09th May2014

Top 5: TV classics made modern

by Phil Wheat

TOM-JERRY

Tom and Jerry are back! Everyone’s favourite cat and mouse have returned for 26 brand spanking new episodes in The Tom and Jerry Show, which is currently airing on Saturday mornings on Boomerang. Family fun at its best, Tom and Jerry have been making us laugh for a staggering 74 years, but which other TV classics have made a modern comeback?

1) Top Cat

The indisputable leader of the gang, Top Cat originally graced our screens in the 1960s but the gang of alley cats’ exploits have also been entertaining modern audiences with recent re-runs on Boomerang. The 2D feline was given a 3D makeover when he was revived in 2012, with a movie adaptation which saw the gang come up against a tough new chief of police who is less than happy with Officer Dibble’s attempts to control the mischievous cats.

2) Dennis the Menace and Gnasher

Beano favourite Dennis the Menace made his animated TV series debut in 1996, with new episodes of his adventures with loyal dog Gnasher and friends Pieface and Curly airing on CBBC until 1998. The mischievous schoolboy returned to the channel in 2009, although with a few slight changes. As well as his slightly-changed northern accent, Dennis is much better behaved these days having retired his former favourite weapons of choice – his slingshot and pea shooter.

3) Transformers

Animated TV series The Transformers captivated fans of the robot toys back in the 80s, and introduced a brand new generation to Megatron, Optimus Prime and co when it was revived as a live-action movie franchise in 2007. Starring Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, Transformers was nominated for three Academy Awards and spawned three sequels, the latest of which will be released this summer.

4) The Powerpuff Girls

Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles championed girl power when they shot on to our screens in the 90s. With their awesome super powers and crime-fighting antics, the trio developed a huge fan base and brought in impressive ratings. The cartoon made an exciting comeback earlier this year for a one-off CGI special titled The Powerpuff Girls: Dance Pantsed. The original cast members reprised their roles for the special, which featured guest star Ringo Starr.

5) Thundercats

Fantasy franchise Thundercats became a cult hit after its initial run between 1985 and 1989, so nostalgia-hungry fans around the world created a buzz when the series was revived in 2011. With Lion-O, Mumm-Ra and co sporting a heavier anime makeover, the reboot (which unfortunately only ran for one series) aimed to treat older fans to a slice of their childhood as well as pulling in a new generation of viewers.
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The Tom and Jerry Show airs on Saturdays at 9am on Boomerang.

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