ThunderCats Return Tonight On Cartoon Network

The new ThunderCats animated series from Warner Bros., a re-imagined version of the classic 80’s cartoon of the same name, will air tonight on Cartoon Network, July 29, at 8 p.m. (ET, PT) with a special one-hour premiere, or what is essentially the first two half-hour episodes in the series.

I had a chance to see the first two episodes a few weeks ago and really enjoyed what I saw. Granted, it is very different from the original series so if you were a fan of that, be prepared to accept change.

In this new series, the Thundercats are rulers of a massive kingdom and Lion-O’s father is the king. On this world, Cats are at the top of the evolutionary scale while other animals such as lizards are not. Technology is a thing of myths, and the Book of Omens and such villains as Mumm-Ra are the things of myths and storybook tales. Lion-O, heir to his father’s throne, is a brave, compassionate young teenager who is considered by many to be naïve, mainly because he believes there is more to all these stories of technology than just children’s bedtime fables.



Tygra is the cocky older half-brother to Lion-O and seems to think he would make a better king than Lion-O would, although in the end Tygra’s loyalty is to his family and his kingdom (unlike others who have plans).

Eventually Mumm-Ra does return to be a thorn in the side of the Thundercats, intent of getting back what was once his, mainly the Eye of Thundera. He will employ those who don’t like the Cats too much like the disgruntled Lizards who are tired of living in a world where Cats are at the top and everyone else gets to compete for the leftover scraps.

A lot of things happen in the first two episodes to change the overall status quo and essentially set the tone for the rest of the series. Although the overall story is nothing too original, it is fun to watch with some nice animated sequences throughout the episodes. As long as you can accept that these aren’t your father’s Thundercats and we live in a world now where Snarf only meows, but doesn’t talk, I think you will come away from these first two episodes wanting to see more.

Following tonight's one-hour premiere, the half-hour show will air regularly on Cartoon Network Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. (ET, PT) beginning August 5.

After you watch the new series tonight, be sure to come back here and let us know what you thought of it.