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| image_size = 260
| image_size = 260
| caption = The series title card featuring the protagonist, I.M. Weasel.
| caption = The series title card featuring the protagonist, I.M. Weasel.
| genre = [[Comedy]]<br>[[Slapstick]]
| genre = [[Comedy]]<br/>[[Slapstick]]
| creator = [[David Feiss]]
| creator = [[David Feiss]]
| director = {{unbulleted list|David Feiss|Robin Steele <small>(3 episodes)</small>|[[Robert Alvarez]] <small>(1 episode)</small>}}
| director = {{unbulleted list|David Feiss|Robin Steele <small>(3 episodes)</small>|[[Robert Alvarez]] <small>(1 episode)</small>}}
| writer = {{unbulleted list|David Feiss|Jim Gomez|[[Maxwell Atoms]]|Michael Ryan|Nora Johnson|[[Richard Pursel]]|Sally R. Lower|[[Steve Marmel]]}}
| writer = {{unbulleted list|David Feiss|Jim Gomez|[[Maxwell Atoms]]|Michael Ryan|Nora Johnson|[[Richard Pursel]]|Sally R. Lower|[[Steve Marmel]]}}
| voices = [[Michael Dorn]]<br />[[Charlie Adler]]
| voices = [[Michael Dorn]]<br/>[[Charlie Adler]]
| theme_music_composer = Bill Fulton (melody)<br/>Richard Pursel (lyrics)
| theme_music_composer = Bill Fulton (melody)<ref name="BillFulton"/><ref name="FeissSongs"/><br/>Richard Pursel (lyrics)<ref name="FeissSongs"/>
| opentheme = "I Am Weasel", <small>performed by [[April March]]</small>
| opentheme = "I Am Weasel", <small>performed by [[April March]]</small><ref name="FeissSongs"/>
| endtheme = "I Am Weasel" <small>(instrumental)</small>
| endtheme = "I Am Weasel" <small>(instrumental)</small>
| composer = Bill Fulton
| composer = Bill Fulton<ref name="BillFulton"/><ref name="FeissSongs"/>
| country = [[United States]]
| country = [[United States]]
| language = English
| language = English
| channel = [[Cartoon Network]]
| channel = [[Cartoon Network]]
| executive_producer = [[Larry Huber]]<br/>[[Sherry Gunther]]
| executive_producer = [[Larry Huber]]<ref name="credits"/><br/>[[Sherry Gunther]]<ref name="credits"/>
| producer = Vincent Davis<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tv.nytimes.com/show/156589/I-Am-Weasel/details |title=I Am Weasel - Cast, Credits & Awards |author=The New York Times |accessdate=November 20, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://archive.is/20110714220621/http://tv.nytimes.com/show/156589/I-Am-Weasel/details |archivedate=October 3, 2013}}</ref><ref name="hollywood.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywood.com/celebrities/vincent-davis-58682544/ |title=Vincent Davis |author=Hollywood.com |accessdate=December 1, 2017}}</ref><br />[[Davis Doi]]<ref name="hollywood.com"/>
| producer = Vincent Davis<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tv.nytimes.com/show/156589/I-Am-Weasel/details |title=I Am Weasel - Cast, Credits & Awards |author=The New York Times |accessdate=November 20, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://archive.is/20110714220621/http://tv.nytimes.com/show/156589/I-Am-Weasel/details |archivedate=October 3, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Hollywood.com">{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywood.com/celebrities/vincent-davis-58682544/ |title=Vincent Davis |author=Hollywood.com |accessdate=December 1, 2017}}</ref><br/>[[Davis Doi]]<ref name="Hollywood.com"/>
| company = [[Hanna-Barbera]]
| company = [[Hanna-Barbera]]
| num_seasons = 5
| num_seasons = 5
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| audio_format = [[Dolby Pro Logic|Dolby Surround]]
| audio_format = [[Dolby Pro Logic|Dolby Surround]]
| first_aired = {{Start date|1997|7|22}}
| first_aired = {{Start date|1997|7|22}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2000}}<ref name="lenburg"/>
| last_aired = {{End date|2000}}<ref name="WhosWhoinCartoons"/>
| related = ''[[Cow and Chicken]]''
| related = ''[[Cow and Chicken]]''
| website = https://web.archive.org/web/20000615055722/http://cartoonnetwork.com/doc/im_weasel/index.html
| website = https://web.archive.org/web/20000615055722/http://cartoonnetwork.com/doc/im_weasel/index.html
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=== Humor style ===
=== Humor style ===
Humor style relies on [[slapstick]] comedy and moderate [[off-color humor]], as typical of many 1990s cartoons, and is based upon the existent gap between the central characters, with I.R. Baboon being the center of most [[Running gags|running jokes]], which are mostly about his stupidity and big red butt, though some episodes show I.M. Weasel or the Red Guy also taking this role. Butt jokes are also more frequent when the Red Guy is around. [[Parody|Parodies]] of popular culture and other shows also take place in many episodes.
Humor style relies on [[slapstick]] comedy and moderate [[off-color humor]], as typical of many 1990s cartoons, and is based upon the existent gap between the central characters, with I.R. Baboon being the center of most [[Running gags|running jokes]], which are mostly about his stupidity and big red butt, though some episodes show I.M. Weasel or the Red Guy also taking this role. Butt jokes are also more frequent when the Red Guy is around and [[Parody|parodies]] of popular culture and other shows also take place in many episodes. Despite all the comedic style, important and meaningful messages about friendship, social differences and general lessons for life are given to children through stories or when I.M. Weasel directly talks to the audience.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lifestyle.com.vn/i-am-weasel-phim-hoat-hinh-vui-nhon-ve-doi-ban-lac-que-nhat-hanh-tinh/ |title=I Am Weasel: Phim hoạt hình vui nhộn về ‘đôi bạn lạc quẻ nhất hành tinh’ |author=LifeStyle |language=Vietnamese |date=March 15, 2017 |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref>


Season 1 shows Weasel as a "perfect" character, not leaving a single shortcoming, and Baboon as exact opposite to this, but that gradually changes throughout the series, with Weasel later starting to show some misbehavior and inefficiency, mostly because he notices people around him are getting dumber, and thus I.R. even being dimwitted gets a hero status. From season 2 onwards, the Red Guy incorporates humor style found in ''Cow and Chicken'', taking the role of villain, but also being sometimes a [[tritagonist|third wheel]], something that never happens in that show. In season 5, Jolly Roger also starts to fill both roles.
Season 1 shows Weasel as a "perfect" character, not leaving a single shortcoming, and Baboon as exact opposite to this, but that gradually changes throughout the series, with Weasel later starting to show some misbehavior and inefficiency, mostly because he notices people around him are getting dumber, and thus I.R. even being dimwitted gets a hero status. From season 2 onwards, the Red Guy incorporates humor style found in ''Cow and Chicken'', taking the role of villain, but also being sometimes a [[tritagonist|third wheel]], something that never happens in that show. In season 5, Jolly Roger also starts to fill both roles.


Some episodes' titles make fun of Baboon's misspelling, with grammatically incorrect names such as ''I Are Big Star'', ''I Are Good Salesmans'' and ''I Are a Artiste''. The titles also tend to reference the name of the show and Weasel's catchphrase, often being written in [[grammatical person|first person]].
Some episodes titles make fun of Baboon's misspelling, with grammatically incorrect names such as "I Are Big Star", "I Are Good Salesmans" and "I Are a Artiste". The titles also tend to reference the name of the show and Weasel's catchphrase, often being written in [[grammatical person|first person]].


[[Fourth wall]] breaking is something that also happens, mostly at the end of episodes. The characters do it to make some ending commentaries, give advices to spectators or just call for the end of the episode.
[[Fourth wall]] breaking is something that also happens, mostly at the end of episodes. The characters do it to make some ending commentaries, give advices to spectators or just call for the end of the episode.
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According to Feiss, the idea for creating the show begun as a single drawing of I.M. Weasel with the caption "I Am Weasel" and that "suggested many stories to me".<ref name="WeaselWorld">{{cite web |url=http://www.cartoonnetworkla.com/english/imw/world.html |title=Weasel World - Meet the creator: David Feiss |author=Cartoon Network Latin America |accessdate=December 1, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010802095922/http://www.cartoonnetworkla.com:80/english/imw/world.html |archivedate=August 2, 2001}}</ref> Also, the fact that the Red Guy doesn't wear panties was controversial for many people, as he said: "The thing that I never thought that I'd get approval for was the Red Guy. The mere fact that he didn't wear pants was a challenge for a lot of people and I am glad Cartoon Network let it go - he's my favorite character".<ref name="WeaselWorld"/>
According to Feiss, the idea for creating the show begun as a single drawing of I.M. Weasel with the caption "I Am Weasel" and that "suggested many stories to me".<ref name="WeaselWorld">{{cite web |url=http://www.cartoonnetworkla.com/english/imw/world.html |title=Weasel World - Meet the creator: David Feiss |author=Cartoon Network Latin America |accessdate=December 1, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010802095922/http://www.cartoonnetworkla.com:80/english/imw/world.html |archivedate=August 2, 2001}}</ref> Also, the fact that the Red Guy doesn't wear panties was controversial for many people, as he said: "The thing that I never thought that I'd get approval for was the Red Guy. The mere fact that he didn't wear pants was a challenge for a lot of people and I am glad Cartoon Network let it go - he's my favorite character".<ref name="WeaselWorld"/>


It started to get produced around April 1996<ref>{{cite web ||url=https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/doc/im_weasel/featured_episode2/sb/iwsbh00652-96027_pg001.html |title=I Am Weasel - Storyboards |author=Cartoon Network Department of Cartoons |accessdate=December 3, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000831094051/http://www.cartoonnetwork.com:80/doc/im_weasel/featured_episode2/sb/iwsbh00652-96027_pg001.html |archivedate=August 31, 2000}}</ref> and was inserted as a series of segments in ''Cow and Chicken'' until mid 1999. Right after the end of that show, it was [[spin-off (media)|spun-off]] into a new separated series produced until September 16, 1999.<ref name="feiss">{{cite web |url=https://david-feiss.netfirms.com/episodes.html |title=Episode Guide: Cow and Chicken and I Am Weasel |author=Feiss, David |date=January 12, 2000 |accessdate=May 29, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212174713/http://david-feiss.netfirms.com/episodes.html |archivedate=December 12, 2006}}</ref>, with all the previous episodes incorporated and removed from ''Cow and Chicken''.
It started to get produced around April 1996<ref>{{cite web ||url=https://www.cartoonnetwork.com/doc/im_weasel/featured_episode2/sb/iwsbh00652-96027_pg001.html |title=I Am Weasel - Storyboards |author=Cartoon Network Department of Cartoons |accessdate=December 3, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000831094051/http://www.cartoonnetwork.com:80/doc/im_weasel/featured_episode2/sb/iwsbh00652-96027_pg001.html |archivedate=August 31, 2000}}</ref> and was inserted as a series of segments in ''Cow and Chicken'' until mid 1999. Right after the end of that show, it was [[spin-off (media)|spun-off]] into a new separated series produced until September 16, 1999.<ref name="FeissEpisodes">{{cite web |url=https://david-feiss.netfirms.com/episodes.html |title=Episode Guide: Cow and Chicken and I Am Weasel |author=Feiss, David |date=January 12, 2000 |accessdate=May 29, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212174713/http://david-feiss.netfirms.com/episodes.html |archivedate=December 12, 2006}}</ref>, with all the previous episodes incorporated and removed from ''Cow and Chicken''.


General production took place at the studio of Hanna-Barbera, with the series being labeled as part of both the collection of cartoons of that company and Cartoon Network's [[Cartoon Cartoons]]. Animation production was made overseas at [[Rough Draft Studios]], in South Korea.<ref name="credits"/>
General production took place at the studio of Hanna-Barbera, with the series being labeled as part of both the collection of cartoons of that company and Cartoon Network's [[Cartoon Cartoons]]. Animation production was made overseas at [[Rough Draft Studios]], in South Korea.<ref name="credits"/>
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=== Title sequence and music ===
=== Title sequence and music ===
The title sequence features I.M. Weasel using constantly his catchphrase "I am Weasel!" and I.R. Baboon with his trademarked victory dance. The series ending credits were only created in 1999, with the separation; it shows all the three years of production and the theme song is played instrumentally in a rock way, with additional arrangement.<ref name="credits">''I Am Weasel'' ending credits.</ref>
The title sequence features I.M. Weasel using constantly his catchphrase "I am Weasel!" and I.R. Baboon with his trademarked victory dance. The series ending credits were only created in 1999, with the separation; it shows all the three years of production and the theme song is played instrumentally in a [[pop rock]] style, with additional arrangement.<ref name="credits">''I Am Weasel'' ending credits.</ref>


The theme song was composed by Bill Fulton,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://billfulton.com/film-tv-video-music/all-credits-list/ |title=All Film TV and Video credits |last=Fulton |first=Bill |accessdate=September 29, 2010}}</ref> written by [[Richard Pursel]], and sung by [[April March]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://david-feiss.netfirms.com/songs.html#IMWeasel |title=Songs from both shows - I Am Weasel |last=Feiss |first=David |year=2000 |accessdate=July 6, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212174723/http://david-feiss.netfirms.com/songs.html#IMWeasel |archivedate=December 12, 2006 }}</ref> It is a humorous take on the classic [[nursery rhyme]] "[[Pop Goes the Weasel]]", based on the well-known musical version of the rhyme.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=''I Are Music Man'' |series=I Am Weasel |season=2 |number=19 |date=1998 |quote=In a scene of the episode, the Red Guy repeatedly sings switches from the series' theme song and "Pop Goes the Weasel".}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.whosampled.com/April-March/I-Am-Weasel-Theme/ |title=I Am Weasel Theme by April March |author=WhoSampled |accessdate=December 4, 2017}}</ref>
The theme song was composed by Bill Fulton,<ref name="BillFulton">{{cite web |url=https://billfulton.com/film-tv-video-music/all-credits-list/ |title=All Film TV and Video credits |last=Fulton |first=Bill |accessdate=September 29, 2010}}</ref> written by [[Richard Pursel]], and sung by [[April March]].<ref name="FeissSongs">{{cite web |url=https://david-feiss.netfirms.com/songs.html#IMWeasel |title=Songs from both shows - I Am Weasel |last=Feiss |first=David |year=2000 |accessdate=July 6, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212174723/http://david-feiss.netfirms.com/songs.html#IMWeasel |archivedate=December 12, 2006}}</ref> It is a humorous take on the classic [[nursery rhyme]] "[[Pop Goes the Weasel]]", based on the well-known musical version of the rhyme.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=''I Are Music Man'' |series=I Am Weasel |season=2 |number=19 |date=1998 |quote=In a scene of the episode, the Red Guy repeatedly sings switches from the series theme song and "Pop Goes the Weasel".}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.whosampled.com/April-March/I-Am-Weasel-Theme/ |title=I Am Weasel Theme by April March |author=WhoSampled |accessdate=December 4, 2017}}</ref>


{{Multiple image |image1=Michael_Dorn_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg |width1=117 |image2=Charlie_Adler.jpg |width2=240 |footer=Michael Dorn (''left'') and Charlie Adler (''right''), who provide voices for the three main characters.}}
{{Multiple image |image1=Michael_Dorn_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg |width1=117 |image2=Charlie_Adler.jpg |width2=240 |footer=Michael Dorn (''left'') and Charlie Adler (''right''), who provide voices for the three main characters.}}
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== Broadcast ==
== Broadcast ==
=== Broadcast history ===
=== Broadcast history ===
A sneak peek for the series was aired on July 15, 1997 with the eleventh episode, ''Law of Gravity'',<ref name="feiss"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=j4c1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=dqYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1308,7322907&dq=i+am+weasel&hl=en |title=Cartoon Network zany relief |author=Boedeker, Hal |date=July 14, 1997 |work=Reading Eagle |publisher=Orlando Sentinel |accessdate=May 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://variety.com/1997/tv/reviews/cow-and-chicken-1117341278/ |title=Cow and Chicken |author=Variety |accessdate=December 7, 2017}}</ref> and then it started its original run from July 22, 1997 with the second episode, ''I.R. on Sun'', yet as a series of segments on ''Cow and Chicken''.<ref name="feiss"/> After four seasons, it was separated and premiered as a half-hour show on June 10, 1999,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://articles.latimes.com/1999/jun/10/entertainment/ca-45988 |title=From MTV Awards to Olsen Twins |author=King, Susan |date=June 10, 1999 |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=May 30, 2011}}</ref> and the 52 episodes originally aired on ''Cow and Chicken'' began to air on the show's own time slot, being either in or outside the ''Cartoon Cartoon Fridays'' programming block, and getting joined by 27 new episodes, totaling 79.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.awn.com/news/television/cartoon-network-sets-premiere-i-am-weasel |title=Cartoon Network sets premiere for I AM WEASEL |author=Kilmer, David |work=Animation World Network |date=June 11, 1999 |accessdate=October 20, 2011}}</ref> The original run ended in early 2000.<ref name="lenburg">{{Cite book |title=Who's Who in Animated Cartoons |last=Lenburg |first=Jeff |year=2006 |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |location=New York |isbn=978-1-55783-671-7 |page=81 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FVShFCjVzvIC&pg=PA80&dq=%22i+am+weasel%22&hl=pt-BR&ei=WcWfTr7-HqSy0QGV4sydBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CE8Q6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=%22i%20am%20weasel%22&f=false |accessdate=October 20, 2011}}</ref>
A sneak peek for the series was aired on July 15, 1997 with the eleventh episode, "Law of Gravity",<ref name="FeissEpisodes"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=j4c1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=dqYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1308,7322907&dq=i+am+weasel&hl=en |title=Cartoon Network zany relief |author=Boedeker, Hal |date=July 14, 1997 |work=Reading Eagle |publisher=Orlando Sentinel |accessdate=May 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://variety.com/1997/tv/reviews/cow-and-chicken-1117341278/ |title=Cow and Chicken |author=Variety |accessdate=December 7, 2017}}</ref> and then it started its original run from July 22, 1997 with the second episode, "I.R. on Sun", yet as a series of segments on ''Cow and Chicken''.<ref name="FeissEpisodes"/> After four seasons, it was separated and premiered as a half-hour show on June 10, 1999,<ref name="MTVOlsen">{{cite news |url=https://articles.latimes.com/1999/jun/10/entertainment/ca-45988 |title=From MTV Awards to Olsen Twins |author=King, Susan |date=June 10, 1999 |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=May 30, 2011}}</ref> and the 52 episodes originally aired on ''Cow and Chicken'' began to air on the show's own time slot, being either in or outside the ''Cartoon Cartoon Fridays'' programming block, and getting joined by 27 new episodes, totaling 79.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.awn.com/news/television/cartoon-network-sets-premiere-i-am-weasel |title=Cartoon Network sets premiere for I AM WEASEL |author=Kilmer, David |work=Animation World Network |date=June 11, 1999 |accessdate=October 20, 2011}}</ref> The original run ended in early 2000.<ref name="WhosWhoinCartoons">{{Cite book |title=Who's Who in Animated Cartoons |last=Lenburg |first=Jeff |year=2006 |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |location=New York |isbn=978-1-55783-671-7 |page=81 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FVShFCjVzvIC&pg=PA80&dq=%22i+am+weasel%22&hl=pt-BR&ei=WcWfTr7-HqSy0QGV4sydBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CE8Q6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=%22i%20am%20weasel%22&f=false |accessdate=October 20, 2011}}</ref>


Reruns aired prominently from early 2000 to 2003, including on ''Cartoon Cartoon Fridays''. From September 2005 to April 10, 2006, it returned sporadically as segments on ''[[What a Cartoon!#The Cartoon Cartoon Show (1998–2002)|The Cartoon Cartoon Show]]'', along with other [[Cartoon Cartoons]] from that era.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://schedule.cartoonnetwork.com/servlet/ScheduleServlet?action=viewAll&showID=313920&show=Cartoon+Cartoon+Show |title=TV Schedule - Cartoon Cartoon Show |author=Cartoon Network |accessdate=December 8, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051123104819/http://schedule.cartoonnetwork.com/servlet/ScheduleServlet?action=viewAll&showID=313920&show=Cartoon+Cartoon+Show |archivedate=November 23, 2005}}</ref> On April 13, 2012, the series returned on [[Cartoon Planet]] before being removed in 2013. It was also aired on [[Boomerang (TV channel)|Boomerang]], but only seasons 1 to 4 with the ''Cow and Chicken'' segments, and on [[Cartoon Network Too]] in the United Kingdom. Some episodes were also made available on Cartoon Network Video in early 2010s.
Reruns aired prominently from early 2000 to 2003, including on ''Cartoon Cartoon Fridays''. From September 2005 to April 10, 2006, it returned sporadically as segments on ''[[What a Cartoon!#The Cartoon Cartoon Show (1998–2002)|The Cartoon Cartoon Show]]'', along with other [[Cartoon Cartoons]] from that era.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://schedule.cartoonnetwork.com/servlet/ScheduleServlet?action=viewAll&showID=313920&show=Cartoon+Cartoon+Show |title=TV Schedule - Cartoon Cartoon Show |author=Cartoon Network |accessdate=December 8, 2017 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051123104819/http://schedule.cartoonnetwork.com/servlet/ScheduleServlet?action=viewAll&showID=313920&show=Cartoon+Cartoon+Show |archivedate=November 23, 2005}}</ref> On April 13, 2012, the series returned on [[Cartoon Planet]] before being removed in 2013. It was also aired on [[Boomerang (TV channel)|Boomerang]], but only seasons 1 to 4 with the ''Cow and Chicken'' segments, and on [[Cartoon Network Too]] in the United Kingdom. Some episodes were also made available on Cartoon Network Video in early 2010s.
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;Brazilian miniseries
;Brazilian miniseries
In Brazil, an animated [[miniseries]] named "''Terra à Vista''" (''Land in Sight'') was produced in 2000 for Cartoon Network, and tells the story of the [[History of Brazil#Precolonial history|Portuguese arriving at Brazil]] with an humorous take, using characters from [[Cartoon Cartoons]], including I.M. Weasel, I.R. Baboon and the Red Guy. It was broadcast on [[Cartoon Network Brazil]] from March 6 to April 22, 2000 and has 8 episodes. This series was also the first-ever Cartoon Network production exclusively made for Brazil.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/tvfolha/tv0503200019.htm |title=Desenho faz piada do Brasil |author=UOL - TV Folha |date=March 5, 2000 |language=Portuguese |accessdate=December 4, 2017}}</ref>
In Brazil, an animated [[miniseries]] named ''Terra à Vista'' ("Land in Sight") was produced in 2000 for Cartoon Network, and tells the story of the [[History of Brazil#Precolonial history|Portuguese arriving at Brazil]] with an humorous take, using characters from [[Cartoon Cartoons]], including I.M. Weasel, I.R. Baboon and the Red Guy. It was broadcast on [[Cartoon Network Brazil]] from March 6 to April 22, 2000 and has 8 episodes. This series was also the first-ever Cartoon Network production exclusively made for Brazil.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/tvfolha/tv0503200019.htm |title=Desenho faz piada do Brasil |author=UOL - TV Folha |date=March 5, 2000 |language=Portuguese |accessdate=December 4, 2017}}</ref>


=== Episodes ===
=== Episodes ===
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== Merchandise ==
== Merchandise ==
=== Home media ===
=== Home media ===
Media releases have been made in both [[VHS]] and [[DVD]] formats. In the United States, no media containing complete seasons was released as of December 2017, but some episodes were launched on a [[Cartoon Cartoons]] VHS from 1998, dedicated exclusively to the show and containing the episodes ''My Friend, the Smart Banana'', ''I.R. Pixie Fairie'' and ''I.R. in Wrong Cartoon'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vhscollector.com/movie/cartoon-cartoons-i-am-weasel |title=Cartoon Cartoons: I Am Weasel |author=VHSCollector.com |accessdate=December 2, 2017}}</ref> and Cartoon Cartoon Fridays VHS in 1999, but along other series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/cartoon-cartoons/oclc/131049391 |title=Cartoon Cartoons |author=WorldCat |accessdate=December 2, 2017}}</ref> As for DVDs, also in USA, Cartoon Network released special ones for Halloween and Christmas holidays in 2004 and 2005, distributed by [[Warner Home Video]], containing one or two episodes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Weasel/2326 |title=I Am Weasel (1999) - Releases for I Am Weasel |author=TVShowsOnDVD.com |accessdate=December 1, 2017}}</ref>
Media releases have been made in both [[VHS]] and [[DVD]] formats. In the United States, no media containing complete seasons was released as of December 2017, but some episodes were launched on a [[Cartoon Cartoons]] VHS from 1998, dedicated exclusively to the show and containing the episodes "My Friend, the Smart Banana", "I.R. Pixie Fairie" and "I.R. in Wrong Cartoon",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vhscollector.com/movie/cartoon-cartoons-i-am-weasel |title=Cartoon Cartoons: I Am Weasel |author=VHSCollector.com |accessdate=December 2, 2017}}</ref> and Cartoon Cartoon Fridays VHS in 1999, but along other series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/cartoon-cartoons/oclc/131049391 |title=Cartoon Cartoons |author=WorldCat |accessdate=December 2, 2017}}</ref> As for DVDs, also in USA, Cartoon Network released special ones for Halloween and Christmas holidays in 2004 and 2005, distributed by [[Warner Home Video]], containing one or two episodes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Weasel/2326 |title=I Am Weasel (1999) - Releases for I Am Weasel |author=TVShowsOnDVD.com |accessdate=December 1, 2017}}</ref>


In Thailand, complete seasons have been released on DVD since 2009 by MVD Company; the season one's was launched on December 23, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ethaicd.com/show.php?pid=50700 |title=I Am Weasel - Season 1 [DVD] |author=eThaiCD.com |language=English and Thai |accessdate=December 8, 2017}}</ref> In Australia, a two-disc season one DVD was launched on July 6, 2011, distributed by [[Madman Entertainment]].<ref name="madman aus">{{cite web |url=https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/9151/i-am-weasel-vol-1 |title=I Am Weasel - Vol. 1 |author=Madman Entertainment Australia |accessdate=May 12, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002194633/http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/9151/i-am-weasel-vol-1 |archivedate=October 2, 2013}}</ref> The same release was also launched in New Zealand on August 11, 2011.<ref name="madman nz">{{cite web |url=https://www.madman.co.nz/catalogue/view/9151/i-am-weasel-vol-1 |title=I Am Weasel - Vol. 1 |author=Madman Entertainment New Zealand |accessdate=July 6, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330032222/http://www.madman.co.nz/catalogue/view/9151/i-am-weasel-vol-1 |archivedate=March 30, 2016}}</ref>
In Thailand, complete seasons have been released on DVD since 2009 by MVD Company; the season one's was launched on December 23, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ethaicd.com/show.php?pid=50700 |title=I Am Weasel - Season 1 [DVD] |author=eThaiCD.com |language=English and Thai |accessdate=December 8, 2017}}</ref> In Australia, a two-disc season one DVD was launched on July 6, 2011, distributed by [[Madman Entertainment]].<ref name="madman aus">{{cite web |url=https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/9151/i-am-weasel-vol-1 |title=I Am Weasel - Vol. 1 |author=Madman Entertainment Australia |accessdate=May 12, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002194633/http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/9151/i-am-weasel-vol-1 |archivedate=October 2, 2013}}</ref> The same release was also launched in New Zealand on August 11, 2011.<ref name="madman nz">{{cite web |url=https://www.madman.co.nz/catalogue/view/9151/i-am-weasel-vol-1 |title=I Am Weasel - Vol. 1 |author=Madman Entertainment New Zealand |accessdate=July 6, 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330032222/http://www.madman.co.nz/catalogue/view/9151/i-am-weasel-vol-1 |archivedate=March 30, 2016}}</ref>


Only official seasons' releases and compilation media made by Cartoon Network are listed here, excluding all releases by third-party companies.
Only official seasons releases and compilation media made by Cartoon Network are listed here, excluding all releases by third-party companies.


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
Line 157: Line 157:
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| rowspan="6"|United States
| rowspan="6"|United States
| ''My Friend, the Smart Banana''
| "My Friend, the Smart Banana"
| Cartoon Network
| Cartoon Network
| 1999
| 1999
Line 164: Line 164:
| rowspan="5"|DVD
| rowspan="5"|DVD
| rowspan="5"|1
| rowspan="5"|1
| ''I Am Vampire''
| "I Am Vampire"
| rowspan="5"|Warner Home Video
| rowspan="5"|Warner Home Video
| August 10, 2004
| August 10, 2004
|-
|-
| '''''Cartoon Network Halloween 2: Grossest Halloween Ever'''''
| '''''Cartoon Network Halloween 2: Grossest Halloween Ever'''''
| ''Power of Odor''
| "Power of Odor"
| August 9, 2005
| August 9, 2005
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|'''''Cartoon Network Christmas: Yuletide Follies'''''
| rowspan="2"|'''''Cartoon Network Christmas: Yuletide Follies'''''
| ''I.R.'s First Bike''
| "I.R.'s First Bike"
| rowspan="2"|October 5, 2004
| rowspan="2"|October 5, 2004
|-
|-
| ''Dessert Island''
| "Dessert Island"
|-
|-
| '''''Cartoon Network Christmas 2: Christmas Rocks'''''
| '''''Cartoon Network Christmas 2: Christmas Rocks'''''
| ''Happy Baboon Holidays''
| "Happy Baboon Holidays"
| October 4, 2005
| October 4, 2005
|}
|}
Line 186: Line 186:


=== Comics ===
=== Comics ===
From 1999 to 2005, ''I Am Weasel'' had stories featured on three collective comic series published by [[DC Comics]]: ''Cartoon Network Starring'' (1999–2000), ''Cartoon Cartoons'' (2001–2004; having lead stories on issues #5 and #19)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dcindexes.com/features/series.php?page=gallery&seriesid=530 |title=Cartoon Cartoons - Series Gallery |author=Mike's Amazing World of Comics |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref> and ''Cartoon Network Block Party!'' (2004–2009). It was presented along stories from many Cartoon Network original series, such as ''Dexter's Laboratory'', ''[[Johnny Bravo]]'', ''Cow and Chicken'', ''[[Ed, Edd n Eddy]]'', ''Courage the Cowardly Dog'', ''[[The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy]]'', ''[[Sheep in the Big City]]'', among others.<ref name="StarringComics">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcindexes.com/features/series.php?seriesid=534 |title=Cartoon Network Starring |author=Mike's Amazing World of Comics |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref><ref name="CartoonCartoonsComics">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcindexes.com/features/series.php?seriesid=530 |title=Cartoon Cartoons |author=Mike's Amazing World of Comics |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref><ref name="BlockPartyComics">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcindexes.com/features/series.php?seriesid=2460 |title=Cartoon Network Block Party! |author=Mike's Amazing World of Comics |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref> The characters also appeared in the [[Crossover (fiction)|crossover]] comic series ''The Powerpuff Girls: Super Smash-Up!''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://comicsalliance.com/powerpuff-girls-super-mash-up-derek-charm-interview/ |title=Derek Charm on IDW's 'Powerpuff Girls Super Smash-Up', the new Cartoon Network team-up title [Interview] |website=ComicsAlliance |first=Chris |last=Sims |date=October 8, 2014 |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/01/31/powerpuff-girls-super-smash-1-combines-classic-cartoon-network-characters/ |title=The Powerpuff Girls Super Smash Up #1 Combines Classic Cartoon Network Characters |first=Christine |last=Marie |date=January 31, 2015 |website=Bleeding Cool |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref>
From 1999 to 2005, ''I Am Weasel'' had stories featured on three collective comic series published by [[DC Comics]]: ''Cartoon Network Starring'' (1999–2000), ''Cartoon Cartoons'' (2001–2004; having lead stories on issues #5 and #19)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dcindexes.com/features/series.php?page=gallery&seriesid=530 |title=Cartoon Cartoons - Series Gallery |author=Mike's Amazing World of Comics |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref> and ''Cartoon Network Block Party!'' (2004–2009). It was presented along stories from many Cartoon Network original series, such as ''Dexter's Laboratory'', ''[[Johnny Bravo]]'', ''Cow and Chicken'', ''[[Ed, Edd n Eddy]]'', ''Courage the Cowardly Dog'', ''[[The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy]]'', ''[[Sheep in the Big City]]'', among others.<ref name="StarringComics">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcindexes.com/features/series.php?seriesid=534 |title=Cartoon Network Starring |author=Mike's Amazing World of Comics |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref><ref name="CartoonCartoonsComics">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcindexes.com/features/series.php?seriesid=530 |title=Cartoon Cartoons |author=Mike's Amazing World of Comics |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref><ref name="BlockPartyComics">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcindexes.com/features/series.php?seriesid=2460 |title=Cartoon Network Block Party! |author=Mike's Amazing World of Comics |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref> The characters also appeared in the [[crossover]] comic series ''The Powerpuff Girls: Super Smash-Up!''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://comicsalliance.com/powerpuff-girls-super-mash-up-derek-charm-interview/ |title=Derek Charm on IDW's 'Powerpuff Girls Super Smash-Up', the new Cartoon Network team-up title [Interview] |website=ComicsAlliance |first=Chris |last=Sims |date=October 8, 2014 |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/01/31/powerpuff-girls-super-smash-1-combines-classic-cartoon-network-characters/ |title=The Powerpuff Girls Super Smash Up #1 Combines Classic Cartoon Network Characters |first=Christine |last=Marie |date=January 31, 2015 |website=Bleeding Cool |accessdate=December 9, 2017}}</ref>


{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
Line 197: Line 197:
! Stories || Issue || Release date
! Stories || Issue || Release date
|-
|-
| ''Komic Kon''
| "Komic Kon"
| #3
| #3
| September 29, 1999
| September 29, 1999
|-
|-
|-
|-
| ''A Clone Again, Naturally''
| "A Clone Again, Naturally"
| #7
| #7
| January 19, 2000
| January 19, 2000
|-
|-
| ''Baboon in Love''
| "Baboon in Love"
| #10
| #10
| April 19, 2000
| April 19, 2000
|-
|-
| ''Night of the Baboon''
| "Night of the Baboon"
| #13
| #13
| July 19, 2000
| July 19, 2000
|-
|-
| ''A Farewell to Weasel''
| "A Farewell to Weasel"
| #16
| #16
| October 18, 2000
| October 18, 2000
Line 224: Line 224:
! Stories || Issue || Release date
! Stories || Issue || Release date
|-
|-
| ''Double-Decker Hero''
| "Double-Decker Hero"
| #3
| #3
| November 24, 2004
| November 24, 2004
|-
|-
| ''Hairlocks and the Three Weasels''
| "Hairlocks and the Three Weasels"
| #5
| #5
| January 26, 2005
| January 26, 2005
|-
|-
| ''X Marks the Baboon''
| "X Marks the Baboon"
| #7
| #7
| March 23, 2005
| March 23, 2005
|-
|-
| ''Bubble Trouble''
| "Bubble Trouble"
| #10
| #10
| June 29, 2005
| June 29, 2005
Line 248: Line 248:
! Stories || Issue || Release date
! Stories || Issue || Release date
|-
|-
| ''Who Are Baboon?''
| "Who Are Baboon?"
| #1
| #1
| January 27, 2001
| January 27, 2001
|-
|-
| ''The Test of a Baboon''
| "The Test of a Baboon"
| #4
| #4
| April 18, 2001
| April 18, 2001
|-
|-
| ''Water on the Brain''
| "Water on the Brain"
| #5
| #5
| May 23, 2001
| May 23, 2001
|-
|-
| ''I.R. Smelly''
| "I.R. Smelly"
| rowspan="2"|#9
| rowspan="2"|#9
| rowspan="2"|January 30, 2002
| rowspan="2"|January 30, 2002
|-
|-
| ''Theory-Go-Round''
| "Theory-Go-Round"
|-
|-
| ''Around the World in 80!''
| "Around the World in 80!"
| #12
| #12
| July 24, 2002
| July 24, 2002
|-
|-
| ''Inca Dinka Doo''
| "Inca Dinka Doo"
| #16
| #16
| March 26, 2003
| March 26, 2003
|-
|-
| ''There's No Place Like Rome''
| "There's No Place Like Rome"
| #19
| #19
| June 25, 2003
| June 25, 2003
|-
|-
| ''What's Cooking?''
| "What's Cooking?"
| #23
| #23
| October 29, 2003
| October 29, 2003
|-
|-
| ''Double-O Zero''
| "Double-O Zero"
| #26
| #26
| January 28, 2004
| January 28, 2004
|-
|-
| ''Walk a Mile in My Glutes''
| "Walk a Mile in My Glutes"
| #29
| #29
| April 28, 2004
| April 28, 2004
|-
|-
| ''The Perfect Swivel''
| "The Perfect Swivel"
| #33
| #33
| August 25, 2004
| August 25, 2004
Line 300: Line 300:
An ''I Am Weasel''-themed [[checkers]] set was part of a promotion made by Cartoon Network in the late 1990s/early 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212174702/http://david-feiss.netfirms.com/merchandise.html |title=Merchandise - Products |first=David |last=Feiss |accessdate=December 1, 2017}}</ref>
An ''I Am Weasel''-themed [[checkers]] set was part of a promotion made by Cartoon Network in the late 1990s/early 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212174702/http://david-feiss.netfirms.com/merchandise.html |title=Merchandise - Products |first=David |last=Feiss |accessdate=December 1, 2017}}</ref>


In the [[kart racing]] video game, ''[[Cartoon Network Racing]]'', available for [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Nintendo DS]], I.M. Weasel is a playable character, while I.R. Baboon and the Red Guy must be unlocked to play with, but the first is available in the DS version only.<ref name="racing">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/cartoon-network-racing/cheats/ |title=Cartoon Network Racing Cheats & Guides |author=GameSpot |accessdate=December 1, 2017}}</ref> Also, only in the PS2 version, the episodes "Enemy Camp" and "My Friend, the Smart Banana" are available as extras which can be unlocked by winning the UR Challenged Cup and I.M. Weasel Super Tournament modes, respectively.<ref name="racing"/>
On the [[kart racing]] video game, ''[[Cartoon Network Racing]]'', available for [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Nintendo DS]], I.M. Weasel is a playable character, while I.R. Baboon and the Red Guy must be unlocked to play with, but the first is available in the DS version only.<ref name="CNRacing">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/cartoon-network-racing/cheats/ |title=Cartoon Network Racing Cheats & Guides |author=GameSpot |accessdate=December 1, 2017}}</ref> Also, only in the PS2 version, the episodes "Enemy Camp" and "My Friend, the Smart Banana" are available as extras which can be unlocked by winning the "UR Challenged Cup" and "I.M. Weasel Super Tournament" modes, respectively.<ref name="CNRacing"/>


In the [[Massively multiplayer online game|MMO game]], ''[[Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall]]'', there was an item named "I.R. Baboon shorts", which were player-wearable shorts based upon I.R. Baboon's buttocks.
In the [[Massively multiplayer online game|MMO game]], ''[[Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall]]'', there was an item named "I.R. Baboon shorts", which were player-wearable shorts based upon I.R. Baboon's buttocks.

Revision as of 22:53, 9 December 2017

I Am Weasel
The series title card featuring the protagonist, I.M. Weasel.
GenreComedy
Slapstick
Created byDavid Feiss
Written by
Directed by
Voices ofMichael Dorn
Charlie Adler
Theme music composerBill Fulton (melody)[1][2]
Richard Pursel (lyrics)[2]
Opening theme"I Am Weasel", performed by April March[2]
Ending theme"I Am Weasel" (instrumental)
ComposerBill Fulton[1][2]
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons5
No. of episodes79 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersLarry Huber[3]
Sherry Gunther[3]
ProducersVincent Davis[4][5]
Davis Doi[5]
Running time7 minutes approx. (per episode)
Production companyHanna-Barbera
Original release
NetworkCartoon Network
ReleaseJuly 22, 1997 (1997-07-22) –
2000 (2000)[6]
Related
Cow and Chicken

I Am Weasel is an American animated television series created by David Feiss for Cartoon Network, at the studio of Hanna-Barbera, being the fourth of the network's Cartoon Cartoons. The series centers on I.M. Weasel, a smart, beloved and highly successful weasel, and I.R. Baboon, an unsuccessful, unintelligent and hated by everyone baboon who is jealous of Weasel's success and constantly tries to upstage him, usually failing to do so.

It was originally a part of Cow and Chicken from 1997 to 1999, often airing as the third of three segments in an episode, after two segments of that show (except in one occurrence, where it aired as a second segment between the two parts of an episode)[7] Eventually, I Am Weasel was spun off into its own series, which aired from June 1999 to early 2000, with both new episodes and the episodes that had aired on Cow and Chicken included in this series, totaling 79 episodes. It is thus considered that the show ran from 1997 to 2000.

Premise

The central characters: I.R. Baboon (left) and I.M. Weasel (right).

I Am Weasel chronicles the random adventures of two funny animal frenemies: I.M. Weasel (Michael Dorn), a famous, heroic, eloquent, highly intelligent and very talented weasel who is adored by everyone and constantly shouts his catchphrase "I am Weasel!" while pointing high in the air, and his total opposite, I.R. Baboon (Charlie Adler), an ugly and idiotic hamadryas baboon who is envious of Weasel's success and constantly tries to be better than him, often failing and getting hated by everyone, also often doing a victory dance when expressing his feelings. Starting from season two, the Red Guy (Charlie Adler), a devilish red man who never uses pants, assumes multiple personalities and is a main character in Cow and Chicken, also gets that role in I Am Weasel, where he is also referred to as "I.B. Red Guy", an allusion to Weasel's and Baboon's names.[8]

Secondary characters include Loulabelle (Susanne Blakeslee, Teresa Ganzel), Weasel's assistant and kind of girlfriend, who usually dresses herself as a nurse (except in one episode, where she is seen dressed as a laboratory assistant),[9] Jolly Roger (Dee Bradley Baker), a fat man who wears glasses and either a tiny tuxedo or a white t-shirt with shorts and a sailor "dixie cup" hat, and also usually appears suddenly in the episodes and takes some roles similar to the Red Guy's, and Admiral Bullets (Jess Harnell, Michael Gough), a short naval officer who often relies on Weasel's help and is often seem over a small bench. Many characters from Cow and Chicken make cameo appearances in I Am Weasel from season two, these include: Cow, Chicken (Charlie Adler), Mom, Teacher (Candi Milo), Dad (Dee Bradley Baker), Flem (Howard Morris), and Earl (Dan Castellaneta).

As the series progresses, I.M. Weasel, initially showed as an invincible hero, gradually loses the focus to I.R. Baboon, because people are showed to get gradually dumber. In the series finale, I.R. is finally presented as the true star of the show instead of him.[10]

Universe setting

While season 1 does not seem to have any link to Cow and Chicken universe, from season 2, I Am Weasel seems to usually happen in the same universe of that show, but, in most of the time, in different places. An episode, though, does present it as a TV show airing in Cow and Chicken world, suggesting another universe, but Weasel and I.R. are both taken out of TV after all.[8] The same occurs in another episode, but with the characters in the same universe.[10] It's also important to note that there is no settled plot and stories happen randomly, with no connection between them, so it could happen in any universe.

Humor style

Humor style relies on slapstick comedy and moderate off-color humor, as typical of many 1990s cartoons, and is based upon the existent gap between the central characters, with I.R. Baboon being the center of most running jokes, which are mostly about his stupidity and big red butt, though some episodes show I.M. Weasel or the Red Guy also taking this role. Butt jokes are also more frequent when the Red Guy is around and parodies of popular culture and other shows also take place in many episodes. Despite all the comedic style, important and meaningful messages about friendship, social differences and general lessons for life are given to children through stories or when I.M. Weasel directly talks to the audience.[11]

Season 1 shows Weasel as a "perfect" character, not leaving a single shortcoming, and Baboon as exact opposite to this, but that gradually changes throughout the series, with Weasel later starting to show some misbehavior and inefficiency, mostly because he notices people around him are getting dumber, and thus I.R. even being dimwitted gets a hero status. From season 2 onwards, the Red Guy incorporates humor style found in Cow and Chicken, taking the role of villain, but also being sometimes a third wheel, something that never happens in that show. In season 5, Jolly Roger also starts to fill both roles.

Some episodes titles make fun of Baboon's misspelling, with grammatically incorrect names such as "I Are Big Star", "I Are Good Salesmans" and "I Are a Artiste". The titles also tend to reference the name of the show and Weasel's catchphrase, often being written in first person.

Fourth wall breaking is something that also happens, mostly at the end of episodes. The characters do it to make some ending commentaries, give advices to spectators or just call for the end of the episode.

Production

Creation and development

Cow and Chicken started out as the pilot episode "No Smoking" on What a Cartoon! in 1995, and was greenlit to become a series. Hanna-Barbera demanded a second cartoon to join Cow and Chicken in its half-hour time slot, so creator David Feiss came up with I Am Weasel, with the name based on the novel I Am Legend.[12]

According to Feiss, the idea for creating the show begun as a single drawing of I.M. Weasel with the caption "I Am Weasel" and that "suggested many stories to me".[13] Also, the fact that the Red Guy doesn't wear panties was controversial for many people, as he said: "The thing that I never thought that I'd get approval for was the Red Guy. The mere fact that he didn't wear pants was a challenge for a lot of people and I am glad Cartoon Network let it go - he's my favorite character".[13]

It started to get produced around April 1996[14] and was inserted as a series of segments in Cow and Chicken until mid 1999. Right after the end of that show, it was spun-off into a new separated series produced until September 16, 1999.[15], with all the previous episodes incorporated and removed from Cow and Chicken.

General production took place at the studio of Hanna-Barbera, with the series being labeled as part of both the collection of cartoons of that company and Cartoon Network's Cartoon Cartoons. Animation production was made overseas at Rough Draft Studios, in South Korea.[3]

Art style

The exact same art style of Cow and Chicken is used starting from season 2. Season 1, though, is a bit different in both art and characters presented. Title card style for episodes is also different in season 1, featuring animation and Weasel saying the name of the episode with additional commentary and/or events, contrasting with the title card style used for Cow and Chicken, with static image, which takes place in I Am Weasel from season 2 onwards.

Title sequence and music

The title sequence features I.M. Weasel using constantly his catchphrase "I am Weasel!" and I.R. Baboon with his trademarked victory dance. The series ending credits were only created in 1999, with the separation; it shows all the three years of production and the theme song is played instrumentally in a pop rock style, with additional arrangement.[3]

The theme song was composed by Bill Fulton,[1] written by Richard Pursel, and sung by April March.[2] It is a humorous take on the classic nursery rhyme "Pop Goes the Weasel", based on the well-known musical version of the rhyme.[16][17]

Michael Dorn (left) and Charlie Adler (right), who provide voices for the three main characters.

Voice cast

Michael Dorn provides voice for I.M. Weasel and Charlie Adler does both voices of I.R. Baboon and the Red Guy. Loulabelle is voiced by Susanne Blakeslee in season 2 and Teresa Ganzel in season 3, Jolly Roger by Dee Bradley Baker, and Admiral Bullets by Jess Harnell in season 1 and Michael Gough in season 2.[3][18]

Additional characters are voiced by the before-mentioned along Candi Milo, Howard Morris, Dan Castellaneta, Frank Welker, Dom DeLuise, Carlos Alazraqui, Tom Kenny, among others.[3][18]

Broadcast

Broadcast history

A sneak peek for the series was aired on July 15, 1997 with the eleventh episode, "Law of Gravity",[15][19][20] and then it started its original run from July 22, 1997 with the second episode, "I.R. on Sun", yet as a series of segments on Cow and Chicken.[15] After four seasons, it was separated and premiered as a half-hour show on June 10, 1999,[21] and the 52 episodes originally aired on Cow and Chicken began to air on the show's own time slot, being either in or outside the Cartoon Cartoon Fridays programming block, and getting joined by 27 new episodes, totaling 79.[22] The original run ended in early 2000.[6]

Reruns aired prominently from early 2000 to 2003, including on Cartoon Cartoon Fridays. From September 2005 to April 10, 2006, it returned sporadically as segments on The Cartoon Cartoon Show, along with other Cartoon Cartoons from that era.[23] On April 13, 2012, the series returned on Cartoon Planet before being removed in 2013. It was also aired on Boomerang, but only seasons 1 to 4 with the Cow and Chicken segments, and on Cartoon Network Too in the United Kingdom. Some episodes were also made available on Cartoon Network Video in early 2010s.

The show is rated TV-Y7 in the United States.[24] and G (General) in both Australia and New Zealand.[25][26]

Brazilian miniseries

In Brazil, an animated miniseries named Terra à Vista ("Land in Sight") was produced in 2000 for Cartoon Network, and tells the story of the Portuguese arriving at Brazil with an humorous take, using characters from Cartoon Cartoons, including I.M. Weasel, I.R. Baboon and the Red Guy. It was broadcast on Cartoon Network Brazil from March 6 to April 22, 2000 and has 8 episodes. This series was also the first-ever Cartoon Network production exclusively made for Brazil.[27]

Episodes

See also: List of I Am Weasel episodes

The series has a total of 79 episodes divided in 5 seasons. The first four ones were originally part of Cow and Chicken and then joined the fifth season to complete the series.

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
113July 22, 1997 (1997-07-22)[15]December 16, 1997 (1997-12-16)[15]
213January 13, 1998 (1998-01-13)[15]April 7, 1998 (1998-04-07)[15]
313August 1998 (1998-08)November 1998 (1998-11)
413January 1999 (1999-01)April 1999 (1999-04)
527June 10, 1999 (1999-06-10)[21]2000 (2000)[6]

Ratings

It became one of the most successful Cartoon Network original series of its time, usually being remembered along other successful Cartoon Cartoons.

The premiere of season 5 on June 10, 1999 reached 1.8 million viewers in households, acquiring 4.4 with kids 2-11 and 4.6 with kids 6-11.[28] It was also the fifth most watched show on Cartoon Network in 2000, with an average rating of 1.8 million viewers, only and not far behind The Powerpuff Girls (1.9), Tom and Jerry (2.0), Courage the Cowardly Dog (2.1) and Dexter's Laboratory (2.3).[29]

Back in 1997 and 1998, I Am Weasel along Cow and Chicken, Johnny Bravo and Dexter's Laboratory, were responsible for increasing Cartoon Network's average ratings.[30][31]

Merchandise

Home media

Media releases have been made in both VHS and DVD formats. In the United States, no media containing complete seasons was released as of December 2017, but some episodes were launched on a Cartoon Cartoons VHS from 1998, dedicated exclusively to the show and containing the episodes "My Friend, the Smart Banana", "I.R. Pixie Fairie" and "I.R. in Wrong Cartoon",[32] and Cartoon Cartoon Fridays VHS in 1999, but along other series.[33] As for DVDs, also in USA, Cartoon Network released special ones for Halloween and Christmas holidays in 2004 and 2005, distributed by Warner Home Video, containing one or two episodes.[34]

In Thailand, complete seasons have been released on DVD since 2009 by MVD Company; the season one's was launched on December 23, 2009.[35] In Australia, a two-disc season one DVD was launched on July 6, 2011, distributed by Madman Entertainment.[25] The same release was also launched in New Zealand on August 11, 2011.[26]

Only official seasons releases and compilation media made by Cartoon Network are listed here, excluding all releases by third-party companies.

I Am Weasel-only home media releases
Title Format DVD Region Country Content Distributor Release date
Cartoon Cartoons: I Am Weasel VHS — United States 3 episodes Cartoon Network 1998
I Am Weasel - Season 1 / ข้าคือวีเซิล - ภาค 1 DVD 3 Thailand Complete season 1 MVD Company December 23, 2009
I Am Weasel - Season 2 / ข้าคือวีเซิล - ภาค 2 Complete season 2 —
I Am Weasel - Vol. 1 4 Australia Complete season 1 Madman Entertainment July 6, 2011
New Zealand August 11, 2011
Collective media containing I Am Weasel episodes
Title Format DVD Region Country Episodes Distributor Release date
Cartoon Cartoon Fridays VHS — United States "My Friend, the Smart Banana" Cartoon Network 1999
Cartoon Network Halloween: 9 Creepy Cartoon Capers DVD 1 "I Am Vampire" Warner Home Video August 10, 2004
Cartoon Network Halloween 2: Grossest Halloween Ever "Power of Odor" August 9, 2005
Cartoon Network Christmas: Yuletide Follies "I.R.'s First Bike" October 5, 2004
"Dessert Island"
Cartoon Network Christmas 2: Christmas Rocks "Happy Baboon Holidays" October 4, 2005

The show also has two audio tracks featured in Cartoon Medley, a compilation album made by Kid Rhino for Cartoon Network, containing tracks from many animated series from the network and others. It was released on July 6, 1999, in CD and cassette releases,[36] and contains the show's audio tracks "I Am Weasel", which is the theme song, and "I.M. Weasel's Poem", an oral text spoken by I.M. Weasel.[37]

Comics

From 1999 to 2005, I Am Weasel had stories featured on three collective comic series published by DC Comics: Cartoon Network Starring (1999–2000), Cartoon Cartoons (2001–2004; having lead stories on issues #5 and #19)[38] and Cartoon Network Block Party! (2004–2009). It was presented along stories from many Cartoon Network original series, such as Dexter's Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, Cow and Chicken, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Courage the Cowardly Dog, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Sheep in the Big City, among others.[39][40][41] The characters also appeared in the crossover comic series The Powerpuff Girls: Super Smash-Up!.[42][43]

Gaming

An I Am Weasel-themed checkers set was part of a promotion made by Cartoon Network in the late 1990s/early 2000s.[44]

On the kart racing video game, Cartoon Network Racing, available for PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS, I.M. Weasel is a playable character, while I.R. Baboon and the Red Guy must be unlocked to play with, but the first is available in the DS version only.[45] Also, only in the PS2 version, the episodes "Enemy Camp" and "My Friend, the Smart Banana" are available as extras which can be unlocked by winning the "UR Challenged Cup" and "I.M. Weasel Super Tournament" modes, respectively.[45]

In the MMO game, Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall, there was an item named "I.R. Baboon shorts", which were player-wearable shorts based upon I.R. Baboon's buttocks.

Flash games of the series were also available on Cartoon Network website during the 1990s and 2000s.[46][47]

Clothing

Cartoon Network officially sells adult t-shirts featuring the characters and references to the show on its official online shop.[48]

See also

Template:Wikipedia books

References

  1. ^ a b c Fulton, Bill. "All Film TV and Video credits". Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e Feiss, David (2000). "Songs from both shows - I Am Weasel". Archived from the original on December 12, 2006. Retrieved July 6, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b c d e f I Am Weasel ending credits.
  4. ^ The New York Times. "I Am Weasel - Cast, Credits & Awards". Archived from the original on October 3, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b Hollywood.com. "Vincent Davis". Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  6. ^ a b c Lenburg, Jeff (2006). Who's Who in Animated Cartoons. New York: Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 81. ISBN 978-1-55783-671-7. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  7. ^ "The Ugliest Weenie - Part 2". Cow and Chicken. Season 1. Episode 5. 1997.
  8. ^ a b "I.R. in Wrong Cartoon". I Am Weasel. Season 2. Episode 24. 1998.
  9. ^ "Time Weasel". I Am Weasel. Season 3. Episode 27. 1998.
  10. ^ a b "I Are Legend". I Am Weasel. Season 5. Episode 79. 2000.
  11. ^ LifeStyle (March 15, 2017). "I Am Weasel: Phim hoạt hình vui nhộn về 'đôi bạn lạc quẻ nhất hành tinh'" (in Vietnamese). Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  12. ^ h2g2. "Cow and Chicken, and I Am Weasel - two animated cartoon series". Retrieved December 8, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ a b Cartoon Network Latin America. "Weasel World - Meet the creator: David Feiss". Archived from the original on August 2, 2001. Retrieved December 1, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Cartoon Network Department of Cartoons. "I Am Weasel - Storyboards". Archived from the original on August 31, 2000. Retrieved December 3, 2017. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ a b c d e f g Feiss, David (January 12, 2000). "Episode Guide: Cow and Chicken and I Am Weasel". Archived from the original on December 12, 2006. Retrieved May 29, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ "I Are Music Man". I Am Weasel. Season 2. Episode 19. 1998. In a scene of the episode, the Red Guy repeatedly sings switches from the series theme song and "Pop Goes the Weasel".
  17. ^ WhoSampled. "I Am Weasel Theme by April March". Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  18. ^ a b Behind the Voice Actors. "Voice Credits". Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  19. ^ Boedeker, Hal (July 14, 1997). "Cartoon Network zany relief". Reading Eagle. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved May 29, 2011.
  20. ^ Variety. "Cow and Chicken". Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  21. ^ a b King, Susan (June 10, 1999). "From MTV Awards to Olsen Twins". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 30, 2011.
  22. ^ Kilmer, David (June 11, 1999). "Cartoon Network sets premiere for I AM WEASEL". Animation World Network. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
  23. ^ Cartoon Network. "TV Schedule - Cartoon Cartoon Show". Archived from the original on November 23, 2005. Retrieved December 8, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ Cartoon Network. "TV Parental Controls". Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  25. ^ a b Madman Entertainment Australia. "I Am Weasel - Vol. 1". Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved May 12, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ a b Madman Entertainment New Zealand. "I Am Weasel - Vol. 1". Archived from the original on March 30, 2016. Retrieved July 6, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ UOL - TV Folha (March 5, 2000). "Desenho faz piada do Brasil" (in Portuguese). Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  28. ^ Time Warner (June 29, 1999). "Cartoon Network's Second Quarter Performance Sets Records on All Programming Fronts". Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  29. ^ Time Warner (December 12, 2000). "Cartoon Network to Post Best Year in Network's History In Rating and Delivery". Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  30. ^ Time Warner (July 28, 1998). "A Child Scientist, A Cow and A Chicken Lead Cartoon Network to Best Month Ever". Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  31. ^ The New York Times (August 5, 1998). "TV Notes; Cartoons Gaining". Retrieved December 7, 2017.
  32. ^ VHSCollector.com. "Cartoon Cartoons: I Am Weasel". Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  33. ^ WorldCat. "Cartoon Cartoons". Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  34. ^ TVShowsOnDVD.com. "I Am Weasel (1999) - Releases for I Am Weasel". Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  35. ^ eThaiCD.com. "I Am Weasel - Season 1 [DVD]" (in English and Thai). Retrieved December 8, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  36. ^ Cartoon Network. "Cartoon Medley". Archived from the original on October 13, 1999. Retrieved December 3, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ AllMusic. "Cartoon Medley". Retrieved December 3, 2017. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  38. ^ Mike's Amazing World of Comics. "Cartoon Cartoons - Series Gallery". Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  39. ^ a b Mike's Amazing World of Comics. "Cartoon Network Starring". Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  40. ^ a b Mike's Amazing World of Comics. "Cartoon Cartoons". Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  41. ^ a b Mike's Amazing World of Comics. "Cartoon Network Block Party!". Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  42. ^ Sims, Chris (October 8, 2014). "Derek Charm on IDW's 'Powerpuff Girls Super Smash-Up', the new Cartoon Network team-up title [Interview]". ComicsAlliance. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  43. ^ Marie, Christine (January 31, 2015). "The Powerpuff Girls Super Smash Up #1 Combines Classic Cartoon Network Characters". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  44. ^ Feiss, David. "Merchandise - Products". Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  45. ^ a b GameSpot. "Cartoon Network Racing Cheats & Guides". Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  46. ^ Cartoon Network Latin America. "I Am Weasel - Games". Archived from the original on August 16, 2001. Retrieved December 3, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  47. ^ Cartoon Network. "I Am Weasel - Games". Archived from the original on June 10, 2001. Retrieved December 3, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  48. ^ Cartoon Network Shop. "I Am Weasel". Retrieved December 1, 2017.
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