Watch The Jackson 5ive

The Jackson 5ive was a popular animated television show that aired on ABC from 1971 until 1973. The show was based on the lives of the Jackson 5, a popular music group that consisted of five brothers from Gary, Indiana. It was a half-hour weekly show that followed the adventures of Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael Jackson, as they navigated their lives as both rising stars and everyday kids.

The show's main voice cast included Paul Frees, who voiced the group's manager, Diana Ross, who provided the voice for herself and had occasional appearances in the show, and Edmund Sylvers, Joel Cooper, Donald Fullilove, Craig Grandy, and Mike Martinez, who provided the voices for the Jackson brothers. The show was created by Barry Blitzer, Bob Balser, and Gordon German and was produced by Rankin/Bass Productions.

The show followed a weekly format where the Jackson brothers would get into various hijinks in their daily lives, such as trying to impress girls or dealing with school bullies. The show also featured a lot of their music, with every episode containing at least one song from the group's extensive repertoire. Many of the episodes also featured guest appearances from other musical icons such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles.

The animation style of The Jackson 5ive was unique for its time, featuring a mix of both traditional animation and live-action footage of the band. The animation was created by Hal Sutherland and included lots of bright colors and psychedelic imagery, reflecting the style of the time.

The show was not without its controversies, however. While it was popular with fans, some critics accused the show of exploiting the Jackson brothers, depicting them as caricatures of themselves rather than real people. Additionally, there were concerns that the show's emphasis on music and fame could have a negative impact on young viewers.

Despite the controversies, The Jackson 5ive remained a popular show throughout its run, with fans continuing to watch the show in reruns. The show also spawned numerous merchandise tie-ins, such as toys and comic books.

Overall, The Jackson 5ive was a fun and exciting show that gave fans an inside look at the lives of one of the most popular musical groups of the time. The show's unique animation style and its incorporation of the band's music made it a hit with both kids and adults. Though it may have had its controversies, The Jackson 5ive remains an important part of the music and television history of the era.