Top 10 Greatest Talking Animals in TV

Script written by Nick Spake

Top 10 Greatest Talking Animals in TV

They’re the animals that make us wish our own pets could hold a conversation. Welcome to http://www.WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Greatest Talking Animals in TV.

 For this list, we’re taking a look at the most memorable television animals that are able to speak. We’ve excluded Looney Tunes like  Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck as well as Disney icons like Donald Duck and Winnie the Pooh since their career-defining shorts technically premiered in movie theaters before hitting the small screen.

#10: Jake the Dog

“Adventure Time” (2010-)

They say that dogs are a man’s best friend, but Jake is much more than a canine companion in Finn the Human’s eyes. He’s a brother. This adventurous pooch is one of the most unique creatures in the Land of Ooo, not only possessing the ability to talk, but also able shape-shift into anything imaginable. Despite his extraordinary powers, Jake maintains a laidback outlook on life, which occasionally lands him in hot water. When it’s clear that his loved ones are in danger, though, Jake will always stretch to the occasion.

#9: Yogi Bear
“The Yogi Bear Show” (1961-62)

Yogi isn’t the kind of bear who will maul people and rip them to shreds. Yet, he is guilty of an equally punishable offence: Snatching picnic baskets! His notoriety for basket theft has made Yogi public enemy number one in Jellystone Park. Although his stunted sidekick Boo-Boo often advises him not to upset the authoritative Ranger Smith, the rules don’t faze the carefree Yogi. He’s smarter than the av-er-age bear or ranger for that matter. Of course he sometimes thinks with his stomach rather than with his head.  

#8: Big Bird

“Sesame Street” (1969-)

Just as “Sesame Street” was likely the first show you watched as a child, Big Bird was probably the first time you ever saw an animal talk. Since 1969, this eight-foot-two yellow bird has taught several generations of youngsters various lessons, which range from basic mathematics to the inevitability of death. Big Bird approaches everything with childlike innocence, whether he’s trying to prove the existence of Mr. Snuffleupagus or commenting on the presidential election. Still performed by Muppeteer Caroll Spinney, this character has become a timeless figure of everyone’s childhood.

#7: Garfield

“Garfield and Friends” (1988-94)

On paper, Garfield really shouldn’t be a compelling protagonist. After all, his three greatest pastimes are sleeping, watching TV, and eating everything in sight. While he contributes little to society or around the house, much of this fat cat’s likability stems from the fact that he’s so passionate about his own lazy hobbies. He is who he is and Garfield loves himself for it. In turn, we can’t help but love Garfield as well, especially if you too are a slacker who cherishes lasagna as much as you despise Mondays. 

#6: Mister Ed
“Mister Ed” (1961-66)

Portrayed by Bamboo Harvester and voiced by cowboy B-movie actor Allan Lane, it’s never explained exactly how this highly intelligent horse can talk. Regardless, his irregular quirk is easy for the audience to accept since he makes for such a wonderful comedic foil to the kindly Wilbur. Mister Ed’s mouth movements don’t sync with his words, but that’s just part of this outlandish character’s charm. Although horses aren’t the most emotive creatures, Mister Ed can always hold his own against human actors, including big name guest stars like Clint Eastwood.

 #5: Brian Griffin
“Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-)

The universe of “Family Guy” is so bizarre that a dog that talks, sings, and sleeps with human bimbos doesn’t raise many eyebrows. Brian aspires to be taken seriously by others, but is often shot down. This has less to do with him being a dog and more to do with him being an alcoholic, college dropout, and pretentious writer. As much as Brian is hated by Quagmire, the Griffin family loves him dearly and simply couldn’t function without his sarcastic wit. He’s given a voice to dogs everywhere.

#4: Alvin, Simon & Theodore
“Alvin and the Chipmunks” (1983-90)

With Alvin being the rebel, Simon being the adorkable type, and Theodore being the baby-faced one, Alvin and the Chipmunks are like any other boy band. The only differences are that they’re a trio instead of a five-piece and they’re, well, chipmunks. While their capability to talk doesn’t seem to impress humans, their singing chops have taken the world by storm. Behind the scenes, the chipmunks cause mischief like any other kids with Alvin himself typically owning most of the blame. Whenever Dave screams his name, you know there’s trouble. 

#3: Scooby-Doo
“Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” (1969-78)

Scooby-Doo might not be the easiest dog to understand, since he puts the letter “R” in front of every word he utters. Still, a dog that speaks garbled English is better than a dog that can’t speak at all. Running away from masked baddies as quickly as he runs towards a box of Scooby Snacks, this Great Dane can be a colossal coward. When things are at their darkest, however, you can count on Scooby to catch that villain. The heart of Mystery Inc., it’s impossible to imagine the gang without him.

#2: Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael & Donatello

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1987-96)

These weapon-wielding, sewer-dwelling reptilian brothers may not be what you typically think of when you try to picture turtles, but c’mon; who wouldn’t want to spend a day or two swapping stories, eating pizza and practising your ninjitsu skills with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?!  With a rat sensei named Splinter as their guide, serious leader Leonardo, slacker dude Michelangelo, bad boy Raphael and smart guy Donatello fight crime and try to save New York City from all kinds of evil.  All while trying to keeping their mutant identities a secret and delivering catchphrases that have infiltrated pop culture to this day!
Before we have a chat with our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

 
Patrick Star
“SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
  
Pinky & The Brain
“Pinky and the Brain” (1995-98)
  
Ren Höek & Stimpson ‘Stimpy’ J. Cat
“The Ren & Stimpy Show” (1991-95)
  
Klaus Heissler
“American Dad!” (2005-)
 
Zoboomafoo

“Zoboomafoo” (1999-2001)
 

Salem Saberhagen
“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” (1996-2003)

#1: Kermit the Frog
“Sesame Street” (1969-) / “The Muppet Show” (1976-81)


With “The Muppet Show,” Jim Henson aspired to fashion characters that kids and adults could identify with. He chiefly accomplished this through the franchise’s universally appealing mascot, Kermit the Frog. First appearing on “Sesame Street” and later becoming the only Muppet to star on both shows, Kermit’s goofier, awkward side helps children relate to him. Adults, meanwhile, can relate to Kermit’s hectic responsibilities concerning getting the job done, pleasing a passionate girlfriend, and holding the crew together. No matter what age you are, everyone can relate to Kermit’s vulnerability and insecurities. He may be an amphibian, but Kermit is truly an everyman.