New York City

Lore & Background

Deep in the sewers of New York City, four mutant turtle brothers lurk. Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo are in their early teen years and go on new and exciting adventures. They tap into their mystic ninja powers to learn to work together as a cohesive unit and become a team of heroes as they navigate the modern world and other hidden realms. The brothers get a whole new look, new weapons, and new powers as they discover the hidden city beneath New York.

In the first season, the turtle brothers, along with their friend April O'Neil, meet an evil alchemist named Baron Draxum. They also learn of their Master Splinter's secret: that he was once a martial arts expert and movie star, Lou Jitsu. They must collect pieces of the Dark Armor to prevent Draxum from resurrecting the Shredder, a demon once banished by Splinter's ancestors. In the second season, the brothers face new and old enemies, including the Foot Clan and the evil Shredder, and must stop him from destroying the world. In the process, they must also help Baron Draxum discover his own better nature.

Reader's Guide

New York City is the central stage for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' adventures in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, offering a unique blend of modern urban life and ancient mysticism. The city's layout allows for dynamic storytelling, with the sewers serving as a secret base and the streets above acting as the arena for battles against villains like the Foot Clan and Baron Draxum. Its role is multifaceted: it provides the isolation necessary for the Turtles' existence while simultaneously presenting the challenges they must overcome to protect their home.

The city's density and diversity allow for endless scenarios, from rooftop chases to subway skirmishes. Ultimately, New York matters because it represents the world the Turtles are fighting to save. Without this iconic setting, the contrast between their hidden mutant lives and the human world would lose its power. It is a place of danger, but also of hope, where four brothers strive to make a difference.

Did You Know?

• The series premiered on Nickelodeon on July 20, 2018, and the final episode aired on August 7, 2020.
• Voice actor Rob Paulsen, who previously voiced Raphael in the 1987 series and Donatello in the 2012 series, served as the voice director for this series.

Origins and Creative Evolution

The series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was announced by Nickelodeon in March 2017, developed by Ant Ward and Andy Suriano as showrunners and executive producers. It was initially scheduled to run for at least 26 episodes. The series was produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, with Flying Bark Productions providing the animation. The series premiered on Nickelodeon on July 20, 2018. On July 27, 2018, the series was renewed for a second season consisting of 26 episodes. Partway into the production of the second season, however, it was shortened in length to 13 episodes, which were exhibited on Nicktoons. The final episode aired on August 7, 2020. A feature film sequel was released on Netflix on August 5, 2022, following the series finale.

Critical Acclaim and Franchise Expansion

It does note that a feature film sequel was released on Netflix on August 5, 2022, following the series finale. The series was renewed for a second season of 26 episodes, later shortened to 13 episodes. IDW published a comic book based on the series, beginning in July 2018, which concluded with an introductory issue (#0), a five-issue main story, a Halloween Comicfest special, and a three-issue story arc titled 'Sound Off!' from July to September 2019.