Table of Contents
Introduction: What Made Fish Hooks So Special?
Have you ever noticed how some animated series leave a lasting impression long after they end? Fish Hooks was one such show, drawing viewers into its whimsical underwater setting and endearing characters. With its perfect mix of comedy, friendship, and coming-of-age themes, it resonated with audiences of all ages. But once you’ve finished every episode, where do you turn for that same charm and fun?
Fish Hooks followed the lives of three fish—Milo, Oscar, and Bea—as they tackled the ups and downs of high school inside a pet store aquarium. Its vibrant animation, witty storytelling, and lovable characters set it apart from other cartoons of its era. If you’re searching for shows like Fish Hooks that capture a similar sense of humor, engaging character dynamics, and imaginative worldbuilding, we’ve put together a list of eight animated series that will keep you entertained.
What to Look for in Shows Similar to Fish Hooks
Before diving into our recommendations, let’s identify what made Fish Hooks special and what elements you might enjoy in similar animated series:
- Unique Animation Style: Fish Hooks featured a distinctive visual approach combining 2D animation with photorealistic backgrounds.
- School Setting: Many of the storylines took place in Freshwater High School, exploring typical teen experiences through an aquatic lens.
- Quirky Characters: The show thrived on its ensemble cast of eccentric personalities.
- Clever Humor: Fish Hooks balanced slapstick comedy with more subtle jokes that appealed to various age groups.
- Friendship Dynamics: At its core, the show celebrated the bond between its three main characters.
Now, let’s explore eight animated shows that capture similar magic to Fish Hooks while bringing their own unique flavors to the table.
1. The Amazing World of Gumball
The Amazing World of Gumball follows the misadventures of 12-year-old Gumball Watterson, a blue cat, and his adoptive brother Darwin, a goldfish who grew legs. Together with their family and friends, they navigate the surreal world of Elmore, where everyday objects come to life, animals talk, and reality can bend in the most unexpected ways.
Created by Ben Bocquelet for Cartoon Network, The Amazing World of Gumball premiered in 2011 and ran for six successful seasons until 2019. Each episode runs for about 11 minutes, with some special episodes extending to 22 minutes. The series was directed by Mic Graves and features the voice talents of Logan Grove (later replaced by Jacob Hopkins and Nicolas Cantu) as Gumball and Kwesi Boakye (later replaced by Terrell Ransom Jr. and Donielle T. Hansley Jr.) as Darwin.
The Amazing World of Gumball was a commercial and critical success, earning multiple BAFTA Children’s Awards and Annie Awards throughout its run. On IMDb, the show maintains an impressive 8.3/10 rating, with many critics praising its inventive animation style and witty humor that appeals to both children and adults.
Like Fish Hooks, The Amazing World of Gumball excels at blending different animation styles, combining 2D characters with 3D backgrounds and even live-action elements. Both shows feature school settings where the main characters navigate friendship challenges, academic pressures, and identity issues. The surreal humor and visual gags present in Gumball would feel familiar to Fish Hooks fans, as both shows don’t shy away from breaking the fourth wall and playing with animation conventions.
You can stream The Amazing World of Gumball on HBO Max, Cartoon Network’s website (with cable provider login), and it’s available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
If you’re looking for shows like Fish Hooks, The Amazing World of Gumball is a fantastic choice. Much like Fish Hooks, it blends offbeat humor with heartfelt moments, creating a series that is both wildly entertaining and emotionally engaging. With its innovative approach to animation and ever-evolving visual style, Gumball pushes creative boundaries while maintaining a strong focus on character relationships. If you loved the quirky, fish-out-of-water adventures in Fish Hooks, you’ll enjoy how Gumball continually reinvents itself while staying true to its signature charm.
2. Gravity Falls
Gravity Falls chronicles the summer adventures of twins Dipper and Mabel Pines who are sent to spend vacation with their great-uncle (or “Grunkle”) Stan in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. What begins as a boring summer quickly turns into an exciting mystery as the twins discover the town is full of supernatural creatures and unexplained phenomena.
Created by Alex Hirsch for Disney Channel (later Disney XD), Gravity Falls aired from 2012 to 2016, running for two meticulously crafted seasons. Each episode is approximately 22 minutes long. The show features the voice talents of Jason Ritter as Dipper, Kristen Schaal as Mabel, and Alex Hirsch himself voicing Grunkle Stan and handyman Soos. Under Hirsch’s careful direction, the series maintained a consistent quality and developed an overarching mystery that rewarded attentive viewers.
Gravity Falls became a cultural phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. The series won multiple Annie Awards and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation. On IMDb, it boasts an exceptional 8.9/10 rating, and on Rotten Tomatoes, it maintains a near-perfect score. The show generated substantial merchandise revenue for Disney, with books, toys, and clothing lines continuing to sell well years after the finale.
When looking for shows like Fish Hooks, Gravity Falls stands out as a great option despite their different settings. Both series excel in crafting engaging character dynamics and blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. Just as Fish Hooks follows the close-knit trio of Milo, Oscar, and Bea navigating life’s ups and downs, Gravity Falls focuses on the sibling bond between Dipper and Mabel as they face mysterious adventures together. Both shows masterfully mix episodic fun with meaningful character growth while incorporating clever visual details and hidden gags that make rewatching a delight.
Gravity Falls is available to stream on Disney+, Hulu (with the Disney+ add-on), and can be purchased on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
Fish Hooks fans should watch Gravity Falls because it shares that perfect balance of comedy and heart while offering a more mystery-driven narrative. The show respects its audience’s intelligence, layering jokes and storylines that appeal to various age groups. If you appreciated how Fish Hooks created a complete world within an aquarium, you’ll be amazed at how Gravity Falls builds its mythology while maintaining its charm and accessibility.
3. We Bare Bears
We Bare Bears tells the story of three bear brothers – Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear – trying to integrate into human society in the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite their obvious differences from humans, the bears attempt to make friends, become internet famous, find food, and generally fit into modern life while supporting each other as a family.
Created by Daniel Chong for Cartoon Network, We Bare Bears ran from 2015 to 2019, spanning four seasons with episodes typically running 11 minutes each. The show features the voice talents of Eric Edelstein as Grizzly, Bobby Moynihan as Panda, and Demetri Martin as Ice Bear. The series was produced by Cartoon Network Studios under the direction of Manny Hernandez.
We Bare Bears received critical acclaim for its gentle humor, relevant social commentary, and heartwarming character dynamics. The show won an Annie Award for Best TV Production for Children and maintains a solid 8.0/10 rating on IMDb. The series became particularly popular internationally, developing a strong following in Asian markets where its merchandise sales exceeded expectations.
If you’re searching for shows like Fish Hooks, We Bare Bears is a fantastic choice. Both series revolve around a trio of characters with distinct personalities who share a deep bond, using their adventures to explore themes of belonging and identity. Much like Fish Hooks, We Bare Bears thrives on a slice-of-life storytelling approach, turning everyday experiences into comedic and heartfelt moments through the unique perspectives of its protagonists. Additionally, both shows excel in visual storytelling and physical comedy, making them equally entertaining and endearing.
You can watch We Bare Bears on HBO Max, Hulu (with Live TV subscription), Cartoon Network’s website (with cable provider login), and it’s available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
Fish Hooks fans will appreciate We Bare Bears for its similar emphasis on friendship and found family. The show’s gentle humor and warmth create a comforting viewing experience while still delivering clever comedy. If you enjoyed how Fish Hooks used its aquarium setting to comment on larger social dynamics, you’ll love how We Bare Bears uses its fish-out-of-water premise to explore modern social challenges with heart and humor.
4. Star vs. the Forces of Evil
Star vs. the Forces of Evil follows the adventures of Star Butterfly, a magical princess from the dimension of Mewni who is sent to Earth as a foreign exchange student. Living with the Diaz family and their son Marco, Star battles evil villains throughout the multiverse while learning about Earth culture and navigating the typical challenges of teenage life.
Created by Daron Nefcy for Disney XD, Star vs. the Forces of Evil ran from 2015 to 2019, spanning four seasons. Each episode is typically 22 minutes long, divided into two 11-minute segments. The series features the voice talents of Eden Sher as Star Butterfly and Adam McArthur as Marco Diaz. The show was produced by Disney Television Animation with Dominic Bisignano and Aaron Hammersley serving as co-executive producers alongside Nefcy.
Star vs. the Forces of Evil broke new ground as the first Disney XD series created by a woman. The show received positive reviews for its animation style, character development, and world-building. On IMDb, it holds a respectable 8.1/10 rating. The series also gained attention for introducing Disney’s first confirmed bisexual character in a children’s animated show, demonstrating its progressive approach to representation.
While Star vs. the Forces of Evil has a more fantasy-adventure focus than Fish Hooks, both shows share significant similarities in their approach to character development and humor. Both series feature protagonists adjusting to new environments – Milo, Oscar, and Bea navigating life in an aquarium, while Star adapts to Earth culture. The fish-out-of-water humor works in both contexts, creating opportunities for both comedy and growth. Both shows also balance episodic stories with ongoing character arcs and relationships that evolve over time.
Star vs. the Forces of Evil is available to stream on Disney+, Hulu (with the Disney+ add-on), and can be purchased on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
For fans looking for shows like Fish Hooks, Star vs. the Forces of Evil is a great pick. While its setting leans more into fantasy, it shares the same lively animation, character-driven humor, and heartfelt storytelling that made Fish Hooks so engaging. Both series explore themes of friendship, growth, and self-discovery, keeping audiences invested in their characters’ journeys. Though Star vs. the Forces of Evil starts as a lighthearted magical comedy, it gradually unfolds into a deeper narrative about identity, legacy, and change—much like how Fish Hooks balanced humor with meaningful character development in its aquatic high school world.
5. Harvey Beaks
Harvey Beaks centers on the adventures of Harvey, a kind-hearted bird child, and his best friends, the mischievous Fee and Foo, who are wild and free-spirited creatures. Together, they explore the magical forest of Littlebark Grove, finding wonder and friendship in their everyday adventures.
Created by C.H. Greenblatt (known for his work on SpongeBob SquarePants and Chowder) for Nickelodeon, Harvey Beaks aired from 2015 to 2017, running for two seasons. Each episode is typically 22 minutes long, divided into two 11-minute segments. The show features the voice talents of Max Charles as Harvey, Angelina Wahler as Fee, and Jackson Brundage (later replaced by Tom Robinson) as Foo. The series was produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio under Greenblatt’s direction.
Harvey Beaks received critical acclaim for its beautiful animation, gentle storytelling, and emotional depth. While it didn’t achieve the commercial success of some other Nickelodeon shows, it developed a devoted following and maintains an impressive 8.0/10 rating on IMDb. Critics particularly praised the show’s nuanced approach to childhood emotions and relationships.
Similar to Fish Hooks, Harvey Beaks excels at creating a fully realized world with its own rules and ecology. Both shows feature protagonists who balance contrasting personality types – Harvey’s cautious nature versus Fee and Foo’s wild spirits mirrors the dynamic between Oscar and Milo in Fish Hooks. Both series also employ similar visual humor and expressive animation to convey emotion. The emphasis on friendship across different personality types is a strong connecting element between the two shows.
Harvey Beaks is available to stream on Paramount+ and can be purchased on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
Fans of Fish Hooks will appreciate Harvey Beaks for its sincere approach to friendship and growing up. The show captures that same balance of humor and heart that made Fish Hooks special, with characters who learn and grow from their experiences. If you enjoyed how Fish Hooks created comedy from the contrast between its characters’ personalities, you’ll love watching Harvey navigate between his rule-following nature and his friends’ wild impulses.
6. Amphibia
Amphibia tells the story of Anne Boonchuy, a 13-year-old Thai-American girl who is magically transported to Amphibia, a world populated by anthropomorphic frogs, toads, and other amphibians. Taken in by the Plantar family in the town of Wartwood, Anne must adapt to her new surroundings while searching for a way back home.
Created by Matt Braly for Disney Channel, Amphibia ran from 2019 to 2022, spanning three seasons with each episode typically running about 22 minutes. The series features the voice talents of Brenda Song as Anne Boonchuy, Justin Felbinger as Sprig Plantar, and Bill Farmer as Hop Pop Plantar. The show was produced by Disney Television Animation under Braly’s direction, who previously worked on Gravity Falls.
Amphibia received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, and world-building. The series won an Annie Award for Best Character Animation and maintains an impressive 8.4/10 rating on IMDb. The show has been particularly praised for its representation of Thai-American culture and its ambitious narrative arc that grows increasingly complex throughout its three-season run.
Like Fish Hooks, Amphibia features a fish-out-of-water premise (quite literally in both cases) where the protagonist must adapt to an unfamiliar environment. Both shows create rich, detailed worlds with their own social structures, histories, and ecosystems. The character dynamics in both series explore similar themes of friendship, belonging, and identity. Additionally, both shows balance episodic adventures with larger story arcs that allow for meaningful character growth.
Amphibia is available to stream on Disney+ and can be purchased on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
If you enjoyed Fish Hooks, you’ll love Amphibia for its similar blend of humor, heart, and adventure. The show starts with episodic stories that gradually build into an epic narrative with real stakes and emotional depth. Fans of how Fish Hooks created a complete society within an aquarium will appreciate Amphibia’s fully realized world and its exploration of cultural differences and adaptation. The series offers that same combination of funny, heartwarming, and occasionally profound storytelling that made Fish Hooks so beloved.
7. Regular Show
Regular Show follows the surreal adventures of best friends Mordecai (a blue jay) and Rigby (a raccoon) who work as groundskeepers at a local park. What begins as mundane work tasks frequently escalates into bizarre, supernatural situations involving time travel, monsters, and interdimensional threats.
Created by J.G. Quintel for Cartoon Network, Regular Show ran from 2010 to 2017, spanning eight successful seasons. Each episode typically runs for 11 minutes. The series features the voices of J.G. Quintel himself as Mordecai, William Salyers as Rigby, and a talented supporting cast including Mark Hamill as Skips. The show was produced by Cartoon Network Studios under Quintel’s creative direction.
Regular Show became one of Cartoon Network’s most successful original series, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short-format Animated Program and maintaining a strong 8.5/10 rating on IMDb. The show was praised for its nostalgia-inducing 1980s references, mature humor that appealed to older audiences, and its ability to turn mundane situations into extraordinary adventures.
While Regular Show has a more surreal approach than Fish Hooks, both series share significant similarities in their character dynamics and humor style. Both shows center around close friendships between contrasting personalities navigating work/school responsibilities. The escalation of ordinary situations into extraordinary adventures is a common storytelling approach in both series. Additionally, both shows incorporate elements of absurdist humor while maintaining emotional authenticity in their character relationships.
Regular Show is available to stream on HBO Max, Hulu (with Live TV subscription), and can be purchased on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
Fans of Fish Hooks will appreciate Regular Show for its similar blend of everyday situations and absurdist humor. If you enjoyed watching Milo, Oscar, and Bea navigate the challenges of high school life with unexpected twists, you’ll love seeing how Mordecai and Rigby turn simple work tasks into cosmic adventures. Both shows excel at creating comedy from the contrast between mundane settings and extraordinary events, while maintaining genuine character development throughout their runs.
8. OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes
OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes follows the adventures of K.O., an enthusiastic young boy who aspires to become the world’s greatest hero while working at Gar’s Hero Supply & Bodega in Lakewood Plaza Turbo. Alongside his friends and coworkers Enid and Radicles, K.O. battles the evil Lord Boxman and his robot minions who constantly attack the plaza from across the street.
Created by Ian Jones-Quartey for Cartoon Network, OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes ran from 2017 to 2019, spanning three seasons. Each episode is typically 11 minutes long. The show features the voice talents of Courtenay Taylor as K.O., Ashly Burch as Enid, and Ian Jones-Quartey himself as Radicles. The series was produced by Cartoon Network Studios under Jones-Quartey’s direction, who previously worked on Adventure Time and Steven Universe.
OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes received positive reviews for its energetic animation style, lovable characters, and affectionate homages to video games and anime. While not achieving the commercial success of some longer-running series, it developed a dedicated fanbase and maintains a solid 7.9/10 rating on IMDb. The show has been particularly praised for its inclusive character designs and positive messages about friendship and growth.
Like Fish Hooks, OK K.O.! creates a distinct world with its own rules and logic – the aquarium high school in Fish Hooks parallels the hero-populated plaza in OK K.O.! Both shows feature protagonists at different stages of maturity working together: K.O.’s enthusiasm and naivety balance against Enid’s cool detachment and Rad’s bravado, similar to how Milo’s impulsiveness contrasts with Oscar’s caution and Bea’s confidence in Fish Hooks. Both series also employ meta-humor and self-awareness about their respective genres.
OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes is available to stream on HBO Max, Cartoon Network’s website (with cable provider login), and can be purchased on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.
If you enjoyed Fish Hooks, you’ll appreciate OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes for its similar approach to character dynamics and world-building. The show captures that same spirit of friendship, growth, and adventure that made Fish Hooks special. Its blend of action, comedy, and heart creates an engaging viewing experience that balances episodic fun with meaningful character development. The series’ celebration of different personality types working together would feel familiar and appealing to Fish Hooks fans.
Shows Like Fish Hooks: Comparison Table
| Show | Years Aired | Network | Key Similarities to Fish Hooks | Best For Fans Who Liked… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Amazing World of Gumball | 2011-2019 | Cartoon Network | Mixed animation styles, school setting, surreal humor | Visual creativity and meta-humor |
| Gravity Falls | 2012-2016 | Disney Channel/XD | Character dynamics, mystery elements, smart writing | Plot development and hidden details |
| We Bare Bears | 2015-2019 | Cartoon Network | Trio friendship, slice-of-life stories, gentle humor | Character dynamics and social commentary |
| Star vs. the Forces of Evil | 2015-2019 | Disney XD | Fish-out-of-water premise, character growth, balance of comedy/drama | Character development and worldbuilding |
| Harvey Beaks | 2015-2017 | Nickelodeon | Contrasting personality types, natural setting, emotional depth | Friendship themes and gentle storytelling |
| Amphibia | 2019-2022 | Disney Channel | Adaptation to new environment, detailed worldbuilding, growth arcs | Adventure elements and cultural exploration |
| Regular Show | 2010-2017 | Cartoon Network | Friendship focus, escalating situations, workplace setting | Absurdist humor and unexpected adventures |
| OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes | 2017-2019 | Cartoon Network | Diverse character personalities, workplace setting, meta-humor | Energy, positive messages, and genre awareness |
Frequently Asked Questions About Shows Similar to Fish Hooks
What made Fish Hooks unique among animated shows?
Fish Hooks stood out for its distinctive animation style that combined 2D characters with photorealistic backgrounds, its underwater high school setting, and its perfect balance of slapstick humor with more subtle jokes. The show’s trio of main characters – optimistic Milo, cautious Oscar, and confident Bea – created a dynamic that resonated with viewers and allowed for diverse storytelling approaches.
Are there any shows with animation styles similar to Fish Hooks?
The Amazing World of Gumball is perhaps the closest in terms of innovative animation, as it blends 2D characters with 3D environments and even incorporates live-action elements. Regular Show also has a distinctive visual style, though it’s more consistently 2D than Fish Hooks’ mixed-media approach.
Which of these shows is most appropriate for younger viewers?
Harvey Beaks and We Bare Bears are generally considered the most consistently appropriate for younger viewers, with gentle humor and positive messages. However, all the shows on this list were created primarily for children’s networks, though some (particularly Regular Show and Gravity Falls) include humor and references aimed at older viewers as well.
Did any of these shows share creators or voice actors with Fish Hooks?
While there isn’t direct creative overlap between Fish Hooks and the shows on this list, many of them share voice actors who worked on multiple animated series. For instance, Alex Hirsch (creator of Gravity Falls) has done voice work across several animated shows, and many voice actors work on multiple productions for the same networks.
Which show has the most similar humor style to Fish Hooks?
The Amazing World of Gumball probably comes closest to matching Fish Hooks’ blend of visual gags, character-based humor, and occasional breaking of the fourth wall. Regular Show also shares Fish Hooks’ ability to derive humor from escalating ordinary situations into extraordinary adventures.
Are any of these shows still producing new episodes?
Of the shows listed, only Amphibia was still in production recently, concluding its three-season run in 2022. The other shows have all ended their original runs, though many continue to be popular in streaming and reruns.
Conclusion: Finding Your Next Animated Adventure After Fish Hooks
For fans of Fish Hooks, these eight shows offer similar viewing experiences while each bringing something unique to the table. Whether you’re drawn to the visual creativity of The Amazing World of Gumball, the mystery elements of Gravity Falls, or the gentle friendship stories of Harvey Beaks, there’s something here to capture that same magic that made Fish Hooks special.
What these shows share with Fish Hooks is their ability to create rich worlds populated by memorable characters whose relationships evolve meaningfully over time. They balance humor with heart, silliness with sincerity, and adventure with emotional authenticity.
As you explore these Fish Hooks alternatives, you might find yourself drawn to different aspects of each – the animation style of one, the character dynamics of another, the storytelling approach of a third. That’s the beauty of contemporary animation: there’s incredible diversity in creative approaches, allowing viewers to find shows that resonate with their specific tastes while still capturing the spirit of favorites like Fish Hooks.
Which of these animated shows similar to Fish Hooks will you dive into first?
