Hercules

The original voice actors, the clever humor, great musical numbers, and educational value. It feels like it's just as good as the movie and doesn't feel downplayed at all.

Sure, it takes a lot of liberties with Greek mythology and Greek history. It's not even totally faithful to the 1997 movie with the same name, to which it's supposed to be a "midquel". But still, "Hercules" is rather educational (there are facts about mythology and history in it, if you only care to look for them) and really funny. It must be one of Disney's most underrated TV shows ever!

It follows the adventures of the young demigod Hercules, who's not only a hero in training (he lives with his trainer Philoctetes), so it's often up to him to stop the plans of his evil uncle Hades, the lord of the Underworld, or to solve other problems. But he also has to go to High School, just like any other teenager, and face typical teenage issues. He's got two best friends, Icarus and Cassandra, but he's often taunted by Adonis, the arrogant prince of Thrace, who considers him "a loser".

The ancient Greek gods, like Zeus, Hera, Ares, Athena, Apollon, Artemis, Demeter, Bacchus, Aphrodite, Poseidon, the Muses and Hermes, all make appearances, and so do many heroes and monsters from Greek mythology. And like other reviewers have said, this show also have an impressive cast list, even for guest roles. So if you can, check it out!

Hercules hits all the typical Disney/kid-show notes, delivering moral messages and a lot of humor. Like the original Disney movie, but unlike shows like Aladdin and Little Mermaid, Hercules toss in lots of modern-day in-joking which keeps it somewhat interesting for the adults (like myself) to watch while the kiddies enjoy the show. There's also a lot of quality voice talent assembled here (how did they ever get James Woods??). Overall, this somewhat skewed look at Greek mythology is humorous enough.

The television show "Hercules," based on the Disney film "Hercules," is perhaps worth watching just for the impressive cameos by actors.

Why a show like "Hercules" would ever attract so many talented actors and actresses is beyond me. Perhaps the sound studio was nearby when the actors were filming a movie, and they decided to stop in and spice up the show a bit. Either way, the kids who watch the show most likely didn't realize any of the actors. It's an adult joke, really.

As for the show itself...well...what have we come to expect from television spin-offs? Nothing much. Though, be careful. When you start tuning in to hear the actors, you can become attached to the show easily.

2.5/5 stars --

John Ulmer

I remembered seeing this show as a kid, and I also remembered liking it. To this day at 19 I like how fun and cute it is, and I do consider it one of Disney's most underrated. The 1997 movie Hercules I admit is not one of my favourites from Disney, but it is a very enjoyable movie, funny with great vocal talent, and one that I have learnt to appreciate more over-time. I like this series even more. True, like the movie it is not true to Greek mythology, though I much enjoyed the facts brought forward for educational value, but it is vibrantly animated, has a catchy theme tune, has some interesting story lines and has some really funny and witty writing and jokes while leaving some moments of cuteness and sometimes poignancy. I loved all the characters, Hercules is for me much more likable than he is in the movie, while everybody else, some from the movie some not, fare even better with fun personalities. Hades especially is hilarious. The voice acting, I agree it is just a treat of a cast both on paper and in voice work, is just terrific, hard to pick a favourite. All in all, fun, cute and underrated, it may not be among Disney's very best but I can think of worse ways to waste my time with. 8/10 Bethany Cox