Like so many people my age, I spent a huge part of my childhood watching Nickleodeon. This is why I continue to live in fear.
Zeke the Plumber.
Also known as the most terrifying monster ever featured on a children's TV show. I had actual nightmares about Zeke the Plumber, who popped up in one infamous episode of Salute Your Shorts, and I still don't like looking at his picture.
Via: ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com
The Ghastly Grinner.
Yeah, yeah, Are You Afraid of the Dark? loved to ruin our sleep with ghost girls and scary clowns, but none of those were as horrifying as the Ghastly Grinner. Who knew a comic book character turned real could ruin me for life?
Via: fanpop.com
And the girl who got turned into a doll.
Yeah, thanks, Are You Afraid of the Dark? Because childhood wasn't scary enough.
Via: sydlexia.com
"I'm not Tommy."
Straight out of Freud's essay on "the uncanny," the Rugrats episode in which Chuckie has recurring nightmares made me question the thin line between fantasy and reality — not to mention my sanity.