Watch Yogi Bear (1958-1959)

Yogi Bear is a classic animated television show that aired from 1958-1959 with subsequent re-runs and spin-offs, voiced by some of the most iconic voice actors of the time including Daws Butler, Don Messick, and Jimmy Weldon. The show follows the misadventures of the titular character, Yogi Bear, and his sidekick Boo Boo in their never-ending attempts to steal picnic baskets from the unsuspecting visitors of Jellystone Park.

The show takes place in the fictional Jellystone Park, a lush and beautiful national park teeming with wildlife, ripe for the picking for the food-obsessed Yogi Bear. Yogi is a clever and cunning bear who speaks with a smooth-talking, wise-cracking style that endears him to viewers. Along with his best buddy and fellow bear, Boo Boo, Yogi embarks on a variety of schemes to score picnic baskets from the park's visitors while trying to evade the wrath of the park ranger, Smith.

The dynamic between Yogi and Boo Boo is one of mutual love and respect, with Boo Boo acting as the voice of reason and conscience to Yogi's more impulsive and mischievous personality. Together they make a great team, with Boo Boo often helping Yogi come up with even more ridiculous (but surprisingly successful) schemes to get their hands on some tasty treats.

Though primarily a comedy show, Yogi Bear also has a strong environmental message, portraying the importance of respecting wildlife and nature. This is especially evident in the frequent conflicts between Yogi, Boo Boo, and the park ranger, Smith, whose main goal is to protect the wildlife and environment of Jellystone Park.

The show's animation style is classic Hanna-Barbera, with simple and colorful designs that have become iconic. The show's theme song, "Yogi Bear is Smarter than the Average Bear", is another classic that has become synonymous with the character, and is recognizable to audiences even today.

In addition to the main cast of Yogi, Boo Boo, and Ranger Smith, the show also features a variety of recurring characters including Cindy Bear, a love interest for Yogi who often serves as the object of his affections, and the Three Stooges-esque hillbilly bears who show up occasionally to cause chaos in the park.

Overall, Yogi Bear is a classic and beloved animated television show that has stood the test of time. It's comedic misadventures and engaging characters continue to resonate with viewers of all ages, making it a timeless classic in the world of animation.

Yogi Bear (1958-1959) is a series that ran for 3 seasons (69 episodes) between January 1, 1958 and on Warner Bros.