How TV Deregulation Changed Cartoons Forever
In 1984, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) deregulated children's television. This allowed companies like Mattel and Hasbro to produce 30-minute animated programs that functioned as extended toy commercials. Shows like 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe' exploded in popularity almost overnight.
Chapter 1
The toy commercial revolution
Chapter 2
Global co-productions and anime roots
Chapter 3
Saturday mornings and educational shifts
Chapter 4
The magic of cel animation and voices
Ch 1 · The toy commercial revolution
schopenhauer The Toy Commercial Revolution
Rewrite the rules, / Unbox the toys, / We watch the ads!
schopenhauer Transformers began as two separate Japanese toy lines before being merged and animated for American television in 1984.
Fun Fact
He-Man's origin: He-Man was originally designed as a toy line after Mattel turned down the license to make toys for the 1977 movie 'Star Wars'.
schopenhauer He-Man was developed by Mattel to sell action figures, using a unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi.
Glossary
deregulation (noun)
The removal or reduction of government regulations or restrictions in a particular industry. In 1984, the FCC lifted restrictions on children's programming, allowing cartoons to function as toy advertisements.
The removal or reduction of government regulations or restrictions in a particular industry. In 1984, the FCC lifted restrictions on children's programming, allowing cartoons to function as toy advertisements.
Quiz
Which Japanese toy company partnered with Hasbro to create the toys that became 'The Transformers'?
BETA
schopenhauer Match wacky theme tunes to retro toys to discover the weird history of 80s cartoons.
Quiz
In what year did the US FCC deregulate children's television, allowing cartoons to be based on toy lines?
Quiz
What was He-Man's real name when he wasn't transformed into the hero of Eternia?
Quiz
Who wrote the names and backstories for the original 'Transformers' characters, including Optimus Prime?
Quiz
Which studio produced the 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe' cartoon in 1983?
Quiz
Which production company, famous for holiday specials, created 'ThunderCats' in 1985?
Quiz
Which faction of evil robots fought against the heroic Autobots in 'The Transformers'?