# Recess (1997)

> Six fourth-grade best friends navigate the rules, rivals and rivalries of their elementary school playground.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/1458

## Facts

- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 127
- Episode runtime: 11 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: animation, comedy, family
- Created by: Paul Germain, Joe Ansolabehere
- Network: ABC, UPN
- Cast: Andrew Lawrence, Ross Malinger, Rickey D'Shon Collins, Pamela Adlon, Ashley Johnson, Jason Davis, Courtland Mead, Sam McMurray
- TMDB rating: 7.8/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0126170/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: simple
- Violence: none
- Tone: playful, cheerful, wholesome, breezy, comforting

## What critics say

Audience reception is positive, with viewers appreciating the sharp, funny portrayal of elementary school life and its lovable group of friends.

## Synopsis

Recess (1997-2001) is an American animated kids comedy series created by Paul Germain and Joe Ansolabehere for ABC and UPN. Set on the playground of Third Street Elementary School, it follows a group of six fourth-grade best friends, led by TJ Detweiler (voiced by Andrew Lawrence, with Ross Malinger later taking over the role for a stretch of episodes), alongside Vince LaSalle (Rickey D'Shon Collins), Ashley Spinelli (Pamela Adlon), Gretchen Grundler (Ashley Johnson), Mikey Blumberg (Jason Davis) and Gus Griswald (Courtland Mead). Their engine is simple and relatable: they want to win at kickball and run their own affairs, while teachers, rules and the school snitch get in the way. Each short episode is a self-contained playground adventure rather than a continuing plot, so the six-season run feels like a long string of small, comic skirmishes. The tone is cheerful, quick and warm, with a wry streak of kid-eye satire about authority and playground politics. Its Disney-produced, Saturday morning energy and gentle humor make it a natural pick for fans of Rugrats, Doug and The Angry Beavers, who appreciate affectionate animated looks at childhood friendship and the small dramas of school life.

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- [Mike, Lu & Og (1999)](https://ember.film/tv/4135)
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- [The Baby-Sitters Club (2020)](https://ember.film/tv/84359)
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- [The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1993)](https://ember.film/tv/2683)

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