movies/tv Best expamples of Cartoons that "grew the beard"?

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

There's many cartoons that start off as decent or good, but gradually become something special as the show progresses. What are the best examples of cartoons that "grew the beard"? Mine are...

 

Adventure Time - Giving the characters more depth, as well as fleshing out the setting, along with adding drama elements definitely helped the show find an identity beyond just a weird adventure show.

 

Friendship is Magic - It's definitely come a long way from the safe, e/i days of Season 1. Ramping up the adventure and fantasy elements and putting the characters in more danger are certainly pluses, and the show continues to become a more daring and risky show, especially considering that it's essentially a 22 minute toy commercial.

 

My Life as a Teenage Robot - I already listed it as one of the most underrated cartoons IMO, but I think the reason some didn't really like this show was because it does start off a bit rough. Season 1 was enjoyable, but it had some issues in terms of characterization consistency (perticularly with Jenny) and half the plots were just Jenny trying to be normal. Seasons 2 & 3 fixed many of those issues with more dynamic plots, tighter continuity, more consistent characterization and sharper humor. Season 3 IMO, is my favorite season because of how several of the characters were developing, as well as having the best continuity in show. It was pretty clear they were starting to set up a larger plot with Dr. Locus in Season 3. 

 

Teen Titans - What started off as a light-hearted omage to anime conventions with DC heroes, gradually took a darker tone while still retaining it's sense of humor. I don't think Season 1 would have an episode like The Dark Tomorrow. Not to mention, later seasons had a better balance with comedy and drama. It just a shame I can't say the same for Teen Titans Go! That show seems to get worse with every episode.

[Fallen Valkyrie 525]

For my its Adventure time and Graviti Falls.

Adventure time well like you sad they are making 2D characters in 3D (just look at Ice King)

Graviti Falls started sweet and cuddly first episode was litery them fighting a gnomes.Later some litle kid,and introduce cute triangle dimon.If you wach just frst season you think its relly a kids show.But wit season 2 episode 2 evry thing have taken a lot more mature look,things started to be with much more detail,litle things that can onli be seen wit frame by frame look started to be importend,mane villane(triangle dimon)got a lot more diabolical,and show got nightmare fuel momens.And most importantly 90% of background character got emotions,backstory,goals and you wher happy to see em back.

 

Edited February 28, 2015 by Primordus