The Woody Woodpecker Show

Original Air Date: Syndicated theatrical shorts

Like several of the classic cartoons on this list, that irascible, nervous-breakdown-prone Woody Woodpecker started life in a series of theatrical shorts that date back as early as 1940. Years later, he would find renewed vigor when the shorts were packaged for television viewing...delighting generations of after-school kiddies. And maybe, just maybe, driving a few of them to nervous breakdowns all their own.

As was the case with many of his peers, Woody wasn't always a very likable guy. No, the Walter Lantz produced toon (created by Ben "Bugs" Hardaway) was originally a certifiably insane fellow whose design, and personality, evolved over the years into a somewhat more acceptable member of society. Voiced by the inimitable Mel Blanc (and later Ben Hardaway and Lantz's wife Grace Stafford), the bird is perhaps best remembered for his unmistakable laugh, which was even incorporated into his theme song eventually. He, he, he, he, ha! Hehehehehehe!!