How Many Mario Shows Are There? A Comprehensive Guide
There are three main animated television series based on Nintendo’s beloved Super Mario video game franchise. These series, all produced by DIC Entertainment, have brought the Mushroom Kingdom and its iconic characters to life on the small screen, captivating audiences of all ages.
The Three Mario Animated Series
The three animated series are:
- The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! (1989)
- Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990)
- Super Mario World (1991)
Each series brings its own unique style and storylines to the Mario universe, drawing inspiration from different games in the Super Mario Bros. series. While they share the same core characters, each show offers a distinctive viewing experience, making them memorable for different reasons. Let’s dive a bit deeper into each series.
The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! (1989)
The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, which premiered in 1989, is perhaps the most well-known of the three. This series features a unique format, combining live-action segments with animated ones. The live-action portions, featuring Captain Lou Albano as Mario and Danny Wells as Luigi, are often comedic interludes that lead into the animated adventures. The animated episodes primarily adapt the gameplay and settings of the original Super Mario Bros. game, with Mario and Luigi traveling through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of King Koopa (Bowser). The show is characterized by its vibrant animation style, catchy theme song, and often silly, lighthearted plots. It is a classic for many fans and embodies the spirit of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990)
Following the success of the first series, Super Mario Bros. 3 was released in 1990. This series was a more direct adaptation of the Super Mario Bros. 3 video game. The show’s plot revolves around King Koopa and his seven Koopalings, who each take control of a different kingdom and try to spread chaos. Unlike its predecessor, Super Mario Bros. 3 is entirely animated, with no live-action segments. The series maintains the zany humor and adventurous spirit of the Mario universe, while also introducing elements from the video game, such as power-ups and unique enemies.
Super Mario World (1991)
The third series, Super Mario World, debuted in 1991 and takes inspiration from the game of the same name. This show features a more cartoonish art style, with characters appearing more flexible and expressive. In Super Mario World, Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach are joined by a young dinosaur named Yoshi. The series explores the land of Dinosaur Land, focusing on the antics of King Koopa and his Koopa Troop, as they try to disrupt the peaceful lives of its inhabitants. The stories often include humorous scenarios and over-the-top action. The dynamic between Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi is one of the highlights of this series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mario Shows
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide more insights into Mario shows:
1. Are there any Mario films besides the animated series?
Yes, there are three main Super Mario Bros. movies. They are:
- Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach! (1986) – an anime film.
- Super Mario Bros. (1993) – a live-action film.
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) – an animated film.
2. Who produced the Mario animated series?
All three Mario animated series were produced by DIC Entertainment.
3. What is the first Mario animated series?
The first Mario animated series is The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, which aired in 1989.
4. How many episodes are in each Mario series?
- The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! has a total of 65 episodes.
- Super Mario Bros. 3 has 26 episodes.
- Super Mario World has 13 episodes.
5. What is the format of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!?
The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! is unique as it features a mix of live-action segments and animated stories.
6. Which Mario series features live-action segments?
Only The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! features live-action segments.
7. Who plays Mario and Luigi in the live-action segments of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!?
Captain Lou Albano played Mario, and Danny Wells played Luigi.
8. Which Mario series is based on the Super Mario World video game?
The animated series Super Mario World is based on the Super Mario World video game.
9. Which Mario series has the Koopalings?
The Super Mario Bros. 3 animated series includes King Koopa and his seven Koopalings.
10. What is Yoshi’s role in the Super Mario World show?
In the Super Mario World series, Yoshi is a close friend and companion of Mario and Luigi, often assisting them in their adventures.
11. Where can I watch the Mario animated series today?
The Mario animated series can be found on various streaming platforms and digital purchase services, depending on your region. You may need to check platforms like YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, or other video-on-demand services.
12. Are there any other animated adaptations of Mario besides these three series?
While there have been some shorter animated specials and promotional shorts, these three are the main animated series.
13. Is there any connection between the Mario TV shows and the games?
Yes, the TV shows are directly based on the games. They adapt plots, settings, characters, and elements of gameplay into television content.
14. Do the Mario shows follow the game canon?
While the TV shows take inspiration from the games, they often deviate for the sake of storytelling, and don’t always follow the game canon precisely.
15. Is Mario’s full name really Mario Mario in the shows?
The shows do not directly address Mario’s full name as “Mario Mario,” though this is a fact established by Nintendo for the character.
Conclusion
The three Mario animated television series are a beloved part of the franchise’s history, bringing the world of Super Mario to life for many generations of fans. From the live-action/animated mix of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! to the adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World, each show offers a unique way to experience the magic of the Mushroom Kingdom. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the franchise, these shows are worth revisiting for a dose of nostalgia and fun.