Even as a really little kid, TV shows have been a part of how I develop my way of thinking and how I feel about certain things, and my favorite show ever is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012). I have always been a fan of the TMNT, regardless of which interpretation it is, and the 2012 reboot is my personal favorite because it’s the one I grew up with. During Christmas of 2024 I actually got the whole series on DVD so watching all of it is a great experience.
This series was created as a reboot of the 1987 series, as Paramount purchased the global rights to TMNT in late 2009 and began conceptualizing a new animated series for Nickelodeon. The creators of this new series focused on adopting elements from previous series, including characters and stories from the 1987 show and the 1990 movie, while also introducing new twists and storylines. The 2012 series aimed to appeal to a new generation of fans while still honoring the core elements of the TMNT franchise.
Part of the reason this series was such a big success is because it paid respects to the original franchise by adding elements from the older series to their show. There was a clear understanding of how special the original series was in the first place while the reboot added its own characters and new elements that in my opinion work really well in this series.
I asked google how to make a good series based on a pre-existing property like TMNT and I found this quote:“A successful series adaptation of an existing property needs to offer a fresh perspective while honoring the core elements of the original. This includes a captivating story, compelling characters, and a strong understanding of the source material’s audience and themes. Additionally, effective adaptation requires navigating potential challenges like character changes, plot alterations, and maintaining the essence of the original while creating something new.”
I also asked google about what the overall package said about why this show was so beloved and I found this quote:“The 2012 TMNT series is widely loved for its unique blend of classic elements and fresh storytelling, particularly its focus on the characters’ teenage experiences and the strong chemistry between the voice actors. It’s seen as a great introduction to the franchise for newer fans and a nostalgic trip for long-time enthusiasts.”
People have a different opinion about the different shows of TMNT depending on what they grew up with. Some people like the original 1987 series, others have their own love for the 2003 series, or a lot of people like me fell in love with the 2012 series on Nickelodeon. But one thing we all can agree on is that no matter what incarnation we look at, this franchise defined so many people’s childhood and left them with memories of entertainment for years.
I know it was a massive part of my childhood. I constantly wanted any of the new figures that came out, and I have a vast majority of the movies on DVD.
My mom can attest to how much I enjoyed this series. She commented, “You also requested the figures and movies during birthdays and Christmas as you grew up.”
TMNT has been and even now will always be a massive part of my life. I love it so much for what it is and what I get out of it, so as my last article for Journalism I thought it would be nice to do one more show/movie review before I graduate. It was an honor to be in this Journalism class for most of the three years of high school. I’m going to miss it.
