To the envy of hedgehogs everywhere, Sonic was able to make a successful transition from video game to TV series. Not letting the fame go to his head, Sonic remained the manic speed demon even after he became a TV Star.

Sonic the Hedgehog featured in several Sega video games so—like the Mario Brothers before him—he was awarded his very own animated series. Not one, but two series, in fact, debuted in 1993.  Sonic the Hedgehog aired on ABC, while The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog ran in syndication. The syndicated show had a more comic spin than the ABC version—and some would say it had less than stellar animation as well. Sonic did what Sonic often did, that is match wits with Dr. Robotnik, the villain sporting a bright red mustache. In the fine tradition of other cartoon characters, Sonic often disguised himself to elude the evil Robotnik and his henchmen, who must have been pretty dim if they couldn’t see through his ridiculous getups.

Another familiar face from the Sonic video games was Tails the fox, who joined Sonic in his adventures as the hapless sidekick who wants to be the hero. That would never happen because Sonic retained his ability to roll into a ball and move at super speeds right over anything or anyone in his path. Poor Tails never had a chance.

Jaleel White—notorious as TV’s Urkel—voiced Sonic in both the ABC and syndicated series. The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog lasted for about two seasons, 65 episodes in all, though the show has been in reruns ever since. Sonic and Tails continue their adventures in the video game medium, if you should be gripped with nostalgia for a blue, spiky-haired hedgehog.