Every good TV family needs a wise-beyond-their-years kid to put things in perspective or just provide a little comic relief.

With the return of 'Mad Men' this weekend (season 4 premieres Sun., July 25, 10PM ET on AMC) -- and a season that's sure to be tough on the Draper offspring -- we salute the most adorable, hysterical, scheming and downright precocious kids on TV today.

We kept the list current, but it wouldn't feel right not to give a nod to kids of TV past who paved the way for sassy one-liners from the mouths of babes -- everyone from Opie Taylor (Ron Howard) on 'The Andy Griffith Show' to Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as little Michelle Tanner on 'Full House' ("You got it, dude!"). And you don't know whatchu talkin' about if you think we'd overlook Arnold Jackson (Gary Coleman) from 'Diff'rent Strokes.'

Did we miss your favorite? Sound off in the comments.

Shane Botwin, 'Weeds'
Played By: Alexander Gould
Why He Makes the List: Shane went from obsessing over death to experimenting with ladies and trying his hand at the family business, but we think he's officially graduating from precocious after whacking his mom's nemesis last season. With the family forced to go on the lam this season, Shane's issues may never get resolved.

Brick Heck, 'The Middle'
Played By: Atticus Shaffer
Why He Makes the List: Probably the strangest little boy on TV today, Brick has a penchant for odd musings and can often be half-heard whispering things to himself. [In a hushed aside] Totally bizarre. But we can't get enough.

Becca Moody, 'Californication'
Played By: Madeleine Martin
Why She Makes the List: Becca is the poster girl of teen angst with her woe-is-me attitude, her all-black wardrobe and her resignation to be the only mature adult when her parents Hank and Karen fall back into their deeply troubled codependent relationship ... over and over and over again.

Jake Harper, 'Two and a Half Men'
Played By: Angus T. Jones
Why He Makes the List: Let's face it -- he was half a man when the show first started and he was 10 years old. Now, seven years later, he's pretty much a full-fledged adult, but they still write him the same laugh-track-inducing, kids say the darndest things lines they always have.

Manny Delgado, 'Modern Family'
Played By: Rico Rodriguez
Why He Makes the List: Manny gets some of the best lines on this hysterical show. Typical Manny observation: "I noticed some lovely tweens down by the kids' club. Maybe we can find a nice spot near them by the pool and send over a couple of virgin mai-tais." Do you know a grade schooler with charisma like that?

Sally Draper, 'Mad Men'
Played By: Kiernan Shipka
Why She Makes the List: At just 10 years old, Sally is sassy beyond her years, can make a mean cocktail and, even though she can't see over the wheel, she has no problem driving a car. What's not to love?

Stewie Griffin, 'Family Guy'
Voiced by: Seth MacFarlane
Why He Makes the List: Um, does plotting world domination and killing your mom count as precocious, or just deeply troubled? This animated baby gets away with murder -- and drinking classic cocktails and breaking out into show tunes -- and that's why we love him.

Kate Gregson, 'United States of Tara'
Played By: Brie Larson
Why She Makes the List: Kate could be written off as an average rebellious teen by casual viewers, but anyone who loves 'Tara' knows that she's a chip off the old dysfunctional block. I mean, did you see her popping balloons for online gawkers this season? She turns precocious on its pretty little head.