A good example I can think of where ideas where re-mixed into something better and newer is the evolution of popular adult animation (not that kind). It started, I think, with Bevis and Butthead. The creators of that show pioneered animation that was no longer for children. The stupidity and humor that defined the new genre lead to the Simpson's and South Park. There are and have been many intermediate series, King of the Hill and Futurama being among the more popular ones, that have contributed to the genre. My favorite animated show is South Park. It took the vulgarity and stupidity of Bevis and Butthead, and made it's own style of funneling funny, thought provoking, and often offensive plots through the characters of young children. Family Guy is another good example of an animated series that spawned from Bevis and Butthead.