The Pink Panther (Boomerang)

THE PINK PANTHER cartoon series, a very loose adaptation of the 1963 movie starring Peter Sellers, follows the action adventures of a furry, pink panther with the manners of an English aristocrat as he calmly faces off against his nemesis, a dogged inspector (inspired by Sellers' character, Clouseau). Currently available on DVD and airing on TV in reruns, this show has it all: sophistication, humor, action, and a cool Henry Mancini theme song.

Unlike other shows from this era -- such as Tom & Jerry and The Perils of Penelope Pistop -- The Pink Panther is clever and funny without resorting to violence, questionable language, or sexual innuendo. Fans of almost any age will find the cool cat endearing whether he's starting trouble, running away from trouble, or saving the day. Even though the show is packed with humor and engaging plots, nothing is over the top (except maybe the music). Parents can relax because all of the jokes are cut and dried -- hidden innuendos, violence, and iffy language are nowhere to be found. The panther is a sweet, intelligent, lovable character, and his show is a clean, kid-friendly classic.

A few things to watch out for: Tobacco use is the show's greatest pitfall, with the panther himself smoking a cigarette during the opening credits. Supporting characters also smoke cigars from time to time. Plus, since the show doesn't have any dialogue, kids who can't read or don't understand the concept of money may not completely understand the jokes. This series relies on action, facial expressions, and the reading of signs to tell a story.