The Yogi Bear Show

AFTER STARTING OUT as a second feature on the HUCKLEBERRY HOUND Show, success and high popularity with the public led to his own half hour show three short years later. It was THE YOGI BEAR Show that joined in a long parade of successes from Hanna-Barbera Productions.

BEING ANOTHER EXAMPLE of and prime exponent of the art of "Limited Animation" that was popularized by the economics of necessity on television, the dialog, verbal gags, music and sound effects were even more important than in theatrical animated shorts. That they were so constituted and dependent on the sound tract, they were given a special sort of nickname. They were oft referred to as "Illustrated Radio."

IN MUCH THE same manner of so many other of Hanna-Barbera's other productions, the characters have voices, appearance and behaviour are copied from real persons, well known from show biz, sports world or politics.*

IN THE CASE of Yogi Bear, it is a case of double copying. This special classification comes from his name being derived from NY Yankee's all time All Star Catcher, Yogi Berra and his voice and expressions' being derived from Art Carney's characterization of Ed Norton on Jackie Gleason's Classic series, THE HONEYMOONERS.

AFTER SOME EARLY experimentation with various settings and circumstances, the production team found a winning formula. Adding Yogi's diminutive sidekick & stooge, Boo Boo and his perennial antagonist, Ranger Smith of Jellystone Park.

IT WAS DEFINITELY a winning combo and has become ingrained into the very collective psyche and Pop Culture of America.

HOW ELSE COULD we have the nationally known chain of camp sites which bear the name of "Yogi Bear's JELLYSTONE PARK?"

NOTE: * Among other Hanna-Barbera's other characters with voices and personalities derived from real persons are: Huckleberry Hound (Andy Griffith), Fred Flintstone(Jackie Gleason), Snagglepuss(Bert Lahr), Hokey Wolf(Phil Silvers), George Jetson(George O'Hanlon), Jabberjaw(Curly Howard) and many others.

I am a pure Hanna-Barbera fan and a pure fan in animation also! This was another great and enjoyable series! Yogi Bear was first a segment on The Huckleberry Hound Show and then Yogi got promoted to his own show and Hokey Wolf took Yogi's place on The Huckleberry Hound Show. Yogi Bear's guest stars on his show were Snagglepuss and Yakky Doodle Duck. I remember that before Snagglepuss got his own show he first guest starred on some other Hanna-Barbera cartoons like Quick Draw McGraw and Snooper and Blabber. He guest starred he was orange and then when he got his own cartoon he was pink with cuffs and collar tie which made him look like a brother to the Pink Panther almost. Yakky Doodle is a duck who has a dog friend named Chopper who would always stick up for him. I liked some of the Yakky Doodle cartoons when they have Fibber Fox in them. I remember in every Yogi Bear cartoon, Yogi Bear would always tell his sidekick, Boo-Boo that they are getting a picnic basket and Ranger Smith always catches Yogi red-handed which I thought was funny. This cartoon is smarter than the average, hey hey hey!

I remember first catching this show when I was home alone, sick with the chicken pox. It was great entertainment for to pass the time - a funny and uplifting cartoon about smooth-talking Yogi Bear of Jellystone National Park, where he and his trusty friend Boo Boo tries to charm picnic goers to go after their picnic baskets, instead of feasting on the usual forest berries. Meanwhile, Park Ranger Smith tries to stop them.

Plenty of adventures and misadventures to keep the show exciting, and lots of humor and jokes to keep you laughing. Yogi Bear proves he is smarter than the average bear, outwitting people left and right. I've always enjoyed the Ranger Smith character as well, as he tries effortlessly to keep order in the park while getting driven nuts by Yogi Bear. He asserts his authority when necessary, but at times could be seen as a friend toward the bears.

Nothing over-the-top here - just a good old fashion and innocent cartoon but with plenty of adventures that is great for kids and family.

Grade A

This short t.v. show was funny, excitement, and plain old great, it's not bad for a long time ago show that has been in the air for 27 years. That is a long time and you know why that long, because it was a great show. Yogi is a bear that wants a lot of food for hibernation, he and his partner in time Boo-Boo will not stop going past the ranger and get the picnic basket. But they always fail in one after another way in a funny way but different ways. And he has a girl name Cindy who loves him but Yogi doesn't love her back, thats so funny.I wished they never stopped making "The Yogi Bear Show", the people back then and right now will miss the show.

The one that started it all. A legendary animated series that we all know and love. I wish it was still on the air because I would still be watching. But seriously, how was this show on so long? Anyway, it's not the thing to see if you're in the mood for something uplifting, or something with tons of thrills. But it is a sort of gem in its own right. Even if you are not a cartoon fan, you will likely be entertained by all this 1960s series has to offer. I suggest you enjoy the first seven or so episodes for what they are and let your mind play around with the opportunities there can be to make something interesting. Overall I can give it seven out of ten for its effort and writing.