Debuting in 1986, the animated series Kissyfur was based off a half-hour NBC prime-time special called Kissyfur: Bear Roots before finding its way to the Saturday morning lineup. A parody of the American South, Kissyfur followed the adventures of Gus and Kissyfur, a father and son bear duo who had joined the circus as a way of escaping the pain of the loss of the Kissyfur’s mom and then decide that their life of traveling performers wasn't quite what it was cracked up to be.

When the circus train derails on the way to yet another town, it provided the opportunity for Gus and Kissyfur to finally escape the bonds of the circus. The two take up residence in a swampland called Paddlecab Village and are soon befriended by a number of critters including a bunny, beaver, porcupine and pig. While dad finds work operating the town ferry, and eyes a new companion, a teacher by the name of Miss Emmy Lou, Kissyfur is faced with the typical taunts that any eight-year old is subject to in life, particularly the misery of being called “Sissyface” by Lennie the hog. Meanwhile, danger lurks for the townsfolk of Paddlecab Village in the form of a pair of alligators named Floyd and Jolene. It is up to father and son to protect the town from the troublesome creatures.

Kissyfur did modestly well in the ratings but was put on hiatus after only 16 episodes. After a year’s absence, the show returned in 1988 for another 9 episodes before the bears were sadly forced into permanent hibernation.