8 Surprisingly Dark Episodes of Your Favorite Kids' Shows

1. "The Animals of Farthing Wood" – "Between Two Evils" (1993)

Oh, Farthing Wood, what did we do to deserve you? This British-European animated series, based on the books by Colin Dann, was famous for its relatively mature approach to the animal kingdom. Yet, the show outdid itself with the season 1 finale, "Between Two Evils" In this episode, the protagonists, a group of displaced animals, face a torrent of mishaps in their search for a new home.

The death of the hedgehog couple, impaled while trying to cross a busy road, was utterly shocking to the young audience. The melancholic soundtrack only added to the poignancy. The show was appreciated for not talking down to its viewers, but this episode undoubtedly pushed the boundaries of that approach.

2. "Moomins" – "The Comet in Moominland" (1992)

"Moomins," the delightful Finnish-Japanese animation, based on Tove Jansson's books, has several eerie moments, but "The Comet in Moominland" arc takes the cake. The Moomin family finds out about an impending comet strike, leading to several episodes of distress and anxiety. The imminent end-of-the-world theme, combined with the stark imagery – notably, the red sky and the scorched earth – provided a surreal, unnerving viewing experience.

Audience reactions were mixed; some appreciated the plot's daring nature, while others felt it was too grim for a children's show. Critics were mostly positive, and the episode boasts a 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

3. "The Legend of Tarzan" – "Tarzan and the Gauntlet of Vengeance" (2001)

Disney's "The Legend of Tarzan" generally maintained a light-hearted tone, but the episode "Tarzan and the Gauntlet of Vengeance" was an exception. The story centers on Lady Waltham, Clayton's sister, who seeks revenge against Tarzan for her brother's death. She forces Tarzan into a sadistic game where he has to save his friends from lethal traps.

The series is rarely this intense, and fans were taken aback by the episode's savage themes. Critics praised the show for its boldness, and the episode has a solid 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

4. "The Mysterious Cities of Gold" – "Esteban's Medallion" (1982)

This French-Japanese animated series was famous for its historical setting and adventure-packed plot. The episode "Esteban's Medallion" is a notable departure from the usual tone of the series. Esteban and his companions discover a medallion that brings horrifying visions of an apocalyptic future.

The disorienting sequence, with images of pollution, famine, and nuclear warfare, stunned viewers. Fans debated the episode's appropriateness for children, but many praised its daring social commentary. The episode's audacious approach earned it an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

5. "Watership Down" – "The Vision" (1999)

Already a haunting tale in its novel and film forms, "Watership Down's" animated series also had its share of disturbing content. "The Vision," a standout episode, explores the backstory of the Seer rabbit, Fiver. The imagery of Fiver's visions – blood-soaked fields and twisted rabbit corpses – was vivid and disquieting. The voice cast, including Stephen Fry, expressed concern over the episode's bleak tone. Nevertheless, the episode was praised for its risk-taking, earning an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

6. "Gargoyles" – "Deadly Force" (1994)

The series "Gargoyles" was renowned for pushing the envelope, but "Deadly Force" went above and beyond. In this episode, Broadway, one of the titular gargoyles, accidentally shoots Elisa with her own gun. The scene of Broadway finding a bleeding Elisa was shocking and led to immediate backlash. The episode was initially pulled from reruns due to its graphic nature. But it returned with edits and a content warning, and it's now recognized for its important message about gun safety, with an impressive 86% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

7. "Courage the Cowardly Dog" – "The Mask" (2002)

"Courage the Cowardly Dog" was no stranger to disturbing plots, but "The Mask" stands out. This episode features Kitty, a masked character fleeing an abusive relationship. Her harrowing backstory and the episode's overall discussion of domestic abuse were dark topics for a children's show.

Behind the scenes, the creators intended the episode as a way to discuss difficult subjects with a younger audience. Despite its grim storyline, "The Mask" received a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, lauded for its willingness to tackle tough themes.

8. "Captain Planet and the Planeteers" – "Mind Pollution" (1991)

"Captain Planet and the Planeteers" was known for its environmental messages, but "Mind Pollution" tackled a different kind of threat: drug addiction. Linka's cousin Boris gets addicted to a drug called Bliss, resulting in him suffering a fatal overdose. The raw depiction of drug addiction and its consequences shocked viewers. While the cast found the episode challenging to record, they recognized its importance. Despite its heavy-handed approach, "Mind Pollution" earned an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.