While there is probably much that could be copied and pasted from our entry on the first Care Bears television program, the Care Bears in The Care Bear Family, produced by Nelvana were a bit different.  Some might even say they were more… “hip.”  Regardless, they maintained the same level of care in the original series, while donning jackets and sneakers. 

In the new series, which would run from 1986 to 1988, the Care Bears would often be seen with the Care Bear Cousins, who hailed from the great Forest of Feelings; Brave Heart Lion, Bright Heart Racoon and Playful Heart Monkey were all there to lend a helping paw in order to save the day.  Our favorite Care Bears from the earlier version were there, as well… Grumpy Bear, Funshine Bear, Good Luck Bear… all with their trademark symbols on their furry, round tummies. 

The Care Bears still lived in Care-A-Lot, coming down in their Cloudmobile to help out the lonely and the sad around the world.  Apparently, between 1985 and 1986, there was a drastic improvement in caring technology, evident in the emergence of the ‘Caring Meter.’  This device points to some lonely boy or girl who could use a smile, or maybe a hug.  In the most serious of situations, the Care Bears still had their most devastating weapon, the Care Bear Stare.  With it, the bears would combine their powers of love and good will (direct from their bellies, of course) to annihilate the sadness and soften up even the gloomiest and most hardened of hearts. 

Though Professor Coldheart would remain a part of the series here and there, with the new series came a more mystical villain, one with a heart so cold, it was gone: No-Heart.  No-Hearts dastardly deeds were backed up by Beastley, the bumbling and comical criminal of the series. 

The Care Bear Family would run for two years on the ABC Saturday morning line-up before going into syndication as Care Bears.  Post-1988 Care Bears featured episodes old and new, mixed together for a perfect blend of sharing and caring with our favorite Bears.