Adventure Time

At first glance, Adventure Time looks like a kids' show, and to a certain extent, it is. But like all good children's shows, there's something in there for an older audience, too, and this show goes further than most. Inspired in part by Dungeons & Dragons, Adventure Time tells the story of a boy named Finn and his adopted brother Jake, who happens to be a shapeshifting dog. Both live in their treehouse, in the land of Ooo. Home to strange creatures like whywolves and rainicorns, a canny viewer will quickly realize something. They are the subject not of magic, but nuclear mutation - rusting street signs reveal a post-apocalyptic earth. Despite this subtly dark premise, the series lives up to its name. It's a tale of great adventure across a princess-filled land, characterized by bright animation and fantastic voice acting. A rich fantasy world begins to appear, complete with complex villains, meaningful relationships, and a touch of surreal humor.