Ask any two fans of Beany and Cecil what their favorite part of the show is, and you just might get 10 different answers in return. Everyone had their own personal connection to this classic show but all can agree that it was one of the most entertaining and innovative excursions into children’s programming that has ever been created.

Beany and Cecil got their start as puppets on the 1950’s show, Time for Beany. The show featured Captain Horatio Huffenpuff and his young nephew Beany Boy, chronicling their high-sea adventures aboard the Leakin’ Lena. Finally getting their own animated show in 1962, Beany was named for his always-present, propeller-laden cap and his friend, Cecil, was the perpetually seasick sea serpent, who countered his affliction by generous helpings of sneezes. Their nemesis was the despicable Dishonest John, best remembered for his sinister laugh, always accompanied by plenty of moustache twirling.

Beany and Cecil was graced with the iconic voice talents of Stan Freberg, Daws Butler and Don Messick, not to mention Bob Clampett, who directed the series. Together they turned a simple puppet show into one of the most popular programs of all time and earning two Emmy Awards along the way.

Years later, Beany and Cecil would enjoy a revival in 1988, with an all-new animated series fronted by John Kricfalusi, a protégé of Bob Clampett. He worked hard to ensure that diligent attention was always paid to both storyline and animation, unfortunately causing to show to frequently run over budget on a regular basis and perhaps leading to its eventual demise. He would get another chance, however, when he created the enormously popular cartoon, Ren and Stimpy.

Beany and Cecil have certainly achieved iconic status over the years. Whether one prefers the puppetry or the animated version, it is clear that the enduring success of Cecil and Beany left its mark on children’s programming and may continue to do so, in one way or another, for generations to come.