Animated television series

Animated Television Series

An animated television series is a television program produced by means of animation rather than live-action. Animated series are often aimed at children, but many are also targeted at a more general audience or specific age groups. This article explores the history, production, and cultural impact of animated television series.

History

The history of animated television series dates back to the early days of television. The first animated series to be broadcast on television was Crusader Rabbit, which debuted in 1949. This series set the stage for future animated programming by demonstrating the potential of animation as a medium for storytelling on television.

1950s and 1960s

The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of several iconic animated series, such as The Flintstones and The Jetsons, produced by Hanna-Barbera. These series were notable for their use of limited animation techniques, which allowed for cost-effective production while maintaining a consistent visual style.

1970s and 1980s

During the 1970s and 1980s, animated television series became increasingly popular, with shows like Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. This era also saw the introduction of Saturday morning cartoons, a programming block dedicated to animated series aimed at children.

1990s

The 1990s are often considered a golden age for animated television, with the emergence of critically acclaimed series such as The Simpsons, Batman: The Animated Series, and Rugrats. These shows demonstrated the versatility of animation in exploring complex themes and appealing to both children and adults.

2000s to Present

In the 2000s and beyond, animated television series have continued to evolve, with the advent of digital animation techniques and the rise of streaming platforms. Shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Adventure Time, and Rick and Morty have pushed the boundaries of storytelling and animation style.

Production

The production of an animated television series involves several stages, including concept development, scriptwriting, storyboarding, voice acting, animation, and post-production.

Concept Development

The process begins with the development of a concept or idea, which is then expanded into a series bible. This document outlines the show's premise, characters, and episode ideas.

Scriptwriting and Storyboarding

Scripts are written for each episode, detailing the dialogue and action. Storyboards are created to visualize the script, providing a blueprint for animators.

Animation

Animation can be produced using traditional hand-drawn techniques, computer-generated imagery (CGI), or a combination of both. The choice of technique depends on the desired aesthetic and budget.

Voice Acting

Voice actors record the dialogue for the characters, often before the animation is completed. This allows animators to synchronize the characters' lip movements with the recorded dialogue.

Post-Production

In post-production, the final touches are added, including sound effects, music, and editing. The completed episodes are then ready for broadcast or streaming.

Cultural Impact

Animated television series have had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing fashion, language, and social norms. Shows like The Simpsons have become cultural icons, referenced in various media and studied for their social commentary.

See Also

• List of animated television series
• History of animation
• List of animation studios

External Links

• IMDb - Internet Movie Database
• Animation Magazine