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Manimal
A man in a suit, holding a hawk. Beside him a blonde woman.
GenreSuperhero[1][2]
Created by
Written by
Directed by
Starring
Narrated byWilliam Conrad
Theme music composerPaul Chihara
Composers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8
Production
Executive producers
  • Glen A. Larson
  • Paul Mason
Running time60 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseSeptember 30 (1983-09-30) –
December 17, 1983 (1983-12-17)

Manimal is an American superhero television series created by Glen A. Larson and Donald R. Boyle which aired on Fridays at 9:00 pm ET on NBC from September 30 to December 17, 1983.[3] The show centers on the character Jonathan Chase (Simon MacCorkindale), a shape-shifting man who can turn himself into any animal he chooses. He uses this ability to help the police solve crimes.

The series ended after an eight-episode run.

Opening narration

[edit]

For every episode except the pilot, actor William Conrad recites the opening narration that tells of Chase's wealthy present life and his early days in Africa with his missionary father:

Dr Jonathan Chase... wealthy, young, handsome. A man with the brightest of futures. A man with the darkest of pasts. From Africa's deepest recesses, to the rarefied peaks of Tibet, heir to his father's legacy and the world's darkest mysteries. Jonathan Chase, master of the secrets that divide man from animal, animal from man. Partnered with a young police detective and the former army corporal from the fields of Vietnam, a trio that stands against the crime that breeds in the concrete jungles and stretches its deadly tentacles to the fascinating but dangerous world beyond... the world of Manimal!

Overview

[edit]

Manimal premiered as a 90-minute pilot that aired on September 30, 1983. The series featured the story of Jonathan Chase, a shape-shifter who could turn himself into any animal he chose, and used this ability to fight crime. Only two people were aware of Jonathan's secret, his friend Ty Earl and police detective Brooke Mackenzie. Jonathan and Ty would assist Brooke with a case she was working on, with Jonathan transforming himself into an animal when it became useful.

While Jonathan had the ability to change himself into any animal, he would transform into a hawk and a black panther in nearly every episode. In some episodes, he would transform into a third animal, such as a horse, dolphin, bear, or bull, with the transformation taking place offscreen, though once he was shown becoming a snake. In one episode, he was shown to be able to assume the aspect of various animals simultaneously, rather than adopt their forms, such as the agility and speed of a panther or the suppleness and fast strikes of a snake. The transformation sequences were designed and created by the Academy Award-winning SFX artist Stan Winston.

Another aspect of the transformations that added to the show's camp factor involved Chase's clothing during a transformation: He was depicted generally wearing a three-piece suit and tie, and the viewer would see it rip off him as he shape-shifted into an animal, though once the transformation was complete there would be no sign of his discarded clothing. A bit later, he would transform back into human form with all of his clothing perfectly restored upon his person, even if he was unconscious.

Cast

[edit]

US television ratings

[edit]
Season Episodes Start date End date Nielsen rank Nielsen rating[4]
1983-84 8 September 30, 1983 December 17, 1983 90 10.1[a]
  1. ^ Tied with The Yellow Rose

Episodes

[edit]
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateProd.
code
1"Manimal"Russ MayberryDonald R. Boyle & Glen A. LarsonSeptember 30, 1983 (1983-09-30)101

90-minute pilot: When a group of thieves devise a plan to hijack a shipment of nerve gas, detective Brooke Mackenzie must stop them. She teams up with Dr. Jonathan Chase, a man that knows the secrets that divide man and animal and who is trained in an African technique that allows him to transform into different animals.

Guest stars: Ursula Andress as Karen Jade, Ed Lauter as Colonel Hunt, Lloyd Bochner as Jordon, Terry Kiser as Charlie P. Drew, Lara Parker as Drew’s Date.
2"Illusion"Daniel HallerPaul MasonOctober 14, 1983 (1983-10-14)102

A Bulgarian ambassador hides behind his immunity status to smuggle illegal goods into the country. Guest stars: Richard Lynch as Zoltan Gregory, David Hess as William.

In this episode, part of the scene on the taxi cab was later reused in the TV series Automan in season 1, episode 3 "The Great Pretender". Automan was another TV series created by Glen A. Larson. Both Manimal and Automan were being filmed around the same time.
3"Night of the Scorpion"Daniel HallerGlen A. LarsonOctober 21, 1983 (1983-10-21)103

While being interrogated by Russian agents about the location of a list, a man dies from a truth serum drug. A note and $2 million are left to his daughter Terry. Jonathan, Brooke and Ty must protect Terry while trying to locate the list before the Russian agents do.

Guest stars: Doug McClure as Arnold Syphes, Robert O'Reilly as Russian Agent.
4"Female of the Species"Georg FenadyMichael Berk & Douglas SchwartzOctober 28, 1983 (1983-10-28)104

After a girl is found living with wolves in the forests of Sultanpur, India, she is the topic of discussion at a local university where she is being held. When an attempt is made on her life, Jonathan takes her into his care and protection. Her identity must be found in order to discover who it is that is trying to kill her.
Guest star: Michael McGuire as Stanford Langly, Laura Cushing as The Wolf Girl, Paul Haber as Punk 1, Kenny Tessel as Punk 2, Clyde Risley Jones as Punk 3, Mark Harden as Punk 4.

This episode has an almost identical storyline to a 1986 episode of The Wizard titled "Endangered Species", as well as a 1994 episode of the same name in Thunder in Paradise. All three episodes were written by Michael Berk and Douglas Schwartz.
5"High Stakes"Sidney HayersMichael Berk & Douglas SchwartzNovember 4, 1983 (1983-11-04)105

When a horse trainer recognizes her stolen horse in a race, Jonathan helps her try to recover it.

Guest star: David Sheiner as Sheldon Greentree
6"Scrimshaw"Charles BailMichael Berk, Al Breitenbach & Douglas SchwartzDecember 3, 1983 (1983-12-03)106

While at the beach, Jonathan and the others discover a scrimshaw (walrus tusk with carvings on it) in the clutches of a skeleton. They begin investigating at a local bar where they encounter someone who has been looking for it for their whole life. This episode includes a new transformation sequence, in which Jonathan turns into a snake.

Guest stars: Meeno Peluce as Corky Morgan, Keenan Wynn as Sea Dog Morgan
7"Breath of the Dragon"Leslie H. MartinsonJoseph GunnDecember 10, 1983 (1983-12-10)107

Jonathan, Brooke and Ty must stop a criminal who extorts money from businesses in Chinatown while posing as a superstitious icon known as The Dragon.

Guest stars: George Cheung as the Dragon, James Hong as Grandfather Tan
8"Night of the Beast"Russ MayberrySam EganDecember 17, 1983 (1983-12-17)108

While on a well-deserved vacation, Jonathan, Ty and Brooke get involved to thwart an attempt by a syndicate boss to illegally take over the town of Birch Hollow in order legalize gambling and build a large casino.

Guest stars: Jeff Corey as Zeke Bethune, Dana Gladstone as Jack Slocum, Robert Englund as Thug, Grainger Hines as Keslo, Wayne Heffley as Osmond.

Night Man

[edit]
No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code
28"Manimal"Allan EastmanGlen A. LarsonNovember 9, 1998 (1998-11-09)206
Night Man allies with Dr. Jonathan Chase, a man who knows how to transform into different animals.

Home media releases

[edit]

Manimal: The Complete Series was released on DVD in the UK in PAL region 2 by Fabulous Films on August 27, 2012.[5] The three-disc set includes the TV-movie pilot and seven original full-length episodes. Special features includes a near 20-minute interview with series creator Glen A. Larson, production notes, biographies, galleries, Automan TV series trailer and episode guide booklet.

Manimal was released on DVD by Condor Entertainment (3 disc set) in France on October 18, 2012.

Shout! Factory released the complete series on DVD in Region 1 for the very first time on November 10, 2015.[6]

Annual

[edit]

In 1984, a Manimal Annual was released in the UK, which is a book containing stories, comics and games based on the show.

Reception and cancellation

[edit]

Manimal was scheduled opposite CBS's highly popular prime time soap opera Dallas. The 90-minute pilot aired on September 30, 1983; the one-hour series debuted two weeks later, but was placed on hiatus after only four regular episodes had aired, with production ceasing at that time. The show returned to the NBC schedule a month later, airing the three remaining already-produced episodes before the show was officially canceled due to low ratings on December 14, 1983.[7] NBC's 1983 fall line-up also featured eight other series that were axed before their first seasons ended (including Jennifer Slept Here, Bay City Blues, and We Got It Made).[8]

Manimal is not well regarded by many TV viewers and the series received negative reviews from critics. John Javna's book The Best of Science Fiction TV included Manimal in its list of the "Worst Science Fiction Shows of All Time", along with Space: 1999, Lost in Space, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and The Starlost.[9] TV Guide also ranked Manimal number 15 on their list of the 50 Worst TV Shows of All Time in 2002. In 2004, readers of the British trade weekly Broadcast voted Manimal as one of the worst television shows ever exported by the U.S. to the U.K. It placed fifth on their list, exceeded only by Baywatch, The Anna Nicole Show, The Dukes of Hazzard and Wild Palms.[10] The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Fantasy described Manimal thus: "Axed after seven regular episodes, the only surprise being that it ever got past the pilot stage".[11]

Manimal was the subject of much sarcastic ribbing on fellow NBC show Late Night with David Letterman, including a nearly nine-minute segment called Manimal: Show At The Crossroads that aired on November 8, 1983, after it was announced that Manimal would be put on hiatus. After a detailed recounting of the show's plots, and a call to NBC headquarters to determine if the show would be brought back, a psychic was brought in to predict Manimal's future: the verdict was "nope, not on another network, not in syndication, not on home cassettes...it's a ghost, it's history, it's vapor".[12]

Manimal had an associated toy line of solid, non-articulated figurines sold as rack toys made by Fleetwood Toy Corporation. These depicted the character in mid-transformation, such as to a cobra and to a lion.[13]

Film

[edit]

In September 2012, Sony Pictures Animation was developing a live-action/CGI film based on Manimal. The series creator and producer, Glen A. Larson, was once again attached as a producer.[14] The film was slated to be produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay through their Gary Sanchez Productions, and by Jimmy Miller through his Mosaic Media Group.[15] Jay Martel and Ian Roberts have been hired to write the script.[15] Larson died in 2014, and as of 2025, no further news of the project has emerged since its announcement.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Manimal

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Manimal is an American action-adventure television series created by Glen A. Larson and Donald R. Boyle that aired on NBC from September 30, 1983, to December 17, 1983.[1][2] The show centers on Jonathan Chase, a wealthy British professor at New York University with the supernatural ability to transform into any animal, who uses his powers to aid in solving crimes alongside NYPD detective Brooke Mackenzie and his friend Tyrone "Ty" C. Earl.[3][1] Only eight episodes were produced, with seven broadcast during its initial run, due to low ratings that led to its quick cancellation.[2][4] Starring Simon MacCorkindale as the enigmatic Jonathan Chase, Melody Anderson as the determined Brooke Mackenzie, Reni Santoni as Lieutenant Nick Rivera, and Michael D. Roberts as Tyrone "Ty" C. Earl, Manimal blended elements of science fiction, mystery, and superhero tropes typical of 1980s network television.[1] The pilot episode, a 90-minute special, introduced Chase's backstory as a man trained in animal transformation by his late father, an explorer who discovered the ability in Africa, and depicted him thwarting a terrorist plot involving toxic gas.[3] Subsequent episodes featured Chase shifting into various animals—such as a dolphin, hawk, or panther—to infiltrate criminal operations, often emphasizing high-stakes action and moral dilemmas about his secretive powers.[5] Produced by Glen A. Larson Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television, the series was part of Larson's portfolio of fantastical shows, including Battlestar Galactica and Knight Rider, but failed to capture a wide audience despite its intriguing premise.[1] Critically, it received mixed to negative reviews, with a 22% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.[5] Over time, Manimal has gained a cult following for its kitschy charm and has been referenced in pop culture, including a crossover appearance by Chase in the 1998 series Night Man, another Larson creation.[6]

Premise

Plot summary

Manimal centers on Dr. Jonathan Chase, a wealthy British zoologist and professor at New York University, who possesses the supernatural ability to shapeshift into any animal form at will. This power, passed down from his father and honed through training in Africa's jungles, enables Chase to battle crime covertly while preserving his secret identity as a suave academic. He employs his transformations strategically to infiltrate restricted areas, pursue suspects, and thwart criminal activities without revealing his true capabilities to the public.[1][7] Chase forms a close-knit team with NYPD detective Brooke Mackenzie, a resourceful officer who becomes privy to his secret, and his steadfast friend Tyrone "Ty" C. Earl, a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and Vietnam War comrade who provides logistical support and comic relief. Operating as unofficial consultants to the police, the trio tackles a range of urban threats, from smuggling rings to kidnappings, blending Chase's animal prowess with Mackenzie's investigative skills and Earl's streetwise expertise. Their partnership underscores themes of trust and collaboration in the face of extraordinary circumstances.[1][8] The series unfolds in an episodic action-adventure format laced with supernatural intrigue, featuring self-contained stories where Chase recurrently assumes forms like the hawk for aerial observation, the black panther for nocturnal stealth, and the dolphin for underwater reconnaissance to advance investigations and execute daring rescues. Adhering to a personal code that eschews lethal force, Chase prioritizes justice through non-violent means, highlighting the ethical boundaries of his abilities in a world of moral ambiguity. The narrative emphasizes the tension of his dual life, as he navigates the risks of exposure while aiding law enforcement.[1][9]

Opening narration

The opening narration of Manimal served as a dramatic voiceover that introduced the series' central premise each week, encapsulating the protagonist's enigmatic abilities in a style emblematic of 1980s adventure television. Delivered in a resonant, gravelly baritone, the monologue was as follows: "Dr. Jonathan Chase, wealthy, young, and handsome. A man with the brightest of futures. A man with the darkest of pasts. From Africa's deepest recesses, to the rarefied peaks of Tibet, heir to his father's legacy and the world's darkest mysteries. Dr. Jonathan Chase, master of the secrets that divide man from animal, animal from man. Teacher, protector, defender. Call him... Manimal."[4] This script directly alluded to Chase's shapeshifting power, transforming into animals to aid in crime-fighting.[7] The narration was performed by actor William Conrad, renowned for his distinctive voice work in projects like Cannon and various documentaries, lending an authoritative and mysterious tone that heightened the show's supernatural intrigue.[10] Conrad's delivery, with its deliberate pauses and emphatic phrasing—particularly the elongated "Manimal"—established a sense of grandeur and urgency, mirroring the era's penchant for bombastic introductions in action series.[11] It aired consistently at the start of the seven non-pilot episodes, with no documented variations in wording or style across the run.[10] Culturally, the narration has endured as a hallmark of 1980s television camp, often cited for its over-the-top cheesiness that belied the show's modest production values. Its earnest solemnity in voicing an absurd concept has inspired parodies and nostalgic references in pop culture retrospectives, evoking the era's blend of earnest drama and unintentional humor.[11] For instance, discussions of potential remakes have highlighted the intro's quotable flair as a symbol of the original's quirky legacy.[12]

Cast and characters

Main cast

Simon MacCorkindale portrayed Dr. Jonathan Chase, the wealthy British professor and shapeshifter who aids law enforcement by transforming into animals to combat crime, appearing in all eight episodes of the series.[1] The British actor brought a suave and sophisticated demeanor to the role, embodying the urbane hero with charm and charisma that anchored the show's fantastical elements.[13] MacCorkindale, who had previously appeared as the opportunistic shark hunter Philip FitzRoyce in Jaws 3-D (1983), drew on his experience in action-oriented projects to deliver a poised performance as Chase.[14] He passed away on October 14, 2010, at age 58 from bowel cancer.[15] Melody Anderson played Detective Brooke Mackenzie, the determined NYPD officer who becomes Chase's ally and learns his secret, also appearing in all eight episodes.[1] As the tough female lead, Anderson's portrayal highlighted Mackenzie's intelligence and resilience, contributing to the series' blend of procedural drama and supernatural adventure.[16] Known for her role as Dale Arden in Flash Gordon (1980), Anderson brought a strong presence to the character, fostering notable on-screen chemistry with MacCorkindale that enhanced the central partnership.[17] Michael D. Roberts depicted Tyrone "Ty" C. Earl, Chase's loyal street-smart associate who provides comic relief and practical support in their investigations, appearing in seven episodes starting from the second; the role was originated by Glynn Turman in the pilot episode.[1] Roberts' performance as the resourceful sidekick added levity and action-oriented dynamics to the trio, balancing the more serious tones of Chase and Mackenzie.[2] With prior experience in roles like the informant Rooster on Baretta (1975–1978), Roberts infused Ty with a vibrant, urban edge that complemented the series' ensemble.[18]

Supporting and guest roles

The supporting cast of Manimal featured recurring characters who provided essential ensemble depth, particularly in law enforcement and personal alliances for the protagonists. Reni Santoni portrayed Lieutenant Nick Rivera, a New York Police Department officer who appeared in all eight episodes, serving as a key liaison between the civilian investigators and official authorities.[19] Michael D. Roberts played Tyrone "Ty" C. Earl, Jonathan Chase's loyal associate and confidant, appearing in seven episodes starting from the second; the role was originally played by Glynn Turman in the pilot episode.[19] These performances contributed to the show's procedural elements, with Santoni's Rivera embodying the bureaucratic hurdles often faced by the team and Roberts' Ty offering comic relief and streetwise support. The series showcased diversity in its supporting and guest casting, reflecting modest representation of underrepresented groups in 1980s network television; Santoni, of Puerto Rican descent, and Roberts, an African American actor, brought ethnic variety to roles that grounded the fantastical premise in urban realism.[19] Guest stars frequently depicted antagonists from a range of archetypes, including international operatives, organized crime figures, and otherworldly adversaries, enhancing episodic variety without relying solely on the core team. Notable examples include Ursula Andress as the seductive arms dealer Karen Jade in the pilot, Ed Lauter as the menacing Colonel Hunt in the pilot, Richard Lynch as the illusionist Zoltan Gregory in "Illusion," and Keenan Wynn as the grizzled sailor Clancy "Sea Dog" Morgan in "Scrimshaw."[20] Other established television actors, such as Lloyd Bochner as the corrupt Jordan Silver in the pilot and Christopher Stone in "Illusion," filled out these one-off roles, often amplifying the threats posed by spies, mobsters, or supernatural elements to diversify the action across the short run.[20]

Production

Development

Manimal was created in 1983 by prolific television producer Glen A. Larson and writer Donald R. Boyle, who had previously worked on the children's series Bigfoot and Wildboy.[21] Larson's extensive history with NBC, including successful genre hits such as the sci-fi action series Knight Rider that debuted in 1982, positioned him to capitalize on the early 1980s surge in science fiction and fantasy programming across networks.[22] This boom, marked by shows blending adventure with supernatural elements, influenced Larson's pitch for Manimal as a crime-solving narrative centered on a shape-shifting protagonist.[21] The concept originated from ideas of mythological shapeshifting abilities, reimagined in a modern context where the lead character, a university professor, uses animal transformations to assist law enforcement—echoing themes from Larson's prior exploratory works in fantastical action, such as the holographic hero series Automan developed concurrently for ABC.[21] Boyle contributed to fleshing out the backstory, including the protagonist's origins tied to African tribal teachings. Script development progressed rapidly from the initial pitch in spring 1983, culminating in a 90-minute pilot that established the core premise of supernatural aid in urban crime-fighting.[22][21] NBC commissioned the series for its Friday 9:00 p.m. ET slot, aiming to attract viewers with accessible, adventure-driven content amid competitive genre programming.[5] However, low ratings led to the series not being renewed after its short run of eight episodes, which aired from September to December 1983, amid the competitive 1983-84 television season.[21]

Filming and effects

The principal filming for Manimal took place at 20th Century Fox Studios in Century City, Los Angeles, California, where the production utilized soundstages to construct interior sets depicting New York City environments such as apartments, university offices, and police stations.[23] Exterior shots occasionally incorporated Los Angeles landmarks to stand in for urban New York scenes, reflecting the show's setting at New York University while leveraging the studio's facilities for efficiency.[23] Special effects artist Stan Winston, known for his work on films like The Thing, led the creation of the transformation sequences, employing practical techniques including prosthetics and stop-motion animation to depict Jonathan Chase's shifts into animals such as a black panther or hawk.[24][13] For instance, prosthetic appliances simulated bubbling skin during metamorphoses, achieved by inflating air bladders beneath latex surfaces, while stop-motion was used for limb extensions and full-body changes to convey fluid yet otherworldly motion within the constraints of 1980s television technology.[24] Real animals, handled by professional trainers, provided footage for post-transformation sequences to ground the effects in authenticity, avoiding entirely fabricated creature shots.[4] The pilot episode, titled "Manimal," was directed by Russ Mayberry, who coordinated the integration of live-action performances with these effects-heavy moments, emphasizing quick cuts to mask limitations in the morphing process.[25] Subsequent episodes followed a similar approach under various directors, with Winston's team recycling core transformation templates—such as the hawk flight—to maintain consistency across the short run.[24] However, the production's modest budget, typical of NBC's Friday night lineup, resulted in challenges like visible seams in prosthetics and jerky stop-motion that critics later described as unconvincing and "cheesy," particularly in aerial hawk sequences where optical compositing struggled to blend seamlessly with live footage.[26][27] In post-production, editors at 20th Century Fox focused on layering optical effects over live-action plates, using matte compositing to insert animal forms into scenes and dissolve transitions for smoother shifts.[24] Sound design played a crucial role, with custom effects like growls, wing flaps, and whooshes synchronized to the visuals during transformations, enhancing the auditory illusion despite the era's analog limitations and enhancing the overall dramatic tension in action sequences.[4]

Episodes

Aired episodes

The eight aired episodes of Manimal were broadcast on NBC Fridays at 9:00 p.m. ET from September 30 to December 17, 1983, comprising a 90-minute pilot followed by seven 60-minute installments that maintained a consistent format of crime-solving adventures featuring shape-shifting sequences and practical effects for animal transformations.[2] The production emphasized elaborate visual effects for Jonathan Chase's metamorphoses, which drove up costs—estimated at over $1 million per episode due to custom prosthetics and animation—though no major overruns or reshoots were reported for individual episodes beyond standard post-production tweaks for the pilot.[19] Below is a guide to the aired episodes, including key credits and synopses focused on central conflicts and animal forms used.
No.TitleAir DateDirectorWriter(s)Synopsis
1Manimal (pilot)Sep 30, 1983Russ MayberryGlen A. Larson (story), Donald R. Boyle (teleplay)Jonathan Chase, a shape-shifting professor, reveals his abilities to NYPD detective Brooke McKenzie after terrorists steal a deadly virus from a lab, planning to unleash it on the city. Teaming with Brooke and ally Ty Earl, Chase transforms into a hawk to track the villains, a black panther to fight henchmen, and a dolphin to pursue an underwater escape, ultimately preventing the outbreak. The episode establishes the series' premise of using animal forms to aid law enforcement against extraordinary threats.[25]
2IllusionOct 14, 1983Daniel HallerPaul MasonA smuggling ring led by diplomat Andre Devereaux exploits his immunity to traffic diamonds, but the investigation intensifies when illusionist Marco stages a leopard attack that kills his assistant during a magic show. Chase infiltrates the operation by transforming into a leopard to spy on Marco and confront Devereaux, exposing the link between the illusions and the crime. The conflict highlights diplomatic barriers and theatrical deception, resolved through Chase's animal guise.[28]
3Night of the ScorpionOct 21, 1983Daniel HallerGlen A. LarsonA businessman dies from a scorpion sting on a luxury cruise ship carrying stolen U.S. defense plans to foreign spies amid Cold War tensions. Chase, suspecting foul play beyond the apparent accident, transforms into a scorpion to infiltrate the spy network aboard the vessel and retrieve the documents before they reach enemy hands. The episode centers on espionage and venomous intrigue, with Chase's tiny form enabling covert navigation through tight spaces.[29]
4Female of the SpeciesOct 28, 1983Georg FenadyMichael Berk & Douglas SchwartzA cult leader brainwashes young women, including heiress Leslie Woods, to serve his plan to assassinate a mayoral candidate during a public event. Chase rescues Leslie by transforming into an eagle for aerial surveillance and a black panther to disrupt the cult's rituals in a remote compound. The narrative explores manipulation and fanaticism, emphasizing Chase's dual animal forms to counter the leader's predatory control.[30]
5High StakesNov 4, 1983Sidney HayersMichael Berk & Douglas SchwartzCorrupt gamblers kidnap a jockey's family to force fixed outcomes at a high-profile horse race, rigging bets for profit. Chase enters the fray by transforming into a horse to compete incognito and expose the syndicate during the event, while coordinating with Brooke to free the hostages. The plot revolves around organized crime in sports, with Chase's equine form providing an insider's edge against the stakes.[31]
6ScrimshawDec 3, 1983Charles BailMichael Berk & Douglas SchwartzAn illegal ivory smuggling operation disguised as scrimshaw art threatens endangered species, operating from a cargo ship off the coast. Chase transforms into a dolphin to sabotage the vessel underwater and a hawk to track the smugglers from above, allying with a marine biologist to halt the trade. The episode focuses on wildlife poaching and maritime evasion, underscoring environmental stakes through Chase's aquatic and avian shifts.[32]
7Breath of the DragonDec 10, 1983Leslie H. MartinsonJoseph GunnA violent gang shakes down New York City's Chinatown businesses, enforcing protection rackets tied to a synthetic drug distribution. Chase confronts the leader in a climactic showdown, transforming into a large bird and other forms to dismantle the operation and protect the community. The conflict delves into urban extortion and cultural tensions, resolved via Chase's versatile animal abilities in tight urban settings.[33]
8Night of the BeastDec 17, 1983Russ MayberrySam EganWhile on a well-deserved vacation in the small town of Birch Hollow, Jonathan Chase, Brooke McKenzie, and Ty Earl become involved in thwarting a syndicate boss's attempt to illegally take over the town. Chase is kidnapped by a woman who believes he is responsible for her brother's disappearance, leading to revelations about the syndicate's crimes. Chase uses his shape-shifting abilities, transforming into various animals to expose and stop the plot.[34]

Unaired episode

Manimal produced eight episodes, all of which were aired during its 1983 run on NBC. No episode was left unaired following the show's cancellation due to low ratings. The complete series, featuring Simon MacCorkindale as Jonathan Chase, Melody Anderson as Brooke McKenzie, and Michael D. Roberts as Ty Earl (Glynn Turman in the pilot), is available through official home media releases.[35][36]

Broadcast and reception

Airing history and ratings

Manimal premiered on NBC on September 30, 1983, occupying the Friday 9:00 p.m. ET time slot and facing stiff competition from CBS's top-rated Dallas at 10:00 p.m. ET and ABC's T.J. Hooker at 9:00 p.m. ET.[1][37] The series maintained this slot throughout its brief run, but with schedule gaps following an early cancellation announcement; all eight episodes aired, concluding on December 17, 1983.[38][2] Nielsen ratings for Manimal were consistently low, placing it among the bottom 10 programs in the week ending October 22, 1983, alongside other struggling NBC entries.[39] An early episode earned a household rating of 10, ranking 61st overall for the week of October 2, 1983, while a later installment on October 28 achieved a 10.9 rating.[37][40] By November, it ranked 62nd, reflecting a decline in performance.[41] The series averaged a 10.1 household rating for the season, finishing 90th in the Nielsen rankings.[37] Following its U.S. cancellation, Manimal entered international syndication in 1984, debuting on BBC One in the UK in June of that year.[24] It also aired in Canada and across various European markets, achieving mixed results; notably, it gained a strong following in France through multiple reruns that drew high viewership.[42]

Critical response

Upon its 1983 premiere, Manimal received largely negative reviews from critics, who derided its visual effects as rudimentary and unconvincing. The show's transformation sequences were frequently described as laughable, with one contemporary assessment calling the overall production a "thoroughly lackluster superhero show" marred by "borderline grotesque special effects."[43] Publications like Variety and TV Guide echoed this sentiment in their coverage, panning the effects while acknowledging lead actor Simon MacCorkindale's charismatic performance as Jonathan Chase, though the series as a whole earned an average critic score around 4/10.[44] In retrospective analyses from the 2010s, Manimal has gained appreciation for its campy appeal and unintentional humor, often celebrated as "so bad it's good" entertainment. Articles in outlets like The A.V. Club and similar pop culture retrospectives highlighted the show's over-the-top premise and 1980s cheese as endearing qualities, with quotes emphasizing its value as a guilty pleasure for modern audiences revisiting short-lived cult series.[45] The series garnered no major awards or nominations during its run, though its effects work has been referenced in Razzie-style discussions of television's most egregious technical shortcomings. Intended for a family demographic with its accessible superhero adventures and animal transformations, Manimal ultimately alienated older viewers through its overt cheesiness and simplistic storytelling, limiting its broader appeal.[46]

Cancellation and legacy

The series was officially canceled in December 1983 after airing only eight episodes, primarily due to low ratings from competing against the popular CBS prime-time soap opera Dallas on Friday nights and the high production costs associated with its elaborate transformation effects.[47][1] Only eight episodes were produced, and NBC shifted its programming lineup amid a broader purge of underperforming fall 1983 shows.[2] Despite its short run and initial critical dismissal, Manimal developed a cult following in subsequent decades, often remembered for its campy premise and dated special effects that became synonymous with 1980s excess.[48] The show's legacy extended through creator Glen A. Larson's later work, including a 1998 crossover episode of his syndicated series Night Man, where star Simon MacCorkindale reprised his role as Jonathan Chase, linking the two properties in a shared universe.[49] This appearance underscored Manimal's enduring appeal within Larson's oeuvre of fantastical action-adventure television. The series also contributed to 1980s tropes of supernatural crime-fighters, influencing portrayals of shapeshifters as enigmatic allies in procedural dramas, though its own execution was hampered by budgetary constraints on visual effects.[16]

Adaptations and media

Comic annual

The Manimal comic annual, published by Grandreams Ltd. in the United Kingdom in 1984 under the title Manimal Annual 1985 (ISBN 0-86227-244-0), served as a one-shot tie-in publication expanding on the television series' premise of Dr. Jonathan Chase's ability to transform into animals to combat villains.[50] This hardcover annual was aimed at young readers and fans, featuring a mix of original comic strips, prose stories, character biographies, informational features, and interactive elements like puzzles and games, all centered around Chase's adventures.[51] Key contents included two 8-page comic strips: "Star Witness," depicting Chase transforming to protect a key witness from criminals, and "Chase the Ace," involving a high-stakes pursuit with animal shapeshifting against a criminal gang.[51] Prose stories comprised "Fire in the Underworld" (8 pages), where Chase infiltrates a volcanic hideout as a bird and snake to thwart smugglers, and "On the Waterfront" (8 pages), focusing on dockside intrigue with dolphin and hawk transformations.[51] Additional sections provided biographical profiles of lead actors Simon MacCorkindale (6 pages), Melody Anderson (4 pages), and Michael D. Roberts (4 pages), alongside educational features such as "Transmutation Round the World" (3 pages), exploring animal abilities globally, and "From Man to Animal" (7 pages), detailing the series' transformation effects.[51] Puzzles and games, including word searches and transformation-themed activities, rounded out the volume, encouraging interactive engagement with the show's supernatural elements.[50] Exclusive to the UK market, the annual had limited circulation and has since become a sought-after collectible among fans of 1980s cult television memorabilia.[52] Unlike the TV series' more serious crime-fighting narratives, the annual adopted a whimsical tone in its stories, emphasizing adventurous escapades without adapting specific episodes, thus offering fresh, lighthearted extensions of the core premise.[51]

Film adaptation project

In September 2012, Sony Pictures Animation acquired the film rights to the 1983 television series Manimal and began developing it as a live-action/CGI hybrid project.[48] The adaptation was positioned as an action-comedy reimagining the original premise, updating the shapeshifting doctor's crime-fighting abilities with a humorous emphasis on the transformations and their comedic potential.[53] In July 2014, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay signed on as producers through their Gary Sanchez Productions banner, while Key & Peele executive producers Jay Martel and Ian Roberts were hired to pen the screenplay; Jimmy Miller of Mosaic Media Group also joined as a producer.[54][53] Progress stalled following the death of original series creator Glen A. Larson from esophageal cancer on November 14, 2014, at age 77.[22] The project has not progressed since the 2014 announcements and appears to be stalled as of November 2025, without a greenlight, director, or confirmed cast.[55] Fan interest in the 2020s has manifested in unofficial mock trailers circulating online, though these have not influenced official production efforts.

Release formats

Broadcast details

Manimal originally aired on NBC in the United States as a series of hour-long episodes filmed in standard definition with a 4:3 aspect ratio and mono sound mix.[56] The pilot episode ran for 90 minutes, while the remaining seven episodes were approximately 60 minutes each, broadcast on Friday nights starting September 30, 1983, with a hiatus after the episode on November 4, 1983, before resuming on December 3.[35][2] The series saw international syndication shortly after its U.S. run, premiering in the United Kingdom on BBC One on June 4, 1984.[57] It was distributed across Europe, with airings in Italy beginning April 6, 1985, and in France on June 26, 1985; versions in these markets were dubbed into local languages such as Italian and French to accommodate audiences.[57][58] Further international broadcasts occurred in regions including Argentina, where it debuted on March 5, 1990.[57] Reruns of Manimal appeared on the Sci-Fi Channel (now Syfy) in the United States during the mid-1990s, including promotional spots highlighting its special effects in 1995.[59] As of November 2025, the complete series is not available for streaming on major platforms, though unofficial uploads of full episodes persist on YouTube.[60]

Home media releases

Manimal was first released on home video in the United Kingdom on August 27, 2012, when Fabulous Films issued Manimal: The Complete Series as a three-disc DVD set in PAL format for Region 2, containing all eight produced episodes.[61] In the United States, Shout! Factory released Manimal: The Complete Series on DVD on November 10, 2015, comprising a three-disc Region 1 NTSC collection with all eight episodes, along with bonus materials including a new interview with creator Glen A. Larson, cast biographies, and a collector's booklet.[36][62] This set marked the first official availability of the complete series in North America, including the season finale "Night of the Beast." European releases followed a similar pattern, with a three-disc DVD set distributed in France by Condor Entertainment on October 18, 2012, featuring subtitles and all eight episodes in PAL format.[63] No official Blu-ray Disc editions or high-definition upgrades have been produced as of 2025, limiting viewers to standard-definition presentations. As of November 2025, Manimal remains unavailable for official digital streaming or download on major platforms such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.[60] Gray market bootleg DVDs and unauthorized online video uploads on sites like Archive.org and YouTube circulate in niche collector circles, often including the full set of eight episodes but lacking official quality control or licensing.[64]

References

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  3. Manimal - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide
  4. Manimal | Television Heaven
  5. Manimal | Rotten Tomatoes
  6. Manimal (Series) - TV Tropes
  7. Manimal (1983) TV Series Review - The Action Elite
  8. Manimal - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide
  9. A Man, a Plan, a Manimal - PopMatters
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085051/fullcredits
  11. 10 Other Cheesy '80s-TV Opening Credits Adam Scott Should Re ...
  12. Will Ferrell to remake 80s show Manimal for big screen
  13. Remembering Manimal: Classic TV show starring JAWS 3D's Simon ...
  14. Simon MacCorkindale Movies & TV Shows List | Rotten Tomatoes
  15. Simon MacCorkindale, Dashing British Actor, Dies at 58
  16. Forgotten Television: Manimal - Comic Watch
  17. DVD Review: MANIMAL - STARBURST Magazine
  18. Michael D. Roberts - IMDb
  19. Manimal (TV Series 1983) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
  20. "Manimal" Illusion (TV Episode 1983) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
  21. TITANS OF TELEPHEMERA: GLEN A LARSON - PART 1
  22. Glen A. Larson Dead: 'Battlestar Galactica,' 'Quincy M.E.,' 'Magnum ...
  23. Manimal (TV Series 1983) - Filming & production - IMDb
  24. Manimal - SFE - SF Encyclopedia
  25. "Manimal" Manimal (TV Episode 1983) - IMDb
  26. Manimal, where the idea was better than the TV show - Nik Dirga
  27. Television Turmoil: Manimal - The Avocado
  28. "Manimal" Illusion (TV Episode 1983) - IMDb
  29. "Manimal" Breath of the Dragon (TV Episode 1983) - IMDb
  30. Episode list - Manimal (TV Series 1983) - IMDb
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  32. TV on DVD Review: “Manimal” and “Automan” - Popdose
  33. CBS came out on top in the prime time... - UPI Archives
  34. Manimal | NBC Wiki | Fandom
  35. NBC WITHDRAWS 3 OF ITS NEW SHOWS - The New York Times
  36. TV Listings for - October 28, 1983 - TV Tango
  37. ABC won the prime time ratings last week, bumping... - UPI Archives
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085051/trivia
  39. Manimal: Season 1 - Rotten Tomatoes
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  41. Manimal: Season 1 | Reviews - Rotten Tomatoes
  42. NBC's 1980s Superhero TV Show Was An Intriguing But ... - SlashFilm
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  44. "NightMan" Manimal (TV Episode 1998) - IMDb
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  46. UK Annual - Manimal - Annual 1985 - Knight Rider | Fandom
  47. Manimal Annual Simon MacCorkindale 1984 Annual Book | eBay UK
  48. Will Ferrell, Adam McKay Producing 'Manimal' Movie at Sony ...
  49. 'Manimal' Movie in Works From Will Ferrell, Adam McKay
  50. Everything You Need to Know About Manimal Movie (Development)
  51. Manimal (TV Series 1983) - Technical specifications - IMDb
  52. Manimal (TV Series 1983) - Release info - IMDb
  53. Manimal (TV Series 1983-1983) - Translations - TMDB
  54. 1983 Manimal promo Stan Winston for Sci-Fi Channel reruns
  55. Manimal - watch tv show streaming online - JustWatch
  56. Manimal The Complete Series [DVD] - Amazon.com
  57. Amazon.com: Manimal: The Complete Series
  58. Manimal: The Complete Series DVD - Blu-ray.com
  59. Manimal Complete TV Series (1983) : Donald R. Boyle
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