Flipper

Flipper, from Ivan Tors Films in association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television, is an American television program first broadcast on NBC from September 19, 1964, until April 15, 1967. Flipper, a bottlenose dolphin, is the companion animal of Porter Ricks, Chief Warden at fictional Coral Key Park and Marine Preserve in southern Florida, and his two young sons, Sandy and Bud. The show has been dubbed an "aquatic Lassie", and a considerable amount of juvenile merchandise inspired by the show was produced during its first-run.

Flipper (1964-1967) is an American family adventure series created by Ricou Browning and Jack Cowden for NBC. Set at the fictional Coral Key Park and Marine Preserve in southern Florida, it follows Chief Warden Porter Ricks (Brian Kelly), a widowed father raising his young sons Sandy (Luke Halpin) and Bud (Tommy Norden), alongside Flipper, a bottlenose dolphin who acts as their companion and helper. Each episode is built around a small crisis at the park or along the coast, where the boys and their father rescue marine animals, untangle mischief, and solve problems with the dolphin's help. The show runs for three seasons and eighty-eight episodes, with a steady rhythm of self-contained outings rather than a continuing serialized story. Its tone is gentle, sunny, and warmly optimistic, with a nostalgic quality for viewers who grew up with it. Its themes of family loyalty, respect for wildlife, and the bond between people and animals give it a comforting, educational feel. Fans of Lassie and Gentle Ben will find the same wholesome animal-companion charm, shaped by a 1960s American family-television sensibility.

Audiences rate the series mixed, with its dolphin star and family adventures remembered as gentle wholesome entertainment for children.

• Lassiefamily adventure centered on a wild animal companion, wholesome tone, kid-friendly outdoor setting
• Gentle Benfamily adventure with a young boy and a wild animal bond, wholesome outdoor adventure
• Free Willysingle father raising children in a natural setting, wholesome family drama with a rescue-style animal focus

Created by

Ricou Browning, Jack Cowden

Release Date

1964-09-19

Episode runtime

26 min

Rating

6.4 / 10 (58)

What is Flipper about?

A bottlenose dolphin helps a widowed warden and his two sons protect a Florida marine park.

What is Flipper like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Flipper as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Flipper violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Flipper.

What did critics think of Flipper?

Audiences rate the series mixed, with its dolphin star and family adventures remembered as gentle wholesome entertainment for children.

Which shows are like Flipper?

Shows with a similar feel include Lassie, Gentle Ben, and Free Willy.

How long is Flipper?

Flipper: 3 seasons, 88 episodes.

Is Flipper still running?

No, Flipper has ended.

Where can I watch Flipper?

In United States, Flipper streams on The Roku Channel.