Ghostbusters (1986)
The animated adventures of two second-generation ghost hunters and their gorilla companion battling the sinister Prime Evil.
Ghostbusters - Series Information
- Original Title: Ghostbusters
- First Air Year: 1986
- Last Air Year: 1986
- Created by: Marc Richards
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Mystery, Animation, Comedy, Kids
- Content Rating (US): TV-Y7
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 65
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 8, 1986 (United States - TV-Y7), September 8, 1986 (Mexico - A), September 8, 1986 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: Syndication
- Alternative Titles: Cazafantasmas de Filmation (MX), Filmation's Ghostbusters (US)
- Production Companies: Tribune Entertainment, Filmation Associates
- Production Countries: United States of America
Ghostbusters - Plot
Jake Kong Jr. and Eddie Spencer Jr. are sons of the original Ghost Busters, and they work alongside Tracy the Gorilla (who also worked with their fathers). Together, they are dedicated to ridding the world of the evil ghost wizard Prime Evil and his cast of henchmen.
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Ghostbusters - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Marc Richards
Main Cast
- Peter Cullen
- Pat Fraley
- Erika Scheimer
- Linda Gary
- Lou Scheimer
- Alan Oppenheimer
- Susan Blu
Writers
- Bob Forward
- J. Larry Carroll
- Rowby Goren
- Martha Moran
- Dennis O'Flaherty
Executive Producers
- Lou Scheimer
Ghostbusters - FAQs
Is Ghostbusters (1986) related to the famous movie franchise?
Filmation's Ghostbusters actually predates the famous 1984 film — it's based on a 1975 live-action Filmation TV series. The 1986 animated show is a direct sequel to that original series, following the sons of the original Ghost Busters. It has no connection to Columbia Pictures' Ghostbusters film franchise.
Who are the main characters in Ghostbusters (1986)?
The show centers on Jake Kong Jr. (voiced by Pat Fraley) and Eddie Spencer Jr. (voiced by Peter Cullen), sons of the original Ghost Busters. They're joined by Tracy the Gorilla, voiced by Lou Scheimer, and face off against the sinister ghost wizard Prime Evil, voiced by Alan Oppenheimer.
Why was Ghostbusters (1986) also called Filmation's Ghostbusters?
The alternate title Filmation's Ghostbusters was used to distinguish this series from The Real Ghostbusters, the rival animated show based on the 1984 Columbia Pictures film. Both series aired simultaneously in 1986, creating significant marketplace confusion — hence the need for clarifying titles in many markets.
Where can you watch Ghostbusters (1986) today?
Ghostbusters (1986) is available to purchase digitally on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. It's not currently available on major subscription streaming services, so buying individual episodes or seasons through these platforms is the most reliable way to revisit this classic animated series.
Who voiced the villain Prime Evil in Ghostbusters (1986)?
The menacing Prime Evil was brought to life by veteran voice actor Alan Oppenheimer, who also voiced Merlin, Fangster, Captain Long John Scarechrome, and Airhead throughout the series. Oppenheimer's rich, commanding voice gave Prime Evil a genuinely theatrical presence that became one of the show's most memorable elements.
How many episodes does Ghostbusters (1986) have?
The series ran for 65 episodes across its single season, which aired in syndication beginning September 8, 1986. An additional 11 special episodes are also associated with the series. That substantial episode count made it a staple of weekday afternoon cartoon blocks throughout the late 1980s.
What is the tone and style of Ghostbusters (1986)?
The show blends spooky supernatural adventure with light comedy, earning its TV-Y7 rating by keeping scares firmly in fun territory. Produced by Filmation Associates, it features the studio's signature limited animation style, colorful ghost designs, and a playful sense of humor that made it a hit with younger audiences of the era.
What animated shows are similar to Ghostbusters (1986)?
Fans of this series tend to enjoy The Real Ghostbusters (1986) for its parallel ghost-hunting premise, The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo (1985) for its spooky comedy tone, Danny Phantom (2004) for supernatural adventure, and Extreme Ghostbusters (1997) for a later take on the ghost-busting genre.
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