic cartoons to serialized stories, this is the best entry point in the history of the medium.
Looking ahead, the "New Avatar Era" is just starting. Nick is set to release a new series focusing on the Earth Avatar following Korra, which is expected to bring a more modern, urban setting to the bending world. Based on the production cycle, we’ll likely see the first teasers for that by the end of the year. It’s the perfect time to do a full rewatch of the original series to get everyone up to speed.
For the last decade, The Loud House was the only thing that could compete with the sponge. It’s fine—it’s a traditional sitcom in cartoon form. It deals with sibling dynamics and household chaos in a way that’s relatable, if a bit repetitive.
However, the "New Nicktoons" are finally getting weird again, which is usually when Nickelodeon is at its best. Rock Paper Scissors is the current flagship for this. It’s a return to the "two weird roommates" trope of the 90s, but with a faster, more self-aware comedic timing. It’s the kind of show that rewards kids who have a slightly offbeat sense of humor.
What to skip vs. what to hunt for
Nicktoons has a deep vault, but not everything in it is worth the screen time.
- The Nostalgia Trap: You might be tempted to put on the Rugrats reboot (2021). Unless your kid is under five, it probably won't land. The original had a grittiness and a specific "ugly-cute" aesthetic that the shiny new CG version lacks.
- The Hidden Gem: El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera. If you can find it on streaming, it’s a masterclass in style and energy from Jorge Gutierrez (who did The Book of Life). It’s about a kid torn between being a hero and a villain, and it’s way more interesting than 90% of what’s on the main feed.
- The Action Standard: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Whether it’s the 2012 CG version or the stylized Rise of the TMNT, Nick has consistently handled this franchise better than almost anyone else.
The best way to engage with Nicktoons is to treat the "Prestige" shows (Avatar) and the "Comedy" shows (SpongeBob, Rock Paper Scissors) differently.
- For Avatar: This is a "family dinner" show. The themes of redemption (Zuko), imperialism, and personal responsibility are heavy enough that kids actually want to talk about them. Ask: "Do you think a person can actually change as much as Zuko did?"
- For SpongeBob: This is the "meme factory." If your kid is laughing at something, ask them to explain the joke. SpongeBob humor is often based on subverting expectations or weird non-sequiturs. Understanding why they find it funny is a great window into how their brain is processing comedy.
- The Creator Angle: If your kid loves the look of these shows, point them toward the "making of" shorts Nick often posts. Nicktoons has a history of being "artist-driven," meaning the creators' fingerprints are all over the style. It’s a great jumping-off point for kids interested in digital art or animation.
Q: Is SpongeBob okay for a 6-year-old?
SpongeBob is generally fine for 6-year-olds, though it is very loud and fast-paced. There’s no "danger," but the humor can be a bit rude (lots of butt jokes and slapstick violence). If your kid is sensitive to sensory overload, the modern seasons might be a bit much.
Q: What order should we watch the Avatar shows in?
Start with the original Avatar: The Last Airbender (all three seasons), then move to the movie Aang: The Last Airbender to see the characters as adults, and then watch The Legend of Korra. This follows the chronological timeline and makes the world-building much easier to follow.
Q: Are the old 90s Nicktoons still worth watching?
Shows like Hey Arnold! and Danny Phantom hold up incredibly well. Hey Arnold! in particular is much more grounded and emotional than almost anything on TV today. However, some 90s shows like Ren & Stimpy are much more "adult" than you remember—vibe check those before letting an elementary schooler loose on them.
Nicktoons in 2026 is a tale of two speeds. You have the high-octane, episodic chaos of SpongeBob and the sweeping, cinematic epic of Avatar. Both have their place. Use SpongeBob for the "I need 20 minutes to make dinner" moments, and save Avatar for the moments when you want to sit on the couch and actually watch something great together.
- For the full age-by-age breakdown of what’s worth watching, see our best shows for kids list.
- If you're navigating the transition from cartoons to more "grown-up" stories, check out our digital guide for elementary school.
- Find more shows like Avatar
- Ask our chatbot for a specific Nicktoons recommendation