User blog comment:Rhonda the stalker fan!/Total Drama 30 Day Challenge: Day 8/Happy Anniversary Total Drama!/@comment-3350823-20180709194553

Another question I like, but I don't know if I have an actual answer for. Oops.

One of the things I like is that not only is Island a parody of reality shows, it's a parody of teen dramas. While a few characters fit in similar roles, they're different enough that you feel you know these characters. You've seen these characters. Even as a kid, you could pinpoint where you've these stereotypes in other animated kids shows. I am a sucker for an ensemble and it's probably because of this show. It's one of the first shows I remember with an ensemble. Oh sure, some characters were more forgotten and underused. But most of the characters still felt they like were real and had an importance to the plot.

It was also one of the first animated cartoons with continuity. I mean, sure there were cartoons before it that had continuity (Gargoyles for example) but not many that were currently airing at the time and that continuity wouldn't follow into the next episode directly; usually most shows had it reference a past episode when it was relevant or when it was a two parter. Total Drama rewarded you for watching it every day, even if the recaps would explain most of what you missed.