We have arrived at part 3 of the journey into our animated pasts with the decade of our births, the neon clad, big haired 1980's. Now there are so many shows that we watched that first aired in this decade that we have compiled a truly comprehensive list, intros and all, so sit back and literally soak in the nostalgia!
Let's get started........
King Rollo
First Aired
1 October 1980
Channel
BBC 1
Cast
Ray Brooks - Narrator
Synopsis
The adventures of King Rollo, who just wants to have fun, and gets advice on how to do so by the weird and wonderful people of his court.
Why We Love It
By the 80's King Rollo was one of the few examples of the old styles of animation such as that used in Mr Benn and though it may not be the most striking of technologically advanced animation it holds a charm that we loved growing up.
Video from JedisParadise.com youtube channel
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Button Moon
First Aired
8 December 1980
Channel
ITV
Cast
Robin Parkinson - Narrator
Synopsis
Mr and Mrs Spoon live on a junk planet and together they use a rocket to travel across the blanket sky to Button Moon and have plenty of adventures along the way.
Why We Love It
Let's be fair, Button Moon may not be the most technologically advanced form of animation but we would sit mesmerised watching this show, from the theme tune to the characters it was just down right adorable.
Video from r3trojay Youtube channel
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Pigeon Street
First Aired
10 February 1981
Channel
BBC
Cast
George Layton - Voices
John Telfer - Additional Voices
Synopsis
The continuing adventures of the weird and wonderful inhabitants of a typical British road, Pigeon Street
Why We Love It
The final example of the 70's animation style, Pigeon Street carried so much charm for us, we liked this show as the stories were less about imaginative situations and more about real life with stories about the residents getting sick or characters getting presents it felt more relatable and accessible.
Video from sambomci Youtube channel
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Belle and Sebastian
First Aired
7 April 1981
Channel
BBC
Cast
Tôru Furuya - Jean (Sebastian)
Adrian Knight - Sebastian (english version)
Ichirô Nagai - César
Nicholas Podbrey
Hiroko Suzuki - Narrator
Synopsis
The story of a boy named Sebastian and his huge dog named Belle who search across Europe for Sebastian's mom who left him in the French Pyrenees.
Why We Love It
How could we not, a cartoon about the adventures of a boy who finds a huge dog and adopts her, firstly it's adorable, but as a child I always wanted a dog but was not allowed so this story appealed to me. The animation is traditional and beautiful and one of our first examples of long form story telling.
Video from srca1941 Youtube channel
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Postman Pat
First Aired
16 September 1981
Channel
BBC
Cast
Ken Barrie - Postman Pat
Carole Boyd - Mrs. Goggins
Archie Panjabi - Meera Bains
Melissa Sinden - Jess
Kulvinder Ghir - Bill Thompson
Janet James - Julian Clifton
Synopsis
The adventures of Postman Pat and his black and white cat as they work delivering mail in and around the village of Greendale.
Why We Love It
I love Stop motion animation, it has way more charm then standard animation and Postman Pat was one of the shows I loved for this reason. I loved the village where he worked and the inhabitants, all quirky and fun
Video from Hanksterman Entertainment Youtube channel
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Danger Mouse
First Aired
28 September 1981
Channel
ITV
Cast
David Jason - Danger Mouse
Terry Scott - Penfold
Edward Kelsey - Colonel K / Baron Silas Greenback
Brian Trueman - Stiletto
Synopsis
Danger Mouse, the world's greatest secret agent, works to defeat his arch nemesis Baron Silas Greenback with the help of his trusty sidekick Penfold.
Why We Love It
David Jason! We love this guys voice and he would become the voice of our childhood! Danger mouse is a great cartoon with a great main character, a fantastic sidekick in Penfold and funny villain Baron Greenback, the theme tune is now a classic and the animation, though crude in some aspects is so nostalgic, a brilliant show
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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Ulysses 31
First Aired
3 October 1981
Channel
BBC
Cast
Ulysses - Matt Birman
Yumi - Anick Faris
Telemachus - Adrian Knight
Nono - Howard Ryshpan
Shyrka - Kelly Ricard
Zeus - Vlasta Vrána
Synopsis
Travelling through space, his crew cursed, Ulysses and his companions must find the kingdom of Hades in order to return home and save his crew
Why We Love It
We loved the characters in this show as well as a futuristic setting for a classic Greek story plus the animation is awesome!
Video from TVNostalgia Youtube channel
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Dogtanian and the Muskehounds
First Aired
9 October 1981
Channel
BBC
Cast
Dogtanian – Cam Clarke
Porthos – Dan Woren
Athos – Mikey Godzilla
Blue Falcon – Robert Axelrod
Count Rochefort – Dave Mallow
Monsieur Treville – Richard Epcar
Milady – Edie Mirman
Narrator, Duke of Buckingham – Tom Wyner
Synopsis
The story of Dogtanian who moves to Paris to follow his dream of becoming one of King Louis XIII's Musketeers.
Why We Love It
This show is so cute and i adored it, the canine version of Alexandre Dumas' The Musketeers was just so much fun to watch, Dogtanian and Arimis being my favourite characters and Cardinal Richelieu was a great villain, also great theme tune!! This show is well worth a look.
Video From cartoonintros Youtube channel
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The Mysterious Cities Of Gold
First Aired
1 May 1982
Channel
BBC
Cast
Janice Chaikelson - Zia
Adrian Knight - Tao
Michael Rudder - Pedro
Terrence Labrosse - Sancho
Vlasta Vrana - Kokapetl
Matt Birman - Captain Gomez
Maurice Podbrey - Governor Pizarro
Anick Faris - Lana
Shiraz Adam - Esteban
Howard Ryshpan - Mendoza
Kelly Ricard - Narrator
Synopsis
In the 16th century three children from different backgrounds form a strong friendship while they embark on an adventure to find El Dorado, the lost city of gold.
Why We Love It
This show is a classic, a period animation set against the backdrop of the exploration of South America, the show had educational sections which taught us a lot about the indigenous people of South America, artefacts and locations. We love the animation but more importantly we love the characters and the theme tune!
Video from srca1941 Youtube channel
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The Incredible Hulk
First Aired
18 Sep. 1982
Channel
NBC
Cast
Michael Bell – Dr. Bruce Banner
Bob Holt – Hulk
Michael Horton – Rick Jones
B.J. Ward – Betty Ross
Robert Ridgely – Generaal “Thunderbolt” Ross
Synopsis
Banner tries to rid himself of his alter ego when an accident transforms him into the Jade Giant, whenever he gets angry
Why We Love It
This was my Introduction to the Jade Giant and in my first Intro to Marvel itself, the animation may not have been the greatest but I loved the story and the concept and as a result of this show Hulk is still one of my favourite Marvel characters today.
superherocartoonsite
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The Puppy's Further Adventures
First Aired
September 25, 1982
Channel
ABC
Cast
Michael Bel - Duke
Peter Cullen - Lucky
Nancy McKeon - Dolly
Billy Jayne - Petey the Puppy
Tony O'Dell - Tommy
John Stephenson - Father
Janet Waldo - Mother
Synopsis
The story of a group of dogs who travel the country in search of their owners when they accidentally become separated.
Why We Love It
We love dogs, the characters are adorable and the story is sweet, need we say more about this
Video From Sozont Sozont Youtube Channel
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Fraggle Rock
First Aired
10 January 1983
Channel
ITV
Cast
Gerard Parkes - Doc
Steve Whitmire - Sprocket the Dog
Dave Goelz - Boober Fraggle
Jerry Nelson - Gobo Fraggle
Karen Prell - Red Fraggle
Kathryn Mullen - Mokey Fraggle
Synopsis
In a hole in the wall of a lighthouse there is the entrance to an underground civilisation filled with different creatures, The Fraggles, Doozers and Gorgs who all go on different adventures.
Why We Love It
This show holds a special sentimentality to us, it was our gateway to the Muppets and still has one of the best Intros ever, the varying different levels of characters are all so funny from the lighthouse keeper and his dog Sprocket, the Giant Gorgs, the Doozers and the Fraggles. We loved how each episode had a meaning and was able to teach us things while at the same time just be so funny, if you get a chance watch this show back!
Video from retrowhiztv Youtube Channel
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Moschops
First Aired
5 July 1983
Channel
ITV
Cast
Bernard Cribbins - Narrator
Synopsis
The prehistoric adventures of Moshops the Therapid and his dinosaur friends,
Why We Love It
A stopmotion animation show about Dinosaurs! The animation is adorable and the voice of Bernard Cribbins is as soothing as it was in The Wombles, classic
Video From 80sNostalgia Youtube Channel
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Around The World With Willy Fog
First Aired
1 August 1983
Channel
BBC
Cast
Banjô Ginga - Fog
Ichirô Nagai - Dix
Gregory Snegoff - Inspector Dix
Kei Tomiyama - Rigadon
Tom Wyner - Armstrong
Theodore Lehmann - Narrator
Gloria Cámara - Romy
Synopsis
In 18th Century England, Noble gentleman and anthropomorphic lion, Willy Fog makes a bet that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days with his two servants Rigadon and Tico and a Princess Persian cat named Romy.
Why We Love It
Another example of an awesome theme tune and great characters, we would sit for hours watching Fog's journey around the world in the animal version of Jules Verne's classic novel. The popularity of the show would lead to a second season based on a journey to the centre of the earth, this show was widely entertaining, well written and funny and also the animation is lovely.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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He-Man and The Masters Of The Universe
First Aired
5 September 1983
Channel
First-Run Syndication
Cast
John Erwin - He-Man, Prince Adam, Beast Man.
Alan Oppenheimer - Skeletor Man-At-Arms.
Linda Gary - Teela
Lou Scheimer - Orko
Synopsis
The adventures of a prince who, when he holds a sword and shouts a quote, becomes the hero He-Man who battles the evil Skeletor on a giant green Battlecat to protect the planet of Eternia
Why We Love It
A classic cartoon which has become a household name, He-Man was one of the most quotable cartoons we watched in the 80's and with villains as funny (and weird) as Skeletor and Beast Man where could you go wrong? This cartoon spawned a spinoff in She-Ra and a movie in Masters Of The Universe and reboots, showing the popularity of the show.
Video from TVNostalgia Youtube channel
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Inspector Gadget
First Aired
12 September 1983
Channel
First-Run Syndication
Cast
Don Adams - Gadget
Cree Summer - Penny
Frank Welker - Brain and Dr Claw
Don Francks - Big M.A.D Agent
Dan Hennessey - Chief Quimby
Greg Duffell - M.A.D Agent
Patricia Darnot - Sophie
Synopsis
A terrible inspector with bionic gadgets attached all over his body is carried by the investigative work of his niece Penny and her dog Brain as they try to catch the evil Dr Claw.
Why We Love It
I love how inept Gadget was, he was unable to solve a single case and is never quite able to catch his nemesis Claw, but for me the standout for the show was Brains, the ultra smart, ultra cute dog that spent the entire show protecting the dopey inspector.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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The Biskitts
First Aired
17 September 1983
Channel
BBC
Cast
Dick Beals - Scat
Peter Cullen - Dog Foot
Jennifer Darling - Wiggle
Marshall Efron - Mooch
Henry Gibson - Downer
Kathleen Helppie-Shipley - Sweets
Darryl Hickman - Wags
Bob Holt - Bump
Jerry Houser - Shiner
Kip King - Shecky
Kenneth Mars - Fetch
Synopsis
In a medieval forest on an island a group of anthropomorphic dogs protect the riches of a kindly local king whilst an evil ruler and his dogs search for the treasure and hunts the Biskitts
Why We Love It
This show is so adorable, and being cute little dogs put them straight on our radars, the animation was great as were the characters,
Video From CartoonsIntros Youtube Channel
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The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show
First Aired
17 September 1983
Channel
BBC
Cast
Bill Melendez - Snoopy
Brad Kesten - Charlie Brown
Jeremy Schoenberg - Linus van Pelt
Angela Lee Sloan - Lucy van Pelt
Victoria Vargas - Patricia 'Peppermint Patty' Reichardt
Stacy Heather Tolkin - Sally Brown
Michael Dockery - Marcie
Kevin Brando - Schroeder
Synopsis
The day to day lives of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and all of their friends are lifted straight from the comic strips and played on screen.
Why We Love It
Snoopy may be one of the most iconic cartoon characters of all time, adorable and sweet, and we love the other characters like Charlie Brown and Schroeder with their insecurities.
Video From Hanamichikun Youtube Channel
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Dungeons and Dragons
First Aired
17 September 1983
Channel
CBS
Cast
Willie Aames - Hank the Ranger
Don Most - Eric the Cavalier
Katie Leigh - Sheila the Thief
Adam Rich - Presto the Magician
Tonia Gayle Smith - Diana the Acrobat
Teddy Field III - Bobby the Barbarian
Sidney Miller - Dungeon Master
Synopsis
A group of kids are whisked away to a fantasy world when they ride a roller coaster at a fair ground, but they are trapped and must fight evil and find their way back home.
Why We Love It
For me this was my access to the world of fantasy, myth and monsters, it was more relatable than most in the genre at the time as it involves ordinary people thrown into an extraordinary world. The animation was great and the stories as good but the overarching narrative kept us gripped.
Video from TVNostalgia Youtube channel
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Bananaman
First Aired
3 Oct. 1983
Channel
BBC
Cast
Graeme Garden - Bananaman
Bill Oddie - Crow
Tim Brooke-Taylor - Narrator
Jill Shilling - Fiona
Synopsis
When a young boy named Eric eats a banana he transforms into Bananaman, a super strong, flying and slightly stupid superhero who fights crime with the help of his best friend and banana enabler, Crow
Why We Loved It
This show is bonkers with crazy animation, crazy stories and more importantly a crazy concept but it was funny!
Video From Nineteem Eighties Youtube Channel
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SuperTed
First Aired
4 October 1983
Channel
BBC
Cast
Derek Griffiths - SuperTed
Peter Hawkins - Narrator
Jon Pertwee - Spotty
Melvyn Hayes - Skeleton
Roy Kinnear - Bulk
Victor Spinetti - Texas Pete
Sheila Steafel - Blotch
Synopsis
The story of a teddy bear rejected at the factory for being faulty, is rescued by an alien named Spotty who gives him super powers .........
Why We Love It
Another more sweet cartoon in a similar style to Bananaman, the concept is as off the wall but the stories are as good, the characters are fun as are the villains, we loved this show as did others as it endured for a few years after
Video From ExcelsiorUK Youtube Channel
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The Wind In the Willows
First Aired
27 December 1983
Channel
ITV
Cast
Richard Pearson - Mole (voice)
Ian Carmichael - Rat (voice)
David Jason - Toad (voice)
Sir Michael Hordern - Badger (voice)
Beryl Reid - Mrs. Carrington-Moss (voice)
Jonathan Cecil - Reggie (voice)
Brian Trueman - Weasel Henchman (voice)
Synopsis
The Adventures of Toad, Mole, Rat and Badger in and around the Wild Woods and Toad Hall as they encounter fun, other creatures and the villainous Weasels
Why We Love It
Okay I have mentioned it before but i absolutely love stop motion animation and the charm that it has, but the charm of this show is not just in the animation but the voice overs, David Jason (Making his 2nd appearance on this list) is just outstanding as Toad as are the other actors. Though it may not be explosions and flashing lights every minute it didn't need it, it was a different pace, sweeter with more meaning, I could happily sit and watch this show right now!
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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Mop and Smiff
First Aired
1984
Channel
BBC
Cast
Timothy West - Mop
Prunella Scales - Smiff
Synopsis
The show follows a dog named Mop and a Cat named Smiff as they live there lives, in a home video style
Why We Love It
Though the animation may not be the greatest, but we loved Mop and Smiff for was the cute interactions between the two main characters...... and Mop was our favourite!
Video From ferrarimongoose1138 Youtube Channel
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The Trap Door
First Aired
Jan. 1984
Channel
ITV
Cast
William Rushton - Berk, Boni, Narrator, The Thing Upstairs
Nick Shipley - Drutt
Synopsis
Berk the servant to The Thing Upstairs spends his days serving his master and keeping whatever is in a mysterious trapdoor from escaping.
Why We Love It
This show is great, quotable, great characters and more importantly it is really funny! With the stop motion animation and simple stories of escaping monsters this show will have you yelling BUUUUURT before the titles roll! This show remains a classic.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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Pole Position
First Aired
15 September 1984
Channel
CBS
Cast
Lisa Lindgren - Tess
Kaleena Kiff - Daisy
David Coburn - Dan Darret
Jack Angel - Dr. Zachary
Marilyn Schreffler - Kuma
Melvin Franklin - Wheels
Darryl Hickman - Roadie
Synopsis
A stunt car team with artificially intelligent cars secretly fight crime
Why We Love It
With a female lead like She-Ra this show stood out more for us, with great action and characters. A show about crime fighters with AI cars is itself a very 80's concept
Video from TVNostalgia Youtube channel
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Muppet Babies
First Aired
15 September 1984
Channel
CBS
Cast
Greg Berg - Fozzie
Katie Leigh - Rowlf
Laurie O'Brien - Piggy
Russi Taylor - Gonzo
Frank Welker - Kermit
Barbara Billingsley - Nanny
Dave Coulier - Animal
Synopsis
The story centres on the muppets when they were babies in their daycentre watched over by their nanny, they live out stories using their imagination
Why We Love It
Absolute cute, that's what this show is, funny established characters seen in a different (and strange) light. Animal was my favourite and just a standout for the show, so so funny.
Retrowhiz
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Snorks
First Aired
15 September 1984
Channel
NBC
Cast
Michael Bell - Allstar Seaworthy
Nancy Cartwright - Daffney Gilphin
Barry Gordon - Junior Wetworth
Edie McClurg - Mrs. Seaworthy
Clive Revill - Galeo
B.J. Ward - Casey Kelp
Fredricka Weber - Willie Wetworth
Frank Welker - Occy
Synopsis
The adventures of a group of sea creatures who live their lives and protect the oceans.
Why We Love It
A cute concept with a great theme tune, it reminds us of sitting down after school with a cup of tea, peaceful.
Video From Windowshadecure Youtube Channel
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Transformers
First Aired
17 September 1984
Channel
First-Run Syndication
Cast
Frank Welker - Megatron
Peter Cullen - Optimus Prime
Corey Burton - Spike Witwicky
Christopher Collins - Starscream
John Stephenson - Thundercracker
Dan Gilvezan - Bumblebee
Don Messick - Ratchet
Synopsis
Two factions of warring giant transforming robots arrive on Earth after the destruction of their own home planet Cybertron and continue the fight.
Why We Love It
This show was awesome, the perfect tie in for toys but with better character development than any toy tie in deserves, with two factions of Transformers both having standout characters like Optimus Prime and Hot Rod for the Autobots and Starscream and Shockwave for the Decepticons. The animation was great and the overarching story we found so much fun to watch
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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The Family-Ness
First Aired
5 October 1984
Channel
BBC
Cast
Peter Hawkins
Susan Sheridan
Synopsis
Two kids realise that they can summon an entire family of Loch Ness Monsters using special rings.
Why We Love It
One of the first examples of an animation style prevalent in the 80's this cartoon was weird, with two siblings able to call a family of Loch Ness Monsters. The episodes were standard fare but the show always stuck in our heads for just how strange it was
Video From NotBadUK youtube Channel
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Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends
First Aired
9 October 1984
Channel
ITV
Cast
Ringo Starr - Narrator
Synopsis
The adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine and all of his friends who are all different engines, helicopters, carriages and buses that work on the Island of Sodor
Why We Love It
Thomas was a staple for me growing up, the stories were never too action packed more relaxed and calm but they had a moral message for children which stuck with us. A charming children's show that has still endured today, though not in the same format
Video From UnknownThomasFan1 Youtube Channel
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The Little Green Man
First Aired
3 January 1985
Channel
ITV
Cast
Jon Pertwee - Narrator
Synopsis
A Little Green Man and his friend Zoom Zoom descend from space and appear to a young boy and decide to stay, but he is only visible to the boy
Why We Love It
Though we were young when this came out we loved the character of Zoom Zoom, the animation was not the best but the theme tune was catchy as heck.
Video from JedisParadise.com youtube channel
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Thundercats
First Aired
January 23, 1985
Channel
BBC
Cast
Larry Kenney - Lion-O
Lynne Lipton - Cheetara
Earle Hyman - Panthro
Peter Newman - Tygra
Bob McFadden - Snarf
Earl Hammond - Mumm-Ra
Synopsis
Lion-O and his people evacuate their home world of Thundera as it's destroyed and are pursued by a band of evil mutants, crash landing on a planet named Third Earth the Thundercats quickly make friends with the indigenous life like the Roboberbils as they fight against their mutant pursers and the Evil Mumm-Ra The Ever Living
Why We Love It
This show was fantastic the right mixture of action, great characters, great villains, adorable side characters and lovely animation, the show for us was hugely quotable and feels like the 80's! Thundercats earned a reboot in an anime style (quite underrated in our opinion) and a more recent absolute abomination of a reboot in a style that we think sullies the legacy of the show!
Video from TVNostalgia Youtube channel
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The World Of David The Gnome
First Aired
4 March 1985
Channel
ITV
Cast
Tom Bosley - David
Jane Woods - Lisa
Vlasta Vrána - Swift the Fox
A.J. Henderson - Holler
Marc Denis - Pit
Rob Roy - Pat
Adrian Knight - Pot
Synopsis
David and his wife Lisa are Gnomes who travel the world helping animals and protecting the forests of the world from people and the Trolls
Why We Love It
This show is sweet! The animation, though not the most technically advanced is so charming, pretty and relaxing to watch and the overall theme or conservation and environmentalism really stuck with me, but let's never talk about the final episode........ Our hearts can't take it
Video From BenW783a Youtube Channel
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Bertha
First Aired
1 April 1985
Channel
BBC
Cast
Roy Kinnear - Narrator, Ted, Roy and Mr. Sprot
Sheila Walker - Flo
Synopsis
The workers at a warehouse tell stories about the items that Bertha, the companies best machine, produces.
Why We Love It
Yet another awesome stop motion animation the show was small in scale but sweet, the stories again may not have been particularly enthralling but that didn't matter with an art style like this
Video From Youtube
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13 Ghosts Of Scooby Doo
First Aired
7 September 1985
Channel
ABC
Cast
Casey Kasem - Shaggy
Heather North - Daphne
Vincent Price - Vincent VanGhoul
Susan Blu - Flim Flam
Arte Johnson - Weerd
Howard Morris - Bogel
Don Messick - Scooby-Doo
Synopsis
Scooby, Shaggy and Daphne accidentally open an ancient chest releasing 1 ghosts, that they have to recapture.'
Why We Love It
Come on, it's Scooby Doo, it's adorable, funny and entertaining but to top it off it has Vincent Price starring in it! Need we say anymore?
Video From isurukill Youtube Channel
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Star Wars Ewoks
First Aired
7 September 1985
Channel
ABC
Cast
Jim Henshaw - Wicket Warrick
Cree Summer - Princess Kneesaa a Jari Kintaka
Eric Peterson - Teebo
Taborah Johnson - Latara
Dan Hennessey - King Gorneesh
Melleny Brown - Queen Urga
Don Francks - Umwak
Synopsis
The adventures of Wicket Warrick in the years leading up to the Battle Of Endor (Return Of The Jedi) as he keeps his tribe safe from an evil Shaman Morag and the Duloks a race of giants that come from space.
Why We Love It
Regardless of if you liked the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi or not, come on it's a cartoon in the Star Wars universe!! We loved Latara and the villains the Duloks plus the theme tune is great!
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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She-Ra Princess of Power
First Aired
9 September 1985
Channel
First-Run Syndication
Cast
Melendy Britt: She-Ra, Princess Adora
George DiCenzo: Bow, Hordak, Sea Hawk,
John Erwin - He-Man
Linda Gary - Shadow Weaver
Alan Oppenheimer - Skeletor
Synopsis
Princess Adora, Cousin of Prince Adam raises a sword above her heads and becomes She-Ra The Princess of Power who protects the planet Etheria from Hordak and his evil horde.
Why We Love It
With an art style similar to predecessor He-Man it was arguable that this show was better than the former with more rounded characters and a varied villains
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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The Care Bears
First Aired
14 September 1985
Channel
ABC
Cast
Dan Hennessey - Brave Heart Lion
Bob Dermer - Grumpy Bear
Luba Goy - Treat Heart Pig
Melleny Melody - Baby Tugs
Billie Mae Richards - Bright Heart Raccoon
Pauline Rennie - Grams Bear
John Stocker - Mr. Beastly
Chris Wiggins - No Heart
Jim Henshaw - Tenderheart Bear
Synopsis
A group of bears who live in the magical world of Care-A-Lot spread happiness and caring whilst thwarting the plans of generally mean people.
Why We Love It
An enduring franchise that has stood the test of time, We loved the bright cheerful nature of the show, the characters are each as adorable as the last.
Video From cartooninpictures Youtube Channel
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Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears
First Aired
14 September 1985
Channel
ITV
Cast
June Foray - Grammi Gummi
Noelle North - Cubbi Gummi
Lorenzo Music - Tummi Gummi
Katie Leigh - Sunni Gummi
Corey Burton - Gruffi Gummi
Michael Rye - Duke Igthorn
Will Ryan - Ogres
Paul Winchell - Zummi Gummi
Brian Cummings - Sir Tuxford
Synopsis
A group of Bears who live in a magical and technically advanced hollowed out tree called Gummi-Glen as a community they have to remain secret from the many people trying to find them and their secrets
Why We Love It
I loved this show, featured on The Disney Club in the late 80's and my gateway into Disney cartoons, the animation was fantastic, I loved the characters and the villains and the stories were fun, there is also a possibility that the show could be brought back proving its legacy.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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MASK
First Aired
16 September 1985
Channel
CBS
Cast
Doug Stone - Matt Trakker
Mark Halloran - Sly Rax
Brendan McKane - Miles Mayhem
Graeme McKenna - T-Bob
Sharon Noble - MASK Computer
Brennan Thicke - Scott Trakker
Synopsis
A man assembles a crack team of drivers naming themselves M.A.S.K (Mobile Armoured Strike Kommand) and sets out to get revenge against Miles Mayhem and his own nefarious team V.E.N.O.M.) (Vicious Evil Network Of Mayhem) who caused his brother's death
Why We Love It
Well firstly M.A.S.K. Stands for Mobile Armored Strike Kommand and with spelling like that you have to take notice, secondly the team was led by a guy called Matt Trakker (a very 80's hero name) and thirdly the criminal organisation they fight is called V.E.N.O.M. Which stood for Vicious Evil Network Of Mayhem, seriously how 80's is that!!
Video from TVNostalgia Youtube channel
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Jimbo and the Jet Set
First Aired
6 January 1986
Channel
BBC
Cast
Peter Hawkins
Susan Sheridan - Jimbo
Synopsis
The adventures of anthropomorphic airport vehicles as they go about their day at the airport.
Why We Love It
Another example of the 80's animation style with varying planes and automobiles found at airports anthropomorphised, the stories were quick and unimpressive but the animation was cute and Jimbo was adorable!
Video From Slurpy Studios Animation Youtube Channel
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The Telebugs
First Aired
6 January 1986
Channel
CITV
Cast
Ron Moody - Various Roles
Susan Westerby - Various Roles
Synopsis
C.H.I.P. (Coordinated Hexadecimal Information Processor), S.A.M.A.N.T.H.A. (Solar Activated Micro Automated Non-inTerference Hearing Apparatus), B.U.G. (Binary Unmanned Gamma camera) and M.I.C. (Mobile Independent Camera) are created to battle an array of enemies.
Why We Love It
Again not the most technologically advanced animation but another bright and cheerful entry to our childhood list made us smile every time it was on.
Video From CultKidsTV Youtube Channel
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The Raggy Dolls
First Aired
3 April 1986
Channel
ITV
Cast
Neil Innes - Narrator
Synopsis
A group of toys considered rejects and thrown into a bin but they come alive and have lots of adventures
Why We Love It
A children's classic cartoon which teaches kids about acceptance, the animation though not the best is made up for by the cute characters
Video from r3trojay Youtube channel
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Jayce and the wheeled warriors
First Aired
27 April 1986
Channel
Channel 4
Cast
Ernie Anderson - Narrator
Darrin Baker - Jayce
Jean Chalopin - Narrator
Gilles Guillot - Herc
Gilles Tamiz - Oon
Pierre Garin - Diskor
Synopsis
A man and his team must fight against the evil forces of the villain Sawboss while searching for his father.
Why We Love It
A great action show with a fantastic story set against a classic good versus evil battle, the villains, the Monster Minds were inventive and entertaining and also the animation is great.
Video from TVNostalgia Youtube channel
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Pingu
First Aired
28 May 1986
Channel
BBC
Cast
N/A
Synopsis
The adventures of a young Penguin, his parents, little brother, his friends one of which is a seal
Why We Love It
Okay it is insane how cute this show was, fantastic stop motion animation with no actual dialogue only adorable little noises from the characters that kids still attempt to replicate today, this show endured for many years and is still shown 30 years later.
Video From Sprechstunde24 Youtube Channel
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The Californian Raisins Show
First Aired
June 19, 1986
Channel
CBS
Cast
Cam Clarke - Beebop
Brian Cummings - Lick Broccoli
Jim Cummings - Rudy Bagaman
Rebecca Gilchrist - Shirelle
Dorian Harewood - A.C.
Gaille Heideman - Lulu Arborman
Michele Mariana - Dixie
Brian Stokes Mitchell - Stretch
Willard E. Pugh - Red
Cree Summer - Crystal
Synopsis
A cartoon based on claymation ads for Californian Raisins about a band of fruit who every episode, sing and perform
Why We Love It
A mixture of standard 2D animation and stop motion animation, I loved the characters and the music so much.
Video From Michael D. Youtube Channel
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Filmations Ghostbusters
First Aired
8 September 1986
Channel
first-run syndication
Cast
Pat Fraley - Jake Kong Jr.
Peter Cullen - Eddie Spenser Jr.
Alan Oppenheimer - Prime Evil
Linda Gary - Apparitia
Lou Scheimer - Tracy the Gorilla
Synopsis
Two Paranormal Investigators and their pet gorilla fight against the evil wizard Prime Evil and eliminate ghosts along the way
Why We Love It
Okay I am not sure if this cartoon was ever shown in the UK or not but I remember having a VHS that my parents bought for me possibly because they thought it was The Real Ghostbusters but either way this cartoon is weird, a strange concept with off the wall characters (including a gorilla) and an interesting art style so strange yet fun.
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The Real Ghostbusters
First Aired
13 September 1986
Channel
ITV
Cast
Frank Welker - Dr. Raymond Stantz
Maurice LaMarche - Dr. Egon Spengler1986-1991
Arsenio Hall - Winston Zeddemore
Lorenzo Music - Dr. Peter Venkman
Laura Summer - Janine Melnitz
Synopsis
The continuing adventures of the Ghostbusters now with Slimer as their pet as they bust a wide array of new and weird creatures
Why We Love It
Now this show is a true classic, based on one of my favourite movies, I watched the heck out of it and had several of the VHS tapes and endless toys, the voice overs were fantastic (I loved Slimer's voice), the animation was brilliant and I loved that they got to flesh out a lot more of the characterisation then what they had time for in the movies, great viewing and super fun.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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Galaxy High
First Aired
13 September 1986
Channel
CBS
Cast
Susan Blu - Aimee Brightower
Pat Carroll - Ms. Biddy McBrain
Nancy Cartwright - 'Flat Freddy' Fender
Guy Christopher - Earl Eccchhh
Gino Conforti - Ollie Oilslick
Jennifer Darling - Booey Bubblehead
Pat Fraley - Coach Frogface
Henry Gibson - Aimee's Locker
David L. Lander - Milo De Venus
Danny Mann - Creep
Howard Morris - Luigi La Bounci
Hal Rayle - Doyle Cleverlobe
Neil Ross - Rotten Roland
John Stephenson - Beef Bonk
Synopsis
Two students from Earth one a popular jock the other a reclusive book worm are accepted into a high school consisting of the galaxies many different Aliens but they have a role reversal with the jock becoming unpopular and the Bookworm the most popular in school.
Why We Love It
A strange one this, as the concept is out there, it was a short lived show but with the bright colours, great characters and fun storylines it stuck in our heads, there were also strong storylines tackled in the show such as the dangers of drug use which stood out for me. This show could be brought back today and feel at home (as long as it is not CGI).
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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Dennis The Menace (US)
First Aired
22 September 1986
Channel
CBS
Cast
Brennan Thicke - Dennis Mitchell
Jeannie Elias - Joey McDonald
Marilyn Lightstone - Martha Wilson
Phil Hartman - George Wilson
Synopsis
The adventures of a young boy and his dog as they wind up their neighbour Mr Wilson, intentionally and sometimes unintentionally
Why We Love It
Another classic cartoon, which was episodic so with no overarching storyline it was one chaotic experience after the next, I never got tired with watching Dennis antagonise his poor neighbour Mr Wilson.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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The Ratties
First Aired
1987
Channel
ITV
Cast
Spike Milligan - Narrator
Synopsis
The adventures of a family of Rats who live in the walls of a country house, they spend their days mimicking the humans next door.
Why We Love It
Not the best animation but this cartoon was funny and the concept was great, also being narrated by comedy legend Spike Milligan gave the show a unique bonus
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The Raccoons
First Aired
4th March 1987
Channel
BBC
Cast
Michael Magee - Cyril Sneer
Len Carlson - Bert Raccoon
Marvin Goldhar - Cedric Sneer
Bob Dermer - Ralph Raccoon
Geoffrey Winter - Narrator
Nick Nichols - Pig One
Susan Roman - Melissa Raccoon
Sharon Lewis - Broo
Synopsis
The adventures of a group of raccoon friends who protect their home in the 100 Acre Wood from their friends industrialist father who wants to tear it down for money.
Why We Love It
This is my childhood right here, I watched this show for hours and we still own DVDs to this day, the characters are adorable and so likeable, like Burt Racoon and Cedric and the villains in Cyril Sneer and the pigs are memorable and funny in there own rights plus the themes of environmentalism and conservation stood out as a strong theme without ramming it down your throat, also the music!! Sweet Goodness me the music is awesome in this show!
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Once Upon a Time...Life
First Aired
13th September 1987
Channel
Channel 4
Cast
Roger Carel - Maestro
Marie-Laure Beneston - Psi
Josef Meinrad - Narrator
Synopsis
The inner workings of the human body is described to the viewer through animations.
Why We Love It
A strange cartoon that we used to watch early in a Saturday morning, the show (which was actually the 3rd season of the show) chronicled how the body worked in a way that we found accessible and entertaining to watch, with the functions of the body represented by cute animations and characters stuck in our minds more than anything.
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BraveStarr
First Aired
14 September 1987
Channel
TCC
Cast
Pat Fraley - Marshal BraveStarr
Erika Scheimer - 'Erbert
Susan Blu - Judge J.B. McBride
Lou Scheimer - Doc Clayton
Alan Oppenheimer - Handlebar
Charlie Adler - Deputy Fuzz
Ed Gilbert - Thirty-Thirty
Synopsis
An American Marshall and his anthropomorphic Horse keep the peace and maintain the law and justice on an outlaw planet of New Texas, light years from Earth
Why We Love It
I love the animation on this show, it screams 80's and with the anthropomorphic sidekick that could switch from a regular horse to a bi pedal gun slinger was so much fun to watch and again in the vein of most shows in that era there was a moral story to each episode.
Video from TVNostalgia Youtube channel
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Ducktales
First Aired
18 September 1987
Channel
CITV
Cast
Alan Young - Scrooge McDuck
Russi Taylor - Huey Duck, Dewey Duck, Louie Duck
Chuck McCann - Duckworth
Terence McGovern - Launchpad McQuack
Frank Welker - Bigtime Beagle
Hal Smith - Gyro Gearloose
Joan Gerber - Mrs. Bentina Beakley
Synopsis
The globetrotting adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his nephews Huey, Louie and Dewey as he tries to bolster his riches.
Why We Love It
Yet another classic 80's Disney show, this time following one of my favourite characters, Scrooge McDuck and his nephews Huey, Luey and Dewey as they travel the world looking for more ways to make Scrooge even richer, the show was so funny and side characters like Launchpad McQuack are just standouts, I had everything from toys to videogames about this franchise, I loved it!
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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Fireman Sam
First Aired
17 November 1987
Channel
BBC
Cast
John Alderton - Narrator & Character voices
Synopsis
The adventures of Fireman Sam and his team who help and rescue the residents of Pontypandy.
Why We Love It
Stop motion animation returns yet again with another fantastic show this time following the adventures of a fireman around a small town full of eccentrics, I loved this show and being the son of a fireman I found it strangely relatable.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
First Aired
28 December 1987
Channel
BBC
Cast
Cam Clarke - Leonardo
Townsend Coleman - Michelangelo
Barry Gordon - Donatello
Rob Paulsen - Raphael
Peter Renaday - Splinter
Renae Jacobs - April O'Neil
Pat Fraley - Krang
James Avery - Shredder
Synopsis
4 turtles fall into the sewer following an accident and are exposed to a mutagen turning them and a rat it humanoid fighters who fight against a ninja master a brain warlord and an army of mutants.
Why We Love It
My favourite comic book franchise if all time was immortalised in the 80's with this silly, entertaining and fun cartoon with great characters, both main and recurring and just brilliant villains in Shredder, Krang, Bebop and Rocksteady, this show had longevity too, it ran until the late nineties and earning itself 6 Movies and 3 reboots, 1 good, 1 okay and 1 not so good, proving its popularity.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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The Tube Mice
First Aired
August 1988
Channel
CITV
Cast
George Cole - Vernon
Dennis Waterman - Toaster
Sheila Hyde - Bubble
Rupert Farley - Squeak
Synopsis
The day to day lives of a group of mice who live on the underground beneath Oxford Circus in London.
Why We Love It
This show would never win awards for its animation but we lived the cartoon shorts and the idea that an entire civilisation of mice lived just below our feet really appealed to us, and with the voice over of Minders two leads, George Cole and Dennis Waterman it had a distinct quality to it.
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Count Duckula
First Aired
6 September 1988
Channel
ITV
Cast
David Jason - Count Duckula
Jack May - Igor
Brian Trueman - Nanny
Barry Clayton - Narrator
Synopsis
Whilst trying to bring his Vampire master back from the dead Igor accidentally uses ketchup instead of blood in the ritual turning Duckula into a soft vegetarian cry baby.
Why We Love It
David Jason returns to our ears this time as yet another cartoon animal, now the voice of a vegetarian vampire Mallard named Count Duckula, this show in the same vein as Danger Mouse had similar art styles and humour, I would love another season of this.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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Slimer! And the Real Ghostbusters
First Aired
10 September 1988
Channel
American Broadcasting Company
Cast
Frank Welker - Slimer and Ray Stantz
Dave Coulier - Peter Venkman
Maurice LaMarche - Egon Spengler
Buster Jones - Winston Zeddemore
Kath Soucie - Janine Melnitz
Synopsis
The continuation of The Real Ghostbusters Cartoon show when studio executives decided to base the show more around Slimer promoting him from a secondary character to main character the story follows Slimer as he helps the Ghostbusters clean New York City of their ghost problems.
Why We Love It
The show was a natural progression of the original Real Ghostbusters show, which shifted the focus from the Ghostbusters to their spectral friend Slimer and how the episodes affected him, the animation evolved also as the years progressed, is it as good as the Real Ghostbusters, I'm not sure but did we love it, heck yes!
Video From superherocartoonsite Youtube Channel
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Stoppit and Tidyup
First Aired
12 September 1988
Channel
BBC
Cast
Sir Terry Wogan - Narrator
Synopsis
Two Friends, Stop It and Tidy live in the world of Do As Your Told and interact with strange individuals and deal with even stranger situations.
Why We Love It
This show was adorable, with cute animation and strange characters but the stand out feature for us was the quality vocals from Sir Terry Wogan voice of Eurovision which added a new layer to this show's entertainment value.
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Garfield and Friends
First Aired
17 September 1988
Channel
ITV
Cast
Lorenzo Music - Garfield
Thom Huge - Jon Arbuckle
Gregg Berger - Odie
Howard Morris - Wade Duck
Frank Welker - Bo
Julie Payne - Lanolin
Desirée Goyette - Nermal
Synopsis
The animated version of the Jim Davis Cartoon panels with a cartoon featurette of Orsons Farm
Why We Love It
This was a great show for the reason that it was two shows in one, Garfield, one of my favourite comic strips growing up and Orsons Farm which had more characters and situations that allowed the show to move outside of the Insular setting that Garfield had.
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Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers
First Aired
4 March 1989
Channel
ITV
Cast
Tress MacNeille - Chip and Gadget
Corey Burton - Dale
Peter Cullen - Monterey Jack
Jim Cummings - Monteray Jack
Synopsis
Chip and Dale now detectives, utilise their team consisting of Gadget (the tech savvy mouse) and Monteray Jack (a cheese obsessed lunatic) to fight crime.
Why We Love It
Another Disney reimagining of classic characters with Chip and Dale now leaders of a crime fighting team named the rescue rangers, I loved the animation on this show and the characters were great too, Monterey Jack being a standout for us.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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Babar
First Aired
28 March 1989
Channel
BBC
Cast
Lisa Jai - Isabelle
Corrine Koslo - Lady Rataxes
Sandy Winsby - Babar
Gordon Pinsent - King Babar
Dawn Greenhalgh - Queen Celeste
Stuart Stone - Alexander
Elizabeth Hanna - The Old Lady
Chris Wiggins - Cornelius
Stephen Ouimette - Pompadour
Synopsis
Babar, the King of the Elephants recounts his life and interactions through bedtime stories to his children
Why We Love It
This show is cute with stories really well told, as Babar reads the stories to his children and the flashbacks begin you get a sense for just how adorable this show is. Babar again is a show that has endured for a long time.
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TUGS
First Aired
4 April 1989
Channel
ITV
Cast
Patrick Allen - Captain Star
Simon Nash - Ten Cents
Shaun Prendergast - Sunshine
Nigel Anthony - Warrior
John Baddeley - Top Hat
Sean Barrett - Big Mac
Timothy Bateson - O.J.
Synopsis
The story centres around two teams of Tug Boats who try to beat each other in everyday work and fun!
Why We Love It
In a similar vein to Thomas The Tank Engine I loved this show as it followed two teams of Tug boats as they compete to see who is better, though the show did not last that long, the characters were great and the stories were fun but being models with actual sets this show had a quality that was just so beautiful to watch.
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Huxley Pig
First Aired
5 June 1989
Channel
ITV
Cast
Martin Jarvis - Narrator
Synopsis
Huxley Pig spends every day dreaming, with his suitcase full of clothes he dresses up in a wide variety of outfits and wonders what it would be like to live that life.
Why We Love It
A stop motion 80's version on the same concept used in Mr Benn, every episode Huxley Pig would dress up in different costumes and imagine what it would be like if he lived that life, the animation is adorable with the show being brought to life with stop motion animation
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The Super Mario Super Show
First Aired
4 September 1989
Channel
First-run syndication
Cast
Lou Albano - Mario
Harvey Atkin - King Koopa
John Stocker - Toad
Danny Wells - Luigi
Jeannie Elias - Princess Toadstool
Synopsis
Mario, Luigi, Toad and Princess Toadstool fight the evil Bowser as they embark on various adventures
Why We Love It
I loved this show because it was based on one of my favourite video games growing up, the animation seemed a little rushed but the voiceovers were great, the nostalgia this holds for me is immense.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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Beetlejuice
First Aired
9 September 1989
Channel
ITV
Cast
Stephen Ouimette - Beetlejuice
Alyson Court - Lydia Deetz
Synopsis
The continuing adventures of the Bio-Excorcist Con Artist Beetlejuice and his former haunted human now friend Lydia
Why We Love It
The movie was such a madcap slice of macabre that you would expect the show to have been toned down for the kids but oddly it still has that quality about it, yeah obviously they can't make she show as scary as the movie but they have given depth to a character that was there solely to surprise.
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Penny Crayon
First Aired
14 September 1989
Channel
BBC
Cast
Su Pollard - Penny Crayon
Peter Hawkins - Dennis
Synopsis
The adventures of a schoolgirl who can make her drawings come to life with her magic pencils.
Why We Love It
A cartoon in the same animation style of Family Ness, this cartoon about a girl that could create anything from drawing and it would come to life for me I loved, as I love to draw myself.
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The Poddington Peas
First Aired
14 September 1989
Channel
BBC
Cast
Neil Pearson - Narrator
Synopsis
The adventures of a village of humanoid peas who live at the bottom of a regular garden.
Why We Love It
The theme tune to this still rattles around in my head today, the cartoon itself though not the best animation i loved the characters with all names that are the variation of peas, very strange yet entertaining.
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Dink The Little Dinosaur
First Aired
16 September 1989
Channel
ITV
Cast
R.J. Williams - Dink
Anndi McAfee - Amber
S. Scott Bullock - Flapper
Frank Welker - Crusty
Ben Ryan Ganger - Shyler
Synopsis
The adventures of Dink and his friends, Amber, Scat, Shyler and Flapper as they play in and around their home of Green Meadow
Why We Love It
This cartoon was so cool for me, I was a huge fan of Dinosaurs growing up so I instantly loved this, but I found the characters more likeable and entertaining than the equivalent franchise that has lasted much longer, The Land Before Time.
Video from CartoonIntros Youtube channel
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Rude Dog and the Dweebs
First Aired
16 September 1989
Channel
BBC
Cast
Rob Paulsen - Rude Dog
Dave Coulier - Barney
Peter Cullen - Herman
Jim Cummings - Satch
Ellen Gerstell - Gloria
Hank Saroyan - Tweek
Mendi Segal - Reggie
Frank Welker - Caboose
Synopsis
A pink Cadillac driving stray dog cruises around Beverley Hills with his friends whilst trying to evade the dog catcher
Why We Love It
What is not to like about a sunglasses wearing dog who travels around the city with his friends in the back of a bright pink Cadillac? Nuff said....
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The Simpsons
First Aired
17 December 1989
Channel
Sky One
Cast
Dan Castellaneta - Homer Simpson
Nancy Cartwright - Bart Simpson
Julie Kavner - Marge Simpson
Yeardley Smith - Lisa Simpson
Harry Shearer - Ned Flanders
Synopsis
A show foccussing on the day to day misadventures of a dysfunctional family, the clumsy, stupid alcoholic father, stressed mom, rebellious son, super smart daughter and silent baby
Why We Love It
Okay what can we say about the landmark animated sitcom that is the Simpsons, hilarious, relatable ,well written, well animated and great characters, though it can be said that the quality of the show has dipped after the 10th season, any show would if you have been on the air for 30 years!
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So that's part 3, let us know what you think and let us know if there are any shows that we happened to miss because let's be fair this was 30 years ago, we can't remember them all!
Stay tuned for part 4 the 1990's and remember........
Stay Floaty!
