# Top Cat (1961)

> A mischievous alley cat and his gang of hustler cohorts dream up get rich schemes and pranks to outwit their police officer nemesis in New York City.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/4021

## Facts

- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 30
- Episode runtime: 26 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: animation, comedy, family
- Created by: Joseph Barbera, William Hanna
- Network: ABC
- Cast: Arnold Stang, Maurice Gosfield, Leo De Lyon, Marvin Kaplan, John Stephenson, Allen Jenkins, Lars Thiesgaard, Paul Hüttel
- TMDB rating: 7.1/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054572/

## Ember's analysis

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

## What critics say

Viewers and critics remember it as a charming, funny cartoon, though its limited animation keeps it a modest classic.

## Synopsis

Top Cat (1961-1962) is an American animated sitcom created by Joseph Barbera and William Hanna for ABC, produced by Hanna-Barbera. Its title character, T.C., is a scheming alley cat who lives in a trash can on the streets of New York City, and the voice of Arnold Stang gives him a fast, sly charm. He leads a gang of hustler cohorts who dream up get rich schemes and elaborate pranks. Their constant nemesis is Officer Dibble, a patrolling cop who is both the target of their tricks and an occasional ally, and who is kept in line by an overbearing sergeant. The engine of each episode is a new scheme, a close escape, and a clever talk-out that leaves the gang one step ahead of the law. The thirty half-hour episodes of this single season are self-contained, light and breezy, with slapstick, quick wit, and a warm underdog affection for the cats. The mood is cheerful and playful, with a cozy classic cartoon feel. Fans of The Flintstones and The Phil Silvers Show will find resonance in its scheming humor and goodnatured antics, making it a gentle, rewatchable family favorite.

## Shows like Top Cat

- [The Pink Panther (1993)](https://ember.film/tv/13693)
- [Tom & Jerry Kids Show (1990)](https://ember.film/tv/4061)
- [Kid vs. Kat (2008)](https://ember.film/tv/16190)
- [Felix the Cat (1958)](https://ember.film/tv/85166)
- [Garfield and Friends (1988)](https://ember.film/tv/4384)
- [Pixie and Dixie and Mr. Jinks (1958)](https://ember.film/tv/19787)
- [Inspector Gadget (1983)](https://ember.film/tv/3836)
- [The Tom and Jerry Show (1975)](https://ember.film/tv/7296)
- [Eek! The Cat (1992)](https://ember.film/tv/3207)
- [Jellystone! (2021)](https://ember.film/tv/106048)

---

Site overview: https://ember.film/llms.txt