Last reviewed on 2026-05-02
SpongeBob SquarePants SpongeBob
Fry Cook of the Krusty KrabThe eternally optimistic sea sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea. SpongeBob SquarePants became one of Nickelodeon's greatest icons — his love of fry cooking, jellyfishing, and his best friend Patrick have entertained audiences since 1999. One of TV's longest-running animated series.
Aang Avatar
The Last AirbenderThe fun-loving, 12-year-old Air Nomad who is the Avatar — master of all four elements and bridge between the human and spirit worlds. Aang's journey to defeat Fire Lord Ozai while staying true to his pacifist values drives Avatar: The Last Airbender, one of animation's greatest achievements.
Zuko Avatar
Fire Nation PrinceThe scarred, banished Fire Nation prince who relentlessly pursues the Avatar. Zuko's agonizing redemption arc — from villain to hero — is one of television's most celebrated character journeys. His struggle between his cruel father's expectations and his own moral compass defines Avatar's dramatic core.
Tommy Pickles Rugrats
Rugrats LeaderThe courageous, screwdriver-carrying one-year-old leader of the Rugrats. Tommy's fearless outlook — \"A baby's gotta do what a baby's gotta do\" — drove the toddlers into adventure after adventure. Rugrats was groundbreaking for depicting the world from a baby's imaginative perspective.
Arnold Hey Arnold!
Football HeadThe compassionate, football-headed city kid who always helps people with their problems. Hey Arnold! stood out for its emotional intelligence — exploring adult themes like loneliness, gentrification, and family loss through a child's perspective. Arnold's missing parents storyline was one of 90s kids' TV's most anticipated resolutions.
Danny Phantom Danny Phantom
Half-Ghost HeroDanny Fenton — accidentally turned half-ghost by his parents' ghost portal — becomes the ghost-fighting hero Danny Phantom. His secret identity, ghost powers (invisibility, intangibility, ice ray), and rogues gallery of ghost villains made the show a beloved superhero origin story for Nick fans of the 2000s.
Timmy Turner Fairly OddParents
Fairly OddParentsThe pink-hat-wearing 10-year-old who receives fairy godparents Cosmo and Wanda to grant his wishes. The Fairly OddParents' cleverly self-destructing wish plots satirized children's desires and adult wishes alike. Timmy's well-meaning but chaotic wish-making drove one of Nick's longest-running shows.
Katara Avatar
Master WaterbenderThe last waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe and Aang's primary teacher and emotional anchor. Katara's journey from self-taught bender to master healer and warrior is Avatar's female lead at its finest. Her grief over her mother and fierce protectiveness of her family drive some of the show's most powerful moments.
Zim Invader Zim
Irken InvaderThe delusional, short-tempered Irken invader sent to conquer Earth — but who is secretly exiled by his own leaders. Invader Zim's darkly comedic style, memorable supporting cast (GIR!), and satirical take on alien invasion tropes made it a cult classic — canceled after two seasons but beloved for decades.
Korra Legend of Korra
Avatar (Successor to Aang)The hotheaded, fiercely independent successor to Aang from the Southern Water Tribe. The Legend of Korra explored a more modern, industrialized version of the Avatar world while tackling themes of spirituality, political extremism, and identity. Korra's struggles with her own vulnerability make her one of animation's most complex heroes.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, launched in 1979, became one of America's most beloved children's networks. The 1990s golden age of Nicktoons — SpongeBob, Rugrats, Hey Arnold, Invader Zim — created characters that defined multiple generations of childhood.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008) elevated the network's ambition, producing a series widely considered among the greatest animated shows ever made. Nick's legacy spans decades of iconic, culturally significant characters.