Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (1993) User Reviews

Sonic the Hedgehog's first cartoon series

[emasterslake · 7/10 · 22 April 2006]

This was one of my favorite cartoons back in the day. I liked it more than SatAM. Because back then I disliked serious cartoons.

Course today I like both this and SatAM as well.

Unlike SatAM, AoStH is more light hearted and more slap stick comedy.

If you add Bugs Bunny/Road Runner cartoons and Sonic the Hedgehog you get this type of cartoon series.

Throughout the series you see Sonic and Tails wondering around Mobius and stopping Robotnik from taking over the planet. Dr. Robotnik lives in his own home on top of a mountain and accompanied by his robot lackeys who are very stupid and can't do anything right when it comes to catching Sonic.

Course Sonic out smarts them real easily cause they're gullible and can't see through Sonic's disguises.

There some funny moments in the series, and some random stuff, and sometimes ridiculously silly moments. Course this was made for the youth audiences. Since Sonic the Hedgehog is for everyone.

There's nothing that'll offend little kids. Practically anyone can watch this. But just don't expect it to be serious.

It's something to watch for a laugh on the jokes or the way the show is.

Not as bad as I had heard it to be, in fact I consider it a guilty pleasure

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 9 July 2011]

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog is not as good as the brilliant Sonic the Hedgehog SATM series, but it is better than Sonic Underground(don't hate it but it does have a lot of glaring problems) and Sonic X which is not that good at all and suffers from too much Chris and not enough Sonic.

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog does have its flaws. I admit I am not a huge fan of the animation. The character designs and colours are not so bad, it's more the background art which have a tendency to be cheap and lacking in finesse. I like the opening sequence and theme tune, but some of the accompanying is annoyingly synthesised, I don't always have a problem with synthesised music but sometimes it can feel tacky, which was my problem here. Also Dr RobotNik is a decent enough villain here, but he is a pale shadow really of the true bad-ass that is the RobotNik of the SATM series. I like the I HATE THAT HEDGEHOG exclamations though.

Faults aside, in a way I do consider this series a sort of guilty pleasure. The story lines are not really original and lacking in substance, but they are adventurous, well-paced and entertaining. The writing is also not so bad, it is often very amusing and makes me forget it is not that sophisticated, likewise with some of the slapstick. Sonic is a zany and endearing protagonist too with his encounters with RobotNik one of the better parts of the episodes and Tails is a hoot, while the voice acting is strong particularly from a spirited Jaleel White.

All in all, a guilty pleasure. 7/10 Bethany Cox

AoStH

[winged_loner · 6/10 · 6 June 2006]

Its pretty easy to see why they changed this show with the larger cast and much darker and continuing story of the SatAM series. This show was far too comical to deal with the very real motive that Sonic the Hedgehog has on people. And that is freedom and what people are willing to do to get it. It was funny, I'll give it that, but Sonic's WHOLE attitude wasn't fully realized here. The characters were given an overhaul with this one and it was welcomed, but I don't ever believe that Sonic thought that Tails was an annoying nuisence. Robotnik's 'Master plans' in this one truly poke fun at his immaturity, but he really is a very clever planner. In SatAM, this was fully realized and captured, actually making him a major threat rather than a walking joke.

The show that ABC refused to air because it was too corny

[Samanfur · 4 January 2005]

It wasn't the most intelligent show in the world, but it didn't try to be, or make any pretence about being so. The music was synthesised, the backgrounds were cheap and stylised, and the character models and animation quality were classic Saturday morning fare.

The plots weren't exactly taxing and the humour wasn't exactly subtle. In fact, both were downright lowest common denominator at times. My father wouldn't let me watch it if he was in the room, because he disliked the level of loud noises and the complete lack of substance.

As a Tails fan, watching Tails be transformed into a portable rent-a-hostage - and a four year old to boot - was rather galling.

But at least, in that department, the series got one thing right: he was a tech whizz. You didn't need to be able to read or write to cook up scientific or mechanical marvels at short notice, and he not infrequently did.

Don't laugh, but I used to keep a tally, classing each episode according to whether Tails was presented overwhelmingly as the portable victim/gullible idiot, did something outstanding/helpful or didn't sway in either direction.

All three lists were fairly expansive, but at least the list of positive episodes didn't consist of only three or four, or have episodes where Sonic's alleged sidekick and best friend was barely more than a background extra or only seen in the opening credits. Which is more than can be said for SatAM.

All in all, I'd say that 'AoStH' was probably the series that got closest to the games as we knew them back then: the adventures were picaresque, with the occasional recurring characters but no completely overarching plot; the story lines weren't overly deep; Mobius *ducks hail of missiles from SegaSonic purists* even had the occasional human other than Robotnik, but you weren't beaten over the head with it.

People try to knock it down, but it was never trying to be SatAM or 'SX'. It was there for cheap laughs, and it did what it did pretty well.

Crazy loony tunes inspired fun but lacks quality control

[xamtaro · 6/10 · 1 March 2020]

Heavy on juvenile slapstick humour, THE ADVENTURES OF SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is an unabashedly fun, crazy series that is less like the games it is based on and more like Bugs Bunny against Yosemite Sam or Road Runner against Wile E Coyote.

The titular speedy blue hedgehog is the Bugs Bunny analog. He is a fun loving fast talking little critter embodying the smart mouth slacker type which somehow appeals to kids of that era. Ever ready with an annoying boast or a silly roast directed towards his enemies, Sonic is voiced by Jaleel "Urkel" White in a fittingly nasal voice. Peppering his dialogue are catchphrases like "I'm waaaaiiiting" or cravings for chilli dogs or some other quip making him sound like a cross between an impatient spoiled brat. As you can tell by now, I am not too big a fan of his. Accompanying Sonic is his twin tailed baby fox pal Tails, who is much more level headed and comes across as childlike and innocent.

To Sonic's Bugs Bunny, there is the Yosemite Sam in the form of Doctor Ivo Robotnik and his two mechanical minions Scratch (robot chicken) and Grounder (robot drill thingy). Now this trio is actually funny. The outrageous plots to get back at Sonic, outlandish inventions and crazy capers are not exactly comedy gold but at least they are funny and not annoying. Their voice actors do a reat job with the material they are given, imbuing the baddies with unique albeit exaggerated voices befitting their personalities and appearance.

Episodes are less like stories and more like a series of crazy misadventures designed just for laughs. This craziness extends to the look of the show which, for all intents and purposes, work. Simplistic character designs, trippy background art, all harkens back to its source of influence. It's classic style only just makes up for its lack of quality control. Characters' proportions vary wildly within each episode, animation mistakes and scenes where action, foreground, and background don't seem to be completely integrated happen once too often.

At a whopping 65 episodes Long, the series had Long since overstayed it's welcome with repetitive scripts and recycled jokes. There is a guilty giggle to be had at its corny comedy which is often so bad it's good. In a way, this forgettable format makes ADVENTURES OF SONIC THE HEDGEHOG highly rewatchable and accessible. One could just pop in on any episode and be entertained. It is easy lowest common denominator type entertainment to pass the time but little else beyond that.

One of the better Sonic cartoon series, for what that's worth

[purplehpurple · 7/10 · 1 June 2018]

What if Sonic the Hegehog was a Looney Tunes character, but with far less than the Golden Age Looney Tunes budget, and worse jokes? Adventures of Sonic the Hegehog is a fun series, but it's not perfect. There are animation errors, but they aren't as abd as in some DIC cartoon adaptations. The biggest problem with this series is unfortunately its heroes. Jaleel White turns in a decent performance as Sonic, but his characterization is not great for this wacky comedy version of Sonic. Though he acts as a good friend to Tails and isn't a jerk by any means, when he's actually trying to be funny it's just not that successful. The problem here is that Sonic isn't the underdog in this series. He's too powerful, too successful, and a bit too full of himself when he's trying to deliver jokes. He's a hard hero to root for. Tails meanwhile sounds like his voice actor won a contest to be in a cartoon.

As usual, Dr. Robotnik is the best part of the series. It doesn't matter whether it's a game, cartoon, or comic, Dr. Robotnik is consistently the most entertaining part. Total goof Robotnik, serious and threatening Robotnik, somewhere between, all are great. Somehow all of his English language voices have also managed to be great, and Long John Baldry is perfect for this interpretation of the character. This conceited, over the top taskmaster is hilarious, and his interactions with his goons are always entertaining.

At the time when the showed aired the Sonic Says segments were insulting, but now they can be pretty funny. The series in general is known for some of its accidentally funny content, and has been immortalized on the internet through YouTube Poops.

It's not the best Sonic series, but it's up there. If Sonic were written a bit differently it could have been even better, but as it stands it's a series where you're wanting to see more of the villain than the hero.

Delightfully weird Sonic Cartoon

[maddoxacox · 7/10 · 27 May 2022]

This sonic cartoon is delightfully weird in the best way possible. There's literally tons of hilarity each and every corner, and it only gets more hilarious by the minute. I really recommend if you are into corny humor and the video games.

A Whole Lotta Noise

[benjaminburt · 3/10 · 1 November 2017]

This series falls into the trap of the early 90s kids shows: talking down to kids. This Sonic series treated its audience as having no attention span and no intelligence. The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog is dominated by frantic movement, poor animation, quick and easy jokes, grating voice performances, and a weird fixation on chili-dogs. Not only was it totally outclassed by its sister series, Sonic Sat AM, but frankly, it was outclassed by most cartoons of the time, even by Bonkers, which aired the same year and had the same number of episodes.

All in all, this series does not hold up over time. Maybe it will still keep very young children entertained, but with a huge history of better series, you're better off picking a different one. If you're a really big Sonic fan, you might maybe possibly tolerate the show, but you might as well just watch a different Sonic show.

Well, I've got the running blue (hedgehog) running away...

[Theshapeshifter · 10/10 · 2 October 2006]

Ages ago, in a once glorious past, wise-cracking, cartoon mammals dominated the television airways and brought us funny situations, lovable characters, and hilarious villains.

Sonic the Hedgehog was one such mammal.

This show had a wonderful style of animation reminiscent of the classic cartoons of the eighties and a sense of humor not unlike the "Looney Tunes" shorts. The plot was excellently justifiable; that of a beloved gaming character and his tiny sidekick on the lam from a ruthless madman and his three metallic peons. It was a show filled with all sorts of slapstick humor and backfiring, dreamy schemes, as well as morals learned at each episode's end.

While it was long since canceled, int won't be soon forgotten.

Corny, but fun to watch!

[fastandfuriostmp · 7/10 · 19 July 2022]

This show is undoubtedly corny, but it's fun to watch. I remember enjoying it when I was younger, and I've watched it again recently. It has slapstick comedy like the old cartoons used to have and doesn't take itself too seriously except for the "Sonic Says" sequence at the end of every episode that teaches kids moral values and safety. The story is adventurous and fun, but it does lack originality and Robotnik could be a stronger villain though he is decent.

Tails is more childlike and innocent while Sonic is very energetic and silly, but also responsible. These two are the reason why I enjoy the series. They bring all the fun. Plus, you get that brotherly relationship that the games seem to shy away from.

How do you review a show that is lacking in substance and yet is strangely watchable?

[IonicBreezeMachine · 5/10 · 14 January 2021]

Set on the planet Mobius, Sonic, a blue hedgehog with super speed powers, foils the world domination plans of Dr. Robotnik and his incompetent henchmen.

Produced by Dic Entertainment in 1993, the show came about out of Dic's desire to approach their Sonic license in a similar manner to how they did Ghostbusters with their The Real Ghostbusts/Slimer! And the Real Ghostbusters. Much like Real Ghostbusters ABC would receive a package of 13 episodes per season while a syndication package of 65 episodes would be produced and distributed concurrently with the Saturday morning series. ABC was upset with the idea and threatened not to air the Saturday morning show if the syndication package was created, which resulted in the Saturday morning show becoming darker in tone and syndication one becoming lighter so they'd be distinct enough as not to cannibalize one another. Thus Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog was created and was certainly interesting to say the least.

There's really not much to the show aside from the basic formula: Dr. Robotnik and/or his two henchmen loudmouthed robot chicken Scratch and and dimwitted simpleton Grounder build devices for the purpose of taking over the planet or destroying Sonic only for said inventions to backfire. This is first and foremost a comedy show and for the most part it does work. The animation is very simple, with very little detail put into backgrounds (which are often bizarre and nonsensical in how they're laid out) and animation that's less concerned about being on model than it is about being manic and energized. Like its central character it's relentlessly fast paced and goes from one over the top situation to another without taking much of a breath. This show is often compared to Ren & Stimpy in terms of its humor and animation, albeit a much more restrained approach, but it doesn't have the same level of edge and bite as that show. The show is very rubbery in terms of its animation and because its heavily reliant on slapstick the falls, punches and crashes don't result in the same level of humor as contemporary shows like Animaniacs or Tiny Toons. But it's a decent enough attempt that serves its purpose of killing kids time either before or after they get home from school.

I'd be remissed if I didn't discuss the often lampooned and memetic Sonic Sez/Sonic Says segments that would bookend episodes of the show as a way of meeting the minimum FCC requires for children's programming to contain SOME educational content per a 1990 congressional ruling calling for such. Most of these are basically lip service giving "no duh" lessons like "not talking to strangers" or "calling police if you're in trouble", but then others are really badly done like one involving "when you should dial 911" and then there are strange ones like "learning something from Sloths" or "don't ride in clothes dryers".

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog is what it is, it's a zany cartoon whose purpose is to fill time on TV stations between their A List programming and give kids something to watch before or after they get to school. Is it good? objectively speaking probably not. But does it serve its target audience? Yes. If given other options this show doesn't compare, but because it was intended to air when no other options were available it does its job.

Good show

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 9/10 · 3 March 2008]

I used to watch this show when I was growing up. I remember it pretty well. If you ask me, it was a good show. I remember the opening sequence, closing sequence, and theme song vaguely. In addition to that, everyone was ideally cast. Also, the writing was very strong. The performances were top-grade, too. I hope some network brings it back so I can see every episode. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever, even though I don't think I've seen every episode. Now, in conclusion, if some network ever brings it back, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.

Worst TV show ever!

[jbonenfant-52061 · 1/10 · 27 July 2021]

The stories are badly written the characters are badly treated and The animation... eh it's OK.

Very Good Series

[AtomicAnthony · 7 February 2003]

This is a very good series. The show deserved more than one season. It was funny, and kept you laughing the whole 30 minutes. The show really deserves 4 stars, and a chance at airing on TV again. Live On Sonic!! Live On!

It wasn't bad

[ThunderKing6 · 5/10 · 15 February 2021]

Sonic is a cool character.

This show was ok at best. The animation was fine. I just didn't engage will with this show.

Its like the games. Just without a remote control.

Verdict: Sonic Dull.

One really great 90's classic cartoon

[DrakeLee · 8/10 · 9 July 2008]

Sonic the Hedgehog was one of the best TV shows of the 90's. It is quintissential 90's TV and is a fine example of what cartoons used to be like. The villains were great as was Sonic the 90's version of Bugs Bunny. This show is aimed at a particular audience of kids who grew up watching cartoons all the time and for that generation Sonic was ideal animation. There was also a tone of sadness underneath the shows exterior that one would have to find out by watching the series. Even so the show is full of hum our and is perfect for kids. Or at least it was. Weather or not today's kids will like the series is another matter but for this person who grew up watching this series Sonic is a awesome 90's show that deserves the same attention as the much loved games

It's OK but the other Sonic cartoons were better

[SonicStuart · 5/10 · 27 February 2004]

I liked this cartoon because I am a really big fan of Sonic but I liked the other Sonic cartoons but at the same time I have mixed feelings about this cartoon. This one I thought was hilarious because this it's a comedy cartoon but still the action Sonic cartoons stay true to the character. But when I first looked at this show I said that this show is not Sonic the Hedgehog behavior! So in this cartoon, Sonic was kind of an odd mix between Bugs Bunny and Road Runner in this cartoon. But I really think it's funny this cartoon where Sonic makes all these funny disguises and outsmarting Dr. Robotnik's stupid but yet funny robots, Scratch and Grounder! This cartoon is alright but I'll pick Sonic SatAM and Sonic Underground anyday.

"Where my Chili Dogs? I'm waiting............!"

[ian-1211 · 9/10 · 1 November 2006]

This used to love this show! I used to watch it with my twin sister on VHS from the video shop when we were about 6 or 7. It ruled and the plots were happily remembered (the good old days they were). About four months ago, I was surfing about on YouTube when I type "The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog" up. I first watch the intro (which was cool) then I watch an episode or two. I love them! I mad for that show again. Old memories are rediscovered and I kept on watching more and more episodes off the Internet! Life is good again. But there is only one problem: it's not on normal television! I think the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 or Five should consider bringing back this show. Kids of today will love it and the morals are beyond the best. Yes, the morals, AOSTH had meaningful morals like: "Go to the library" or "Don't go off with strangers" or "Tell a teacher if you are being bullied". I'm afraid the other Sonic cartoons don't have that kind of thought into their cartoons. Sonic Underground sucked and there wasn't meaning to it but to make money! Sonic's so called cousins from that series were stupid and unappealing. Sonic X is alright, a bit violence but just alright but it can't beat the 1993 DiC AOSTH series. I have never the other Sonic the Hedgehog Series by DiC and hopefully I never will! The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog really needs to be brought back to British Terrestrial Television...and Fast! P.S I also loved Stracth the Robo Chicken and Grounder the Drill Arm Robot from this series. Life was never the same without them! Stuff Coconuts the Robo Monkey, he was a nobody and he stank! 9/10

Tight Show!

[amit1984 · 13 July 2003]

This show kicked ass! It first came on when I was in the third grade. I would watch it before I went to school in the mornings. I really liked the characters, also the episodes were always good and never got old. I wish they could air again on tv or come out on DVD!

Worst TV show ever

[jbonenfant-52061 · 1/10 · 27 July 2021]

Terrible stories characters that are badly treated and animation well it's just OK.

AoStH: The Original Cartoon of the Internet.

[BaconJam94 · 10/10 · 4 January 2012]

If your an Internet user who is aware of certain memes, does the words "SnooPING AS usual, I see" seem familiar to you? Before MLP: Friendship is Magic became the "Cartoon of the Internet", there was (and still is) Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (AoStH). Before Rainbow Dash and her "20% cooler" line, there was Dr. Ivo Robotnik and his infamous "PINGAS" quote. But why is AoStH so popular on the Internet, even AFTER MLP came along? There is one reason, it's because it is like the Internet in it's prime.

Think about it. When you go to 4chan and see how much people post funny but bizarre pictures and comments all over the website. That's what the humor of AoStH looks like in motion (minus the curse words and x-rated stuff). It's literally Looney Tunes on steroids.

Jaleel White's performance as Sonic in this show is much like his SatAM incarnation, only a bit goofy. Christopher Welch voice of Tails is pretty much 50/50. But the real reason why people love this show is Robotnik himself (played by the late great Long John Baldry), who is the unofficial mascot of memes on Youtube.

The characters may be 100% bizarre, but they are enjoyable and they oozes out character. The stories are weird but watchable. And the "Sonic Sez" segments are funny but unnecessary.

If SatAM is the Tim Burton's Batman of the Sonic series, then AoStH is the 60's Batman. Strange, but fun to watch. Much like the Internet itself.

Not the quality of other animated series from the same era

[kevin_robbins · 5/10 · 23 October 2023]

Recently, my daughter and I revisited The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog (1993) on Tubi. The series unfolds as Sonic and his loyal friend, Tails, strive to protect their home planet, Mobius, from the sinister Dr. Robotnik's hostile takeover.

This show boasts rather mediocre animation, writing, and character development, appearing somewhat more juvenile than my childhood memories. While it does introduce some enjoyable characters, storylines, and situations, it falls short in certain areas. Some dialogues and concepts are overused, and characters like Grounder and Coconuts come across as irksome, one-dimensional villains. However, Dr. Robotnik proves to be a solid antagonist, and episodes featuring his mother provided some comedic relief.

In summary, The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog offers a fairly average animated rendition of Sonic's adventures, failing to match the quality of other animated series from the same era. I would rate this a 5/10 and recommend considering other viewing options.

Sonic the Hedgehog loses no effect on TV!

[general-melchett · 8/10 · 1 December 2006]

Most people would remember Sonic as the famous video game character that hit consoles in the early 90s. Easily Sega's most famous creation, he went on to appear in future Dreamcast games and became a very famous publicity vehicle for Sega. Most people won't even remember the cartoons - but that is not to say that they aren't food.

Though I haven't watched them for years, I can remember that the cartoons were very different from the games. The world was far more zany and far less Earth-like - there were all sorts of new characters not in the games (to name two, Scratch and Grounder), and the episodes actually had plots. Robotnik was probably brought to the screen best as a complete maniac, Sonic was very much like the games - fast and smart, and Tails was the snivelling little sidekick. The best episode was probably "Tails' New Home" as it was unpredictable, quite scary in parts and meaningful - Sonic actually wanted to get rid of Tails for both of their own good. It would be worth putting on your super sonic sneakers and rushing out to buy a copy of this forgotten classic - it is better than some of the trash that we get nowadays.

The Sonic TV show is no masterpiece, but it is sure enjoyable and in every bit as classic as a game. Nearly a spiffing job! 8/10

Great for what it is

[judasfm · 18 September 2005]

I remember watching this when I was a kid. It was on Channel 4, Sunday at 9am and I used to watch the programs for about two hours beforehand so I would be sure not to miss it. Is it really that good? It was to me, and still is.

People comment that the humour is very slapstick in this. They're right. But so what? Pantomime is slapstick and nobody complains. Why? Because it's an accepted part of the show. I think the same goes for this one.

Is it better than Sonic X? Tough one. I'm a huge fan of Sonic X (mostly because I happen to be a huge fan of Knuckles, although I do love the series for its own sake). I don't see how you can reasonably compare the two of them; Sonic X is good for older viewers, while the slightly younger ones will probably enjoy this one more. The one thing that bugs me a little that I don't remember bugging me when I was younger (the age thing again) was the way that occasional episodes would ram the moral down your throat. Example: in Subterranean Sonic, after Sonic and Tails rescue the miser mole, he turns to them and says something like, "Oh, I can't thank you enough for showing me the error of my ways!" and then the three of them walk into the sunset together. Corny? You betcha. But so what? These incidents are few and far between, and if you're too old to be affected by them, you're not too old to laugh.

People who slam this are most likely used to the straighter story lines of Sonic X or can't remember what it was like to be eight or nine years old and watching this. No, it doesn't have particularly deep or engaging story lines. But since when does a twenty minute cartoon for kids really need them? On a closing note, it features the ultimate Robotnik. Long John Baldry's voice was absolutely perfect for this character; it's such a shame he wasn't able to participate in any other Sonic productions.

Bottom line; it's great. I doubt it'll get you on the edge of your seat unless you're aged about ten or under, but Sonic fans can still enjoy it.