Franklin (1997)
The heartwarming Canadian animated series following Franklin the Turtle through childhood adventures, friendships, and everyday life lessons.
Franklin - Series Information
- Original Title: Franklin
- First Air Year: 1997
- Last Air Year: 2004
- Created by: Paulette Bourgeois
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Kids, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-Y
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (11 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 156
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 3, 1997 (United States - TV-Y), November 3, 1997 (Mexico - AA)
- Networks: CBC Television, Family Channel, Treehouse TV
- Alternative Titles: Костенурчето Франклин (BG), Benjamin (CA), Franček (SI), Morten Skilpadde (DK), Franklin the turtle (UK)
- Production Companies: LuxAnimation, Alphanim, Nelvana
- Production Countries: Canada, France, Luxembourg
Franklin - Plot
Franklin is an Canadian educational animated television series, based on the Franklin the Turtle books by Brenda Clark and Paulette Bourgeois. The television series was named after its main character, Franklin the Turtle. It was produced by PolyGram Television, Alphanim, LuxAnimation, Nelvana, Neurones Enterprises, Reader's Digest for Young Families, TF1, Funbag Animation Studios, Europool, Mini TFO, and Family Channel, and syndicated by Summit Entertainment.
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Franklin - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Paulette Bourgeois
Main Cast
- Richard Newman
- Elizabeth Saunders
- Leah Renee
- Noah Reid
- Kyle Fairlie
- Luca Perlman
- Olivia Garratt
- Shirley Douglas
- Gil Filar
- Al Mukadam
Writers
- Brian Lasenby
- Nicola Barton
- Ken Ross
- John van Bruggen
- Bob Ardiel
Executive Producers
- Patrick Loubert
- Michael Hirsh
- Scott Dyer
Franklin - FAQs
Is Franklin based on a book series?
Franklin is directly adapted from the beloved Franklin the Turtle book series written by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark. The books, first published in 1986, became a staple of children's literature before the animated series brought the little turtle to life on screen in 1997.
What is Franklin the animated series about?
Franklin follows a young turtle named Franklin as he navigates the joys and challenges of childhood — making friends, solving problems, and learning important life lessons. Set in a warm woodland community, each episode tackles relatable topics like honesty, sharing, and perseverance in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Where can you stream Franklin?
Franklin is available to stream on Pure Flix, Ameba TV, Kartoon Channel, Great American Pure Flix, and Sensical, all via Amazon Channel. Episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. Free viewing options include VIX with ads and the Plex Channel.
How many seasons and episodes does Franklin have?
Franklin ran for 6 seasons with a total of 156 episodes, each running approximately 11 minutes. Every season contained 26 episodes, giving the series a remarkably consistent structure across its entire run from 1997 to 2004 on CBC Television, Family Channel, and Treehouse TV.
Who voiced Franklin the Turtle in the series?
Franklin the Turtle was voiced primarily by Noah Reid and later by Cole Caplan. The full cast also featured Richard Newman as Mr. Turtle, Elizabeth Saunders as Mrs. Turtle, Leah Renee as Beaver, and Shirley Douglas as the Narrator, bringing the woodland community to life with warmth and charm.
Is Franklin worth watching for young children?
Absolutely. Franklin is rated TV-Y and designed specifically for young viewers, offering gentle storytelling that builds emotional intelligence and social skills. Its focus on friendship, empathy, and everyday problem-solving makes it one of the most thoughtfully crafted children's animated series of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Where was Franklin animated and produced?
Franklin was a co-production involving studios across Canada, France, and Luxembourg. Key production companies included Nelvana, Alphanim, and LuxAnimation, alongside several other partners. This international collaboration gave the series a polished, consistent visual style that held up across all six seasons of its run.
What are some shows similar to Franklin?
Fans of Franklin tend to enjoy other warm, character-driven animated series for kids. Standout recommendations include Rugrats, Curious George, Oswald, and Bubble Guppies, all of which share Franklin's emphasis on friendship, curiosity, and gentle life lessons in a safe, imaginative world perfect for young audiences.
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