''Snorks'' is an

animated Animation is a filmmaking technique whereby image, still images are manipulated to create Motion picture, moving images. In traditional animation, images are drawn or painted by hand on cel, transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed and e ...

television series A television show, TV program (), or simply a TV show, is the general reference to any content produced for viewing on a television set that is broadcast via over-the-air, satellite, and cable, or distributed digitally on streaming plat ...

produced by

Hanna-Barbera Productions Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Inc. ( ; formerly known as H-B Enterprises, Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc. and H-B Production Co.), simply and commonly known as Hanna-Barbera, was an American animation studio and production company, which was acti ...

and SEPP International S.A. in collaboration with 3M France and ran for a total of 4 seasons, consisting of a pilot episode and 65 episodes (108 segments), on

NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network serving as the flagship property of the NBC Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast. It is one of NBCUniversal's ...

from September 15, 1984, to March 15, 1989. The program continued to be available in syndication from 1987 to 1989 as part of ''

The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera ''The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera'' is an American animated syndicated programming block produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions that ran on a weekly schedule and was performed in live action. The program ran from 1985 to 1994. Overview The ...

''s third season.

Origins

Early years (1977–1981)

In 1977, Freddy Monnickendam, a Belgian businessman and artist, first made contact with the comics industry when he negotiated the rights for the Smurfs comics to Father Abraham. He later became the head of SEPP, a branch of

Dupuis Éditions Dupuis S.A. () is a Belgium, Belgian publisher of comic albums and magazines. Based in Marcinelle near Charleroi, Dupuis is mostly famous for its comic comics album, albums and magazines. Initially a French language publisher, it now ...

, as an editor responsible for the merchandising of the Smurfs' comic series. Then he negotiated the contract between

Peyo Pierre Culliford (; 25 June 1928 – 24 December 1992) was a Belgian comics writer and artist who worked under the pseudonym Peyo (). His best-known works are the comic book series ''The Smurfs'' and '' Johan and Peewit'', in the latter of ...

and

Hanna-Barbera Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Inc. ( ; formerly known as H-B Enterprises, Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc. and H-B Production Co.), simply and commonly known as Hanna-Barbera, was an American animation studio and production company, which was acti ...

for the creation of a new ''Smurfs'' cartoon series; Peyo wanted the show to be as faithful as possible to his original comics, but Monnickendam wanted it to be more mainstream and accessible. These negotiations would later result in a legal dispute between the two men due to the division of the rights and the money involved. As a final result, Monnickendam decided to compete with the Smurfs' success, starting a new series of cartoons.

Development, concept and first comic book (1981–1984)

In June 1981, Nic Broca created the earlier character designs that were made for "Diskies", a very early iteration, made for the comic series ''

Spirou et Fantasio ''Spirou & Fantasio'' (), commonly shortened to ''Spirou'', is one of the most popular classic Franco-Belgian comics. The series, which has been running since 1938, shares many characteristics with other European comics, European humorous adventu ...

''. While initially created as robot characters, they were fleshed out into minute sea animals, and with funding from

Persil Persil (, ) is a German brand of laundry detergent manufactured and marketed by Henkel around the world except in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Latin America (except Mexico), China, Australia and New Zealand, where it is manufactured an ...

's Belgian branch, the debut ''Snorks'' comic book was published in January 1982 by Broca himself. Freddy Monnickendam, after battling with fellow Belgian cartoonist Peyo in court, searched for a series that could rival the success of ''The Smurfs'', as he tried and failed to buy its rights since 1977. He acquired the Snorks' rights from Nic Broca, and both started a partnership with Hanna-Barbera for the production of this new cartoon series. After that, a three-minute Snorks pilot episode was then made for NBC, although it has not been seen by the public.

Premiere as cartoon series (1984–1989)

''Snorks'' premiered on September 15, 1984, and ended on May 13, 1989. It aired for five years. Unlike Freddy Monnickendam had hoped, he was not able to take the Snorks' success to the same heights as ''The Smurfs'', which resulted on the end of his partnership with Broca, and finally, the disbanding of SEPP. Although the Snorks' success was limited, the cartoon show gained fans worldwide, making appearances in popular culture and gaining various product lines.

Synopsis

The Snorks are a race of small, colorful anthropomorphic sea creatures that live in the undersea world of Snorkland. They have snorkels on their heads, which are used to propel them swiftly through the water.

Voice cast

Main

* Michael Bell - Allstar Seaworthy, Bigweed, Council of Elders *

Nancy Cartwright Nancy Jean Cartwright (born October 25, 1957) is an American actress, best known as the long-time voice of Bart Simpson on ''The Simpsons'', for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance and an Annie Award f ...

- Daffney Gillfin *

Brian Cummings Brian Douglas Cummings is an American voice actor. He is known for his work in commercials, television and motion picture promos, cartoons and as the announcer on '' The All-New Let's Make a Deal'' from 1984 to 1985. Life and career Having begu ...

- Dimitris "Dimmy" Finster *

Barry Gordon Barry Gordon (born December 21, 1948) is an American actor and political talk show host. He was the longest-serving president of the Screen Actors Guild, having served from 1988 to 1995. He is perhaps best known as the original voice of Dona ...

- Wellington Wetworth, Jr. "Junior" *

Rob Paulsen Robert Frederick Paulsen III (born March 11, 1956) is an American voice actor and voice director, known for his roles in numerous animated television series and films. He received a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Pro ...

- Corky * B.J. Ward - Casey Kelp, Lil' Seaweed *

Frank Welker Franklin Wendell Welker (born March 12, 1946) is an American actor who specializes in voice acting. He began his career in the 1960s, and held around 850 film, television, and video game credits as of 2020, making him one of the most prolific v ...

- Tooter Shelby, Occy, Grandpa Wetworth, Finneus, The Great Snork Nork

Recurring

* René Auberjonois - Dr. Strangesnork *

Peter Cullen Peter Claver Cullen (born July 28, 1941) is a Canadian voice actor. He voiced Optimus Prime in the original 1980s ''The Transformers (TV series), Transformers'' animated series, later returning to the role in ''Transformers'' media in 2007, sta ...

- Council of Elders * Roger DeWitt - JoJo * Joan Gardner - Mrs. Wetworth *

Joan Gerber Joan Gerber (July 29, 1935 – August 22, 2011) was an American voice actress who provided voices for a variety of cartoons. Her most challenging voice role was "all the children in a Japanese train wreck" for a ''Godzilla'' television episode ...

- Mrs. Kelp * Bob Holt - Mr. Seaworthy (Seasons 1-2) *

Gail Matthius Abigail Mary Matthias (born ) is an American actress and comedian. She was a cast member of NBC's ''Saturday Night Live'' during its critical and ratings low point at the time (the 1980–1981 season, produced by Jean Doumanian), and co-anch ...

- Smallstar Seaworthy *

Mitzi McCall Mitzi McCall (born Mitzi Joan Steiner; September 9, 1930 – August 8, 2024) was an American comedian and actress. She was known for her work with her husband, Charlie Brill, and their performance on ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on February 9, 1964 ...

- Auntie Marina, Matilda * Edie McClurg - Mrs. Seaworthy, Ms. Seabottom * Frank Nelson - Governor Wellington Wetworth (Seasons 1-2) *

Alan Oppenheimer Alan Oppenheimer (born April 23, 1930) is an American actor. He has performed numerous roles on live action television since the 1960s and has had an active career doing voice work since the 1970s. Early life Oppenheimer was born in New York ...

- Governor Wellington Wetworth (Seasons 3-4), Mr. Seaworthy (Seasons 3-4) * Clive Revill - Dr. Galeo Seaworthy *

Robert Ridgely Robert Ridgely (December 24, 1931 – February 8, 1997) was an American actor, known for both on-camera roles and extensive voice-over work. Early life Ridgely was born in Teaneck, New Jersey. Before becoming an actor, he worked as a cabaret e ...

- Mr. Kelp * Fredricka Weber - Willie Wetworth

Additional voices

* Patricia Alice Albrecht (Season 3) *

Jack Angel Jack Angel (October 24, 1930 – October 18, 2021) was an American voice actor and radio personality. Angel voiced characters in shows by Hasbro and Hanna-Barbera such as '' Super Friends'', '' The Transformers'' and '' G.I. Joe'' and was involve ...

(Season 2) * Chub Bailly (Season 3) *

Valri Bromfield Valri Bromfield (born February 10, 1949) is a Canadian comedian, actress, writer, and television producer who started her career as one half of a comedy team with Dan Aykroyd. Together, they joined the first Toronto company of The Second City wh ...

(Season 4) * William Callaway (Season 4) * Roger C. Carmel (Season 2) * Victoria Carroll (Season 4) * Maryann Chinn (Season 2) *

Cam Clarke Cam Clarke is an American voice actor, known for his work in animation, video games, and commercials. Among his notable roles are Leonardo and Rocksteady in the 1987 ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' animated series, Shotaro Kaneda in the 1989 ...

(Seasons 2-3) * Selette Cole (Season 2) *

Townsend Coleman Townsend Putnam Coleman III (born May 28, 1954) is an American voice actor who has performed in many animated series and TV commercials beginning in the early 1980s. Among his most notable roles are Michaelangelo from ''Teenage Mutant Ninja ...

(Season 2) *

Jim Cummings James Jonah Cummings (born November 3, 1952) is an American voice actor. Beginning his career in the 1980s, he has appeared in over 400 titles. Cummings has frequently worked with the Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros., serving as the offic ...

(Season 3) * Jennifer Darling (Season 2) * Jerry Dexter (Season 3) * Jeff Doucette (Season 3) *

Marshall Efron Marshall Efron (February 3, 1938 – September 30, 2019) was an American actor and humorist originally known for his work on the listener-sponsored Pacifica radio stations WBAI New York and KPFK Los Angeles, and later for the PBS television sho ...

(Season 3) *

Richard Erdman John Richard Erdman (June 1, 1925 – March 16, 2019) was an American character actor and occasional film and television director. He appeared in more than 160 films and television productions between 1944 and 2017, mostly in supporting roles ...

(Seasons 2-3) * Laurie Faso (Season 3) *

Miriam Flynn Miriam Flynn is an American Voice acting, voice and character actor, character actress. She is best known as Cousin Catherine in the ''National Lampoon's Vacation (film series), National Lampoon's Vacation'' films and Grandma Longneck in ''The ...

(Season 2) * Edmund Gilbert (Season 4) *

Kathleen Freeman Kathleen Freeman (February 17, 1923August 23, 2001) was an American actress. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, she portrayed acerbic maids, secretaries, teachers, busybodies, nurses, and battle-axe neighbors and relatives, almost i ...

(Season 2) * Pam Hayden (Season 2) *

Arte Johnson Arthur Stanton Eric Johnson (January 20, 1929 – July 3, 2019) was an American actor and comedian who was best known for his work as a regular on television's ''Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In''. Biography Early life Johnson was born January 20, 19 ...

(Season 3) * Stan Jones (Season 2) * Jean Kasem (Season 4) * Zale Kessler (Seasons 2-4) * Paul Kirby (Season 1) *

Marilyn Lightstone Marilyn Lightstone (born 28 June 1940) is a Canadian stage, film and television actress and writer. Early life and education Born in Montreal, Quebec, Marilyn Lightstone graduated from Baron Byng High School in 1957. She went on to attend M ...

(Season 2) * Shane McCabe (Season 2) *

Chuck McCann Charles John Thomas McCann (September 2, 1934 – April 8, 2018) was an American actor, comedian, puppeteer, commercial presenter and television host. His career spanned over 70 years. He was best known for his work in presenting children's televi ...

(Season 2) *

Don Messick Donald Earle Messick (September 7, 1926 – October 24, 1997) was an American voice actor, known for his performances in Hanna-Barbera cartoons. His best-remembered voice roles include Scooby-Doo; Bamm-Bamm Rubble and Hoppy in ''The Flintsto ...

(Season 4) * Diane Michelle (Season 2) * Howard Morris (Season 2) * Laurel Page (Season 3) *

Hal Rayle Hal Rayle (born January 3, 1955) is an American voice actor. He has done many roles for both animated series and live action movies. Career Rayle has had a number of voice acting jobs over his career. Rayle's animated series roles include Miss P ...

(Season 2) * Peter Renaday (Season 2) * Roger Rose (Season 2) *

Maggie Roswell Maggie Roswell is an American actress, comedian, writer and producer from Los Angeles, California. She is well known for her voice work on the Fox network animated television series ''The Simpsons'', in which she has played recurring characters s ...

(Season 4) * Joe Ruskin (Season 3) *

Michael Rye Michael Rye (born John Michael Riorden Billsbury; March 2, 1918 – September 20, 2012) was an American actor. His decades-long career spanned radio, television, animated cartoons and video games. Aside from his voice over work, Rye also acted in ...

(Season 2) *

Ken Sansom Frank Kenneth Sansom (April 2, 1927 – October 8, 2012) was an American actor. Among his best known roles, Sansom voiced Rabbit (Winnie-the-Pooh)#Disney adaptations, Rabbit in animated television series, television specials, and films for Disney ...

(Season 2) * Ronnie Schell (Season 2) * Howard Stevens (Season 2) * Rip Taylor (Season 3) *

Russi Taylor Russi Taylor (May 4, 1944 – July 26, 2019) was an American voice actress. She was best remembered for voicing the character of Minnie Mouse in English from 1986 to 2019, and was married to voice actor Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey Mouse, ...

(Season 4) * Jean Vander Pyl (Season 2)

Episodes

Home media

Warner Archive The Warner Archive Collection is a home video division for releasing classic and cult films from Warner Bros.' library. It started as a manufactured-on-demand (MOD) DVD series by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on March 23, 2009, with the int ...

released ''Snorks: The Complete First Season'' on DVD in region 1 on September 25, 2012 as part of their Hanna-Barbera Classic Collection label. The release is available exclusively through Warner's online store and Amazon.com. In addition, 39 episodes have been released on

Hulu Hulu (, ) is an American Subscription business model, subscription streaming media service owned by Disney Streaming, a subsidiary of the Disney Entertainment segment of the Walt Disney Company. It was launched on October 29, 2007, initially as ...

per a distribution agreement with Content Media Corporation. Warner Archive released ''Snorks: The Complete Second Season'' on DVD in region 1 on July 7, 2015, and later ''Snorks: The Complete Third and Fourth Seasons'' on December 6, 2016.

References

External links

*
''Snorks''
at

Don Markstein's Toonopedia Don Markstein's Toonopedia (subtitled A Vast Repository of Toonological Knowledge) is an online encyclopedia of print cartoons, comic strips and animation, initiated February 13, 2001. Donald D. Markstein, the sole writer and editor of Toonopedi ...

Archived
from the original on July 23, 2017. {{Children's programming on NBC in the 1980s 1980s American animated comedy television series 1980s American children's comedy television series 1980s American high school television series 1984 American animated television series debuts 1989 American television series endings American children's animated adventure television series American children's animated comedy television series American children's animated fantasy television series Belgian children's animated adventure television series Belgian children's animated comedy television series Belgian children's animated fantasy television series Comics adapted into animated series Comics adapted into television series American English-language television shows Nautical comics Fictional humanoids Star Comics titles Television series based on Belgian comics Television series by Hanna-Barbera The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera Underwater civilizations in fiction Channel 4 animated television series American teen animated television series ITV children's television shows NBC animated television series First-run syndicated animated television series

Origins

Early years (1977–1981)

Development, concept and first comic book (1981–1984)

Premiere as cartoon series (1984–1989)

Synopsis

Voice cast

Main

Recurring

Additional voices

Episodes

Home media

See also

References

External links