^^^
I want to make it clear that I think all you folks above make some good points.
However, I feel like labeling cartoons as "kids shows" regardless of content, creator intent, maturity, the time slot, and appeal just gives fuel to the idea that the entire medium is for children by default. I strongly feel it reinforces the concept of the animation age ghetto.
Like, there is no inbetween with animation for the vast majority of viewers (
casual or otherwise).
If it doesn't have blood, swearing, dirty jokes, sex or other content like that...people perceive it as a kids show regardless of how seriously it takes itself or the creators' own say on the matter. Like...
...if
Avatar:TLA or
Samurai Jack were live action Netflix originals with everything somewhat intact (
meaning little to no blood, no excessive swearing, or no blatant erotic fan service added), I really doubt people would be so quick to argue for them being kids shows unless Netflix made it very clear that they are.
Most people would probably default to the idea that they're just great action-adventure sci-fi/fantasy programs that appeal to everybody, somewhat like the Marvel movies or a great TV shows like
Stranger Things (
which is all pretty close to a Samurai Jack in regards to content).
Cartoons just don't get the luxury of being seen as something for everyone by default.
From what I can tell there is a very clear and suffocating double standard going on in terms of how people classify and talk about animation.
And I believe that the way people throw around "kids show" at anything that isn't close to a
Rick and Morty or
Family Guy is part of that problem.
When I watch cartoons like SU that actively and enthusiastically attempt to appeal to older folks with beautifully crafted lore, intriguing world building, amazing artistic direction, extremely nerdy references, and top notch serialized storytelling I see something that isn't a "kids show" but obviously not quite an "adult cartoon".
An all-ages kind of thing, but you know...I guess that's just me...I don't know, people don't have to feel the same way I guess but I wish people did.