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AlthoughDisney Channelhas existed since 1983, its slate of original programming only dates back as far as the late '90s, when the concept of Disney Channel Originals started to rise -- gradually overtaking the syndicated shows that originally took up most of the programming grid. In other words, the story of Disney Channel in the 2000s is the very story of how Disney's official TV hub came into its own as a brand.

If you look at the network's original shows from this period, there's a fascinating trajectory from tentative experiments at the turn of the century to more famous, more consolidated hits in the late 2000s, with both the Disney Channel sitcom and the Disney Channel original cartoon taking shape in real time as the institutions they now are. Though it's sometimes held in lower critical esteem than rivals likeCartoon NetworkandNickelodeon,Disney Channel put out...

Have you ever noticed how Tommy fromRugratssounds just like one of the Powerpuff Girls? Or that Scooby-Doo andAstrofrom The Jetsons speak very similar dog languages?

Hollywood’s voice-acting community is full of really talented people who can churn out a bunch of different voices, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally have characters that end up sounding exactly alike (it doesn’t help that this group of performers is relatively small).

To that end, here are 10 sets of cartoon characters whose voices are practically interchangeable…

10 Scooby-Doo and Astro

The Jetsons, which debuted as a prime-time show in 1962, is considered a classic today, but it didn’t gain that status until the 1980s when it re-debuted on Saturday mornings with new episodes. And so, when Scooby-Doo came along in 1969, six years afterThe Jetsonswas canceled, voice actorDon Messickthought nothing of re-using Astro...

Imagine. The year is 1994 and you are a huge superhero fan. You sit down to watch your favorite cartoon show, a thrilling battle of good versus evil. In this week’s episode, Charles uses his mental might to clash with a blue enemy who promises to be his friend.

The cheesy voice-acting and choppy animation doesn’t disrupt the experience. In fact, it makes it better, intensifying the clash between Charles and the blue guy until you can’t take it anymore and you unleash your hero’s battle cry:

“Spoon!”

Because, of course, you’re not watchingX-Men: The Animated Series,nor evenBatman: The Animated Series,both respected superhero cartoons that get ample praise today. No, the Charles in question isBrainchild,a precocious evil pre-teen (voiced byRob Paulsen) who enhanced his intelligence by giving himself a glass covered throbbing brain.

And the other guy is the personification of Mighty Blue Justice,...

Kevin Conroyhas portrayed Batman more often than anyone else, appearing in a variety of animated films, TV series, and, of course, video games. Part of what made the late actor so iconic was his distinctive way of delivering the richness of dynamic dialogue that became essential to the Batman character.

The actor has the ability to turn any line from the Caped Crusader into gold, even lines delivered by other Batman actors. On that note, back in 2017, Conroy spoke withRob Paulsenon Nerdist’s Talkin’ Toons podcast and skillfully narratedChristian Bale’s epic speech fromThe Dark Knight’s climactic scene.

Kevin Conroy (Credit:Gage Skidmore|Wikimedia Commons)

Conroy and Paulsen (voicing Commissioner Gordon) delivered their lines in a single take, approaching the sequence as though it were a radio play.

Even though it is obvious that the scene lacked the polished feel of Conroy’s work...

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Wrath of the Mutants” is a new Raw Thrills video game, based on the 2012Nickelodeoncartoon series, releasing April 23, 2024 for consoles and PC:

“…featuring voice actors from the original cartoon series, includingSeth Green,Sean Astin,Rob Paulsen,andGreg Cipes,reprising their roles, the 1-4 player ‘beat ‘em up’ sees the turtles battle ‘Foot Clan’, robots, and more across New York City.

“They’ll face bosses like ‘Leatherhead’, ‘Bebop’, ‘Rocksteady’, ‘Krang’, ‘Chrome Dome’ and ‘Baxter Stockman’, culminating in a showdown with ‘Shredder’ himself…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

Warner Bros.has been in the news quite a bit this past year. Between talks of possible industry-shaking mergers and the current chaos surrounding "Coyote vs. Acme,"it's starting to seem like the best course of action might be to call up whoever it was that letRyan Goslingdo a photoshoot on top of the Warner Bros. water tower, and kindly ask that they let the Animaniacs loose to cause a little chaos and release the movie.

For the somehow uninitiated, the Animaniacs consist of the Warner BrothersYakko(Rob Paulsen), Wakko (Jess Harnell), and theWarnerSister,Dot (Tress MacNeille), who ruled the '90s with their animated variety sketch series which included shorts centered on equally beloved characters like Pinky (Paulsen) and the Brain (Maurice Lamarche). What separated "The Animaniacs" from its contemporaries wasn't just the biting satire and classic 1930s animation style for the main characters,...

Dive into a delightful adventure with Season 13 Episode 15 of “Curious George”titled “Swimspiration; Museum of George.” Airing at 9:30 Am on Friday, February 2, 2024, on PBS, this episode promises a mix of fun, learning, and creativity for the young and the young at heart.

In the first part, George, along with his friends Allie, Bill, and Vicki, embarks on a journey to explore the various ways different animals swim. Their discoveries lead them to a friendly competition—a swimming race in the pond. The stakes are high as the friends aim to win a treat in this aquatic adventure.

The excitement continues as George visits a museum exhibit dedicated to the legendaryThomas Edison.Inspired by the inventor’s creativity, George decides to create his very own “Museum of George,” showcasing his own unique and imaginative creations.

Tune in at 9:30 Am on PBS for an episode that combines the joy of exploration,...

TeenagerMeg Griffinisn’t only an afterthought to her family (cartoon dad Peter regularly forgets about her existence even when she’s standing right next to him), the character also didn’t appear in the 1995 student film from whichFamily GuycreatorSeth MacFarlanedeveloped his hit animated comedy.

MacFarlane made animated short ‘The Life of Larry’ while studying at theRhode Island School of Designin the 1990s. It featured “loveable but tactless lower middle class” dad Larry, his supportive wifeLois,their heavy-set blonde, baseball-cap-wearing sonMilt,and “incisive, cynical” talking dog named Steve, plus all the cutaway gags and pop culture parodies for whichFamily Guywould become famous… but no super-intelligent baby, and no butt-of-every-joke teenage daughter Meg.

One-off 1997 sequel ‘Larry and Steve’ lost Larry’s wife and son to focus on the talking dog, but by the time of the seven-minute 1998Family Guypilot,...

In this week’s heartwarming episode of “Curious George,”viewers are in for a wild ride as George embarks on an adventure in the lush rainforest. The episode, titled “Sloth; Saved by the Bells,” follows our favorite curious monkey as he sets out in search of a rare orchid. Along the way, George encounters a baby sloth in need of assistance to find its mama. Get ready for a journey filled with excitement and compassion as George uses his problem-solving skills to reunite the sloth family.

But that’s not all! The second half of the episode takes a charming twist when Gnocchi, the lovable cat, loses its new collar. George, always up for a challenge, heads to a bell tower to track down the missing accessory. There, he meets an expert who unveils the secrets behind the big bells and how they create a symphony of sounds. Join George...

This Friday onPBS,“Curious George”invites young viewers to join the playful monkey in Season 15 Episode 14, titled “George and the Rain; George’s Pigeon Predicament,” airing at 9:30 Am. In the first adventure, George’s plans are thwarted by a rainstorm, prompting an exploration into the fascinating journey of rain from the sky to the faucet. Young audiences can expect a delightful and educational escapade as George learns about the science behind rain.

The second part of the episode follows George as he stumbles upon a mysterious creature in the park. Alongside Mr. Zoobel andCompass,George embarks on a discovery about the nature of pigeons, realizing that these birds of a feather truly flock together. The episode promises a perfect blend of curiosity, fun, and valuable lessons for the young audience.

Tune in at 9:30 Am for an entertaining morning with “Curious George,”where the inquisitive monkey turns ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures,...

This Friday at 9:30 Am onPBS,“Curious George”invites young viewers to join the mischievous monkey in Season 15 Episode 13, titled “Country in the City; Stinky Cheese.” In this delightful installment, George’s plans for a country adventure are postponed, prompting him to bring the country charm to the city in his own imaginative way.

As George gathers items to recreate the countryside experience, the episode unfolds with a blend of curiosity and creativity, showcasing the lovable character’s inventive spirit. Meanwhile, in the second part of the episode, George explores the fascinating world of mold on food and discovers the unique qualities of cheeses that are intentionally moldy.

Tune in for a morning of educational and entertaining escapades with George as he turns everyday experiences into exciting adventures. With lessons about resourcefulness, creativity, and the science behind moldy cheese, “Country in the City; Stinky Cheese” promises to captivate young...

In the upcoming episode of “Curious George”airing onPBSat 9:30 Am this Friday, titled “George Bowls a Hole in One; Virtuoso George,” get ready for a double dose of curiosity and creativity.

Join George, Steve, and Betsy as they venture into the world of invention, combining golf and bowling to create a brand-new game. The trio’s imaginative exploration promises a fun-filled adventure that showcases the power of innovation in the world of the mischievous monkey.

Later in the episode, George receives a piano, sparking a musical journey. As he learns a simple tune, viewers are treated to the delightful sight of George embracing the joys of music. The excitement doesn’t stop there – when confronted with a player piano, George takes on the challenge of building his very own musical masterpiece. Tune in for a morning of curiosity, invention, and music with “Curious George”on PBS.

Release...

This Friday at 9:30 Am onPBS,young viewers are in for a delightful adventure with “Curious George”in Season 15, Episode 11, titled “Monkey Mechanic; Seahorses and Wee Horses.” The episode kicks off with George visiting Mick Kannick at his garage, where his natural curiosity and problem-solving skills shine as he transforms into the Monkey Mechanic, fixing various issues that come his way.

As the animated escapades continue, George embarks on a journey to Scotland, where he learns about the elusive seahorse from Uncle Tam. The episode promises a blend of fun, learning, and the signature charm of “Curious George”as he discovers the unique and fascinating world of these captivating sea creatures.

For families seeking educational and entertaining content for their little ones, “Curious George”at 9:30 Am this Friday on PBS is a perfect choice. Join George on his adventures and enjoy the heartwarming and informative stories that make...

This Friday, December 8, 2023, at 9:30 Am onPBS,“Curious George”brings joy and educational adventures with Season 15 Episode 10 titled “Chef Rides a Bike; Face Painting.” In a heartwarming segment, George takes on the role of a supportive friend as he helps Chef conquer the challenge of riding a bike, all in preparation forNetti’s birthday surprise.

The episode not only emphasizes friendship but also introduces valuable life skills, as Chef navigates the ups and downs of learning to ride. In a creative twist, George explores the world of art as he picks up a paintbrush and discovers the magic of face painting. Young viewers can anticipate an engaging and educational experience as they follow George on his delightful escapades, combining valuable life lessons with the joy of discovery on PBS.

Release Date & Time: 9:30 Am Friday 8 December 2023 on PBS

Curious George Chef Rides a Bike; Face Painting Cast – Season...

Join the beloved curious monkey in the upcoming episode of “Curious George,”Season 15 Episode 9, titled “Sneaky Shadow; Peddlers,” airing at 9:30 Am on Friday, December 1, 2023, onPBS.In this delightful installment, George showcases his creativity by using shadow puppets as visual aids, helping his friend Allie share an engaging story at the library.

As Founders Day festivities kick in, George finds himself immersed in the joy of celebration. The episode takes an exciting turn when a truck filled with old-fashioned gadgets sparks inspiration in George and Allie, leading them to embark on their own creative adventure.

With its blend of fun, creativity, and valuable lessons, “Curious George”promises an entertaining and educational experience for viewers of all ages. Don’t miss the playful antics and imaginative escapades of George and his friends at 9:30 Am on PBS.

Release Date & Time: 9:30 Am Friday 1 December 2023 on PBS

Curious George SneakyShadow...

In the enchanting world of “Curious George,”Season 15 Episode 8 invites young viewers to join George and his friends on an exciting Hawaiian vacation. Airing at 9:30 Am on Friday, November 24, 2023, onPBS,this special episode titled “Hawaii” promises a delightful adventure filled with new friends, amazing flora, and fauna.

The story takes an unexpected turn when Hundley, the lovable dachshund, accidentally drifts out to sea, taking George along for a special journey. As they embark on this tropical escapade, the duo encounters vibrant landscapes and fascinating wildlife unique to Hawaii. The episode not only entertains but also educates, encouraging young minds to explore and appreciate the world around them.

Tune in for a morning of discovery as George and Hundley use the knowledge gained from their Hawaiian adventure to find their way back home. “Curious George”continues to captivate young audiences with its engaging storytelling and valuable lessons, making this...

On Friday, November 17, 2023, at 9:30 Am onPBS,“Curious George”offers an entertaining and educational episode titled “Bonus Day; Understudy George.” This beloved animated series continues to captivate young audiences with its delightful adventures.

In the first part of this episode, George seizes the opportunity during a leap year to make the most of his bonus day. Viewers can join George as he embarks on a special journey to do something out of the ordinary.

The second part of the episode features The Man directing a play, with George taking on the role of an understudy. As the story unfolds, George’s curiosity leads him to closely observe all the actors, immersing himself in the world of the theater. However, when unexpected circumstances arise, George finds himself needing to step up and play multiple roles.

“Curious George”continues to offer children engaging and fun-filled stories that promote curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity.

Calling all “Curious George”fans! Episode 6 of Season 15 is on the way. Catch it on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 10:30 Am onPBS.

In this episode, George and his friend Allie have a camping trip planned, but they worry about the snow ruining their adventure. However, things take an unexpected turn, and they end up with a delightful snowy surprise.

Following that, George explores a topiary garden where large leafy bushes are shaped into various animals. This visit sparks his creativity, and he decides to try his hand at creating his own leafy masterpieces.

“Curious George”is always full of fun and adventures. In this episode, young viewers can join George and Allie on their camping trip and discover the joy of turning bushes into art.

Don’t miss this delightful episode that offers valuable lessons and lots of entertainment. It’s a great way for kids to learn and have...

Disney racked up 93 nominations for the second annual Children’s and Family Emmys over their different networks, includingDisney+andDisney Junior.

Netflixfollowed with 61 nominations andNickelodeonwith 30, with AppleTV+ proving itself to be a rising player with 27 total nods.

“We are very proud of the growth experienced in year two of the Children’s and Family Emmys, especially in the development and cultivation of the new categories dedicated to puppetry,” saidRachel Schwartz,director of Daytime and Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, in a statement.

Among the notable actors who received nominations for acting categories included “The Santa Clauses”starsTim AllenandKal Penn,“National Treasure: Edge of History”playerCatherine Zeta-Jones,Gina Rodriguezfor Netflix’s “Lost Ollie,”and various voice performances were recognized for Hollywood vets such asLaurence Fishburne,Jack Black,Tom KennyandRob Paulsen.

Details for the ceremony are slated to drop sometime next week.

DreamWorks Animationhas delivered a Halloween treat: gateway horror series “Fright Krewe”has been renewed for a second season.

Look for the supernatural war brewing in New Orleans to continue when Season 2 comes toHuluand Peacock in 2024.

“Fright Krewe”is Created and Executive Produced byEli Roth&James Frey.The series is also Executive Produced byJoanna LewisandKristine Songco.

In the 10-episode series,” An ancientprophecyand a Voodoo Queen put misfit teens in charge of saving New Orleans from the biggest demonic threat it’s faced in almost two centuries. But, honestly? Saving the world might be easier than becoming friends.”

The first season of 10 episodes recently debuted on Hulu and Peacock on October 2. In my review, I wrote that the inaugural season “offers enough supernatural charm, heart, and whimsy to endearSoleiland her friends to viewers, hoping to see their ascension to full hero in the future.

The animated horror series “Fright Krewe”has been renewed for Season 2 atHuluand Peacock, Variety has learned exclusively.

The 10-episode first season was released on Oct. 2. The second season is expected to launch in 2024, though an exact premiere date has not been set.

The series hails from creatorsEli RothandJames FreyandDreamWorks Animation.According to the official logline, “An ancient prophecy and a Voodoo Queen put misfit teens in charge of saving New Orleans from the biggest demonic threat it’s faced in almost two centuries. But, honestly? Saving the world might be easier than becoming friends.”

The main voice cast of “Fright Krewe”consists ofSydney MikaylaasSoleil,Tim Johnson Jr.as Maybe,Grace Luas Missy,Chester Rushingas Stanley,Terrence Little Gardenhighas Pat, andJacques ColimonasBelial.The recurring cast in Season 1 included:Vanessa Hudgens,Josh Richards,X Mayo,Rob Paulsen,...

In the upcoming episode of “Curious George,”titled “Count on George to Deliver,” young viewers can join George on another exciting adventure. As George sets out to deliver boxes of Sprouts bars in his trusty wagon, he faces a dilemma – he’s missing one of the boxes! Young fans of George’s curious nature will get to watch as he embarks on a quest to find the missing item and complete his delivery.

In the second part of this delightful episode, George takes a journey to an elephant sanctuary in Kenya. However, when a baby elephant calf finds itself stuck in a challenging situation, it’s up to our lovable, mischievous monkey to come to the rescue. This heartwarming tale teaches kids about compassion, problem-solving, and the importance of lending a helping hand to those in need.

Join George on his adventures and enjoy the valuable lessons he imparts in...

Get ready for more adventures with the beloved little monkey, Curious George! In the upcoming episode titled “Locked Out; Bark Suit,” airing on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 9:30 Am onPBS,George finds himself in a couple of sticky situations.

In the first story, “Locked Out,” poor George gets locked out and faces a challenge—learning how keys work! He needs to figure it out quickly, as he’s on a mission to rescue his precious meatballs.

Then, in “Bark Suit,” George turns into quite the explorer. He collects pieces of bark and, to his surprise, discovers a stowaway beetle. But being the responsible adventurer that he is, George knows the beetle needs to be returned to its home. To do so, he gets creative and fashions a bark suit for the journey, using The Man’s jacket.

It’s another day of curiosity and problem-solving withCurious George.Tune in...

In the upcoming episode of “Curious George”titled “A Knight to Remember,” George visits a Renaissance fair and discovers life in the past.

He tries on a suit of armor, rides a pony, and becomes a hero while saving a friend.

This exciting episode will air on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 9:30 Am onPBS.Don’t miss out on George’s time-travel adventure!

Release Date & Time: 9:30 Am Friday 20 October 2023 on PBS

Curious George A Knight to Remember Cast – Season 15 Episode 3 Main CastFrank Welker

Jeff Bennett

Rob Paulsen

Jim Cummings

Lex Lang

Dee Bradley Baker

B.J. Ward

E.G. Daily

Grey DeLisle

Susan Silo

Lara Jill Miller

Kevin Michael Richardson

James Taylor

Tara Strong

Carlos Alazraqui

Jess Harnell

Amber Hood

Annie Mumolo

Rolonda Watts

Kath Soucie...

On Friday, October 13, 2023, at 9:30 Am onPBS,young viewers and fans of the mischievous monkey are in for a delightful treat with “Curious George”Season 15, Episode 2, titled “Curious George and the Lost Puppy; Gnocchi’sPurr-fect Day.”

In the first part of the episode, George lends a helping hand at an adoption fair by looking after a group of playful puppies. However, things take an unexpected turn when one of the puppies manages to escape, setting off a comical adventure for George as he tries to round up the runaway pup.

In the second part, it’s all about Gnocchi the cat, who experiences a little mishap by stepping on a thorn, causing her to be in need of some rest and care. Always the caring friend, George takes it upon himself to ensure Gnocchi has the purr-fect day of relaxation and pampering.

“Curious George”is known for its fun-filled and educational adventures,...

The newDreamWorks Animation10-episode animated horror TV series "Fright Krewe"starsSydney Mikayla,Tim Johnson Jr,Grace Lu,Chester Rushing,Terrence Little Gardenhigh,Jacques Colimon,Vanessa Hudgens,Josh Richards,X Mayo,Rob Paulsen,David Kaye,JoNell Kennedy,Melanie Laurent,Chris Jai Alex,Reggie Watkins,Cherise Boothe,Keston John,Grey DelisleandKrizia Bajos,streaming October 2, 2023 on Peacock andHulu:

"... an ancient prophecy and a 'Voodoo Queen' put misfit teens in charge of saving New Orleans from the biggest demonic threat it’s faced in almost two centuries.

"The team is catapulted into learning about the town’s biggest secret – that vampires, ghosts, monsters and demons are in fact very real..."

Click the images to enlarge...

On Friday, October 6, 2023, at 9:30 Am,PBSwill premiere Season 15, Episode 1 of “Curious George”titled “George Gets Slimed; Seesaw Saturday.”

In this episode, curious little George embarks on two exciting adventures. First, he decides to make homemade slime, much like a slug. The slimy experiment leads to all sorts of fun and mess.

Then, George and his friend Allie head to the Renkins’ farm, where they discover something intriguing—a tippy thing! This mysterious object sparks their curiosity, and they soon learn valuable lessons about balance and weight by experimenting with a seesaw. But what makes this adventure even more entertaining is that they use goats and flying chickens to explore the concept of balance.

“Curious George”continues to engage young viewers in fun and educational escapades. Don’t miss this episode as George’s adventures inspire young minds to explore and learn. Tune in to PBS and join in on the fun!

Eli Roth,the director behind Hostel andCabin Fever,teams up withDreamWorks Animation(Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,The Bad Guys) for a new animated horror series for older kids: “Fright Krewe.”Bloody Disgusting has been provided with an exclusive clip that previews the series’ haunted, creature-filled New Orleans setting.

Watch the series’ first few minutes below, which also gives a peek at the mythical werewolf-like rougarou and read on for everything you need to know!

The new series premieres October 2 onHuluand Peacock.

In the 10-episode series,” An ancient prophecy and a Voodoo Queen put misfit teens in charge of saving New Orleans from the biggest demonic threat it’s faced in almost two centuries. But, honestly? Saving the world might be easier than becoming friends.”

Main Cast:Sydney Mikaylaas “Soleil,”Tim Johnson Jr.as “Maybe,”Grace Luas “Missy,”Chester Rushingas “Stanley,”Terrence Little Gardenhighas “Pat,...

The newDreamWorks Animation10-episode animated horror TV series "Fright Krewe"starsSydney Mikayla,Tim Johnson Jr,Grace Lu,Chester Rushing,Terrence Little Gardenhigh,Jacques Colimon,Vanessa Hudgens,Josh Richards,X Mayo,Rob Paulsen,David Kaye,JoNell Kennedy,Melanie Laurent,Chris Jai Alex,Reggie Watkins,Cherise Boothe,Keston John,Grey DelisleandKrizia Bajos,streaming October 2, 2023 on Peacock andHulu:

"... an ancient prophecy and a 'Voodoo Queen' put misfit teens in charge of saving New Orleans from the biggest demonic threat it’s faced in almost two centuries.

"The team is catapulted into learning about the town’s biggest secret – that vampires, ghosts, monsters and demons are in fact very real..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Eli Roth,the director behind Hostel andCabin Fever,teams up withDreamWorks Animation(Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,The Bad Guys) for a new animated horror series for older kids: “Fright Krewe.”Bloody Disgusting has learned this morning that “Fright Krewe”premieres October 2 onHuluand Peacock, and the official trailer has been unleashed.

Watch the trailer below and read on for everything you need to know!

“Fright Krewe”is Created and Executive Produced by Eli Roth &James Frey.The series is also Executive Produced byJoanna LewisandKristine Songco.

In the 10-episode series,” An ancient prophecy and a Voodoo Queen put misfit teens in charge of saving New Orleans from the biggest demonic threat it’s faced in almost two centuries. But, honestly? Saving the world might be easier than becoming friends.”

Main Cast:Sydney Mikaylaas “Soleil,”Tim Johnson Jr.as “Maybe,”Grace Luas “Missy,...

When it comes to iconic Disney animated characters, Goofy comes up a few notches belowDonald DuckandMickey Mouse.Those two saw massive popularity early on in the company's lifespan, and even got to lead theatrical movies like 1944's "The Three Caballeros"with Donald, or Mickey starring in the" Sorcerer's Apprentice "episode of the 1940 film"Fantasia."Goofy's appeal was different, less wide-ranging, and more eccentric than a perpetually exasperated duck or a blandly kind mouse. You couldn't even tell what species he was, although his longtime voice actorBill Farmerclaims he is a dog.

Goofy eventually did get to lead a theatrical film, although several decades after his 1932 debut. The character was best known for Disney shorts those days, and for his cartoony antics in them. As you could guess from his name, he was careless and clumsy, and his oblivious goofball shtick would often result in wildly elaborate slapstick.

Since the very beginning, absurdity has been the name of the game for "The Animaniacs." Following the adventures of the Warner Brothers Yakko (Rob Paulsen), Wakko (Jess Harnell), and theWarnerSister,Dot (Tress MacNeille), "The Animaniacs" is a beloved variety sketch series filled with innuendos, enough catchy songs to justify its own ranking, timely parodies, and a slew of spotlight characters like Pinky (Paulsen) and the Brain (Maurice Lamarche). Canonically speaking, the characters were first drawn in 1929, which explains their rubber-hose animated style, but were deemed too weird to release and were locked up in theWarner Bros.water tower... until one day, they escaped.

The first series lasted for 99 episodes and the feature-length film "Wakko's Wish," but was given a revival in 2020 to bring the zany antics of "The Animaniacs" to a brand new generation. The show is one of the few in existence to find a way...

One reason that "Batman: The Animated Series"was and remains so beloved was how it embraced case-of-the-week storytelling. This was perfect for showcasing all the different corners and characters that make up the wild world of Gotham City. Such a large cast of characters meant that the series brought in a lot of actors; voice directorAndrea Romanosought actors of all stripes for parts big and small. On the Popcorn & Shield podcast, the lateKevin Conroy(the voice of Batman) described the casting process as thus:

"They were really looking for actors, rather than just voice people. They cast a really wide net. So there were TV people, film people, stage people. Every week going in it was like going to summer camp, the people I got to work with."

Series co-creatorBruce Timm,also being interviewed, agreed with Conroy's sentiment. "Every week there was always some special, you know,...

Take a look at new footage from theDreamWorks AnimationTV series "Animaniacs"Season Three, executive produced bySteven Spielberg,starringRob Paulsen,Tress MacNeille,Jess Harnel andMaurice Lamarche,premiering with 10 new episodes, February 17, 2023 onHulu:

"... 'Yakko', 'Wakko' and 'Dot' return with an all-new season of laughs, songs, pop culture parodies and enough zany antics to fill a water tower.

"'Pinky' and the 'Brain', with their ever ending plans to take over the world journey to the ends of new lands, deserts, and even the space time continuum.

"And while new friends, 'Starbox' and 'Cindy' continue their play date, the 'Warner' siblings must battle their way out of a video game, learn the secrets of being a teen influencer and escape a mad scientist's island... "

Click the images to enlarge...

The folks behind the Screaming Soup!YouTubechannel uploaded a very cool video over the weekend: a 3 hour retrospective documentary that covers the entireAttack of the Killer Tomatoesfranchise, which includes four feature films and two seasons of an animated TV series. Best of all, Screaming Soup! has made this documentary available to watch free of charge, and you can check it out in the embed at the bottom of this article!

TheAttack of the Killer Tomatoesretrospective documentary has the following synopsis: Screaming Soup! Presents the Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Retrospective is the most in-depth documentary ever made on everyone’s favorite red menace from the produce aisle. Busting with clips and exclusive interviews from the Killer Tomatoes creators to their cast and crew over four films and a short lived cartoon series, this epic documentary will be the ultimate resource for killer tomato fans, unveiling...

Before "The Tick,"and before"The Tick,"but after"The Tick,"there was"The Tick,"the short-lived animated series that ran on Fox from 1994 to 1996.

The Tickwas a parody superhero character originally created by cartoonistBen Edlundin 1986. The character was a massive pile of muscles wrapped in a skin-tight blue bodysuit, and sporting a tiny pair of tick antennae on his head. He was incredibly strong, incredibly noble, and not at all bright.The Tickwas just as in love with the iconography of superherodom as he was with committing acts of justice. He would frequently narrate his own adventures. Ironically, his powers and outfit had absolutely nothing to do with pesky, blood-sucking arachnids. When a thug points out tothe Tickthat most ticks have eight legs, he confidently retorts "How do you know I don't?"

In the 1994 "The Tick"animated series, the title hero was voiced byTownsend Coleman,...

Thanks to the massive success of the 1987 animated series "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,"toy companies and television networks were all looking for their own anthropomorphic crimefighting animal franchises in the late 1980s and early 1990s. And when they eventually found them, the results were wild. In the words ofGuns N' Roses,"Welcome to the Jungle."

"Battletoads"was probably the most blatant ripoff."Road Rovers"was another swing and a miss."Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron"had a pretty awesome show, but the toy line didn't deliver as much as the cartoon. Then came"Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa"and"Street Sharks,"which excelled in both areas. But when"Biker Mice From Mars"premiered in 1993, both the show and the toys stood head and shoulders above the rest (but always just belowTmnt). The little kid version of me went nuts for this show, as well as the action...

Animaniacs is returning toHulufor one more season. The streaming service has released a trailer and announced a premiere date for the third season, which will also be the revival's last.

The animated series follows theWarnersiblings -- Wakko, Yakko, and Dot -- on their crazy misadventures, and Pinky and the Brain, two lab mice who plot to take over the world. Featuring the voices ofRob Paulsen,Tress MacNeille,Jess Harnell,andMaurice Lamarche,the 10-episode final season will arrive all at once, on February 17th.

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TheDreamWorks AnimationTV series "Animaniacs"Season Three, executive produced bySteven Spielberg,starsRob Paulsen,Tress MacNeille,Jess Harnel andMaurice Lamarche,premiering with 10 new episodes, February 17, 2023 onHulu:

"... 'Yakko', 'Wakko' and 'Dot' return with an all-new season of laughs, songs, pop culture parodies and enough zany antics to fill a water tower.

"'Pinky' and the 'Brain', with their ever ending plans to take over the world journey to the ends of new lands, deserts, and even the space time continuum.

"And while new friends, 'Starbox' and 'Cindy' continue their play date, the 'Warner' siblings must battle their way out of a video game, learn the secrets of being a teen influencer and escape a mad scientist's island... "

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Previous | Image 1 of 6 | NextLana Parrilla of TV’s ‘Once Upon a Time’ and ‘Why Woman Kill.’

Chicago – The fan gathering conventions are coming back, and a new one has emerged. The 2022 Fan Expo is the new name for the formerWizard World,which had met in pre-pandemic Chicago for years. The Fan Expo offers the same celebrity meet-and-greets, includingJoel McHale( “Star Girl” ),Carl Weathers( “Rocky” ),Ron Perlman( “Hellboy” ),Anthony Daniels( “Star Wars”),Jonathan Frakes( “Star Trek; Tng” ) and directorKevin Smith( “Clerks”).

To gear up for the new Fan Expo, HollywoodChicago.com is publishing – for the first time – a series of Exclusive Portraits from the last Wizard World in 2021. PhotographerJoe Arcewas there, and captured these TV and movie stars that attended the event.

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.

Nic IzziofRed20announced on Thursday that he is developing a new version of the 1980s animated kids show “Rude Dog and the Dweebs,” which is being reimagined as an adult animated series.

The character, created by Brad McMahon in the 1980s, originated as a mascot for Sun Sportswear. In 1989, he got his own animated series fromMarvel Productionsand was part of theCBSSaturday morning line-up.Rob Paulsen,who voiced Yakko on “Animaniacs”and Pinky on “Pinky and the Brain,”provided the voice of the pooch with the rude ‘tude.

“Rude Dog and its brand left an indelible mark on its generation,” Izzi said.” Rude Dog’s story evolves into a satire about the broken institutions which have left behind the working class. Audiences have embraced the wide spectrum of adult animation, from joke-heavy comedies to sophisticated tales of reconstruction, which is exactly the vibe Rude Dog evokes.

Over Savio P. Clemente’s many years as a certified wellness coach, podcaster, and syndicated columnist, he has talked to hundreds of individuals at all stages in their battle with cancer. A Stage 3 cancer survivor himself, Clemente collected 35 of those interviews in his new book, “I Survived Cancer and Here Is How I Did It.”

In an excerpt from his book below — which is available to purchase in hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook editions now, Clemente speaks with voice actorRob Paulsenabout his battle with throat cancer and what got him through it.

This excerpt has been edited for style and clarity.

***

I had the pleasure of interviewing Rob Paulsen. You probably grew up with Rob. Your kids are

growing up with Rob. Name not familiar? What about Pinky from “Pinky and the Brain?”Yakko from “Animaniacs”?Mutant Turtles, who happen to be martial arts experts, named Raphael and Donatello...

Burbank, CA – The early years of the Caped Crusader get a closer examination asWarner Bros. Home Entertainment(Wbhe) brings the fully-remastered The Batman: The Complete Series to Blu-ray for the very first time. Produced byWarner Bros. Animationand DC, the 65-episode box set will be distributed February 1, 2022 by Wbhe on Blu-ray+Digital ($69.99 Srp) in the United States, and a Blu-ray only package ($79.98 Srp) in Canada.

The six-time Emmyâ Award-winning series premiered on September 11, 2004 on Kids’WBbefore eventually shifting toCartoon Networkfor subsequent seasons. The Batman: The Complete Series follows 20-something-year-old Bruce Wayne’s early adventures as he balances his daytime persona as a bachelor billionaire with his nighttime guise as a caped crimefighter. Along the way, Batman is joined by allies Robin andBatgirlas they combat Gotham City’s Rogues’ Gallery, including updated versions of his familiar foes as well as a bevy of rarely...

Hulu’s Emmy Award-winning revival of the ‘90s cartoon classicAnimaniacsis back for a “zanier, brainier, and insanier” Season 2! Executive produced bySteven Spielberg,all 13 brand new episodes will drop on the streaming service on Friday, November 5. “Yakko, Wakko and Dot return for an all-new season of this iconic, family-friendly series with something for everyone: pop culture parodies, musical showstoppers, takedowns of historical baddies…and even some important safety tips,” states the season description. “Join the Warners and Pinky and the Brain as they wreak havoc everywhere they go, from theWarner Bros.lot to an international beauty pageant and all the way into outer space. And keep an eye out for season one favorites Starbox & Cindy, as well as some rejectedAnimaniacscharacters that were left on the cutting room floor.” Hulu Returning for Season 2 are original voice actorsRob Paulsen,Jess Harnell,andTress MacNeilleas the titular Yakko,...

Recently, I had the honor of getting to talk to voice actor Ron Paulsen for about an hour. The point of the interview was to discuss the Animaniacs revival onHuluand a little bit about his autobiography Voice Lessons, but the two of us discussed all kinds of corners of his career. Rob, an incredibly friendly guy who comes off like there’s nothing he’d rather do than talk with a fan, talked up everything from Pinky and the Brain toMetal Gear Solid.

Starting way back in the GI Joe days,Rob Paulsenhas been doing the voice acting thing for decades and his list of credits and characters resembles the pages of a phone book. While he found out about the return of Animaniacs back when the rest of the world did, he later was happy to discover thatSteven Spielberginsisted that the show could...

They’re Animaniacs, and they’re rebooting to the max.

In the first big musical number of the long-awaited reboot to the beloved ‘90s animated series, the three deranged siblings who live in theWarner Bros.water tower — Yakko, Wakko andDot— get caught up on the last 22 years sinceSteven SpielbergandTom Ruegger’s original “Animaniacs”went off the air. Hanging chads,YouTube,climate change, all of it.

That comes with the in-sketch caveat that, given the long lead time on animation production, the show’s writers are penning script in 2018, and therefore don’t know the results of this year’s presidential election. But little did the show’s revivers know that the election would actually be the most predictable event scheduled for 2020.

“We were like, ‘Ok, what’s gonna happen? What are the big events coming up? Let’s write to those,’” “Animaniacs” executive producer and...

The new “Animaniacs,”premiering onHulu27 years after it first debuted and in a world where the iconicWBwater tower recently got anHBOMax makeover, is well aware of what its preemptive critics might think of it. In one of the first new episodes, for instance,Warnerbrothers Yakko (Rob Paulsen), Wakko (Jess Harnell) and their Warner sister Dot (Tress MacNeille) sing a peppy song about Hollywood’s conveyer belt of reboots that ends with them all sitting on a giant pile of cash while the Hulu logo blares behind them in bright neon. In the tweaked opening credits, one of TV’s most enduring theme songs gets pointed lyric updates advising mad nerds to remember that the “Animaniacs”“did meta first,” and assuring the audience that this reboot is appropriately “gender neutral” and “ethnically diverse” for its new era. (Sure.) So while the 1993 “Animaniacs”was aggressively self-aware,...

Orson Wellesis remembered for many things. His narration of War of the Worlds on the radio is legendary. He gave the world the groundbreaking filmCitizen Kane.He schemed to the tunes of zither in the Third Man. He died voicing the planet-eating robot Unicron inTransformers: The Movie.One of the more obscure episodes in his life was when he was hired to record voiceover ads for Findus and their frozen food products.

Yes, it’s one of those things that’s just too weird to exist.

Once upon a time, Welles was tasked with recording lines for a peas commercial and things started to go off the rails. He and the directors didn’t see eye-to-eye, he didn’t appreciate any notes about his delivery, and eventually, he stormed out of the session, claiming that no money was worth this. Somehow, the audio was bootlegged and the...

Tom Rueggerwanted no part of aTiny Toon Adventuresspin-off. The animation vet had created theTiny Toons— kids inspired by the originalLooney Tunescharacters, now learning comedy from Bugs Bunny and friends — but was already burnt out on them when he was asked if he could build a new show around Plucky Duck or one of Babs andBuster Bunny’s other classmates. “We’ve had it up to here withTiny Toons,”Ruegger says he replied. “We’re about cooked on them. Let’s do some new stuff.

Fans of The Tick are in for a real treat later this month. Stars from all three TV incarnations of The Tick are gathering together for charity. The event is set for November 15th, and fans will be able to view it online for a week. Ticket proceeds will benefit food banks across the United States.

Fans ofThe Tickwill see the following appear during the event:

“From the 2016 series:Peter Serafinowicz(The Tick),Griffin Newman(Arthur),Valorie Curry(Dot),Brendan Hines(Superian), andScott Speiser(Overkill).

From the 2001 series:Patrick Warburton(The Tick),David Burke(Arthur), andLiz Vassey(Captain Liberty).

From the 1994 animated series:Townsend Coleman(The Tick),Rob Paulsen(Arthur),Cam Clarke(Die Fledermaus), Jess Harness (Sewer Urchin), andJim Cummings(Mr. Mental).

Along with...