Wacky Races

Wacky Races is an animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera that originally aired in 1968. The show is a parody of traditional car races, featuring a variety of eccentric characters and their outlandish vehicles, all racing across different terrains in a madcap competition for first place. The series is centered around a group of 11 racers, each with their own unique vehicle and distinct personality. The main characters include Dick Dastardly and his dog Muttley, who are always trying to cheat and sabotage the other competitors, although they never succeed. Other notable racers include Penelope Pitstop, the glamorous but tough driver; the adventurous Red Max; and the lovable duo, the Slag Brothers, who drive a massive, rock-like car.

Wacky Races (1968-1969) is a United States and British animated comedy series produced by Hanna-Barbera and broadcast on CBS. Created by Joseph Barbera and William Hanna, this single season of 34 eleven-minute episodes follows a field of eleven eccentric racers in outlandish vehicles as they tear across varied terrains in a madcap contest for first place. Dick Dastardly and his dog Muttley, voiced in the original cast, are the show's schemers, forever rigging obstacles and sabotaging rivals, yet their plots routinely backfire and they never win. Penelope Pitstop, the glamorous but tough driver voiced by Janet Waldo, and the adventurous Red Max provide counterweight to the chaos, while the Slag Brothers drive a massive rock-like car. Each episode is built from quick gags, physical slapstick, and rivalry-driven races in which the leaders trade places constantly. The tone is breezy, cheerful, and gently parodic, a family-friendly send-up of classic road-race films in the spirit of Looney Tunes and the wider Saturday morning Hanna-Barbera catalogue. Its appeal is simple, bright, and nostalgic, making it an easy, comforting watch for children and adults alike.

Audiences remember Wacky Races as a fondly rated, lighthearted cartoon parody of car racing with a memorable roster of eccentric racers.

• Looney Tunesslapstick animated comedy, cartoon villain antics, lighthearted competitive chase
• Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!animated family comedy, Hanna-Barbera style, zany characters and gags
• The Great Racemadcap road race parody with eccentric vehicles and rivalries

Created by

Joseph Barbera, William Hanna

Release Date

1968-09-14

Episode runtime

11 min

Rating

7.5 / 10 (249)

What is Wacky Races about?

An eleven-car cartoon race in which eccentric racers and their outlandish vehicles compete across varied terrains while villains Dick Dastardly and Muttley scheme to cheat their way to victory.

What is Wacky Races like to watch?

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

Is Wacky Races violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Wacky Races.

What did critics think of Wacky Races?

Audiences remember Wacky Races as a fondly rated, lighthearted cartoon parody of car racing with a memorable roster of eccentric racers.

Which shows are like Wacky Races?

Shows with a similar feel include Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, and The Great Race.

How long is Wacky Races?

Wacky Races: 1 season, 34 episodes.

Is Wacky Races still running?

No, Wacky Races has ended.

Where can I watch Wacky Races?

In United States, Wacky Races is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home.