September 11th, 1971: The Day Has Arrived! New Saturday Morning Cartoons Are HERE!
Okay, everyone, clear the living room! Get your bowls of Cap'n Crunch ready, because this is it. The day we’ve been waiting for since school let out, and frankly, since last December when we were all wondering what 1971 would bring to our sacred Saturday mornings. Today is the day the new cartoon lineup officially debuts!
Man, the anticipation has been killing me. All summer long, my friends and I have been buzzing about what shows would make it back, what new ones would pop up, and which network would dominate. And let's be honest, for us kids, this September premiere is THE big deal. Unlike prime time where they might sneak in new shows in the spring, for cartoons, the networks pull out all the stops now. We’ve been watching reruns since pretty much spring, so getting a whole fresh batch of new adventures and characters? It's like Christmas and your birthday rolled into one! The grown-ups can have their primetime shows, their "All in the Family" and "Mannix" – for us, it's all about these precious hours from 8 AM to noon. This is our time, and the networks know it.
So, let’s get right to it! I've got my TV Guide open, even though I've practically memorized it already.
CBS: The Reigning Champs Hold Strong, But With New Friends!
Looks like CBS is sticking with a lot of their winning formula, which is smart. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! is back! Thank goodness. I don't think I could handle a Saturday morning without the Mystery Machine. It’s comforting knowing that those meddling kids are still solving mysteries. They’re running a mix of new episodes and some old favorites, which is just fine by me.
But they've also brought in some fresh faces. I'm really looking forward to Help!... It's the Hair Bear Bunch! – a bunch of bears in a zoo trying to escape? That sounds like chaos and fun! And get this: The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show! Finally, the little ones from the Flintstones get their own show, all grown up! That’s going to be wild. And Archie's TV Funnies is on the schedule, giving us more of Riverdale's gang, plus some classic comic strip characters.
ABC: More Music and Mystery on the Rise!
ABC is really pushing the music and adventure this year! Josie and the Pussycats are back, and their songs are still stuck in my head from last year. Who doesn't love a rock band that constantly gets into spy capers? They are pure cool.
And wow, a completely new show I'm pumped about: The Jackson 5ive! An animated show about the actual Jackson 5? With Michael! I've heard they're going to have real songs in it. This is going to be HUGE. Plus, a new mystery-solving ghost group: The Funky Phantom looks like it’s going to be a blast, with a revolutionary war ghost and his horse helping kids solve crimes. How cool is that?! And for a bit of silly humor, Lidsville is here, another wild live-action puppet show from the Krofft brothers. Their stuff is always so wonderfully weird.
NBC: Sticking to the Classics, Mostly!
NBC seems to be playing it a little safer this year, relying on some solid performers. The timeless antics of The Woody Woodpecker Show and The New Pink Panther Show are both back, which is great for some classic laughs. And The Jetsons reruns are now on NBC, bringing us back to the future, which is always a treat. I hear The Bugaloos are still around too, which is great for more musical, fantastical adventures. I was hoping for something brand new, but if it means more of the good stuff, I won't complain!
The Morning Ahead!
The air just feels different today, doesn't it? It’s the excitement of knowing that the next few hours are dedicated to pure, unadulterated enjoyment. No homework, no chores (at least not yet!), just us and our cartoons. The commercials will be blasting, showing off the latest Super Balls, Easy-Bake Ovens, and that new Aurora movie monster model kit I've been eyeing. Every jingle, every bright, colorful ad, is part of the experience.
This morning isn't just about watching shows; it's about being part of something big. It’s about sharing laughs and gasps with millions of other kids across the country, all glued to their screens, sharing this incredible, secret club. The 1971 Saturday morning season officially kicks off NOW, and I, for one, couldn't be more ready.
What are you watching first this morning? Let me know! This is going to be a great year for cartoons!
