Peter Pan and the Pirates (1990–1991) User Reviews

I love this show

[ethereal_heart · 8/10 · 3 October 2007]

Oh my God.. I have seen the show and believe me it's really cool to tell the truth it's better than the Disney version (no offense) because has more action and we get to learn about a few new characters which are lovable.

The interaction of each character and the expanded version of the adventures and some new scenery many unknown places of never LAnd we haven't seen before, is simply breathtaking and so creative.

Well a few episodes are a bit slow but the rest is really amazing with a few hilarious scenes.

I suggest to check this series out...because it so rocks...

Great t.v. show

[sugerfoot · 8/10 · 15 June 2008]

Peter Pan and the Pirates is not another retelling of Peter Pan. It takes the general idea behind the original story and gives Peter and the Lost Boys new adventures in Neverland. Many familiar faces such as Hook, Wendy, Tinkerbell and Tigerlily are present, but all the stories focus on Peters Adventures.

Hook is voiced marvelously by Tim Curry. He may not look like the traditional Hook, but the performance is amazing.

I believe that this ran in the early 90's on FOX. I remember watching it and loving it. I recently found a few episodes in a bin at a flea market and purchased them to relive the good times. It has aged well, and I still found it quite enjoyable! I think kids today will enjoy it as much as I did as a child.

Absolutely loved the show

[vader2000-1 · 10/10 · 30 May 2006]

This is one of the truest adaptations of the Peter Pan mythos I have yet seen. The characterization of Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell, The Lost boys, the Pirates, and especially Captain Jas (James) Hook, seems to make them all come alive in my mind. They were never as real to me as they were after seeing that show. To this day it remains to me as the standard through which all Pan Adaptations are measured.

What initially put me off to the show was the character designs of Peter, Wendy, and a few others, because I found that I was subconsciously comparing it to the Disney version. I had a hard time conceiving how he could've gotten a (brown) outfit like that, let alone the dagger that he used with it. Once I got over that and started judging the show by its own merit, I found that the writing and characterization was far superior to most other cartoons that were on the air at the time.

My memory of Captain Hook from the Disney version was that of an evil pirate who would lie, cheat, and steal...anything to get at the innocent boy that he hated named Peter Pan.

My view of Captain James Hook from Peter Pan and the Pirates is drastically different. For starters, he was portrayed (for the most part) as a highly honorable man...he valued telling the truth, education, good manners, and often went out of his way to keep his word, even if it meant letting Peter get away, when he could've easily taken him down on several occasions.

This was a Captain Hook that I eagerly enjoyed watching. And on several occasions, even felt sorry for him. He was a man that was deeply conflicted. He feared for his own mortality and often sought to find the key to Peter's gift of immortal youth.

Also, this Captain Hook looked menacing...not at all as whiny and effeminate as the one often portrayed by Disney.

Peter on the other hand was shown more realistically. He was forgetful, often very cocky, and sometimes got himself and his friends into trouble under the pursuit of endless fun. Yes, Peter made mistakes...but that is what I loved most about this show, the fact that it took the events from the book where it mentions that Peter and Wendy had many adventures while in Neverland, and expounded upon them to very interesting results.

I could go on...but these are a few things that I appreciate about the show.

I would love to see this series get picked up again, or get continued on in some fashion, it was a true gem.

Why on earth is this show not on anymore?

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 8 February 2009]

I saw a fair amount of episodes on YouTube and I was shocked that they don't make cartoons like this anymore. This show deserves a lot more recognition, why is it so underrated. The animation and theme tune are fantastic, as are the voice talents. The animation is just amazing, and the theme tune is in my top 10 of the best theme tunes for an animated show ever along with Talespin and Darkwing Duck. Peter and the Darlings are very well done, and all the story lines are gripping and fun. But the highlight of the whole series, was Tim Curry in a phenomenal performance as Captain Hook, who thoroughly deserved the daytime Emmy, and he was aided by some truly terrific dialogue. Sure his character animation isn't what Barrie imagined, but the writers made him into a highly complex character, and as a fan of Curry, I consider Hook to be among his best voice over roles. Hook is seen as a gentleman, who believes in good manners, has the highest regard for his mother but has a rather vindictive side towards his fellow pirates ( a bit like Jekyll and Hyde) There are also plenty of laugh out loud funny moments, like Peter pretending to be a gentleman to even a score with Hook, Hook's reactions were priceless. And there's even an episode when Hook tries to fly! My favourite line of Hook's, other than his iconic insults, is in the episode the Play's the thing, when he says, "Oh Shakespeare, give thanks that you aren't here to witness this atrocity." This show was so good, why don't they show it anymore? It's better, in my opinion, than the Disney movie, and the sequel, and actually my favourite of any Peter Pan adaptation. I think we should get a petition to bring this show back! Without question, 10/10. Bethany Cox

the best Peter Pan

[CineMage · 27 September 2009]

Unlike many people, before I ever saw this cartoon or the Disney version, I read both of Barry's Peter Pan books, *Peter and Wendy* and the prequel *Peter in Kensington Gardens* and watched a number of televised versions of Sir James Barry's play (including the classic Mary Martin in rerun and a well-meaning effort with Sandy Duncan and Danny Kaye).

I loved the tale of Peter Pan. For all the joyful energy in it, what I particularly loved was the witty satire beneath the hi-jinks and the tale's knowing, poignant forgiveness towards every person's childhood: "thus it will go on, so long as children are gay and innocent and heartless."

After all this, I was overjoyed to see the cartoon *Peter Pan and the Pirates*. Not only is this cartoon true to the books and the unsanitized versions of the original play, it expands upon them to turn an incisive Victorian fairy tale into a genuine fantasy work, with a world as intriguing as any ever created by Lewis in his Narnia books.

The very first episode even provides an icy elemental wizard/godling from whom Peter glibly steals treasures for his own amusement.

The one unfortunate thing about this series is that it ruined the Disney version for me. When I finally had the chance to watch Disney's Peter Pan on the big screen, I was deeply disappointed by the tepid treatment of the characters (as well as the naive racism). Disney's version paled in comparison to the original play, Sir Barry's books -- and this cartoon series.

This show was GREAT!!!

[Johnny-Cade · 10/10 · 15 September 2002]

I loved this show. The animation was great and the episode ideas were outstanding. It was much better than the Disney Peter Pan and more true to the book. We should bring it back on air, it's that good. There are many people who think the same way about the show. Please bring it back so the whole world can enjoy the magic of Peter Pan and the pirates once again.

Kind of boring sometimes and depressing too.

[BigWhiskers · 3/10 · 5 January 2011]

I tried to find some interest in this show since I had to get something for my young nieces and nephews to watch when they were little and I was babysitting them.I mean warranted , it's a kids cartoon but it would get rather boring at times with repetitive generic animation and the same Tim Curry rants as Capt Hook.I was 25 at the time but my nieces and nephews who were pre teens showed little interest in it and would change the channel or go outside rather than watch. I also found it to be depressing too , especially the character of Mr Smee - who was basically the whipping block of low self esteem , Hook insulted him constantly-even viciously and he took the insults as compliments. It just seemed to me that even though Smee is a fictional character , it shows kids that its funny and OK to insult and bully someone knowing they fear you and will go along with it. Nowadays bullying is scary and it leads to suicides. I mean kids needs to be shown what's right and wrong ,so even in jest when a cartoon fictional character is being bullied, it may seem OK since it's not real life but the child may retreat further if he/she is actually being bullied in real life and this is justified in their minds by the cartoon. I wouldn't recommend the series overall except for maybe the handful of episodes that veer away from Hook and the pirates.

loved it

[water_nymph14 · 10/10 · 4 October 2006]

i watched Peter Pan and the Pirates growing up and thought it was brilliant. I borrowed all the videos from the video shop and watxhed all the episodes on TV. I even (sad i no) fell in love with peter pan. I loved the character of peter pan and thought the chemistry between Hook, Wendy and Peter was really good. Hook is said to be a gentle man and wendy takes full advantage of that to win the battles. And the coy and witty lines in the episode are very entertaining and sometimes funny. Sometimes I found myself crying!!! Its so cute how peter cares for wendy so much. AAAWWWWWWWWW I still love it even now at 15 and wish it would go back on TV !!!

One of my favourite Peter Pan adaptions

[jadedathena · 24 November 2002]

I really loved this series. It's not even in reruns where I am anymore. I'm actually not a big fan of the animation quality like some of the others but I liked how smart this show was. I've always loved the Peter Pan story and this show was the one that best portrayed it I think, better than Disney's, Spielberg's, even better than the Broadway version. Maybe because it had the opportunity to expand where those could only stay or lift off (as is the case with Spielberg's "Hook") from the original story. Maybe I'm blinded by my nostalgia for this series but I remember this animated cartoon as something intelligent. That it dealt with the real purpose of Neverland, of loss, of imagination, etc. I haven't seen this in years and maybe I won't be so devoted when if I see it again. This was a very smart adaption of Peter Pan and it remains one of the best I've ever seen or known. It's true to the book, the characters, the storylines and it brings enough childhood fun to make it true to Barrie's original. Now, I wish it would be on for me.

Cartoons Of The 90's: Peter Pan And The Pirates

[FloatingOpera7 · 10/10 · 13 May 2006]

Peter Pan And The Pirates (1990-1992?) Starring Jason Marsden, Tim Curry, Debi Derryberry, Cristina Lang, Ed Gilbert, Jack Lynch, Whit Hertfold, Chris M. Alport, Michael Wise, Aaron Lohr, Cree Summer, Scott Menville, David Shaughnessy, Jack Angel, Eugene Williams..Director Jon D. Williams, Writer Peter Lawrence This short-lived cartoon series, which only lasted about two seasons, was a superb, creative and colorful introduction to J.M. Barrie's classic children's novel "Peter Pan", which has been adapted into silent film, several sound/dramatic versions, a 1950's Disney animated film and a Broadway musical. The unforgettable story of a flying boy who refuses to grow up, of the enchanted world of Neverland and of the villainous Captain Hook never fades from memory. I remember this was a well-written, highly entertaining series, loosely based on the original novel. It had the same characters, including all the Pirates (Smee, Starkey, Billy Jukes, Cookson, Mullins) and the Indians (Tiger-Lily, Hard-To-Hit and Big Chief Little Panther). While many elements were fictionalized and tailor-made for the series, which has no formal plot or time continuity, meaning Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys remain in Neverland eternally battling Captain Hook and his crew. Each episode revealed creative subplots (One year before Steven Spieldberg's "Hook" starring Robin Williams, there was an episode in which Peter Pan grows up, becomes a roaming old man and causes Neverland to self-destruct, Wendy, Peter and the Lost Boys put on a play, Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet, later Hook, in a scheme to capture Wendy and kill Peter, takes part of the production, we journey to Tintagel, the fairy world where Tinker Bell comes from, a little magical world encased in glass) The adventures are just as exciting as in the films and novels, and we get more character development. Tinker bell (Debie Drewberry) is allowed to develop as a talking character, revealing her playfulness, her stubbornness, her mischief and her jealousy of Wendy for being loved by Peter. Whenever she was impatient or angry, she would curse but someone would "shhhh" her or she would be quited by the furious flapping of her own wings, which, like in the book, sound like tinkling bells. Literary elements like Hook's origins - he left the Spanish Main and got lost and got stuck in Neverland - the Crocodile that ate his hand and swallowed a clock, which, with every tick, reminds him he is coming to devour the rest of him. Wendy seems to grow from a naive girl, raised in a civil British Victorian home and initially believing that even Captain Hook is a true gentleman, to a girl who fends for herself and learns that she can not trust so easily. Tinker Bell, Peter Pan's savior (she rescued him when he was abandoned by his mother and whisks him off to Neverland where they become childhood playmates) is a lot like Peter Pan, just as defiant, playful and stubborn. More importantly, we get more of a sense of conflict between Captain Hook (voiced by Tim Curry in a great performance!), who is a gentleman, a villain, a manipulator and drunk on his own dictatorial power as Captain of the Jolly Roger, which even fuels Mutiny in one episode. Peter Pan (Jason Marsden) portrays Pan as an arrogant, cocky, stubborn, defiant, spoiled brat-hero, which, however unlike the Peter Pans you've seen before, makes him more flawed and therefore more real. Furthermore, thanks to the fine voice-acting of Tim Curry and Jason Marsden, we finally see what may be at the heart of the antagonism between Hook and Pan- the jealousy and resentment that comes with age difference. Hook, a powerful older alpha male, is humiliated and constantly defeated by a much younger, equally powerful Peter Pan. Perhaps I'm over-analyzing all of this, but if you watch these episodes with careful attention and appreciation, you'll discover the strength of the story. Other than the fine acting, we get a lot of comedy, especially in the nuances of the Lost Boys and the awkward pirates like Smee and the British gentleman Starkley. And, Hook, big and bad as he is, has a weakness: He loves his Mother and is submissive to her.

What Is Perhaps The Most Brilliant And Impressive Adaptation!!!

[Dawalk-1 · 10/10 · 6 May 2009]

Even though this show hasn't seen the light of day on the airwaves in over a decade and a half, I still find it far-fetched just how rare and underrepresented this show really is. I wouldn't see it again until coming across videos of the 4 episodes there are available at Veoh months ago. Although as far as the animated adaptations are concerned and I like both this version and the original Disney movie equally, actually, I agree that this most certainly has got to be the more superior of the two. I hope the powers-that-be who are responsible for its future release on DVD in 2020 aren't serious, no way, they can't be. If they are, they're tripping and horse-scatting. Unbelievable that the show never re-aired on any other channel like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network or Boomerang. And considering it's been such a long time since this series hit the air, now it's just totally underexposed. Peter Pan and the Pirates was one of the earliest shows that premiered on Fox Kids and should've also been one of the first on DVD already. It's my most favorite out of all the Fox Kids programs and either needs to be brought back to t.v. pronto or brought to DVD already. It deserves more recognition than it's received and needs to be introduced to a new generation. It's for sure much better than some of the more recent shows on now and could fill airtime for one of them.

I used to watch this often when I was little and I've never forgotten about it. For those who haven't seen it at all, I recommend it because it's great escapism and it's got thrilling adventures. It's a top-notch, grade A+ cartoon and everything about it is perfect: The stories, the animation, the characters, the voice-acting, there are no qualms about them. It doesn't disappoint and will keep anyone at the edge of their seats. That's just how great it is. Not a program to be neglected. But don't take my word for it, just find out for yourselves and y'all will see why it's earned the accolades it has. It's among the best and most interesting/engaging shows ever. An underrated but overlooked, worthy classic.

High Flying Adventure

[hellraiser7 · 10/10 · 10 September 2014]

Peter Pan was always one of my favorite fantasy stories when I was a kid, just the concept of flying, fighting pirates and being on an island where everyday was an adventure or you could simply do whatever you wanted; it was all so imaginative and beautiful. The story also had a universal effect, on one hand for the kids it's a great escapist adventure, and for the adults it's really makes us remember what it was like to be young and the subconscious desire to stay that way despite it not being forever. This show is one of my favorite animated shows that is also another under the radar gem which isn't underrated or overlooked but as time went on has became forgotten.

Not a whole lot to say, The animation I think is great from the character designs, Jolly Roger, and most importantly Neverland which to me is the biggest highlight of the series. I really love the amount of detail to it, sections of the land are always different where in one section it's a place of ice, another a ongoing carnival, and other sections I don't want to give away, it's kinda like with the world in the video game "Zelda" where there is just always something different a mere distance away. They really were able to make it seem like Neverland was a place where anything could happen, adventure was at every turn, and anything is possible.

The action is very good, I think it's well choreography and even like how they handled the flying. The music is excellent, I really love the theme song which to me is one of my personal favorite theme songs ever. It fits the show, it has sort of a shashbuckling adventure tone to it.

I really love how they handled the story, they made it fun but they also weren't afraid to get at some of the dark aspects of the story which the original had, which helped tackle some Freudian themes on coming of age, our conflicting desire to want to stay innocent and young but at the same time to unavoidable know more about the adult world, to grow up and not be innocent forever. But also simply to always remember and stay in touch with the child in ourselves.

And even the characters I think are all well rounded as well as well voice acted from Peter Pan to of course Captain Hook voiced well by one of my favorite actors Tim Curry whom is just excellent because he maintains menace but at times can be dryly comical.

And this show has some memorable episodes that I think really show how much animation was taking the next step. I like how at times the show is multi focused where it's not always about Peter Pan and Hook but sometimes even Wendy, John, Tinkerbell and the others which I feel give these characters more to do but most importantly a certain sense of depth and emotions. But anyway some episodes were just fun escapist adventures but there were others where the show really can take a bit of an unfun turn or even just play with convention. One episode we learn the origin of the rivalry between Hook and Pan and it's a tragic story of terrible misunderstanding. Another where Pan inadvertently traveled in time and took Jane, Wendy's daughter to Neverland. But my favorite is the only two parter the episode had which to me is the darkest episode ever where we see Peter Pan grow up and Neverland is dying, and what's interesting about the episode is that it's actually more Tink's story and we truly see how truly strong her feelings for Pan are and they are more.

I loved as a kid and I still do now which is why just like the original fantasy classic will never grow old.

Rating: 4 stars

A really enjoyable kids gem.

[Animany94 · 9/10 · 28 May 2019]

Disney's Peter Pan is good, but Fox's Peter Pan and the Pirates are one of those shows you wonder why is left in obscurity, because this adaption of the boy who never grew up is probably the best of them.

The sense of wonder and imagination directed towards a kid audience is admirable, because even though the language and kind of cutesie nature may hold it back from appealing to an older demographic the sheer epicness of their adventure in Neverland is enchanting.

And the sense of wonder and adventure is blasted at you right from the start. I'm talking about the intro sequence which is incredibly haunting and larger-than-life. Easily one of the best intro sequences to a tv-show along with Justice League (2001-'04) and The simpsons. The animation can at times be a little flat, but the substance of the adventures and the relationships between the characters can be pretty deep for what demographic it is aimed at.

And Tim Curry does an awesome job as Capt. Hook. A sadly forgotten gem which is very hard to find around the web.

excellent

[machineghost-1 · 20 March 2005]

i loved this show when i was a kid. i remember rushing home from school every day to catch it cause it came on shortly after i got out. in fact it was because of this show that I've ended up such a huge fan of the peter pan stories, movies, and books. the main reason i was so fond of this version was because the series tended to be a bit darker than most other cartoons at that time. for example, i remember an episode where capt. hooks brother came to neverland with a ghost ship. the fight that ensued was pretty violent and the ghost ship was kinda scary. also, there was an episode where peter ties hook up to a tree and is about to kill him, but it turns around when peter decides to grow old and almost destroys neverland. all in all, it was a great show and one that i'd love to see again. lets hope that fox will release this one on DVD sometime, or maybe let it run on cartoon network.

Best

[mental_chelsea · 10/10 · 13 December 2018]

I used to watch this series as a kid. It was the best cartoon then, and still is the best adaption of Peter Pan. I would happily watch it again. The characters and story lines are fantastic and makes you want to keep watching it. I always wanted to be Peter Pan, fly around. Fighting against Captain Hook and his crew. This brings back happy memories for me.

I somewhat felt sorry for Captain Hook. But I loved this version of him, compared to them now. Captain Hook is meant to be scary and intimidating, just like this one is. But today's versions are timid and whiny. Not what a pirate Captain is meant to be.

Peter Pan in this version is what I would call a typical boy would be like. His adventures, cocky personality, and he often got himself and his crew into a lot of trouble. This is the best version of Peter Pan and would recommend to anyone who likes the films/books.

the greatest show on earth

[darcy-2 · 3 September 1999]

I used to watch this show back when I thought I was going to be 9 years old forever and all I ever wanted to be was THIS peter pan. I used to have the action figure too, but somehow it's gotten misplaced. *sigh* FOX SHOULD BRING THIS ONE BACK!!!!! To stay forever and continue it as best they can. it rocked and I would love to see it again...

Very good

[Op_Prime · 2 August 2000]

This show had great animation. Very detailed. The show was also more correct with the personalities of many of the characters, or at least that's my thought on the matter. I don't know why the show was taken off the air or why the reruns are not shown. It's a shame todays viewers don't get as much intelligence from television as they used to.

sticking up for the little guy

[briarski · 23 June 1999]

Peter Pan is my hero, and for any of you or your children who have not seen the fox cartoon of Pan, you missed something special. I liked it better than Disney, one because it was more correct on characters and personalities, and two because it lasted longer. Fox should bring back this wonderful t.v. show on Peters adventures. All children should have a chance to journey with him on his flight through neverland, it is pure good for the imagination. BRING IT BACK, PLEASE.

Excellent show!

[Blaze-17 · 13 July 2000]

This is one fine show! This is much better than the Disney movie "Peter Pan". The animation is so much better, and the episodes are great! It's on at 4:00 am in my area and I watch it everyday. I don't understand why it is not that popular. Sometimes the best stuff to watch is the least popular. That's how it is with some things. Peter Pan and the Pirates is one of those for sure.