Mobile Suit Gundam made it's debut in 1979 in Japan.  Creator/director Yoshiyuki Tomino was the brilliant mastermind who dreamed of an animated TV show that kids and adults could watch.  The end result was an almost Star Wars show that people loved.  Since then, Gundam has become very popular and has attracted a huge audience worldwide.

 

The first Gundam saga to reach the United States was New Mobile Report Gundam Wing on March 06, 2000.  The Cartoon Network's Toonami block was already popular with teens (Sailor Moon, Dragonball Z, Ronin Warriors were the top three shows), and Gundam Wing was an instant hit.

 

July 23, 2001 marked the debut of Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 and 08th MS Team, which was popular amongst older teens and young adults.  08th MS Team, unlike the first-generation series, had a touch of nudity in one episode and suggestive dialogue, meaning it wasn't really appropriate for it's teenage audience (mostly preteens up to 14-year-olds).  But, these people who translate it and thus wreck good viewing put Commander Shiroh Amada's girlfriend Aina in a bra and panties like they did to Melfina in Outlaw Star so their young viewers could watch.

 

Currently, the only Gundam series airing on Cartoon Network is Mobile Suit Gundam 0083, on the Adult Swim.  Yes, only audiences 18 years of age and older can watch it, but my 14-year-old brother and I watch it every Saturday night.

Since I'm also under 18, I am careful about what we see; I switch the channel if I see anything my brother and I shouldn't see.

 

For more information, go the Anime Web Turnpike.  You'll have better luck looking for Gundam Wing, but use what you can or get the DVDs released by Bandai.  Heiwa soto ni!  (Japanese for "Peace out!")