My family was pretty poor when I was a kid, so we only really got the few free ontario channels, like Global etc.
Therefore, I only got to watch a few cartoons. Shows as a kid to me weren't too huge an influence, however here is what I watched:
Transformers, Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles, Inspector Gadget, and we'd rent some from Jumbo Video occassionally. Mostly we watched shows like Fraggle Rock, The Muppet Show, Power Rangers, and Mr. Dress-Up. Then at lunch, we'd come home for soup, The Flintstones, and this austrailian cartoon about a platypus and stuff.
When I was a teenager though, all the good stuff came on. Saved by the Bell, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Batman the Animated Series, Transformers: Beast Wars (called Beasties in Canada lol), Sail--sail---gulp--sailor moon..., and uh uh uh The Secret World of Alex Mack.
Honestly, there never was a good time for cartoons / tv. It's always awesome NOW. Look back, and you see how absolutely terrible it was.