Saturday Morning All Star Hits!

Saturday Morning All Star Hits! is a unique, whimsical, and nostalgic tribute to popular 80s and 90s children's cartoons. Created by Kyle Mooney and Ben Jones and released by Netflix in 2021, the show presents a fascinating mash-up of live-action segments and animation that punch your nostalgia buttons while showcasing Mooney's distinctive comedic style.

Sketch comedy and nostalgia merge seamlessly in this show, resulting in a viewing experience that both pays homage to and satirizes the children's programming from the past several decades. The dynamic, zany, and often hilarious show retains the chaotic energy of classic 90s TV that thoroughly resonates with viewers who grew up during that time. The retro vibes of the show recall a range of classics from the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons, from action figure tie-ins to 2D animation and beyond, sending its audience on a trip down memory lane.

The show introduces viewers to a pair of twins, Skip and Treybor, who serve as hosts of the fictional "Saturday Morning All Star Hits!" television program. Mooney portrays both characters, and his comedic prowess shines, showcasing his expertise in playing awkward, clumsy, and altogether relatable characters. The portrayal of these hosts in the live-action segments only partially captures the nostalgia of the old-school Saturday morning TV; the rest is achieved through the variety of animated reproductions interspersed throughout the show.

Saturday Morning All Star Hits! embraces a wide range of animated styles, brilliantly mirroring old-school nineties animated TV shows. The never-ending shapeshifting between various cartoon templates keeps the show feeling fresh and exciting. The cartoons include a host of entertaining characters, from adventurous teens to merchandising-obsessed robots. This approach not only adds up to the nostalgia factor but also embellishes the humor of the show.

The charm of Saturday Morning All Star Hits! lies in its ability to mimic the simpler aesthetics of classic children's programming without pandering. The show cleverly interweaves several storylines, creating an authentic pastiche of cartoon styles and tones that were ubiquitous during the 80s and 90s. It revisits old animation conventions and storytelling techniques in a way that feels affectionate and playful, while also bringing in contemporary comedic sensibilities. It's a strange yet delightful merger of old and new comedic techniques, making it an absolute treat for both the age groups.

Although predominantly intended for nostalgic adults, the series pokes fun at its source material in a way that younger audiences may find funny and surprising as well. The outrageous scenarios, silly jokes, and whimsical animations are accessible enough for all-ages viewing. It's a show that can prompt discussion between parents and children, sharing memories and comparing TV's current state of children's cartoons to the past.

Saturday Morning All Star Hits! balances its keen sense of satire with a genuine affection for its influences. The creators' passion for their subject matter is clearly evident in their painstaking attention to detail. Elephants, horses, ghouls, a superhero, a gang of prehistoric people living with dinosaurs, a group of mountain rescue teens — every character is a caricature of the diverse personalities one would encounter in classic Saturday morning cartoons.

One of the central themes of the show is the passage of time, and it deals with it delicately. Various subplots take unexpected twists and turns, adding variety and depth to the viewing experience. As a product of several interconnected story threads, it also achieves a sense of continuity of the wholesome Saturday morning storyboard - a characteristic feature of old children's television.

Saturday Morning All Star Hits! is a vibrant, comedic, and altogether joyous love letter to Saturday morning cartoons. It's a veritable box of assorted cartoon-shaped chocolates that merge together in a laughter-fueled, nostalgic joyride. With its distinctive style, a blend of nostalgia and parody, this show offers a unique viewing experience that is both an entertaining watch and an ode to the past.