Quagmire Rapes Marge Simpson and Murders the Simpsons Family - Family Guy
In a controversial Family Guy episode, Quagmire assaults Marge Simpson and kills the Simpson family. The scene is presented in a cutaway gag format. The depiction sparked backlash for its graphic and insensitive content. This was apparently the creators of Family Guy's response to The Simpsons having an episode in which a wanted poster of Peter with the words plagiarist.
Ren Seeks Help - Ren & Stimpy Adult Party Cartoon
In Ren & Stimpy Adult Party Cartoon, Ren visits a therapist due to his violent tendencies. The episode portrays Ren's abusive nature in an explicit and disturbing manner. Its dark and unsettling tone was widely criticized. The episode was supposed to show why Ren is so crazy. Instead, they portray him as a violent psychopath.
This just went that extra mile. A disgrace to cartoons, and film in general. John Kricfalusi is probably a cool guy, but good god.
American Fung - American Dad!
American Fung, an episode of American Dad!, satirizes the idea of the show being sold to a Chinese company. The episode uses exaggerated stereotypes to depict Chinese censorship and media influence. The portrayal of cultural differences was met with criticism.
Uh-Oh! Canada - King of the Hill
In Uh-Oh! Canada, King of the Hill satirizes Canadian stereotypes through the depiction of a new Canadian family moving next door to the Hills. The episode presents exaggerated cultural clashes between Americans and Canadians. Some viewers found its portrayal of Canada offensive. This whole episode is heavily mean-spirited towards Canadians. Throughout the episode, the Canadian family is referred to as The Canadians and never by their actual names.
Screams of Silence - Family Guy
Screams of Silence is a Family Guy episode centered around an abusive relationship between Quagmire's sister and her violent boyfriend. The show presents domestic violence in a way that some viewers found trivializing. The episode received criticism for its handling of the subject matter.
Beauty and the Beach - Pokémon
Beauty and the Beach, an episode of Pokémon, was banned in several countries due to an inappropriate depiction of a character in a swimsuit contest. James, a male character, wears inflatable breasts in an exaggerated manner. The episode was considered unsuitable for younger audiences.
Buffalo Gals - Cow and Chicken
Buffalo Gals, an episode of Cow and Chicken, was controversial due to its portrayal of a group of female bikers breaking into the main characters' home. The bikers were depicted in a way that led to accusations of offensive lesbian stereotypes. The episode was eventually banned from airing. The episode opens with Cow and Chicken's home being invaded by a group of biker women who chew on their carpet, which is a reference to carpet munching, an offensive term for lesbian.
Arthur Hits D.W. - Arthur
In an episode of Arthur, Arthur punches his younger sister D.W. after she damages his model airplane. The moment is depicted in a slow-motion sequence for dramatic effect. The scene became controversial due to its depiction of sibling violence.
Ball of Revenge - Courage the Cowardly Dog
In Ball of Revenge, past villains team up to take revenge on Courage, subjecting him to various forms of torture. The episode includes disturbing imagery, such as Eustace being violently attacked. Its dark themes and intense violence made it one of the show's most unsettling episodes.
Cartman Grinds Scott Tenorman's Parents into Chili and Feeds It to Him - South Park
In South Park, Cartman takes revenge on Scott Tenorman by tricking him into eating chili made from his own parents. The episode depicts Cartman gleefully revealing the truth to Scott after he has already eaten. It is widely regarded as one of the darkest moments in the show.
The Newcomers
? Religious Cult - Guardians of the Galaxy
? Character Makeovers - The Transformers
The Contenders
Zim Steals Kids' Organs - Invader Zim
In Invader Zim, Zim steals organs from human children to disguise himself as a normal student. The episode features dark humor and grotesque imagery as Zim continues to take more organs than necessary. Despite its disturbing content, it became a cult favorite. It was quite the surreal and disturbing experience. But hey, that's what makes Invader Zim as great as it is.
Caillou Pinches Rosie in Big Brother Caillou - Caillou
In Big Brother Caillou, Caillou struggles with jealousy after his baby sister Rosie is born. Frustrated, he pinches her, causing her to cry. The episode addresses sibling rivalry and consequences of misbehavior. I support every parent who is protesting against this toddler version of Baldi.
Mr. Krabs Drives Plankton to Suicide - SpongeBob SquarePants
In SpongeBob SquarePants, Mr. Krabs convinces Plankton that his life is worthless, leading Plankton to attempt suicide. The scene was criticized for making light of mental health struggles. Some broadcasters edited or removed the scene in later airings. I feel horrible for Plankton having to deal with this money-grabbing douche. All Plankton dreams of is to be like Mr. Krabs and own his own restaurant, but it's unfortunate that he can't cook very well. Now I get why he wants to steal the recipe all the time.
"Hey, Steve, we're running out of ideas for new episodes. Got any ideas?"
"Let's make the bad guy want to die."
"Steve, you were always a genius."
This can't be true. Did this actually air on a children's show?
Dexter Wants to See a Grown Woman Pretending to Be Dee Dee Dance, Which Costs Money - Dexter's Laboratory
Child Neglect - The Loud House
Lars Naked - Steven Universe
In Steven Universe, Lars is briefly shown naked after a mishap. The scene is played for comedic effect, with his nudity partially obscured. Some viewers found the moment inappropriate for the show's intended audience.
Heavenly Puss - Tom and Jerry
In Heavenly Puss, Tom dies and is sent to the afterlife, where he must obtain Jerry's forgiveness to avoid eternal damnation. The episode features eerie imagery, including a train to hell filled with damned cats. Its depiction of the afterlife was considered too intense for young audiences.
Are You Happy Now? - SpongeBob SquarePants
In Are You Happy Now?, Squidward falls into a deep depression after realizing he lacks happy memories. The episode features dark humor, including Squidward's implied attempts at self-harm. The tone was criticized for being excessively grim for a children's cartoon. The episode is disturbingly similar to the "Squidward's Suicide" creepypasta. There are two suicide jokes that are particularly morbid, even for SpongeBob.
Rude Removal - Dexter's Laboratory
Rude Removal features Dexter's invention accidentally creating rude, foul-mouthed versions of himself and Dee Dee. The episode was notorious for its excessive profanity, which was censored with bleeps. Due to its inappropriate language, it was never aired on television.
Starfire and Raven Become Sexist - Teen Titans Go!
The Titans Destroy Santa's Toy Factory - Teen Titans Go!
Oh, they're definitely going to stay on Santa's naughty list for a long time after that incident.
That would leave them on the naughty list forever! Santa's reaction was priceless though.
Springfield Drives Bart to Suicide - The Simpsons
I love The Simpsons, but this just went a little too far. And all because he lost a silly little peewee softball game! The residents are such jerks.
Freedom Land - The Boondocks
Iggy Forces Arnold to Wear Bunny Pajamas - Hey Arnold!
I remember that episode. I felt so bad for Arnold, considering it was actually Sid and Stinky who spilled the beans, and not Arnold.
Pig Cult - Teen Titans Go!