Cartoon Network has many hit shows, but among the most popular are the TV shows that saw huge jumps in animation quality, whereas Cartoon Network's Regular Show won a Primetime Emmy for an outstanding short form animated program.

There are numerous factors influencing the the new Regular Show series in development that will expand both successful universes. While both Cartoon Network series have distinct goals, they do share some surprising similarities, which establishes a good baseline for comparison.

Regular Show vs. Adventure Time: Which Show Is Funnier

Adventure Time Employs More Dark Humor Than Regular Show

In honesty, the humor in Regular Show and Adventure Time is very similar, but where Adventure Time falls more into a more goofy nature, Regular Show is just an ounce more subtle in its wit. Arguably, Regular Show relies upon its gags more than it's opposition, which instead tends to focus more on the adventure-driven narrative than any comedic device. Adventure Time explores darker themes through it's more nuanced humor, and incorporates existentialism and darker humor into its jokes. It caters to a niche taste, but this does make Adventure Time remarkably successful with the desired audience.

Cheer Up Pops party, Rigby at Graduation, Anti-Pops featured image for best episodes of Regular Show
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On the other hand, the humor in Cartoon Network's Regular Show can be seen as more accessible, which elevates the experience to make it more enjoyable. Its quirky characters are involved in daily high jinks that undergo puns and absurd scenarios for its comedic effect, and it is relatively easy to follow. Of course, it is important to note that comedy is subjective. Each show has its unique strengths that appeal to different audiences, but a strong case can be made for Regular Show as the funnier show, since the comedic tone is more sustained and pervasive throughout.

Regular Show vs. Adventure Time: Which Has The Better Characters

The 'Bromance' Trope Is Central To Regular Show's and Adventure Time's Narrative

The Lemonpink Camel brings juice to everyone in Adventure Time Skyhooks.
Cartoon Network

Part of what makes these Cartoon Network shows so successful are their characters, who have impressive character development in both series. The 'bromance' trope is present in both Adventure Time and Regular Show, which is indispensable and shown through the respective main characters. Regular Show's character development is perhaps most notable in Rigby, whose irresponsible antics are replaced with the desire to go back to school and gain his diploma. The characters in Regular Show are not presented as the heroes of the story, like the opponents, which is what partly makes their growth quite substantial — and they battle with their feelings far more.

While Jake and Fin are more difficult to relate to at times, their moral contemplation across a series of difficult scenarios strengthens their character growth significantly.

That being said, Jake and Fin undertake the role of young, righteous heroes in the Land of Ooo. They are two complex characters, each with their own intricacies benefiting each other. Although rather stagnant at the start, Fin retains a youthful ignorance as the younger character, which makes him susceptible to challenges in romance. Jake's character serves as a counterbalance to Fin's impulsiveness, offering the steady guidance of a more experienced figure. This is why Adventure Time has the better characters. While Jake and Fin are more difficult to relate to at times, their moral contemplation across a series of difficult scenarios strengthens their character growth significantly.

Regular Show vs. Adventure Time: Which Has The Better Story

Adventure Time's World-Building Is More Expansive Than Regular Show

The writing in both Cartoon Network shows is exceptionally strong, with stories that are surprisingly deep and engaging. Both Regular Show and Adventure Time are heavily story based, and the writing in both Cartoon Network shows is exceptionally strong, with stories that are surprisingly deep and engaging. The former began as something quite experimental and eventually grew into itself and found a steady pace.

Regular Show gradually transitioned into a more casual viewing experience, while maintaining its episodic importance, focusing more on its grounded, but absurd, take on everyday life. Regular Show's intention is to show how infallible we can be by exploring human nature. There is a lesson embedded in each episode, which makes it intriguing and important.

However, Adventure Time's fantasy world is heavily story-driven. While all 238 episodes may not be pertinent to Adventure Time's rich lore, the show's deeply imagined world expands its unique world-building and characters. Adventure Time's world is expansive, beginning as a simple tale that evolves into something very rich and complex. In some senses, Adventure Time follows the thematic approach of a fairytale, where the story is not set in one defined period of history, and the heroes triumph over hardships. The story is enhanced by its immersive soundtrack, which assists Adventure Time in having a better story than Regular Show.

Regular Show vs. Adventure Time: Which Was The Most Consistent

Adventure Time Is A Serialized Storytelling, Whereas Regular Show Is More Episodic

Mordecai and Rigby from The Regular Show
Cartoon Network

A large proportion of the discussion regarding consistency between shows can be attributed to personal preference for either serialized storytelling or episodic humor. Although it is driven by its story, Adventure Time's plot does not always develop consistently across the series. It results in an unbalanced viewing experience, as some episodes concentrate on standalone tales, while others are more connected to its overarching narrative. This variable approach is beneficial in some regards, such as providing more opportunities for character growth — but means that not every episode necessarily has consequences.

The self-contained nature of Regular Show's episodes eliminates pressure, allowing for greater creative freedom within each episode.

In contrast, Regular Show is known for its consistent high quality across all eight seasons. Its episodic storytelling demands minor continuity, which means it's easier for audiences to immerse themselves in Regular Show's universe. The Cartoon Network series following Mordecai and Rigby is far more consistent in of comedy and entertainment. The self-contained nature of Regular Show's episodes eliminates pressure, allowing for greater creative freedom within each episode.

Why Adventure Time Is Better Than Regular Show

Adventure Time Presents A More Meaningful Message Than Regular Show

Finn and Jake from Adventure Time, looking starstruck at the ancient hero Billy, standing atop a pile of orcs.
Cartoon Network

Adventure Time is better than Regular Show for a number of reasons. It lacking in humor and consistency in comparison to Regular Show can be forgiven for its story and characters. After all, these are the two most central factors to any television series. Adventure Time's epic fantasy world is incredibly impressive, so although Regular Show may still be one of Cartoon Network's strongest shows, it doesn't match the scope of Adventure Time. The latter has become a benchmark for creativity in animation, and while the style may appeal to children, the themes it navigates are better tailored to a mature audience.

Adventure Time presents a number of serious issues throughout its run, and embeds philosophical messages into its narrative.

More significantly, Adventure Time will be ed for its greater mark on society. It presents a number of serious issues throughout its run, and embeds philosophical messages into its narrative. Finn struggles to understand the meaning of life, and these are themes that resonate with its target audience on a greater scale than Regular Show's more lax teachings. Adventure Time is a niche appeal, but one that found great success through it's 10 seasons with little trouble.