Watch G.I. Joe

G.I. Joe is an American animated television show that aired in syndication from 1983 to 1986. The show is based on the popular line of action figures created by Hasbro, and it follows the adventures of an elite military team known as the G.I. Joe team. The show was popular among kids and adults alike, and it helped to solidify the G.I. Joe franchise as one of the most successful toy lines in history.

The show features a large ensemble cast of characters, all of whom are members of the G.I. Joe team. The main characters include Duke, the team leader, Scarlett, the team's first female member, and Snake Eyes, a mysterious ninja who never speaks. Other key members of the team include Roadblock, Gung-Ho, and Stalker, each with their own unique set of skills and backstory. Throughout the course of the show, the team goes on various missions to stop the terrorist organization Cobra from taking over the world.

The voice cast of the show is incredibly talented and includes some of the most recognizable names in the industry. Michael Bell provides the voice of Duke, while Arthur Burghardt voices Destro, one of the main villains of the series. Frank Welker, who has gained fame for providing the voice of Scooby-Doo, among many other iconic characters, provides the voices of several characters on the show, including Torch, Wild Bill, and Timber. Neil Ross, who has worked on many popular animated shows, provides the voice of Buzzer, another member of the Cobra organization. Other notable members of the voice cast include Gregg Berger, John Stephenson, Christopher Collins, Joshua Andrew Koenig, Brian Cummings, Don Brown, Ed Gilbert, Gary Chalk, Hal Rayle, Jack Angel, Pat Fraley, Patrick Pinney, Pauline Newstone, Robert Remus, William Callaway, Corey Burton, Dick Gautier, B. J. Ward, and Bill Ratner.

The show was notable for its use of serialized storytelling, which was uncommon for animated shows aimed at young audiences at the time. While each episode was self-contained and could be watched on its own, there was an overarching narrative that spanned the entire series. This allowed for more complex storytelling and character development, and it helped to keep viewers engaged from episode to episode.

One of the most iconic aspects of the show is the presence of the "PSAs," or Public Service Announcements, at the end of each episode. These short segments featured the characters offering advice on various topics, such as fire safety and not talking to strangers. While these segments were cheesy and tongue-in-cheek, they are still beloved by fans of the show and are often cited as a highlight of the series.

Another key element of the show is its use of military technology and terminology. The G.I. Joe team frequently uses real-life military equipment, such as helicopters and tanks, and they often discuss military tactics and strategy. While this may have gone over the heads of younger viewers, it helped to create a sense of realism and added a level of sophistication to the show that set it apart from other cartoons of its time.

Overall, G.I. Joe is a beloved classic of 80s animation that remains popular among fans to this day. Its large and diverse cast of characters, intricate storytelling, and use of military technology and terminology make it a standout in the world of animated television. Whether you grew up watching the show or are discovering it for the first time, G.I. Joe is a must-see for anyone who loves action, adventure, and unforgettable characters.

G.I. Joe is a series that is currently running and has 7 seasons (156 episodes). The series first aired on September 12, 1983.