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TV screenwriter Michael Jamin provides the funniest cartoon characters and explains what makes them so hilarious
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Who’s your favorite cartoon character? If you’re anything like us, it’s hard to choose just one when there are so many hilarious options! To make things a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of 56 of the funniest characters of all time—from classics like Bugs Bunny to modern, edgy characters like Eric Cartman from South Park. Keep reading to learn what makes these characters so silly and relatable, with insights from TV screenwriter Michael Jamin.

1

SpongeBob SquarePants (SpongeBob SquarePants)

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  1. Perhaps one of the most iconic cartoon characters for young Millennials and elder Gen Z, SpongeBob SquarePants is a fry cook at the Krusty Krab, whose silly antics land him in all kinds of situations. SpongeBob is known for his ridiculous laugh, his bubbly personality, and the fact that he doesn’t take anything too seriously… except things that aren’t serious at all, like writing a one-word essay or befriending a bubble.[1]

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Michael Jamin is a TV screenwriter, showrunner, and author. With over 28 years of writing experience, he is most known for his work on Just Shoot Me, King of the Hill, Beavis & Butt-Head, Wilfred, Out of Practice, and Rules of Engagement.

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6

Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)

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  1. The Simpsons premiered in 1989 and currently has 37 seasons. It follows Homer Simpson and his family in a satirical depiction of American life. Homer is the bumbling but lovable father, known for his laziness, impulsiveness, and obsession with donuts. The timing and delivery of his lines make every moment unforgettable, and he’s especially known for yelling “D’oh!” after every mistake. He has strong opinions, and even if they’re polarizing, they’re funny, says Jamin.[6]
25

Dale Gribble (King of the Hill)

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  1. Another funny character from King of the Hill is Dale Gribble, a pest exterminator who’s paranoid of the government. He constantly believes the government is out to get him, leading to ridiculous and high-stakes reactions to normal situations. Oh, and he’s hilariously oblivious to his wife’s affair and the fact that his biological son is not actually his! He’s “one of my favorite characters,” says Jamin.[23]
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31

Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz (Phineas and Ferb)

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32

Nigel Thornberry (The Wild Thornberrys)

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  5. Michael Jamin. TV Screenwriter, Showrunner, and Author. Expert Interview
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  14. Michael Jamin. TV Screenwriter, Showrunner, and Author. Expert Interview
  15. https://adventuretime.fandom.com/wiki/Lumpy_Space_Princess
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  21. https://www.toonarific.com/funny-cartoon-characters/
  22. https://screenrant.com/funniest-cartoon-characters-ever/
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About This Article

Michael Jamin
Co-authored by:
TV Screenwriter, Showrunner, and Author
This article was co-authored by Michael Jamin and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Michael Jamin is a TV screenwriter, showrunner, and author. With over 28 years of experience writing for television, Michael is most known for his work on Just Shoot Me, King of the Hill, Beavis & Butt-Head, Wilfred, Out of Practice, Rules of Engagement, Lopez, and Tacoma FD. In addition, he served as Executive Producer and Showrunner on Glenn Martin DDS, Maron, and Rhett & Link’s Buddy System. In 2024, Michael wrote a book, A Paper Orchestra, which was later named Best Comedy Book of 2024 by Vulture. He currently tours with it as a solo show and won the “2025 Edinburgh Fringe Theatre Award.” His Substack is called “What the Hell is Michael Jamin Talking About” where he shares insights on the business and craft of writing. He also shares daily tips for aspiring screenwriters, actors and directors on his social media to over 728k followers under the handle @MichaelJaminWriter.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: February 18, 2026
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Categories: TV Viewing and Shows
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