While growing up in the 2000s, there were plenty of websites that we surfed on and online games that we played. Unfortunately, these websites are unsearchable today via Google or have been replaced with newer designs to relate to the late Centennials and the new Generation Alpha masses.
Although the games we played are no longer playable, the Internet Archive, otherwise known as the Wayback Machine, provides a detailed look at what websites looked like in the past decade.
1. Superman-batman.com
This one is for cartoon fans who loved Bruce Timm’s animation and adaption within the DC Animated Universe. Shows such as “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Superman: The Animated Series,” “The New Batman Adventures” and “Batman Beyond” had their very own website. When browsing on the website, you can see character descriptions for both heroes and villains as well as audio for the characters.
2. EverythingGirl.com
Pippa the Cyber Fairy was our girl when we needed to acquire our points from the games we played on the original Barbie.com, MyScene and Polly Pocket websites. Unfortunately, the links on this website go to the current adaptions, but sometimes looking fulfills the spark!
3. Noggin
When your parents turned on the TV and wanted you to see some awesome programming, Noggin was the friend they could rely on with the famous Moose A. Moose and Zee. Noggin shared its space with the N, a channel meant for teens, where the popular show “Degrassi: The Next Generation” was king. Thankfully with this website, some games and music are available.
4. The N
The N was a website that featured popular games such as Avatar High and The Hook-Up. Quizzes for countless sleepovers were created with the user-generated quiz tool, Quizilla. The television schedule is still up and displays the programs that were played back then, such as “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “One on One,” and “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” So if you want to know what you were watching back in 2007, be my guest! Most of the menus work, but don’t expect the games or quizzes to do the same.
5. The Old Nick Website
We all know the shows on Nick aren’t as good in 2019 (except “SpongeBob SquarePants”). However, when looking back a decade ago, these shows didn’t just end on the TV screen. We were able to hop on the computer, play games sponsored by our favorite shows and log on like Facebook or Myspace. Nicktropolis was a world where people could talk to each other while playing their favorite cartoon shows’ games.
6. Formspring (Spring.Me)
Formspring was one of the original creators of the anonymous questioning that we would receive from our classmates. But don’t act like you didn’t ask some anonymous questions too! Nowadays Curious Cat is used, and before that there was Ask.Fm.
7. Myspace
Myspace was the social network that was on top before Facebook rose to popularity. Tom was your first friend on this platform. People would download codes just to change their background to represent their favorite scene band. Sometimes even music would play on your friend’s personal page. Here’s a challenge: log on to your old Myspace account. (Hint: The website is still there.)
8. Playhouse Disney
Before it changed to Disney Junior, Playhouse Disney shared a block with the Disney Channel during the mornings. Shows like “Jojo’s Circus,” “Rolie Polie Olie,” “Charlie and Lola,” “Bear in the Big Blue House,” “Out of the Box” and “Stanley” were shows that few of today’s kids can recall, even with a picture.
Honorable Mentions:
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Jetix
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Toon Disney
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The Old Nick JR website
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The Old Cartoon Network website
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The Old Disney Channel website
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Sugarfreegames.com
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Myscene
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Polly Pocket
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Miss Bimbo
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WeeWorld
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Zwinky
So when you’re feeling sad about what the kids are watching nowadays or you want to relive some old memories, use The Wayback Machine. Trust me, she’s your friend.
Images: 1, All websites were screenshotted by the author.