Recess

Watch Recess

  • TV-Y
  • 1997
  • 3 Seasons
  • 7.8  (27,748)

Recess is an American animated television series that aired from 1997 to 2001, consisting of 129 episodes across six seasons. The show was produced by Walt Disney Television Animation, and was created by Paul Germain and Joe Ansolabehere. The series features a large cast of voice actors, including Allyce Beasley, Ashley Johnson, Dabney Coleman, Erik von Detten, Courtland Mead, Pamela Adlon, April Winchell, Toran Caudell, Rickey D'Shon Collins, Ross Malinger, Jason Davis, Ryan O'Donohue, Anndi McAfee, Blake McIver Ewing, Andrew Lawrence, Helen Slayton-Hughes, Laura Silverman, Edward Asner, Tress MacNeille, Aria Curzon, Francesca Smith, Andrea Martin, Justin Shenkarow, Kath Soucie, Camille Winbush, Brad Renfro, Jarrett Lennon, Michael Shulman, and Rachel Crane.

The series revolves around a group of fourth grade students at Third Street Elementary School, who the audience follows during their daily recess periods. The show explores the different social structures, games, and relationships that are formed during this time. The students each have distinct personalities, and form unique friendships and alliances with one another. The main characters include T.J. Detweiler, Vince LaSalle, Ashley Spinelli, Gretchen Grundler, and Mikey Blumberg.

T.J. Detweiler is the charismatic, fearless leader of the group. He is always looking for ways to break the rules and disrupt the status quo. T.J. is a natural leader and often comes up with elaborate plans to help his friends solve their problems. Vince LaSalle is the coolest kid in school. He is a talented athlete and often impresses his friends with his skills on the playground. He is level-headed and serves as the voice of reason for the group. Ashley Spinelli is the toughest kid in school. She is not afraid of anyone or anything, and is always ready to get into a good fight. Gretchen Grundler is the smartest kid in the school. She is a whiz at science and math, and often uses her intellect to help the group solve problems. Finally, Mikey Blumberg is the gentle giant of the group. He is a bit overweight and often turns to food for comfort. Despite his size, Mikey is a talented singer and often breaks into song to express his emotions.

The show is structured as a series of short stories, with each episode featuring several different plots. The students often have to deal with various antagonists, such as the playground bullies, Randall and Menlo, or the conniving school staff. Episodes also often include parodies of popular films and television shows, adding to the show's humor and appeal to a wider audience.

The show's animation style is unique, featuring bold colors and exaggerated character designs. It also features a distinct use of sound effects and music, which adds to the show's humor and overall tone. The show's writers often incorporate social commentary into the episodes, exploring topics such as conformity, authority, and peer pressure.

Overall, Recess is a fun and engaging animated television series that explores the complexities of childhood friendships and the importance of play. Its memorable characters and relatable storylines have made it a classic among young audiences.

Recess is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (65 episodes). The series first aired on August 31, 1997.

Recess
Filter by Source

Do you have Hulu?
What are you waiting for?
Nice! Browse Hulu with Yidio.
Ad Info - This show may not be available on Hulu
Seasons
More Like Gretchen / Prince Randall
39. More Like Gretchen / Prince Randall
March 1, 2000
After a visit to a beauty museum with Gretchen, Spinelli's parents seem to be a little "unsatisfied" with their daughter.
Fort Tender / Germ Warfare
38. Fort Tender / Germ Warfare
February 29, 2000
T.J. and the gang make a fort, only to have Lawson ruin their plans.
Prickly is Leaving / Randall's Friends
37. Prickly is Leaving / Randall's Friends
October 3, 1999
Prickly finally gets his appointment to Spiro T. Agnew Middle School. But the kids try to make him stay after they meet the new Principal Slicer.
Recess is Cancelled / Tattletale Heart
36. Recess is Cancelled / Tattletale Heart
September 22, 1999
Secretary of Schools Garrison chooses 3rd Street School as the place to test his program to bring test scores up by cancelling recess.
The Principals of Golf / Kurst the Not so Bad
35. The Principals of Golf / Kurst the Not so Bad
November 4, 2001
Vince and Prickly play golf. Mikey makes food friends.
Terrifying Tales of Recess
34. Terrifying Tales of Recess
August 21, 2001
In this Hallowe'en episode, Butch tells us three terrifying tales of Recess. Children of the Cornchip: Cornchip Girl eats some untested cornchips and turns into a werekid! The gang have to save her. When Bikes Attack!: The bikes that the kids ride to school everyday become alive and turn against their riders. Night of the Living Finsters: Lawson challenges Vince to spend the night in the graveyard, only for the gang to discover that the school is built on the Finster family graveyard.
Schoolworld / Bachelor Gus
33. Schoolworld / Bachelor Gus
November 21, 1999
The school gets a new technology system installed called the SAL 3000 which controls everything.
All the Principal's Men / No Strings Attached
32. All the Principal's Men / No Strings Attached
November 4, 2000
Balls disappear. The Ashleys give away tickets.
The C Note / Big Ol' Mikey
31. The C Note / Big Ol' Mikey
September 23, 2000
TJ finds some money. Gretchen guesses Mikey's height.
Beyond a Reasonable Scout / The Army / Navy Game
30. Beyond a Reasonable Scout / The Army / Navy Game
September 16, 2000
Mikey and Gus want to join the Woodchuck Scouts.
Don't Ask Me / The Secret Life of Grotke
29. Don't Ask Me / The Secret Life of Grotke
February 21, 2000
Spinelli takes the place of the Guru Kid.
The Coolest Heatwave Ever / Mundy, Mundy
28. The Coolest Heatwave Ever / Mundy, Mundy
September 9, 2000
During a burning hot day, the gang attempts to make it across the playground to the otherside where there is a water pump.
Lost Leader / League of Randals
27. Lost Leader / League of Randals
November 5, 1999
TJ quits as gang leader. Randall's snooping backfires.
Mikey's Pants / Here Comes Mr. Perfect
26. Mikey's Pants / Here Comes Mr. Perfect
November 14, 1999
The gang tries to cover up Mikey's ripped pants so Finster won't catch him.
Lawson and His Crew
25. Lawson and His Crew
January 6, 2001
Tired of TJ and his friends getting all the glory from King Bob, Lawson decides to get a gang of his own together. He recruits Randall, Menlow, Swinger Girl, Skeenes and Kurst the Worst and together the six start solving the playground's problems and getting the glory. Of course TJ and his friends now have nothing to do, so they are left just talking and eventually realise that just being friends is much better than getting all the glory they used to have. Friends being something that Lawson and his crew are definitely not ...
Chez Vince / Tucked In Mikey
24. Chez Vince / Tucked In Mikey
May 7, 2000
Vince becomes one of the greatest chefs in the history of the playground and making 'Chez Vince' and possibly even the world.
The Candidates / This Brain for Hire
23. The Candidates / This Brain for Hire
November 29, 1999
Gretchen and Vince both run for president.
Good Luck Charm / Diggers Split Up
22. Good Luck Charm / Diggers Split Up
November 19, 1999
Spinelli gets too attached to the lucky marble that Vince loans her.
The Biggest Trouble Ever / The Rules
21. The Biggest Trouble Ever / The Rules
November 7, 1999
The gang gets busted when they accidentally break a statue of a famous hero.
Dodgeball City / Space Cadet
20. Dodgeball City / Space Cadet
September 18, 1999
Gus won't play dodgeball. Gretchen hears from NASA.
The Madness of King Bob / Call Me Guy
19. The Madness of King Bob / Call Me Guy
September 26, 1999
King Bob abandons his throne in his obsessive pursuit of pulling a prank on T.J. in this sequel to The Big Prank
The First Picture Show / Gus' Fortune
18. The First Picture Show / Gus' Fortune
September 12, 1999
TJ wants to go to the cinema. Gus gets a fright.
 A Genius Among Us / The Spy Who Came in from the Playground
17. A Genius Among Us / The Spy Who Came in from the Playground
September 11, 1999
Hank solves Gretchen's math problem.
Kindergarten Derby / A Career to Remember
16. Kindergarten Derby / A Career to Remember
September 25, 1999
The kindergartners take part in a race.
Old Folks Home / Some Friend
15. Old Folks Home / Some Friend
July 17, 2000
The Recess Gang take a visit to the Old Folks' Home, only to be surprised.
The Fuss over Finster / Football Boy
14. The Fuss over Finster / Football Boy
February 27, 2000
Miss Finster hurts her leg and can't keep up with the kids during recess.
A Great State Fair / The A.V. Kid
13. A Great State Fair / The A.V. Kid
October 14, 2000
New kid Gus arrives at Third Street Elementary, but has to endure the indignities that a new kid must undergo.
The Barnaby Boys / Buried Treasure
12. The Barnaby Boys / Buried Treasure
January 15, 2000
TJ and Vince solve a mystery. The gang finds treasure.
The Dude / Bonky Fever
11. The Dude / Bonky Fever
November 28, 1999
TJ's idol comes to teach. Mikey has a meltdown.
Gus and Misdemeanours / A Science Fair to Remember
10. Gus and Misdemeanours / A Science Fair to Remember
November 8, 1999
Gus steals some sweets. Becky idolises Gretchen!
The Big Prank / Hustler's Apprentice
9. The Big Prank / Hustler's Apprentice
September 12, 1999
TJ wants King Bob's old title of Prankster Prince.
Me No Know / Good Ole T.J.
8. Me No Know / Good Ole T.J.
April 30, 2000
Vince sees a film. Gretchen and TJ get a project.
Yope From Norway / The Library Kid
7. Yope From Norway / The Library Kid
February 20, 2000
Gus befriends Yope. The Library kid goes outside.
Spinelli's Masterpiece / Nobody Doesn't Like T.J.
6. Spinelli's Masterpiece / Nobody Doesn't Like T.J.
February 6, 2000
Spinelli takes up drawing. TJ wins Gordy’s friendship.
Partners in Crime / The Bet
5. Partners in Crime / The Bet
November 28, 1999
Menlo & Randall are plotting. TJ and Vice have a bet.
My Funny Valentines / The Ratings Game
4. My Funny Valentines / The Ratings Game
November 13, 1999
It's Valentines Day! A rating game causes trouble.
That Stinking Feeling / Lord of the Nerds
3. That Stinking Feeling / Lord of the Nerds
November 13, 1999
Johnny V captures Spinelli's heart. TJ breaks an arm.
The Shiner / Stand Up Randall
2. The Shiner / Stand Up Randall
October 2, 1999
TJ comes to school with a shiner. Randall turns joker.
One Stayed Clean / Rumor Mill
1. One Stayed Clean / Rumor Mill
September 11, 1999
It's Picture Day. Mikey suffers a rumor.
Description
Where to Watch Recess
Recess is available for streaming on the website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Recess on demand at Disney+.
  • Premiere Date
    August 31, 1997
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (27,748)
Watch all of
Do you have Hulu?
Ad Info - This show may not be available on Hulu
No thanks, I'm not interested in Hulu