MTV's Liquid Television

Before there was Adult Swim and its surreal late-night vibes, there was the one and only Liquid Television. If you know, you KNOW. For those who don’t, Liquid Television was an animated anthology series that aired on MTV in the early 90s, and it was an absolute game-changer. It was weird, experimental, and unapologetically edgy—basically, it felt like the animated punk rock of TV.

This was the show that gave us cult classics like Æon Flux and Beavis and Butt-Head (which later spun off into their own iconic series). But Liquid Television was more than just a launchpad for memorable characters—it was a proving ground for bizarre and innovative animation styles that didn’t fit into traditional TV.

Why Liquid Television Was the Prequel to Adult Swim:

• Surreal and Experimental Style: The show pushed the boundaries of what animation could be. From abstract shorts to dark comedy, it had the same “anything goes” vibe that Adult Swim would later adopt.
• Adult Themes: Long before shows like Aqua Teen Hunger Force or The Venture Bros., Liquid Television embraced mature and often absurd content, targeting an adult audience during late-night hours.
• Unpredictable Shorts: Each episode was a grab bag of animation styles and stories, much like the varied lineup of Adult Swim. You never knew what you were going to get, but it was always entertaining.
• Cult Following: Just like Adult Swim, Liquid Television cultivated a loyal fanbase of weirdos and creatives who were ready to embrace the unconventional.

Nostalgia Alert 🚨

Who else remembers staying up late to catch it? The bizarre mix of animation, the trippy visuals, and the sense that you were watching something different—something your parents probably wouldn’t get. If you grew up loving Adult Swim’s offbeat humor and experimental edge, there’s a good chance Liquid Television paved the way for your love of animated chaos.

Let’s not forget its influence in shaping the next generation of adult-oriented animation. Without Liquid Television, we might not have the rich, eclectic landscape of animated shows we do today.

So who here remembers the wild ride? Let’s reminisce about the good ol’ days when MTV wasn’t afraid to get weird! What were your favorite segments? Did you prefer the dystopian grit of Æon Flux, or did you vibe with the absurd humor of early Beavis and Butt-Head? Drop your thoughts below! 🖤

I've seen an an extra episode of Dexter's Laboratory listed for season 2 on places like Metacritic and IMDb called London Calling. It apparently aired after the season 2 finale but I can't find any information on it. Does anyone have any information on the episode?

Forgot what was called but this tv show as about pilots in fighting robots all in CGI remember this red robot with flames.

I don’t know what it was called and I barely remember what it was about. Around 2005, my first grade teacher showed my class this animation which I believe the general concept was about being unique but for some reason animals end up going to war against each other. It was the weirdest video, kinda disturbing too for being like 7. I really can’t remember much about it but I think it may have followed a girl who was kinda being shown the importance of being unique and the animal war scared her. Sorry that’s a horrible description but it’s all I can remember.

One of my favorites from the 90s!

Hey. I am born in the early 90s, and there is two cartoons (or one) which I can’t remember the names of. It could be the same.

One of the cartoons, the main character had to wash himself behind the ears all the time before eating.

The other, the best I can remember, it was thanksgiving and a flood. They the family saved the house with mashed sweet potatoes or something.

Please help, it’s grinding in my head…