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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron''}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron'' (TV series)}}
:''This article is about the TV series. For other uses, see [[SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron]].''
{{Infobox TV
{{Infobox TV
|name= SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron
|title_card= [[File:SK S1 title card.png|300px]]
|title_card= [[File:SK S1 title card.png|300px]]
|caption= Season 1's on-screen title card.
|caption= Season 1's on-screen title card.
Line 9: Line 11:
|released= [[September 11]], [[1993]]—[[December 24]], [[1994]]
|released= [[September 11]], [[1993]]—[[December 24]], [[1994]]
|run_time= 22 minutes
|run_time= 22 minutes
|starring= [[Charlie Adler]]<br />[[Barry Gordon]]<br />[[Tress MacNeille]]<br />[[Jim Cummings]]
|starring= [[Charlie Adler]]<br />[[Barry Gordon]]<br />[[Tress MacNeille]]<br />[[Gary Owens]]<br />[[Jim Cummings]]
|execs= [[Buzz Potamkin]]
|execs= [[Buzz Potamkin]]
|producers= Davis Doi
|producers= Davis Doi
Line 18: Line 20:
|caption2= Season 2's on-screen title card.
|caption2= Season 2's on-screen title card.
}}
}}
'''''SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron''''' is an American animated action/sci-fi/supernatural TV series produced by [[Hanna-Barbera]] for [[NBC]]'s Saturday morning block. It ran from [[1993]] to [[1994]], airing 25 episodes that spanned two seasons, followed by one episode-length clip-show special.
'''''SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron''''' is an American animated action/sci-fi/supernatural television series created by Christian and Yvon Tremblay. It was produced by [[Hanna-Barbera]] for [[TBS]]' Saturday morning block. It ran from [[1993]] to [[1994]], airing 25 episodes that spanned two seasons, followed by one clip-show special.


In a world populated by anthropomorphic cats, [[T-Bone]] and [[Razor]], two disgraced ex-[[Enforcers]], have turned to vigilantism in order to continue to safeguard [[Megakat City]] from criminals, sorcerers, mutants, and robots.
In a world populated by anthropomorphic cats, [[T-Bone]] and [[Razor]]—two disgraced ex-[[Enforcers]]—have turned to vigilantism (calling themselves the [[SWAT Kats]]) to continue safeguarding [[Megakat City]] from various threats, including criminals, sorcerers, mutants, and robots.


The entire series has been released on [[SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron: The Complete Series|DVD]].
==Production==
==Production==
===Development===
===Development===
===Aftermath===
===Aftermath===
It was canceled due to merchandise coming out late and TBS conforming to [[Ted Turner]]'s wishes in not having violence on his network. Three episodes were in production at the time of the series cancelation. One of them, "[[Succubus!]]" was recycled by writer [[Glenn Leopold]] for ''[[The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest]]'' episode "[[Eclipse]]" and the direct-to-video film ''[[Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island]]''.
Despite the series being a successful program, [[Ted Turner]], the CEO of Turner Broadcasting System, was reportedly displeased with the level of violence in his cartoons at the time, leading to the delay of the series' merchandising and its eventual cancellation.<ref>Tremblay, Christan (November 30, 2012). "[https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/140m96/swatkats_the_animated_series_tlak_to_the/c78y3xw SWAT Kats The Animated Series Tlak to the Co-Creator Christian Tremblay]". ''Reddit''. Retrieved March 30, 2023.</ref> He went on record on Congress and in a [[1995]] interview after the show's cancellation, where he made his statement on the matter:
 
<blockquote>“We have more cartoons than anybody: ''[[The Flintstones (TV series)|The Flintstones]]'', ''[[The Jetsons (TV series)|The Jetsons]]'', ''[[The Smurfs]]'', ''[[Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (TV series)|Scooby-Doo]]''. They're nonviolent. We don't have to worry that we're encouraging kids to kill each other - like some of the other cartoon programs do.”<br>- Ted Turner, 1995<ref>Kim, Albert (April 21, 1995), "[https://ew.com/article/1995/04/21/teds-excellent-speaking-engagement/ Ted's Excellent Speaking Engagement]", Entertainment Weekly.</ref></blockquote>
Since [[2015]], the Tremblay Bros., the creators who managed to retain the rights to the property, have been using Kickstarter to crowdfund a potential revival under the working title of ''[[SWAT-Kats Revolution]]''. Even though all their goals have been reached, they have faced difficulties in securing an investor and a place to air, having been passed over by Warner Bros., Hulu, [[Netflix]], and not finding Amazon to be suitable. They also had to wait for time to pass after the [[2019]] film ''[[wikipedia:Cats (2019 film)|Cats]]'' became a major box office disaster causing Hollywood not to see ''SWAT Kats'' any differently.
 
On [[January 20]], [[2021]], the Tremblay Bros. announced on Kickstarter that they had secured an official backer in Indian studio, [[Toonz Media Group]],<ref>Tremblay Bros. Studios ([[January 20]], 2021). [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1820796125/swat-kats-revolution/posts/3410470 "Update No. 45"]. ''Kickstarter''. Retrieved [[May 5]], 2021.</ref> and on [[February 1]], Kidscreen said that they had gone into preproduction.<ref>Foster, Elizabeth ([[February 1]], 2021). [https://kidscreen.com/2022/02/01/swat-kats-get-back-in-action-with-toonz/ "SWAT-KATS Get Back In Action With Toonz"]. ''Kidscreen''. Retrieved May 5, 2021.</ref> An official press release was given the [[February 2|next day]].<ref>Sarto, Debbie Diamond [https://www.awn.com/news/cult-classic-swat-kats-returns "Cult Classic ‘Swat-Kats’ Returns"]. ([[February 2]], 2021). ''Animation News Network''. Retrieved May 5, 2021.</ref>


==Music==
==Music==
Line 37: Line 37:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Episode
! Episode
! Number
! Air date
! Air date
|-
|-
| "[[The Pastmaster Always Rings Twice]]"
| 1x01
| 1x01
* "[[The Pastmaster Always Rings Twice]]"
| [[September 11]], 1993
| [[September 11]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[The Giant Bacteria]]"
| 1x02
| 1x02
* "[[The Giant Bacteria]]"
| [[September 18]], 1993
| [[September 18]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[The Wrath of Dark Kat]]"
| 1x03
| 1x03
* "[[The Wrath of Dark Kat]]"
| [[September 25]], 1993
| [[September 25]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[Destructive Nature]]"
| 1x04
| 1x04
* "[[Destructive Nature]]"
| [[October 2]], 1993
| [[October 2]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[The Metallikats]]"
| 1x05
| 1x05
* "[[The Metallikats]]"
| [[October 9]], 1993
| [[October 9]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[Bride of the Pastmaster]]"
| 1x06
| 1x06
* "[[Bride of the Pastmaster]]"
| [[October 16]], 1993
| [[October 16]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[Night of the Dark Kat]]"
| 1x07
| 1x07
* "[[Night of the Dark Kat]]"
| [[October 23]], 1993
| [[October 23]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[Chaos in Crystal]]"
| 1x08
| 1x08
* "[[Chaos in Crystal]]"
| [[October 30]], 1993
| [[October 30]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[The Ghost Pilot]]"
| 1x09
| 1x09
* "[[The Ghost Pilot]]"
| [[November 6]], 1993
| [[November 6]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[Metal Urgency]]"
| 1x10
| 1x10
* "[[Metal Urgency]]"
| [[November 13]], 1993
| [[November 13]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[The Ci-Kat-A]]"
| 1x11
| 1x11
* "[[The Ci-Kat-A]]"
| [[November 20]], 1993
| [[November 20]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[Enter the Madkat]]"
| 1x12
| 1x12
* "[[Enter the Madkat]]"
| [[November 27]], 1993
| [[November 27]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[Katastrophe]]"
| 1x13
| 1x13
* "[[Katastrophe]]"
| [[December 4]], 1993
| [[December 4]], 1993
|-
|-
| "[[Mutation City]]"
| 2x01
| 2x01
* "[[Mutation City]]"
| [[September 10]], 1994
| [[September 10]], 1994
|-
|-
| "[[A Bright and Shiny Future]]"
| 2x02
| 2x02
* "[[A Bright and Shiny Future]]"
| [[September 17]], 1994
| [[September 17]], 1994
|-
|-
| "[[When Strikes Mutilor]]"
| 2x03
| 2x03
* "[[When Strikes Mutilor]]"
| [[September 24]], 1994
| [[September 24]], 1994
|-
|-
| "[[Razor's Edge]]"
| 2x04
| 2x04
* "[[Razor's Edge]]"
| [[October 29]], 1994
| [[October 29]], 1994
|-
|-
| "[[Cry Turmoil]]"
| 2x05
| 2x05
* "[[Cry Turmoil]]"
* "[[SWAT Kats Unplugged]]"
| [[November 5]], 1994
| [[November 5]], 1994
|-
|-
| "[[SWAT Kats Unplugged]]"
| 2x06
| 2x06
| [[November 5]], 1994
* "[[The Deadly Pyramid]]"
| [[November 12]], 1994
|-
|-
| "[[The Deadly Pyramid]]"
| 2x07
| 2x07
| [[November 12]], 1994
* "[[Caverns of Horror]]"
| [[November 19]], 1994
|-
|-
| "[[Caverns of Horror]]"
| 2x08
| 2x08
| [[November 19]], 1994
* "[[Volcanus Erupts!]]"
* "[[The Origin of Dr. Viper]]"
| [[November 26]], 1994
|-
|-
| "[[Volcanus Erupts!]]"
| 2x09
| 2x09
| [[November 26]], 1994
* "[[The Dark Side of the SWAT Kats]]"
| [[December 10]], 1994
|-
|-
| "[[The Origin of Dr. Viper]]"
| 2x10
| 2x10
| [[November 26]], 1994
* "[[Unlikely Alloys]]"
|-
| "[[The Dark Side of the SWAT Kats]]"
| 2x11
| [[December 10]], 1994
|-
| "[[Unlikely Alloys]]"
| 2x12
| [[December 24]], 1994
| [[December 24]], 1994
|}
|}
Line 153: Line 146:
* [[Charlie Adler]] as [[T-Bone]]
* [[Charlie Adler]] as [[T-Bone]]
* [[Barry Gordon]] as [[Razor]]
* [[Barry Gordon]] as [[Razor]]
* [[Tress MacNeille]] as [[Callie Briggs]]
* [[Tress MacNeille]] as [[Deputy Mayor Callie Briggs]]
* [[Gary Owens]] as [[Ulysses Feral|Commander Ulysses Feral]]
* [[Gary Owens]] as [[Commander Ulysses Feral]]
* [[Jim Cummings]] as [[Mayor Manx]]
* [[Jim Cummings]] as [[Mayor Manx]]
==Legacy==
Three episodes were in production at the time of the series cancelation. One of them, "[[Succubus!]]" was recycled by writer [[Glenn Leopold]] for ''[[The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (TV series)|The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest]]'' episode "[[Eclipse]]" and the direct-to-video film ''[[Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (film)|Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island]]''.
In [[2015]], the Tremblay Bros., who managed to retain the rights to the property, created a Kickstarter to crowdfund a potential revival under the working title of ''[[SWAT-Kats Revolution]]'', and if possible, a 70-minute film. Although they had succeeded all their goals, they faced difficulties in securing an investor and a place to air, having been passed over by Warner Bros., Hulu, [[Netflix]], and not finding Amazon to be suitable. In a Kickstarter campaign update on [[July 23]], [[2020]],<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1820796125/swat-kats-revolution/posts/2901724 "Update 43: Re: Swat-Kats Revolution Update · SWAT-KATS REVOLUTION". Kickstarter.] Retrieved March 30, 2023.</ref> co-creator Christian Tremblay alluded their issues with the revival getting picked up due to the [[2019]] film ''[[wikipedia:Cats (2019 film)|Cats]]'' becoming a major box office disaster, causing Hollywood to not see ''SWAT Kats'' any differently.
On [[January 20]], [[2021]], the Tremblay Bros. announced on Kickstarter that they had secured an official backer in Indian studio, [[Toonz Media Group]],<ref>Tremblay Bros. Studios ([[January 20]], 2021). [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1820796125/swat-kats-revolution/posts/3410470 "Update No. 45"]. ''Kickstarter''. Retrieved [[May 5]], 2021.</ref> and on [[February 1]], Kidscreen reported that they had gone into preproduction.<ref>Foster, Elizabeth ([[February 1]], 2021). [https://kidscreen.com/2022/02/01/swat-kats-get-back-in-action-with-toonz/ "SWAT-KATS Get Back In Action With Toonz"]. ''Kidscreen''. Retrieved May 5, 2021.</ref> An official press release was given the next day.<ref>Sarto, Debbie Diamond [https://www.awn.com/news/cult-classic-swat-kats-returns "Cult Classic ‘Swat-Kats’ Returns"]. ([[February 2]], 2021). ''Animation News Network''. Retrieved May 5, 2021.</ref>
==In popular culture==
* In the ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force (TV series)|Aqua Teen Hunger Force]]'' episode "Balloonenstein," when the portal first appears, it is stock footage of the Pastmaster's portal from "The Pastmaster Always Rings Twice."
==Merchandise==
===Home media===
In 1995, [[Turner Home Entertainment]] released three VHS volumes which include two episodes each: ''[[SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron: Strike of Dark Kat|Strike of Dark Kat]]'', ''[[SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron: Deadly Dr. Viper|Deadly Dr. Viper]]'', and ''[[SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron: Metallikats Attack|Metallikats Attack]]''. These also included the "Secret Files of SWAT Kats" bumpers that aired on TBS.
On [[December 14]], [[2010]], [[Warner Archive Collection]] released the entire series on DVD, calling the set ''[[SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron: The Complete Series]]''. Due to an error in printing, many of the episodes came with the wrong end credits, leading to its removal from Warner Archive Collection's website on [[March 3]], [[2011]], so the issue could be fixed. On [[January 19]], [[2012]], Warner Archive Collection rereleased the set correctly. Unfortunately, neither version has the "Secret Files of SWAT Kats" bumpers that TBS aired with.
===Toys===
In 1994, [[Remco]] released a line of action figures based on Razor, T-Bone, Dark Kat, and Dr. Viper.
[[Gordy Toys]] released plastic "playsets" which included two different types of eyeglasses, a flash gun, and handcuffs.
Kids meal toys were also included by [[White Castle]] in 1994, and [[Carl's Jr.]] in [[1996]].
===Video games===
The TV series inspired a ''[[SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron (SNES)|SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron]]'' sidescrolling action video game on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, which was released on [[August 21]], [[1995]]. There is also a ''[[SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron (MGA)|SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron]]'' electronic LCD handheld video game released [[Micro Games of America]].


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:1993]]
[[Category:1994]]
[[Category:Hanna-Barbera]]
[[Category:Hanna-Barbera]]
[[Category:SWAT Kats]]
[[Category:SWAT Kats]]
[[Category:TBS]]
[[Category:TV series]]
[[Category:TV series]]

Latest revision as of 09:18, 2 March 2024

This article is about the TV series. For other uses, see SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron.
SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron
SK S1 title card.png
Season 1's on-screen title card.
Created by Christian Tremblay
Yvon Tremblay
Developed by:
Glenn Leopold
Davis Doi
Network TBS
Production company Hanna-Barbera
Distributor Turner Entertainment
Original release September 11, 1993—December 24, 1994
Run time 22 minutes
Starring Charlie Adler
Barry Gordon
Tress MacNeille
Gary Owens
Jim Cummings
Executive producer(s) Buzz Potamkin
Producer(s) Davis Doi
Music composed by Matt Muhoberac
John Zucker
Randall Crissman
Nick Brown
Writer(s) Glenn Leopold
Lance Falk
Director(s) Robert Alvarez
Kris Zimmerman (voices)
Second title card
SK S2 title card.png
Season 2's on-screen title card.

SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron is an American animated action/sci-fi/supernatural television series created by Christian and Yvon Tremblay. It was produced by Hanna-Barbera for TBS' Saturday morning block. It ran from 1993 to 1994, airing 25 episodes that spanned two seasons, followed by one clip-show special.

In a world populated by anthropomorphic cats, T-Bone and Razor—two disgraced ex-Enforcers—have turned to vigilantism (calling themselves the SWAT Kats) to continue safeguarding Megakat City from various threats, including criminals, sorcerers, mutants, and robots.

The entire series has been released on DVD.

Production

Development

Aftermath

Despite the series being a successful program, Ted Turner, the CEO of Turner Broadcasting System, was reportedly displeased with the level of violence in his cartoons at the time, leading to the delay of the series' merchandising and its eventual cancellation.[1] He went on record on Congress and in a 1995 interview after the show's cancellation, where he made his statement on the matter:

“We have more cartoons than anybody: The Flintstones, The Jetsons, The Smurfs, Scooby-Doo. They're nonviolent. We don't have to worry that we're encouraging kids to kill each other - like some of the other cartoon programs do.”
- Ted Turner, 1995[2]

Music

The theme and score were composed by Matt Muhoberac and John Zucker for seasons one and two, with Randall Crissman and Nick Brown added to the latter. Bodie Chandler was director of music production.

Episodes

Episode Air date
1x01 September 11, 1993
1x02 September 18, 1993
1x03 September 25, 1993
1x04 October 2, 1993
1x05 October 9, 1993
1x06 October 16, 1993
1x07 October 23, 1993
1x08 October 30, 1993
1x09 November 6, 1993
1x10 November 13, 1993
1x11 November 20, 1993
1x12 November 27, 1993
1x13 December 4, 1993
2x01 September 10, 1994
2x02 September 17, 1994
2x03 September 24, 1994
2x04 October 29, 1994
2x05 November 5, 1994
2x06 November 12, 1994
2x07 November 19, 1994
2x08 November 26, 1994
2x09 December 10, 1994
2x10 December 24, 1994

Special

Title Air date
"The SWAT Kats: A Special Report" January 6, 1995

Cast

Legacy

Three episodes were in production at the time of the series cancelation. One of them, "Succubus!" was recycled by writer Glenn Leopold for The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest episode "Eclipse" and the direct-to-video film Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.

In 2015, the Tremblay Bros., who managed to retain the rights to the property, created a Kickstarter to crowdfund a potential revival under the working title of SWAT-Kats Revolution, and if possible, a 70-minute film. Although they had succeeded all their goals, they faced difficulties in securing an investor and a place to air, having been passed over by Warner Bros., Hulu, Netflix, and not finding Amazon to be suitable. In a Kickstarter campaign update on July 23, 2020,[3] co-creator Christian Tremblay alluded their issues with the revival getting picked up due to the 2019 film Cats becoming a major box office disaster, causing Hollywood to not see SWAT Kats any differently.

On January 20, 2021, the Tremblay Bros. announced on Kickstarter that they had secured an official backer in Indian studio, Toonz Media Group,[4] and on February 1, Kidscreen reported that they had gone into preproduction.[5] An official press release was given the next day.[6]

In popular culture

  • In the Aqua Teen Hunger Force episode "Balloonenstein," when the portal first appears, it is stock footage of the Pastmaster's portal from "The Pastmaster Always Rings Twice."

Merchandise

Home media

In 1995, Turner Home Entertainment released three VHS volumes which include two episodes each: Strike of Dark Kat, Deadly Dr. Viper, and Metallikats Attack. These also included the "Secret Files of SWAT Kats" bumpers that aired on TBS.

On December 14, 2010, Warner Archive Collection released the entire series on DVD, calling the set SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron: The Complete Series. Due to an error in printing, many of the episodes came with the wrong end credits, leading to its removal from Warner Archive Collection's website on March 3, 2011, so the issue could be fixed. On January 19, 2012, Warner Archive Collection rereleased the set correctly. Unfortunately, neither version has the "Secret Files of SWAT Kats" bumpers that TBS aired with.

Toys

In 1994, Remco released a line of action figures based on Razor, T-Bone, Dark Kat, and Dr. Viper.

Gordy Toys released plastic "playsets" which included two different types of eyeglasses, a flash gun, and handcuffs.

Kids meal toys were also included by White Castle in 1994, and Carl's Jr. in 1996.

Video games

The TV series inspired a SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron sidescrolling action video game on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, which was released on August 21, 1995. There is also a SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron electronic LCD handheld video game released Micro Games of America.

References

  1. ^ Tremblay, Christan (November 30, 2012). "SWAT Kats The Animated Series Tlak to the Co-Creator Christian Tremblay". Reddit. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  2. ^ Kim, Albert (April 21, 1995), "Ted's Excellent Speaking Engagement", Entertainment Weekly.
  3. ^ "Update 43: Re: Swat-Kats Revolution Update · SWAT-KATS REVOLUTION". Kickstarter. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  4. ^ Tremblay Bros. Studios (January 20, 2021). "Update No. 45". Kickstarter. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  5. ^ Foster, Elizabeth (February 1, 2021). "SWAT-KATS Get Back In Action With Toonz". Kidscreen. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  6. ^ Sarto, Debbie Diamond "Cult Classic ‘Swat-Kats’ Returns". (February 2, 2021). Animation News Network. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
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