Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)
The classic animated series that launched four pizza-loving, sewer-dwelling heroes into global pop culture — cowabunga!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Series Information
- Original Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- First Air Year: 1987
- Last Air Year: 1996
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Kids
- Content Rating (US): TV-Y7
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 22 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 10
- Number of Episodes: 193
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: December 14, 1987 (United States - TV-Y7), December 14, 1987 (Canada - C8), December 14, 1987 (United Kingdom - PG), December 14, 1987 (Germany - 12), December 14, 1987 (France - 12), December 14, 1987 (India - U), December 14, 1987 (Australia - PG), December 14, 1987 (Brazil - L), December 14, 1987 (Mexico - A), December 14, 1987 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: CBS, USA Network, Syndication
- Alternative Titles: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (DE), Las Tortugas Ninja (ES), Χελωνονιντζάκια (GR), Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles (SE), Teinimutanttikilpikonnat (FI), سلاحف النينجا (United Arab Emirates), TMNT (US), Os Jovens Tarta-Heróis (PT)
- Production Companies: Murakami Wolf Swenson, Fred Wolf Films, Surge Licensing
- Production Countries: United States of America
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Plot
Four turtles fall into the sewers and are befriended by Hamato Yoshi a Japanese man sent to New York who was forced to live in the sewers. One day he sees a strange green glow which transforms the four turtles into human-like creatures. Hamato (now Master Splinter) changes into a giant rat from the green glow and teaches the turtles the skills of the ninja as they team up with news reporter April O'Neil to battle against Yoshi's arch enemy Shredder and Krang, an alien warlord from Dimension X.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Cam Clarke
- Barry Gordon
- Townsend Coleman
- Peter Renaday
- Renae Jacobs
- Rob Paulsen
- Pat Fraley
- James Avery
- Tony Jay
- Bumper Robinson
Writers
- David Wise
- Michael Reaves
- Francis Moss
- Jeffrey Scott
- Michael Edens
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - FAQs
Where can you stream Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987?
The 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series is available to stream on Paramount+ (all tiers including Essential and Premium), as well as via the Paramount+ channels on Amazon, Apple TV, and Roku. Free ad-supported streaming is available on Tubi TV. Episodes can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles based on a comic book?
Yes. The series is adapted from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, first published by Mirage Studios in 1984. The animated series took a considerably lighter, more comedic tone than the original gritty black-and-white comics, broadening the franchise's appeal to younger audiences worldwide.
Who voiced the four turtles in the 1987 series?
The four turtles were voiced by Cam Clarke as Leonardo, Barry Gordon as Donatello, Townsend Coleman as Michaelangelo, and Rob Paulsen as Raphael. These performances became iconic for an entire generation of fans and helped define the distinct personalities of each turtle throughout the show's original run.
How many seasons and episodes does the 1987 series have?
The 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series ran for 10 seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 193 episodes. Season 3 was the largest with 47 episodes, while later seasons were considerably shorter. The series aired from December 1987 through 1996, making it one of the longest-running animated series of its era.
Why was the show renamed in the United Kingdom?
In the United Kingdom, the series was retitled Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles because British broadcasting regulators considered the word 'ninja' to carry violent connotations unsuitable for children. References to nunchucks were also edited out of UK broadcasts. The Hero Turtles branding was used across much of Europe during the show's original run.
What is the content rating for the 1987 TMNT series?
The 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series carries a TV-Y7 content rating in the United States, indicating it is suitable for children aged seven and older. The show features cartoon action and mild comic peril but avoids graphic violence, making it appropriate family viewing. International ratings vary by country.
What genre is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987?
The series blends Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, and Kids genres. While rooted in martial arts action and superhero storytelling, the show leans heavily into slapstick comedy and lighthearted adventure. Its comedic tone, memorable catchphrases, and colorful villains made it a defining example of late-1980s and early-1990s children's animated television.
What are some shows similar to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987?
Fans of the 1987 series often enjoy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003), which offers a darker reimagining of the same characters, as well as Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers (1989), Animaniacs (1993), and Timon and Pumbaa (1995). The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990) shares a similar era, tone, and target audience.
More About Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
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