How “Rugrats” Shaped a Generation That Won’t Grow Up

The babies who grew up watching the classic cartoon “Rugrats” are now full-blown adults. Wild, right? The show, which is approaching its 30th anniversary, is a reminder that while we wish we could all remain babies running around in diapers playing in the sandbox, we all inevitably grow up.

Rugrats characters perform in a rehearsal for the new Rugrats Magic Show opening June 9th at Universal Studios Hollywood. Photo by David Bohrer/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

This award-winning show was a personal favorite and was pretty educational about different cultures and holidays. When you find yourself re-watching the show (as I will be), you will find yourself noticing things you wouldn’t have as a little kid. Here are a few points to get you thinking.

The Kids Were Adventurous and Extremely Well-Traveled

These babies traveled to more places in the shows nine seasons than many people would ever dream of going. While many of their trips were featured in movies that came later, they managed to get lost at sea, explore the jungle, and even visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Jamie Lee Curtis at the 1999 premiere of The Rugrats movie in Los Angeles. Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc

They could play amongst the slots in Las Vegas, and naturally, chaos and hijinks ensue wherever they go. Their travels and mishaps brought them to meet other characters from the Nickelodeon universe, like the Thornberry family from The Wild Thornberrys.

The Show Taught Little Kids to Trust Their Gut Feelings

These babies had a level of intelligence that surely would have gone over my head as a toddler. Tommy, Chuckie, and even Angelica were able to pick up on shady people around them and even intervene as much as a baby really can. The program taught kids about identifying bullies and ultimately not accepting behavior that wasn’t in their best interest.

Rugrats’ Revival. Source: Reddit

They were even able to break up a wedding because they didn’t like the vibes they got from the bride. Whoever said that little kids don’t understand what’s going on in their lives has clearly never watched this show!