Madeline (1988)
The spirited little girl in the yellow hat brings Paris to life in this cherished animated series beloved by generations of young viewers.
Madeline - Series Information
- Original Title: Madeline
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 2001
- Created by: Ludwig Bemelmans
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Kids, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 65
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 7, 1988 (United States - TV-G), November 7, 1988 (Canada - G), November 7, 1988 (Brazil - L), November 7, 1988 (Mexico - AA)
- Networks: ABC, Disney Channel, The Family Channel
- Alternative Titles: The New Adventures of Madeline (US)
- Production Companies: Cookie Jar Entertainment, DiC Entertainment, Disney Television Animation, Family Channel, CINAR, France Animation, Hi-Tops Video
- Production Countries: United States of America, Canada, France
Madeline - Plot
A young girl embarks on a series of misadventures, causing her friends and teachers to be worrisome. Based on the children's books by Ludwig Bemelmans.
Madeline - Trailer
Step back into the magic of old Paris with this official look at the series:
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Madeline - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ludwig Bemelmans
Main Cast
- Stevie Vallance
- French Tickner
- Andrea Libman
- Christopher Plummer
- Tracey Lee Smythe
- A.J. Bond
- Christopher Gaze
- Michael Monroe Heyward
- Kyle Labine
- David Morse
Executive Producers
- Saul Cooper
- Andy Heyward
- Pancho Kohner
- Michael Maliani
Madeline - FAQs
Is Madeline based on a true story or real books?
Madeline is based on the beloved children's book series by Ludwig Bemelmans, first published in 1939. While the characters are fictional, Bemelmans drew inspiration from his own childhood memories and a stay in a Paris hospital, lending the stories a warmly personal, autobiographical feel.
Who voices Madeline in the animated series?
Two actresses share the role across the series: Tracey Lee Smythe and Andrea Libman both provided Madeline's voice at different points in the show's run. The legendary Christopher Plummer served as the warm, distinctive narrator, giving the series much of its storybook charm.
Where can you stream or watch Madeline?
Madeline is available to stream on Pure Flix, Dove Amazon Channel, and Kidstream Amazon Channel. You can buy episodes on Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home. Free viewing options include Hoopla, while ad-supported streaming is available on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Cineverse, and Tubi TV.
What is the Madeline animated series about?
Set in Paris, the series follows Madeline, a fearless and curious young girl living in a boarding school with eleven other girls under the care of the gentle Miss Clavel. Each episode finds Madeline tumbling into some new scrape or adventure, teaching lessons about bravery, friendship, and kindness along the way.
How many seasons and episodes does Madeline have?
The series ran for three seasons totalling 65 episodes. Season 1 featured 26 episodes, Season 2 had 13, and Season 3 returned with another 26. The show aired from 1988 to 2001 across ABC, The Family Channel, and Disney Channel, making it a staple of children's television for over a decade.
Did Madeline win any awards or critical recognition?
Madeline earned strong recognition during its run, winning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards including Outstanding Animated Program. Its faithful adaptation of Bemelmans' gentle, lyrical storytelling and its Parisian charm won praise from parents and critics alike as a rare example of quality, values-driven children's animation.
Is Madeline suitable for young children?
Absolutely. Madeline carries a TV-G rating, making it appropriate for all ages. The show's gentle humour, positive messages about courage and compassion, and its beautiful Parisian setting make it a favourite for toddlers and early primary-school children, as well as nostalgic adults who grew up with the books.
What shows are similar to Madeline for kids?
If your child loves Madeline, they'll likely enjoy Curious George, Recess, The Backyardigans, and Bubble Guppies for similarly warm, adventure-driven storytelling. For a comparable storybook feel, Mona the Vampire and Jane and the Dragon also capture that blend of imagination, friendship, and gentle mischief that defines Madeline's appeal.
More About Madeline
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