Flipper (1995 TV series)
A revival series set in the Florida Keys.
Flipper – The New Adventures is a 1990s American TV revival of the 1964 series, set in a fictional Florida Keys town but mostly filmed in Australia. Its first two seasons were syndicated, while seasons three and four aired on PAX. This show is separate from the 1996 Flipper film.
Quick Facts
- Language
- English
- Runtime
- 43–44 minutes
- Developer
- E.F. Wallengren
- Michael Nankin
- Reuben Leder
- Based on
- Flipper
- by Ricou Browning
- Jack Cowden
- Producer
- Gregory Prange
- Darryl Sheen
- Robert Florio
- Country
- United States; Australia
- First aired
- 2 October 1995
- Last aired
- 1 July 2000
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Season 1 opens with Dr. Keith Ricks, the adult character from the original 1964 series, leading dolphin research at the Bal Harbour Research Institute. Dr. Pam Blondell, a naval officer, moves to the Florida Keys with her son Mike to join Ricks. Mike initially resists the relocation until he meets Maya Graham, a 14-year-old with a special connection to Flipper and the ocean. The teens occasionally require rescue by Flipper, Keith, and Pam. At the start of season 2, Ricks, Blondell, and Mike depart Bal Harbour. Dr. Jennifer Daulton becomes the institute's director, and Maya becomes an intern alongside new interns Dean Gregson and Holly Myers. A new Air Sea Rescue substation opens next door, introducing Deputies Tom Hampton and Quinn Garnett, who perform rescues and address harmful activities. Hampton and Daulton have an on-and-off romance. Daulton's estranged father, Cap, a charter-boat captain, moves to Bal Harbour to reconnect with her. In season 3, Daulton and Maya leave for research in the Red Sea and San Diego. Lt. Alex Parker, a Navy lieutenant commander, becomes the institute's director and marries Hampton. The series shifts focus to their family, including Parker's children Chris and Jackie. Deputy Mark Delaney replaces Garnett. Holly remains an intern, but Dean leaves. Chris initially dislikes the move but adjusts, while Jackie bonds with Flipper.
Cast and characters
Brian Wimmer played Dr. Keith Ricks in season 1. Colleen Flynn portrayed Dr. Pamela Blondell, and Payton Haas played Mike Blondell, both in season 1. Jessica Alba appeared as Maya Graham in seasons 1 and 2. Whip Hubley played Tom Hampton in seasons 2 through 4. Elizabeth Morehead portrayed Dr. Jennifer Daulton in season 2. Wren T. Brown played Quinn Garnett in season 2. Scott Michaelson appeared as Dean Gregson in season 2. Anja Coleby played Holly in seasons 2 through 4. Tiffany Lamb played Lt. Cmdr. Darrin Klimek played Deputy Mark Delaney in seasons 3 and 4. Because the series was filmed in Australia, most regular cast members and guest stars used non-native American accents. During seasons 3 and 4, Hubley and Mercurio were the only American actors in the main cast; the rest were Australian or Canadian. Notable guest stars included Alan Dale, Dwight Schultz, Nicholas Hammond, Jane Badler, Robert Coleby, and Season Hubley.
Locations
The primary setting was the Bal Harbor Research Institute, a fictional dolphin research facility funded by Bal Harbor University. Between seasons 1 and 2, the Air Sea Rescue Substation was built next door, located on the beach with access to a helicopter and hovercraft; a speedboat was added in season 3. The Shipwreck, a restaurant between the institute and substation, opened in season 2 and appeared through the series; during season 1, the building served as Dr. Keith Ricks's residence. In season 3, Tom Hampton and Alex Parker married and moved into a house with a swimming pool and large dock. Initial production began in the Florida Keys, with the pilot and two other episodes filmed there. Three locations were used for the Bal Harbor Research Institute: Pigeon Key, the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key, and a beach where Maya first meets Mike. A fourth location east of Conch Key was used for a scene with Maya and Keith. The institute's pool area was filmed at Sea World, Gold Coast. The two-story building set was used for the entire series and later demolished for Sea World's Imagine Dolphin Show. Indoor office space appeared only in the first two seasons, likely filmed on a soundstage at Sea World or Warner Bros. Movie World.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Flipper (1995 TV series)?
Flipper was created by E.F. Wallengren, Michael Nankin and Reuben Leder.
Which network aired Flipper (1995 TV series)?
Flipper aired on Syndication and PAX.
When did Flipper (1995 TV series) first air?
Flipper first aired on 2 October 1995.
When did Flipper (1995 TV series) end?
Flipper last aired on 1 July 2000.
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