Animaniacs is an American animated television series created by Tom Ruegger. It is the second animated series produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment alongside Warner Bros. Animation.
| Animaniacs | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Tom Ruegger |
| Voices of | |
| Theme music composer | Richard Stone |
| Composers |
|
| Country of origin | United States |
| No. of seasons | 5 |
| No. of episodes | 99 (274 segments) (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Steven Spielberg |
| Producers |
|
| Running time | 22 minutes |
| Production companies | |
| Original release | |
| Network | Cartoon Network Teletoon |
| Release | May 13, 1993 – November 14, 1998 |
| Related | |
The show first aired on the Fox Network as part of its Fox Kids block from 1993 to 1995. It moved to The WB in 1995, where the series aired until it ended in 1998. It initially ran a total of 99 episodes and one movie: Wakko's Wish.
Animaniacs is a variety show, with each episode made of several short skits that use a large cast of characters.[1]
Episodes
change| Season | Episodes | First episode | Last episode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 65 | May 13, 1993 | May 23, 1994 |
| 2 | 4 | September 10, 1994 | November 12, 1994 |
| 3 | 13 | September 9, 1995 | February 24, 1996 |
| 4 | 8 | September 7, 1996 | November 16, 1996 |
| 5 | 9 | September 8, 1997 | November 14, 1998 |
Movies
change| Title | Directed by | Running Time | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wakko's Wish | Liz Holzman, Rusty Mills, Tom Ruegger | 1h, 20m | July 16, 1999 (theaterical), January 25, 2000 (Century 2000 Collection) |
Characters and segments
changeThe Warner siblings
changeThe Warner siblings are the main characters of Animaniacs. They appear in the main segments of the show. The Warner siblings are said to be old cartoon characters who were locked in a water tower, where they live. They usually introduce themselves as "the Warner Brothers (and the Warner Sister)".
• Yakko Warner is tallest and the oldest siblings of the Warners. He often talks quickly, and tells most of the show's innuendo jokes.
• Wakko Warner is the middle sibling of the Warners. He has a large appetite, and usually performs body humor, such as burping.
• Dot Warner is the youngest sibling of the Warners. She gives a graceful impression, but can be comically energetic like her brothers.
Pinky and the Brain
change"Pinky and the Brain" segments are about a pair of genetically spliced mice[2] who are trying to take over the world. This segment was later made into a spin-off series, also named Pinky and the Brain.
• Pinky is one of the two central characters in Pinky and the Brain segments. He is good-natured and simple-minded, but he is loyal to the Brain.
• Brain is one of the two central characters in Pinky and the Brain segments. He is very intent on his plans of taking over the world. Brain is the one who often comes up with complex ideas to try to do so.
The Goodfeathers
change"The Goodfeathers" segments are about a trio of pigeons whose behavior is inspired by Goodfellas.
- Squit is the pigeon whose good-intentioned actions usually offend Pesto.
- Bobby is the pigeon who is usually silent, but laughs when Pesto and Squit fight.
- Pesto is the short-tempered pigeon who often starts fights with Squit.
Slappy and Skippy
change"Slappy and Skippy" segments are about two squirrels who often try to outsmart their enemies using classic cartoon slapstick gags.
- Slappy Squirrel is said to be a veteran character who appeared in old cartoons. She is often grumpy, but knows many slapstick tricks from when she starred in cartoons.
- Skippy Squirrel is Slappy's nephew. Unlike Slappy, he is cheerful. He is often a partner in Slappy's cartoon gag acts.
Reboot series
changeA reboot of the series was announced by Hulu in January 2018. It aired starting in 2020, bearing the name Animaniacs.[3]
Other websites
change- Animaniacs on IMDb
- The official DVD website
- Animaniacs at Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012.
- ↑ "'They'll Get It at 8 or at 38": How 'Animaniacs' Introduced a Generation to Comedy". www.theringer.com. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
- ↑ Itzkoff, Dave (2020-11-17). "The Stars of 'Animaniacs' Speak for Themselves". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-03-08.
- ↑ Thorne, Will (2020-08-07). "'Animaniacs' Reboot Sets Hulu Premiere Date". Variety. Retrieved 2025-03-08.