Ned’s Newt is an animated television series that originally aired in the 1990s. It was produced by Nelvana and TMO Film GmbH. The show centers on a boy named Ned Flemkin who purchases a newt from a pet store.
When the newt, named Newton, consumes too much Zippo brand newt food, he grows into a six-foot-tall creature with the ability to speak and the power to shapeshift into virtually any form he can imagine.
The episodes typically revolve around Ned and the super-sized, shape-shifting Newton getting into various comedic adventures.
Ned’s Newt On Cartoon Network
Newton’s transformations often reflect what he’s recently seen on TV or something that can help Ned out of a tricky situation, making for amusing and unpredictable outcomes. The show was light-hearted and often infused with popular culture references, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.
If you’re yearning for a dose of ‘90s animated humor, “Ned’s Newt” is a must-watch, regardless of whether you’re an animal enthusiast or simply a lover of good cartoons.
First episode date: October 18, 1997 (Canada)
Final episode date: December 31, 1999
Network: Cartoon Network
Composer: Pure West
Created by: Andy Knight, Mike Burgess
A Boy and His… Giant Newt?
When you think about classic children’s cartoons, which ones come to mind? Maybe “Scooby-Doo”, “Tom and Jerry“, or even “The Magic School Bus.” However, nestled among these giants of animation is a lesser-known gem: “Ned’s Newt“.
Centering on young Ned Flemkin and his unlikely pet, Newton the Newt, this show took us on wild rides fueled by imagination, humor, and a peculiar brand of newt food.
But what makes “Ned’s Newt” so unique? It’s not just about a boy and his pet; it’s about a boy and his six-foot-tall, shape-shifting, talking newt. That’s right. Newton isn’t your ordinary newt. Feed him a little too much Zippo brand newt food, and you’ll witness a transformation that brings out the laughter in every situation.
What Was Ned’s Newt About?
9-year-old Ned Flemkin, after painstakingly saving up, buys the only pet he can afford: a newt named Newton. To Ned’s dismay, Newton remains inactive, lounging on a rock.
The pet store owner offers Ned a can of Zippo, a unique newt food, cautioning him against overfeeding. Despite a modest first serving, an unattended Newton feasts on Zippo at night. Consequently, Newton grows to six feet, gains the power of speech (voiced by Harland Williams), and shapeshifts at will.
While Ned and Newton form a close bond, the transformative effects of Zippo are temporary. Often, Newton’s antics land Ned in hot water, and as the Zippo wears off, Newton reverts, leaving Ned to deal with the fallout.
The series follows Ned’s efforts to maintain normalcy while hiding Newton’s extraordinary abilities.
Behind the Animation: A Work of Art
Delving deeper into the show, one can’t help but appreciate the creative genius behind “Ned’s Newt.” The animation style, distinct yet reminiscent of the golden age of cartoons, has a charm that never seems to fade.
The vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds serve as a testament to the dedication of the animators, and it’s evident in every frame.
Moreover, each character is beautifully crafted, not just in appearance but in personality, too. Ned, the ever-patient and kind-hearted boy, contrasts and complements Newton, the unpredictable and whimsical newt. Their interactions provide depth and warmth, making viewers root for their friendship despite the comical chaos that ensues.
The Sound of Laughter: Music and Voice Acting
The musical score and voice acting in “Ned’s Newt” deserve a special mention. Every episode is filled with delightful jingles that perfectly capture the mood.
Whether it’s the suspense of what Newton will transform into next or the joyous celebration of a problem solved, the music is always on point, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The voice actors poured heart and soul into their characters, making each one memorable. Newton’s varying impersonations required a range of vocal gymnastics, and it’s impressive how seamlessly the character transitioned from one avatar to another, all thanks to the exceptional talent behind the mic.
Ned’s Newt Characters
Here’s a closer look at the main characters and their roles:
Ned Flemkin: As the young protagonist, Ned is an everykid, someone viewers can easily relate to. He’s a 9-year-old with typical kid concerns: school, friends, and family. Buying Newton initially as a standard pet, he’s thrust into a world of unexpected responsibility and adventure once he discovers Newton’s transformative abilities.
Newton: A seemingly ordinary newt turned enormous shape-shifting creature thanks to the Zippo food, Newton is at the heart of the show’s humor. His impersonations and transformations, often mimicking famous characters from other media, are unpredictable and often land the duo in hilarious situations.
Voiced by Harland Williams, Newton’s antics and his childlike innocence juxtaposed with his newfound size and abilities make him a standout character.
Linda Bliss: Ned’s school crush and an essential part of the series. While she’s not privy to Newton’s secret, her interactions with Ned add depth to his character and introduce a young boy’s typical challenges when trying to impress someone he likes.
Mr. Klutz: The pet store owner who sells Ned the Zippo Newt Food. He’s a recurrent character, usually popping up when Ned needs advice (or another can of Zippo). Mr. Klutz is quirky, often providing comic relief with his weird knowledge about unusual pets.
Ned’s Parents: They often come close to discovering Newton’s secret, resulting in nail-biting, comedic sequences as Ned and Newton try to cover their tracks. They embody typical concerned parents, always a tad puzzled by their son’s odd behavior (which is a direct result of Newton’s antics).
Other School Friends & Adversaries: The series also features classmates and teachers from Ned’s school. These characters provide a backdrop for Ned’s daily life and the challenges he faces as a regular kid, offering a balance to the more fantastical adventures with Newton.
Cast
- Harland Williams as Newton (episodes 1–35)
- Ron Pardo as Newton (episodes 36–39)
- Tracey Moore as Ned Flemkin
- Carolyn Scott as Sharon “Mom” Flemkin/Miss Bunn
- Peter Keleghan as Eric “Dad” Flemkin
- Jonathan Wilson as Rusty McCabe
- Tracy Ryan as Linda Bliss
- Colin O’Meara as Doogle Pluck/Renfrew
- Jim Milington as The Usual Guy (Pet Shop Owner)
Ned’s Newt Intro Theme
Where To Watch Ned’s Newt?
You can stream “Ned’s Newt” by renting or buying it on Amazon Instant Video or iTunes. Additionally, “Ned’s Newt” is available for free streaming on Pluto CA