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Fans of the Ninja Turtles franchise were treated to a trailer for the latest movie, Mutant Mayhem. This marks the second theatrical animated film in the franchise, and fans are ecstatic. In celebration of the news, many fans are going back to their favorite versions of the characters. Ever since 1987, the Heroes in a Half Shell have enjoyed quite a successful career on the small screen. From the classic to the bizarre, today we are taking a look at each TMNT show in preparation for the new movie.
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1996)
This is where it all began. The classic series from 1987 is what propelled the Turtles into superstardom. The show was based on a series of comics from Mirage. As iconic as the cartoon is, it actually changed quite a bit from the source material. For starters, the animated series gave the titular heroes their own personalities.
The comics had each turtle rocking a red bandana, while the animated series gave them each a unique color. The most jarring change is the tone. The comics were gritty and violent, while the show was light-hearted and heavily toned back on the violence. Besides this, the show remains one of the best cartoons from the time period. The show’s impact is still felt, as the classic theme was heard in the trailer for Mutant Mayhem.
4. Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation (1997-1998)
The only live-action TMNT show was also the shortest-lived. Next Mutation is one of the most bizarre entries in the franchise. Besides this, the show has earned a cult following that only grows as the years pass. The show was produced by Saban, who of course produced the Power Rangers franchise. There was even a special crossover episode that saw the Turtles fight alongside the cast of Power Rangers In Space. The show was meant to follow the original trilogy of movies, although the continuity is loose.
Their lair is the same as the later two movies, and Splinter has similar wounds to that of his big-screen counterpart. The aspect that is most remembered from the show is the introduction of Venus De Milo, the long-lost sister of the Ninja Turtles. The Turtles are also older this time around, hence the removal of teenage from the title. Thanks to Saban producing, the show has a feel similar to that of the Power Rangers series.
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003-2010)
The Turtles series shares a lot in common with Batman. Both franchises started out as gritty, grounded comics before being adapted into campy shows geared toward children. Batman received a movie taking him back to his darker roots in 1989, and the Turtles followed suit in 1990. The success of the 1989 film led Batman to then earn an animated series that carried the film’s darker tone. The Turtles did as well, but theirs came much later in 2003.
The 2003 reboot took on a tone closer to that of the comics, although certain changes from the original series were retained. The show had plenty of silly moments, but as a whole, it was aimed at older kids and adults. With its mix of humor and adult themes, many fans claim this iteration of the heroes is among the best. The show even had a made for tv movie called Turtles Forever. In it, the grittier characters from this series met the sillier versions from the original series.
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017)
This TMNT show mixes the best of the 2003 series with the 1987 series. The show deals with the brothers finding out the secret of their origins, and how it may not be of this world. The show does have some more grounded moments, but overall it is more light-hearted. Unlike the original series, this reboot has more of an overarching story that lasts most of the series. 2012’s Turtles deals heavily with the ooze’s alien origins and its capabilities, as many of the bad guys are affected by it in some way. While Shredder does appear, the show isn’t afraid to put him on the sidelines to give other villains a chance to shine. It looks like Mutant Mayhem will take inspiration from this show. This is to say, it will be light-hearted but it won’t be afraid to get its hands dirty.
1. Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018-2020)
The latest TMNT show is, to many, the most underrated. Rise didn’t receive the love it deserved when it originally ran, but more and more fans flock to it since it ended. The show is unique in that the titular heroes aren’t biological brothers. Each Turtle is actually a different species of turtle, giving each a unique design. This allows each brother to have a design that closely matches their personality. The brothers also tap into ancient powers throughout the show, allowing them to have fight scenes unique to the series.
The show is a fun time that didn’t do very well originally. Thankfully, fans are rallying together for a revival. These cries are not falling on deaf ears, as the show actually received a Netflix-exclusive movie last year. With Mutant Mayhem being the focus, it is unlikely Rise will see a revival. Fans are still hopeful, however.