Watch Action League Now

Action League Now is an American stop-motion animated television series created by Bill Burnett and Mike Young for the children's programming block, Kablam!. The show initially aired from November 1995 to January 2000, and it has gained a cult following for its quirky humor and absurd superhero action. The series was later acquired by Paramount+ and is available for streaming on the platform.

The show features a quartet of superheroes, who together form the Action League. There is the muscle-bound strongman, Thundergirl, who has the power of flight and superhuman strength; Meltman, who can melt into a puddle of goo and reform; The Flesh, a dim-witted, overly enthusiastic hero with near-indestructibility; and Stinky Diver, an aquatic hero who operates in a scuba suit. The League is led by their wheelchair-bound mentor, The Chief, who provides them with their missions and usually ends up saving their bacon in the end.

The show's format is similar to classic sketch comedies like The Muppet Show or Monty Python's Flying Circus, with brief episodes that usually run around two to three minutes each. Each episode features a different villain and a new mission for the League, which usually involves thwarting some plot to destroy the city. The League's heroes are always up for the challenge, but they often bungle their way through their missions, with results that are comically disastrous.

One of the things that set Action League Now apart from other children's superhero shows is its irreverent humor. The show is full of absurd jokes and visual gags that appeal to both kids and adults. It often parodies superhero tropes, with villains that are ridiculous caricatures of villainy, complete with punny names (like the Archie Bellows, who can exhale powerful winds with the power of his lungs). The League's heroes are equally silly, with exaggerated personalities that make them lovable despite their inadequacies.

Although the show is technically aimed at children, it has a dark streak that gives it a bit of an edge. Villains often meet grisly ends, with explosions and dismemberments being a common fixture. The show is not graphically violent, of course, but it does deal with dark themes that sometimes push the envelope of what is acceptable for kids' entertainment. The humor is often irreverent, with plenty of jokes that would go over the head of younger viewers.

All the same, the show is undeniably entertaining, with a nostalgic charm that appeals to fans who grew up watching it. The stop-motion animation is impressive, with the handmade quality giving the show a unique visual style. The voice acting is also top-notch, with a cast of talented comedians bringing the characters to life with their distinctive voices. The show's theme song, which features crooning lounge singer Lee Presson, is catchy and infectious, and it perfectly sets the mood for the madness that follows.

Overall, Action League Now is a standout children's show that has stood the test of time. Its combination of absurd humor, irreverent satire, and charming stop-motion animation makes it a classic of its genre. It may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate a good dose of irreverence with their superhero action, it's definitely worth checking out.

Action League Now is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between November 17, 2001 and on Paramount+