The Skatebirds
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The Skatebirds was a one-hour show on CBS Saturday mornings from 1977 to 1978. Produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, the show featured a number of short segments hosted by live-action wraparounds featuring "The Skatebirds", three large birds played by actors in costumes.
The Skatebirds, so-called because they roller skated, were named Satchel (a pelican), Knock-Knock (a woodpecker), and Scooter (a penguin). Their nemesis was Scat Cat, voiced by Scatman Crothers who had previously played Hanna-Barbera's Hong Kong Phooey. The appearance of the characters and the format of the show was similar to Hanna-Barbera's Banana Splits.
The segments on The Skatebirds were;
- The Robonic Stooges - a cartoon featuring robotic versions of the Three Stooges.
- Wonder Wheels - a cartoon about a boy named Willie and his living, shape-shifting motorcycle
- Woofer and Whimper: Dog Detectives - condensed versions of episodes of Hanna-Barbera's Clue Club.
- Mystery Island - a live-action serial about the crew of a downed plane and their robot trying to escape the wrath of Dr Strange.
The Skatebirds lasted only a half-season in its original run; from September 10, 1977 to January 28, 1978. Edited to a half-hour by removing Mystery Island, it was broadcast for a time on CBS Sunday mornings but soon was taken off the schedule. Cartoon Network's sister station, Boomerang, occasionally airs the short versions of The Skatebirds as well as The Robonic Stooges and Wonder Wheels.
