Back at the Barnyard

This cartoon series is one of the zaniest and enjoyable out there. Most shows based on movies tend to be pale imitations, but the writers behind "Back at the Barnyard" series give it a silly yet entertaining life beyond the silver screen. There's lots of pop references (ranging from "The Dark Knight" to "Survivor" to "Star Trek" and humor that the grown-ups can enjoy, and enough oddball fun and jokes that the younger set can laugh at as well. Like a sophisticated sitcom, this show relies heavily on a strong ensemble effort, so it's carried by all major and minor characters. Not every episode is a laugh riot gem, but enough are that it'll grow on you.

My kids and I miss seeing this show but are hoping they'll release all the episodes on DVD soon.