Histeria!

I loved this show. I love history, and the way they played with history was one of the show's charms. It was very much in the vein of "Animaniacs," which I also loved. I'm hoping for DVDs someday! My friends and I still use some of the Lucky Bob-isms, such as "Yeth, now!" and "Heyo!" The songs and humor were top-notch, and the characters were hilarious. The kids were all distinct, and Father Time and the World's Oldest Woman were always a kick. One of my favorite episodes was a spoof of the Real World. Several famous historical people had to live together, such as Elizabeth I, who was obviously modeled on Bette Davis, and Caesar, who was Frank Sinatra. So funny!

As did most other people, I thought this show came in at the weaker end of the Warner Bros./Steven Spielberg output. However, that's not to say that it wasn't funny. C'mon, think about "Women Leaders in Group Therapy" as did another commentator. Think of the episode which had a story about Thomas Jefferson played out like an episode of the Jack Benny show. Think of World's Oldest Woman opening a trap door in the floor and speaking to Hitler as he burned in hell. (Yes, that actually happened in one episode.) I guess what I'm saying is that no, it was not as good as "Animaniacs" or "Freakazoid!", but yes, it was still worth watching. Personally, I thought it was a rather funny show (too much Big Fat Baby at times, though), and at times, it was even rather educational. Unfortunately, the reruns aren't played anymore, as is the case with all the Warner/Spielberg cartoons, which makes me very unhappy. When Spongebob Squarepants is allowed to roam freely and these shows aren't, you know there's something wrong.

My mother took one look at the theme song and declared that it was the stupidest thing she'd every seen! I thought she was bizarre! This show kept me laughing to no end. Even today as I sit here writing I'm still laughing at "Women Leaders in Group Therapy" as I play it in my head. I learned some interesting things that they don't bother teaching in school (The origins of the weekday names is one thing, Aztec Gods is another! You know, interesting stuff!)! I still catch this every now and then, and I laugh at reruns that I've already seen. So I recommend it to anyone with a sense of humor. As for my mother, she's living happily ever after, complaining about everything I like, from "Histeria" to "Dexter's Lab" to "Cats Don't Dance." What can I do about her? (Sell her at the next yard sale...J/K. Sort of.)

This cartoon has to be THE classic cartoon of the Warner Bros. "Silver Age Of Toons." The plot is simple, the show makes fun of history! Some classic sketches are employed in the making of this series. Also, portraying the historical figures as entertainment stars is sheer genius. (e.g. Frank Sinatra as Julius Caesar, Jerry Lewis as Meriwether Lewis, Mike Myers and Dean Martin both play Marc Antony, and Shirley MacLaine plays Joan of Arc.) For those of you who are classic comedy fans, this is a must-see!

For years, this show and "Time Squad" were programs I actively looked for to buy. After all, I used to be a history teacher and loved how the shows made fun of our past. Plus, if I had to be forced to watch a cartoon with my kids, I sure preferred these to the rest of the recent cartoons. However, I have just about given up hope, as years later, they STILL have not been released.

So what did I like about "Histeria!". Well, it wasn't its historical accuracy, that's for sure. But I did appreciate how it taught the kids a bit of history but couched it in humor. Additionally, I loved how there was plenty of humor for the adults--such as the very funny lady censor who kept interrupting the show during its bawdier moments. All in all, fun, semi-educational and clever. My only reason for not giving it a higher score is that like so many made for TV cartoons, the quality of the animation was only about average.