A Spirited Animated Adventure Returns!

Read Time:4 Minute, 30 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
Tiny Toons Looniversity

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Year Released: 2023 –
Runtime: 10 x 24m episodes
Cast: Eric Bauza, Ashleigh Hairston, David Errigo Jr., Tessa Netting, Jeff Bergman, Bob Bergen, Candi Milo, Cree Summer, Fred Tatasciore
Where To Watch: premieres September 9, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network with new episodes debuting every week. Fans will also be able to stream all ten episodes of the first season on Max beginning September 8

RAVING REVIEW: Navigating the intricate hallways of animation evolution, TINY TOONS LOONIVERSITY is a spirited revival that seamlessly blends the essence of the good ol’ days with the vibrant narratives of today. Welcome to our first semester of college as we walk onto the campus of Acme Looniversity, our familiar cast of toons all starting their first year as “college” freshmen.

The 90s was a golden era for animated TV, and TINY TOON ADVENTURES was one such jewel in the crown. As the animation world re-embraces the past, TINY TOONS LOONIVERSITY aims to serve a dose of nostalgia while respectfully addressing modern-day issues. The revival takes us on a journey from the playful terrains of TINY TOON ADVENTURES to the bustling campus life of TINY TOONS LOONIVERSITY.

Keeping the essence alive, the series crafts a perfect balance between its original design, brimming with humor, and the latest trends in animation. The series takes that familiar humor from the 90s and brings our lovable cast into their college days. At the same time, the series has some hurdles to overcome, notably the vast change of voice and creatives from the original series. It does so gracefully, making it a new experience within a familiar world.

Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first. Babs and Buster “no relation” are now depicted as siblings, offering a nuanced storyline providing an emotional depth that many animations often miss. The online conversation focused heavily on this change, but ultimately, it didn’t harm the character's interactions. While I don’t know the reason for the change, it's easy enough to look past. Times change, things change in reboots often, and this is just another in the long line.

Sweetie Bird’s transformation from a mere shadow of Tweety to having her personality is a welcome change, and I love that the characters have been allowed to grow during their time away. Familiar characters may feel new, thanks to a mostly revamped voice cast that imbues them with fresh energy. A university setting, a fun choice, creates a relatable backdrop for the young and the young at heart. I will admit that getting used to the new character voices takes some time, and I don’t fully understand why they sound different. The OG Looney Tunes all sound like their familiar voices. Could we assume this is a “multiverse,” or they had voice changes while growing up?

Die-hard fans might raise an eyebrow at some changes but can't deny the commitment to the rich heritage of Warner Bros.’s animation. Every frame of the episodes I screened offers that warm and rich feeling I’ve grown up with, from the characters I knew even before TINY TOON ADVENTURES to those in the 90s that became “my toons.”

Once the original series' fans come to terms with any changes, the show will present them with a treasure trove of witty dialogues and compelling story arcs that are as much a treat to the ears as they are to the eyes. The fine line between homage and overindulgence is thin; sometimes, TINY TOONS LOONIVERSITY does toe that line, but in the end, I can’t wait to see the rest of the series.

In a nutshell, TINY TOONS LOONIVERSITY is where yesterday's memories meet today's innovations. Serving up a delightful blend of mischief and lessons, it beckons loyal fans from its early days and newbies looking for animated escapades. Dive in, folks; this spirited ride promises laughs, lessons, and a trip down memory lane!

#tinytoons #tinytoonsadventures #tinytoonslooniversity #cartoonnetwork #amblintelevision #warnerbrosanimation #max

I had the privilege of screening four of the ten episodes for season 1.

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[photo courtesy of CARTOON NETWORK, WARNER BROS. ANIMATION, AMBLIN TELEVISION, MAX]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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