To compete with the mega-success of Nintendo’s Mario Bros. franchise, Sega came up with Sonic the Hedgehog, a hyperactive little bundle of energy that would find plenty of his own success in the video game world. Following in competitor Mario’s footsteps, Sonic would move into the television genre shortly after. Debuting on ABC in 1993, Sonic first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog, then launched an alter-ego version for syndication called The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.

The ABC Saturday morning series had a darker, more serious tone and focused on the adventure part (ironic since the other version focused less on the adventure side, even though it had the word “Adventure” in its title.) It’s sister show was far lighter and comedic.

In both versions, Sonic and his sidekick fox, Tails, were trying to help their friend Prince Sally find her missing father and return him to the throne in the world of Mobius. Standing in their way was the evil Dr. Robotnik, who had overthrown the kingdom. Sonic was all action on the Saturday morning version of the show, often employing his patented turbo roll, which bowled over the enemies before they ever knew what hit em’. On the syndicated “adventure” version, everything was handled in a much more humorous fashion, leaning heavily on the slapstick.

Both series debuted within a week of each other and both featured actor Jaleel White (television’s own Urkel) as the voice of Sonic. The ABC version lasted for two seasons, while the syndicated version only lasted for a single year. But, don’t feel sorry for poor Sonic; the video game world was his true forte and in that arena, his success is legendary and ongoing.  

 

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