Synopsis of Saturday Morning Show

“From beyond any known galaxy, bringing with them the laws and ideals of their green planet, Thundera, come the ThunderCats!”

So began the ominous intro to this popular series inspired by an equally popular toy line. Forced to flee Thundera before its total destruction, the ThunderCats escaped to Third Earth, where they were followed by evil Mutants from the planet Plun-Darr.

The Mutants, led by the reptilian S-S-Slithe, the baboonish Monkian, and Jackalman (whose name speaks for itself), had but one dastardly objective—to obtain the Eye of Thundera, the source of the Thundercats' power. Also hoping to capture the eye was the ageless devil priest of the First Earth, Mumm-Ra.

With the help of a coffin—the evil version of Superman's telephone booth—the decrepit Mumm-Ra could transform himself into "Mumma-Ra the Ever Living!" When he saw his reflection, however, he would quickly revert to his normal stage, then rush back to his sarcophagus to try again.

The benevolent ThunderCats were a motley crew of super felines. There was the straight-laced leader Lion-O, who wielded the Sword of Omens ("Sword of Omens, give me Sight Beyond Sight!"); Tygra, a bolo-slinging architect with the ability to turn himself invisible; mechanic Panthro, who kicked mutant tail with his nunchuks; Cheetara, a super-speedy female with an acrobat's pole; Wilykit and Wilykat, a pair of bomb-tossing mischievous siblings; Jaga, the disembodied spiritual leader of the group; and Lion-O's oddball caretaker/comic relief Snarf. Together, they battled the mutants and Mumm-Ra with enough fascinating gadgets and weapons to keep the toy shelves well-stocked.

One of the most popular Rankin/Bass creations, ThunderCats ran for 130 syndicated episodes, usually at the top of the ratings. And you can still get a group of 80's kids' blood pumping simply by starting off the chant...

"thunder...Thunder...THUNDER...THUNDERCATS...HOOOOOOOO!"

Release History

1985 syndicated

TV Sub Categories

animated
sci-fi/fantasy
action/adventure

TV Studio

Rankin/Bass

Television Cast

Lion-O Larry Kenney
Jackalman Larry Kenney
Cheetara Lynne Lipton
Wilykit Lynne Lipton
Luna Lynne Lipton
Queen Luna Lynne Lipton
Tygra Peter Newman
Wilykat Peter Newman
Ben-Gali Peter Newman
Monkian Peter Newman
Panthro Earl Hyman
Red-Eye Earl Hyman
Hammer-Hand Earl Hyman
Captain Cracker Earl Hyman
Grune The Destroyer Earl Hyman
Mongor Earl Hyman

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