The Little Lulu Show ran for three seasons on HBO Family and Cartoon Network from 1995 through 1999, a total of 64 episodes. It is an animated adaptation of the comic strip character created by Marjorie Henderson Buell, and it carries the same quick wit and sharp edges that defined the original. The show follows Lulu Moppet and her friend Tubby Thompkins through a series of misadventures, each packed with jokes aimed squarely at adults while keeping the pacing simple enough for children.
The Cast and Its Voices
Tracey Ullman voices Louise “Little Lulu” Moppet, and Bruce Dinsmore voices Thomas “Tubby” Tompkins. The supporting cast includes Vanessa Lengies as Annie Inch, Dawn Ford as Iggy Inch, Justin Bradley as Eddie Stimson, Jacob Tierney as Wilbur Van Snobbe, Ricky Mabe as Willie Wilkins, Angelina Boivin as Gloria Goode Darling/Margie, Jonathan Koensgen as Alvin Jones, Pauline Little as Mrs. Martha Moppet, Gary Jewell as Mr. George Moppet, and Susan Glover as Mrs. Ellie Tompkins. The show’s voice talent brings a distinct energy to the neighborhood gang, and the chemistry between Ullman and Dinsmore carries the series through its lighter, stand-up comedy segments.
How Each Episode Is Built
The format is unusual for a kids’ cartoon of the era. Each episode contains three main stories, each a self-contained adventure, plus a stand-up comedy routine hosted by Lulu and two short silent introductions. The silent introductions are based on the last comic stories and consist of only three scenes without speech. The show’s structure allows for a fast pace, moving from one adventure to the next with little wasted time.
The Stories Themselves
Lulu’s adventures involve catching frogs for a local restaurant, treasure hunting, and tracking down thieves. The show leans on the comic books released by John Stanley and others, with minor alterations to fit the animated format. The premise is simple: Lulu can outsmart boys, bullies, and even grownups, and she always has an ace up her sleeve. The humor comes from her cleverness and the chaos she creates, not from physical violence or slapstick.
The Stand-Up Comedy Routine
Between stories, the show features stand-up comedy routines that Lulu hosts. These segments are short and sharp, built around jokes that play off the characters and situations in the episode. The show also includes musical shorts called Lulu-Bite, which add a light touch between the larger stories. The combination of comedy, music, and adventure keeps the pacing varied across each half hour.
Comparing This Show to Its Anime Predecessor
This version of The Little Lulu Show should not be confused with Little Lulu and Her Little Friends, an anime TV series made in 1976. That show featured the same characters and aired internationally in 1978. The two productions share the source material but differ in tone and execution. The 1995 series is an animated adaptation produced by CINAR Animation, while the anime is a distinct production with its own history.
| Production | Year | Format | Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Little Lulu Show (1995) | 1995–1999 | Animated series | HBO Family, Cartoon Network |
| Little Lulu and Her Little Friends (1976) | 1976 | Anime series | International broadcast |
What Makes It Work
The show’s strength lies in its ability to balance humor for children with jokes that adults can enjoy. The stories are built around Lulu’s clever schemes, and the supporting cast — Annie Inch, Eddie Stimson, Wilbur Van Snobbe, Willie Wilkins, and Alvin Jones — each gets their moment to contribute to the chaos. The show’s use of comic book material means that longtime fans of the original strips will recognize familiar gags and setups, though the animated versions alter some details for the screen.
Where It Falls Short
The show’s structure, with its three stories per episode, can feel fragmented to viewers who prefer a single continuous plot. Some episodes rely heavily on the silent introductions, which can break the flow of the larger adventures. The stand-up comedy segments, while entertaining, sometimes feel like filler rather than essential storytelling. These are small complaints, but they keep the show from reaching greatness.
A Solid, Witty Entry
The Little Lulu Show is a faithful and funny adaptation of a classic comic strip character. Its mix of adventure, comedy, and musical interludes keeps the pacing fresh, and its cast delivers strong performances throughout. The show’s reliance on established comic book material means that longtime fans will find plenty to appreciate, while newcomers will enjoy the sharp humor and memorable characters.
Quick-witted Lulu can outsmart boys, bullies and even grownups.
That line sums up the show’s entire approach. Lulu is clever, Tubby is loyal, and the neighborhood gang keeps the action moving. The stand-up comedy segments add variety, and the musical shorts offer a light touch. The show’s structure can be fragmented at times, and the silent introductions sometimes feel like filler, but the core material is strong enough to carry the series through its three seasons.
The Little Lulu Show earns a 7.6 out of 10. It is a solid, witty entry in the world of animated adaptations, and it rewards viewers who take the time to sit through its three stories per episode.
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