Babar (TV series)
Animated series based on Jean de Brunhoff's Babar books.
Babar is an animated television series co-produced by Nelvana Limited, The Clifford Ross Company, Ellipsanime, and Kodansha. It premiered in 1989 on CBC and Canal Famille in Canada, and on HBO in the United States. Based on Jean de Brunhoff's original Babar books, it was Nelvana's first international co-production and has been dubbed in 30 languages in over 150 countries.
- Premiered
- 1989
- Country of origin
- Canada
- Based on
- Babar books by Jean de Brunhoff
- Network
- CBC, Canal Famille, HBO
- Number of seasons
- 6
- Languages dubbed
- 30
Lore & Background
The plot of the first two seasons focuses on Babar's childhood as told to his children. Young Babar flees his home forest after a hunter kills his mother, is adopted by a kind Old Lady in the city, and learns human ways. He returns to the forest, drives out the hunter, and is crowned king after the previous king dies from eating poisonous mushrooms. He builds Celesteville and becomes a father. The third season shifts to Babar's present-day family life. Season six sees Babar, Celeste, their children, and Zephir travel to different lands via a magical map and hot air balloon, solving problems.
Reader's Guide
Babar was the first television series based on the Babar books, following two earlier specials narrated by Peter Ustinov for NBC in 1968 and 1971. The show was Nelvana's first international co-production and achieved broad global reach, being dubbed in 30 languages across over 150 countries. In 2010, a computer-animated sequel/spin-off titled Babar and the Adventures of Badou premiered, focusing on Babar's grandson Badou. The series is noted for its adaptation of the original books and its role in expanding the Babar franchise into long-form animation.
Did You Know?
- Two earlier Babar specials narrated by Peter Ustinov aired on NBC in 1968 and 1971.
- A computer-animated sequel series, Babar and the Adventures of Badou, premiered in 2010.
More in Animated television series about children 1-24
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