Kwicky Koala
"Classic" Hanna-Barbera cartoon is uninspired.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this 1981 animated series was the last -- and not the best -- of the classic three-segment, multi-character Hanna Barbara cartoons. They're meant purely for entertainment, not education, so you can expect falling anvils and creatures so fast they leave you literally in the dust, but no morals or other serious messages.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Each episode of KWICKY KOALA includes three segments -- one with Kwicky himself (voiced by Bob Ogle), one starring Dirty Dawg (Frank Welker), and one featuring Crazy Claws (Jim MacGeorge). Most of Kwicky's adventures revolve around escaping the clutches of Wilfred Wolf (John Stephenson) in order to enjoy a peaceful life eating eucalyptus Down Under. Meanwhile, in the Dirty Dawg and Crazy Claws segments, intelligent renegade house pets evade bumbling representatives of the law in order to eat and remain free. Very brief shorts in between each episode's three stand-alone cartoons showcase the Bungle Brothers' failed (if funny) attempts to enter show business.
Is It Any Good?
Kwicky Koala was the last, and certainly not the best, creation of Tex Avery (of Bugs Bunny fame). He's a koala bear gifted with the power of great speed, and he inevitably outruns Wilfred, leaving little room or requirement for the writers and animators to come up with more creative action. Since Avery died before Kwicky's ink was even dry, his final creation never really came to life, either. And the other segments are best dismissed as derivative.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Kwicky and the show's other characters lack the comic joy found in classic Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry cartoons. What do they offer that this series doesn't? Are some cartoons meant to be more than just fun and entertaining? How can you tell which kind a show is? Do you think all kids' shows should teach you something good or useful? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 12, 1981
- Cast: Bob Ogle, Frank Welker, John Stephenson
- Network: Boomerang
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures, Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: August 9, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Tom and Jerry
Cat and mouse face off in classic (but violent) cartoon.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate