Yu-Gi-Oh!

When they play Duel Monsters, characters spend much time explaining the rationale of every move and the function of every card. The narrative becomes even more complicated as characters' thoughts are revealed in voice over. Constant -- and often simplistic and repetitive -- dialogue transitioning to internal commentary pushes the limits of how much exposition a show can handle and how many layers kids can follow. But as the point-of-view shifts around revealing each character's uncertainties, fears, and motives, the show taps into teenage self-consciousness. Young viewers can relate to the struggles that go on inside as they grow up and try to act bravely in the world.

And in Yu-Gi-Oh!, we're talking fantasy world. Few parental figures are present; instead, close friendships and sibling relationships take center stage. Evil forces sometimes threaten the lives kids' lives. But many episodes emphasize loyalty and honorable behavior, partly offsetting the violence at the core of the show.