19 ABC Kids Shows That Defined Australian Childhoods During The 2000s

What it’s about: Emma, Reef, Fin, Broseph, Lo, George, Ty and Johnny are stoked to have the best summer of their lives. They get jobs at the renowned Ridgemount Resort, which end up being the absolute worst. But on their days off, they get to head to the beach and experience the ultimate surfer’s dream.

Why it was so good: You know a show is great when it makes you actually want to do the same thing that the characters are involved in. While I never took a surf lesson (RIP), Stoked encapsulates all of those feelings about being young, growing up, not giving a shit and just enjoying the sun and waves. Also it introduced me to the Canadian pastry that is beaver tails (called beaver butts in the series).

What it’s about: Three sisters, Rebecca, Sophie and Hazel, are given a second shot at life after dying in a terrible carriage crash during the Victorian Era. They return as ‘living ghosts’ 150 years after their death to find their home has been turned into a private boarding school. Unable to reveal their secret, they’re forced to adjust to life in the 21st century.

Why it was so good: It had that perfect mixture of comedy and romance, plus it was super relatable! Hazel, Sophie and Rebecca just wanted to fit in like you did. Also, does anyone remember a young Aisha Dee being in this show?!

What it’s about: Radio Free Roscoe is an underground radio station run by four high school classmates – Travis, Ray, Lily and Robbie — who attend Roscoe High. Every day after school, they freely speak their minds on anything and everything they want to talk about.

Why it was so good: Radio Free Roscoe made you want to ~rebel~ and start your own underground radio station. Plus, it had the BEST music.

What it’s about: Set in a fictional world called Atmos, a group of friends stumble upon the wreckage of the original Storm Hawks — sky knights who patrolled the skies and piloted motorcycle-like vehicles that can transform into flying machines. Despite not being old enough to legally fly the vehicles, they’re put to the test when an evil ruler and their servants threaten Atmos.

Why it was so good: As a kid, I was hooked on watching Storm Hawks. It had the best action sequences, interesting characters, a unique setting…but, like all brilliant series, it was cancelled and ended on a cliffhanger. It’s been 13 years and I’m still waiting for Season 3.

What it’s about: Siblings Charlie and Lola share a close bond and help each other in tackling their problems. Lola is energetic and imaginative, while Charlie is the kind and patient older brother.

Why it was so good: It was so pure and wholesome! Also, I’m preeeeettyy sure I had a crush on Marv, Charlie’s best friend, as a kid. But then again, who didn’t?

What it’s about: In the 23rd century, the Earth has shattered into billions of pieces which orbit around a central core. One of these worlds is named Skyland, where an evolved form of humans (known as Seijins) have appeared. They can absorb energy from sunlight and use it to fuel special abilities.

The story revolves around Lena, a young Seijin, and her brother Mahad, who join a pirate rebellion after their mother is captured by the Sphere, a dictatorship organisation who rules over Skyland.

Why it was so good: Honestly, if I were to rewatch Skyland as an adult, I think I would enjoy it even more than I did as a kid. It has such an interesting backstory, as well as cool sci-fi elements. Plus, the animation is so lifelike!

What it’s about: Carl Crashman is a grade A slacker, who inadvertently ends up ordering himself a clone from the internet. Carl names his clone C2 — but even though C2 looks, talks and walks like him, C2 is more ambitious, hard-working and charming. Carl decides to keep C2 a secret and use his clone to his advantage.

Why it was so good: It was hella entertaining, had a banger of a theme song and Chloe (Carl’s goth sister) was — and still is — iconic.

What it’s about: As an infant, Creepie was left on the doorstep of the Dweezwold Mansion, which is home to a family of various insects. The family took her in and raised her as one of their own. Now, attending Middlington Middle School, Creepie must navigate the struggles of high school and keep her home life a secret.

Why it was so good: A kids’ show with Tim Burton vibes? What’s not to love? Like Ruby Gloom (another 10/10 cartoon), Growing Up Creepie was all about individuality and being yourself.

What it’s about: A stable boy, Artha Penn, is chosen by Beaucephalis (or “Beau” for short), the dragon of legend, to be his rider — turning him into the Dragon Booster. His mission? To protect the world from the impending dragon-human war and unite humans and dragons together.

Why it was so good: It was an absolute crime that Dragon Booster was cancelled after three seasons (I’m still not over it) because this cartoon perfectly blended sci-fi and fantasy elements together. Sometimes the phrase “RELEASE THE DRAGON!!!” pops into my head and I get all nostalgic again.

What it’s about: The Dracula family, including Vladmir (Vlad), his father Count Dracula and sister Ingrid move from Transylvania to Stokely, a small town in Wales.

Why it was so good: Vlad, Robin and Ingrid were super relatable, and the Count was wickedly funny. Also, does anyone else remember having to wait THREE YEARS for Season 3 to come out?! Worth the wait though.

What it’s about: Ty and Abby work for the Bureau Of Grossology and investigate gross crimes, criminals and other gross phenomena.

Why it was so good: Even though it was gross (duh), the science behind each episode was actually really interesting to learn about. Oh, and if I’m being really honest, I probably had a crush on Ty.

What it’s about: One night, 10-year-old George dreams that he is three inches tall, only to wake up and discover that he actually shrunk in the night. The show details his navigating life with friends and family using machines that he and his father have created.

Why it was so good: Okay, the theme song for one, but also the machines that George and his dad invented were SO cool. It almost made me wish I was three inches tall, but then again as an adult, I’m only 5’1 so I guess that sort of came true.

What it’s about: A stray cat brought home by Coop’s younger sister actually turns out to be an evil alien mastermind with a hatred for mankind. Only Coop knows the real truth behind Kat, but every time he tries to warn the others the evidence has been destroyed.

Why it was so good: Because the plots were so random and silly, Kid Vs. Kat never failed to make you laugh after a rough day at school.

What it’s about: King Arthur asks for Princess Guinevere’s hand in marriage — however, she’ll only accept when Arthur has brought her a certain object, animal or being that she desperately needs or want. This leads Arthur, usually accompanied by Merlin, on a number of disastrous quests.

Why it was so good: King Arthur’s Disasters never took itself too seriously and instead provided a bunch of laughs. There were rabid squirrels, a dangerous butterfly and I loved how sassy Princess Guinevere was.