Underdog (1964)
The mild-mannered Shoeshine Boy transforms into a caped canine champion, defending Sweet Polly Purebred from dastardly villains in rhyme.
Underdog - Series Information
- Original Title: Underdog
- First Air Year: 1964
- Last Air Year: 1966
- Created by: W. Watts Biggers
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (20 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 129
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: NBC
- Production Companies: Total Television Productions, Leonardo Productions
- Alternative Titles: Vira Lata (BR), Underdog (US)
Underdog - Plot
Underdog, also known as The Underdog Show, is an American Saturday morning animated television series that ran from October 3, 1964, to March 4, 1967, starting on the NBC network until 1966, with the rest of the run on CBS, under the primary sponsorship of General Mills, for a run of 62 episodes. It is one of the early Saturday morning cartoons. The show continued in syndication until 1973. Underdog, Shoeshine Boy's heroic alter ego, appears whenever love interest Sweet Polly Purebred is being victimized by such villains as Simon Bar Sinister or Riff Raff. Underdog nearly always speaks in rhyming couplets, as in "There's no need to fear, Underdog is here!"
Underdog - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of Underdog's rhyming heroics:
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Underdog - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- W. Watts Biggers
Main Cast
- Wally Cox
- Sandy Becker
- Kenny Delmar
- George S. Irving
- Mort Marshall
- Norma MacMillan
- Delo States
- Ben Stone
- Allen Swift
Underdog - FAQs
What is Underdog's famous catchphrase from the show?
Underdog's most iconic line is "There's no need to fear, Underdog is here!" — delivered in his signature rhyming style. Throughout the series, the hero almost always speaks in rhyming couplets, a charming quirk that became one of the show's most memorable and beloved trademarks.
Is Underdog worth watching today?
For fans of classic animation and superhero parody, Underdog holds a special nostalgic charm. Its gentle humor, rhyming hero, and colorful villains like Simon Bar Sinister made it a Saturday morning staple. While the animation is simple by modern standards, its wit and warmth still resonate with audiences of all ages.
Where can you stream or watch Underdog?
Streaming availability for Underdog varies by region and platform. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, including any subscription, rental, or purchase options currently available across digital platforms.
Who voiced the hero Underdog in the animated series?
Wally Cox provided the voice of Underdog, bringing warmth and gentle humor to the mild-mannered Shoeshine Boy and his caped alter ego. Cox's soft-spoken delivery perfectly captured the character's endearing mix of humility and heroism, making him an ideal fit for the lovable canine champion.
Who are the main villains in Underdog?
The series features two primary antagonists: Simon Bar Sinister, a scheming mad scientist voiced by Allen Swift, and Riff Raff, a gangster-style villain. Both regularly threaten Sweet Polly Purebred, Underdog's love interest, giving the hero plenty of opportunities to swoop in and save the day.
How many seasons and episodes does Underdog have?
Underdog ran for 3 seasons with a total of 129 episodes, plus 6 bonus specials. The original broadcast spanned from 1964 to 1966 on NBC, then moved to CBS, with the show continuing in syndication until 1973 — a testament to its enduring popularity with young audiences.
Did Underdog inspire any later superhero cartoon series?
Underdog was a pioneering superhero parody in animation, predating many similar concepts. Its blend of a bumbling everyday hero with a secret powerful identity influenced later animated series like Darkwing Duck and Freakazoid!, both of which similarly lampooned superhero tropes with humor and heart.
What are some shows similar to Underdog?
If you enjoy Underdog, you might love Darkwing Duck, Freakazoid!, or Krypto the Superdog — all animated series blending superhero action with comedy. For classic cartoon adventure, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987) and Duck Dodgers also deliver fun, action-packed storytelling with plenty of laughs.
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