Underdog (TV series)

Underdog is an American animated television series that originally aired from October 3, 1964, to March 4, 1967. Produced by Total Television, the show centers on a humble and mild-mannered shoeshine boy who secretly transforms into the heroic Underdog whenever he hears someone crying for help.

The show's format typically included segments of "Underdog," interspersed with other cartoons, often featuring characters such as Tennessee Tuxedo and His Tales. Underdog's adventures usually involved battling villains such as Simon Bar Sinister and Riff Raff.

Underdog possesses superhuman strength, speed, and the ability to fly. His transformation is triggered by reciting a rhyming verse, usually beginning with, "My barking, you'll allow, means there's trouble now!" He is known for his often clumsy attempts to rescue his sweetheart, Sweet Polly Purebred, and other characters in distress.

The series is characterized by its distinctive animation style, simple plots, and frequent use of rhyming dialogue, particularly in Underdog's speech. It became a popular Saturday morning cartoon and has remained a nostalgic favorite for many. The show has seen various revivals and adaptations over the years, including a live-action film released in 2007. Underdog's catchphrase, "There's no need to fear, Underdog is here!" is widely recognized and associated with the character.