Watch Jim Henson's Dog City

Jim Henson's Dog City is an animated television series produced by Nelvana and created by the legendary Jim Henson. The show originally ran from 1992 to 1994 and lasted for two seasons. The series follows a canine detective named Ace Hart, who lives in a fictional city populated entirely by dogs. Set in a world where dogs and humans coexist, Ace Hart and his fellow dogs are portrayed with distinct personalities and characteristics, with a variety of breeds appearing throughout the series.

The show blends elements of classic film noir with cartoon humor and playful storytelling. Dog City is a rough and gritty town, with tough-talking villains and a corrupt underworld. The show's opening credits announce "you're entering a canine metropolis… where every corner holds a new secret and danger lurks in every shadow." Throughout the series, Ace Hart navigates the seedy streets of Dog City, confronting nefarious characters and solving gritty mysteries.

The voice cast for Dog City features a mix of established voice actors and newcomers. Ron White voices Ace Hart, the show's protagonist. White imbues Ace with a mix of swagger and vulnerability that makes him an endearing and relatable hero. Elizabeth Hanna voices Rosie O'Gravy, Ace's love interest and the owner of a local diner. Hanna brings a spunky energy to Rosie's character, effortlessly infusing her voice with humor and heart.

The show's animation style is unique, blending elements of 2D and 3D animation. The characters are 2D hand-drawn figures that are placed into 3D environments. This technique was cutting-edge for the time in which the show was produced and allowed for dynamic camera angles and exciting action sequences.

One of the show's most memorable elements is its music. The show's opening theme, composed by Steve DePatie and performed by the legendary blues musician Taj Mahal, is a jazzy and upbeat tune that perfectly captures the show's fun and adventurous spirit. The series' score, composed by Michael Abbott, is equally impressive, often playing with different musical genres to create distinct moods and atmospheres.

While the show's format is primarily episodic, with each episode focused on a new mystery for Ace to solve, there are also several ongoing storylines throughout the series. One of the main threads is Ace's complicated relationship with Rosie, with the two characters often embroiled in misunderstandings and miscommunications. Additionally, there are several recurring villains throughout the series, including Bugsy Vile, a mobster who often butts heads with Ace, and Mad Dog, a deranged ex-cop who is determined to take down the canine detective.

Jim Henson's Dog City is a unique and widely beloved series that has stood the test of time. Its blend of classic film noir with cartoon humor and playful storytelling created a memorable and enjoyable experience for viewers of all ages. The show's dynamic characters, impressive animation, and memorable music come together to create a world that is both gritty and heartwarming. Whether you're a fan of classic cartoons, film noir, or just love dogs, Jim Henson's Dog City is a must-watch series that is sure to delight.

Jim Henson's Dog City is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (31 episodes). The series first aired on September 1, 1992.