Yo Yogi! is an American animated television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. The series aired on the Disney Channel from September 2000 to February 2001 and consists of one season comprising 26 episodes, each divided into two 11‑minute segments.
Premise
Set in a futuristic, stylized version of the classic Hanna‑Barbera setting of Jellystone Town, Yo Yogi! follows teenage versions of Yogi Bear, Boo‑Boo, and other characters from the original Yogi Bear franchise. The series depicts Yogi, Boo‑Boo, and their friends navigating middle‑school life, dealing with typical adolescent concerns, and engaging in adventures that blend slapstick comedy with contemporary pop‑culture references. The series’ title references both the greeting “Yo” and the protagonist’s name, indicating a modern, youthful reinterpretation of the classic character.
Production
- Developed by: Mark Henn, with contributions from veteran animators and writers associated with Disney Television Animation.
- Animated by: Disney’s animation studios in Glendale, California, employing traditional 2‑D animation techniques.
- Executive producers: Andy Heyward and Mo Willems (among others).
- Voice cast includes:
- Yogi Bear – Jeff Bennett
- Boo‑Boo – Corey Burton
- Cindy Bear – Tress MacNeille
- Ranger Smith – Jim Cummings
- Additional supporting characters were voiced by a rotating ensemble of Disney voice actors.
Broadcast History
Yo Yogi! debuted on the Disney Channel on September 10, 2000, occupying a Saturday morning time slot. The series ran for a total of 52 segments before its original broadcast concluded in February 2001. Reruns were later syndicated on various networks and were made available on Disney’s digital platforms.
Reception
Critical response to Yo Yogi! was mixed. Reviewers generally praised the series for its updated animation style and the nostalgic appeal of the original characters, while criticism focused on the series’ departure from the tone of the classic Yogi Bear cartoons. The show did not achieve strong ratings, and it was not renewed beyond its initial order.
Home Media and Legacy
- Two DVD volumes containing selected episodes were released in the United States in 2002.
- The series has been referenced in discussions of Disney’s early 2000s attempts to modernize classic Hanna‑Barbera properties.
- Yo Yogi! remains a relatively obscure entry within the broader Yogi Bear franchise.
See also
- Yogi Bear (original television series, 1958–1961)
- Disney Television Animation
- List of animated television series of the 2000s
Yo Yogi! represents an example of early‑21st‑century attempts by Disney to revitalize legacy cartoon characters for a contemporary audience, employing a blend of traditional character traits with modern teenage settings.