The Smurfs (1981)
The beloved Saturday-morning animated classic that brought Peyo's tiny blue comic-book heroes to millions of television screens worldwide.
The Smurfs - Series Information
- Original Title: The Smurfs
- First Air Year: 1981
- Last Air Year: 1989
- Created by: Peyo
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Family, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Kids, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-Y
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 17 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 9
- Number of Episodes: 422
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 12, 1981 (United States - TV-G), September 12, 1981 (Canada - C8), September 12, 1981 (United Kingdom - PG), September 12, 1981 (Germany - 0), September 12, 1981 (France - 16), September 12, 1981 (India - U), September 12, 1981 (Australia - G), September 12, 1981 (Brazil - L), September 12, 1981 (Mexico - AA), September 12, 1981 (Spain - TP), September 12, 1981 (South Korea - ALL)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: Els pitufets (ES), 개구장이 스머프 (KR), Smrkci (SI), Os Estrumpfes (PT), Smurfid (EE), السنافر (SA), නිල් කුරුමිට්ටෝ (LK), Hupikék Törpikék (HU)
- Production Companies: SEPP International, Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Dupuis
- Production Countries: Belgium, United States of America, France
The Smurfs - Plot
Classic Saturday-morning cartoon series featuring magical blue elf-like creatures called Smurfs. The Smurfs, named for their personalities, inhabit a village of mushroom houses in an enchanted forest. These loveable creatures are led by Papa Smurf and live carefree... except for one major threat to their existance: Gargamel, an evil but inept wizard who lives in a stone-built house in the forest; and his feline companion, the equally nasty Azrael.
The Smurfs - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the enchanted Smurf village adventure.
Where to Watch The Smurfs
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The Smurfs - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Peyo
Main Cast
- Don Messick
- Lucille Bliss
- Frank Welker
- Michael Bell
- June Foray
- Paul Winchell
- Danny Goldman
- Hamilton Camp
- William Callaway
Writers
- Michael Reaves
- Len Janson
- Chuck Menville
- Sean Catherine Derek
- Glenn Leopold
The Smurfs - FAQs
Where can you watch The Smurfs TV series?
The Smurfs is available to stream free with ads on Tubi TV. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. The series is additionally available through Philo as part of a flat-rate subscription package.
Is The Smurfs based on a comic book?
Yes. The Smurfs is based on the Belgian comic series Les Schtroumpfs, created by cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford). The comics first appeared in 1958 in the Belgian magazine Le Journal de Tintin before the characters became a global animated phenomenon.
Who voiced Papa Smurf in the original series?
Papa Smurf was voiced by Don Messick, a prolific voice actor best known for his work in Hanna-Barbera productions. Messick brought warmth and authority to the beloved patriarch throughout the entire run of the series from 1981 to 1989.
How many seasons and episodes does The Smurfs have?
The Smurfs ran for 9 seasons with a total of 422 episodes, plus 6 bonus specials. It aired on NBC from September 12, 1981 through 1989, making it one of the longest-running Saturday-morning animated series in American television history.
What is The Smurfs animated series about?
The Smurfs follows a community of tiny blue creatures living in a mushroom village hidden in an enchanted forest. Led by the wise Papa Smurf, they face constant threats from the bumbling evil wizard Gargamel and his cat Azrael. Critics praised its charm, humor, and wholesome family appeal.
What is the content rating for The Smurfs?
The Smurfs holds a TV-Y content rating in the United States, indicating it is appropriate for all children. The series originally aired with a TV-G rating and is widely considered safe, wholesome entertainment for young audiences and families.
Who created The Smurfs TV series?
The Smurfs was created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo, the pen name of Pierre Culliford. The animated television adaptation was produced by Hanna-Barbera Cartoons in association with SEPP International and Dupuis, and aired on NBC beginning in September 1981.
Did The Smurfs win any awards during its run?
Yes. The Smurfs earned multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations during its NBC run, winning in categories including Outstanding Children's Entertainment Series. Its consistent recognition reflected its status as one of the premier Saturday-morning animated programs of the 1980s.
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