I love THE PINK PANTHER animated series. Growing up, we used to have the boxed set of the original cartoon, and I’ve seen every episode. Whenever my friends would come over in elementary school, I’d put it on, not realizing how different it was than FAIRLY ODD PARENTS or TEEN TITANS. Looking back, I understand the strange and somewhat bored reactions from my eight-year-old friends. Not only is it light on dialogue (to the point it was odd when a character spoke), it’s also definitely a bit dated, with alcohol and smoking references that wouldn’t make it into any kids’ show today.
Like SCOOBY DOO, THE PINK PANTHER had a lasting effect on my design preferences, illustration style, and music choices. I played saxophone consistently from fourth through twelfth grade, and Henry Mancini’s PINK PANTHER riff was one of the first things I learned how to play – and maybe one of the reasons I joined jazz band. I love mid-century modern architecture and furniture and I always try to work a muted, limited color palette into my illustrations. And even outside of those direct influences, I had to be a PinkPantheress fan solely because of her name (clearly, she has taste). Looking back, I’m sure it’s not just PINK who influenced me, but I’m always so amused, and sometimes blown away, rewatching the original run of this show.
There are only really two truly spooky PINK PANTHER episodes, PINK PANIC (1967) and PINK PLASMA (1975). You’ll definitely be able to sleep after watching them, though, so don’t worry too much. Just a perfect couple of episodes to have on loop on the TV on the background of your Halloween party – and both (and many other episodes from the show) are available for free on the official YouTube channel.
THE PINK PANTHER is available to rent or buy wherever you get your TV episodes, and some episodes are available on YouTube.
