Questions
Who created The Real Ghostbusters and when did it premiere?
The animated series was developed by Joe Medjuck and Michael C. Gross and premiered on ABC on September 13, 1986. It was a joint production of DIC Enterprises and Columbia Pictures Television.
Why is it called "The Real" Ghostbusters and not just Ghostbusters?
The word "Real" was added after a dispute with Filmation, which was making its own cartoon tied to a 1975 live-action Ghost Busters property. The title was meant to signal which Ghostbusters were the genuine article.
Did the same actors from the movie voice the cartoon?
No, the film stars did not return. The animated series used its own voice cast, including Lorenzo Music, Dave Coulier, Arsenio Hall, and Maurice LaMarche.
Is it true Bill Murray had a problem with Peter Venkman’s cartoon voice?
Lorenzo Music voiced Peter Venkman in seasons 1 and 2, and Bill Murray reportedly remarked that the voice sounded more like Garfield, the cat Music also voiced. Dave Coulier took over from season 3 to sound closer to Murray.
Who voiced Egon in the cartoon?
Maurice LaMarche voiced Egon Spengler. He reportedly imitated actor Harold Ramis even though he had been asked not to.
Who voiced Winston Zeddemore?
Arsenio Hall voiced Winston early in the run, and Buster Jones later took over the role.
How did Slimer go from villain to mascot?
Slimer transformed from an antagonist into an ally and friend of the team. The episode "Citizen Ghost" explained how the ghost became a resident of the firehouse following the events of the original film.
Why does Janine look so different in later seasons?
Janine underwent major redesigns starting in season 2, with her short spiky hair changed to long and straight, her skirts lengthened, and her personality softened. Kath Soucie took over the voice role.
How many episodes are there?
The series produced 140 main episodes plus 33 Slimer shorts, running from September 13, 1986 to October 5, 1991 across seven seasons.
Why did the show get renamed partway through?
Starting with season 4 in 1988, the show became "Slimer! and the Real Ghostbusters," folding in 30-minute Slimer sub-series segments alongside the regular episodes.
Who did the theme song?
Ray Parker Jr. composed the opening theme, adapted from his original "Ghostbusters" song written for the 1984 film.
Were there other design changes over the years?
Yes. In season 2 Ray was slimmed down to look less overweight, and Slimer was given a tail, which later reverted to a stub in season 5.
Did the show ever go into syndication?
Yes. It moved to syndication in 1987 with 65 episodes running at the same time as ABC’s official second season, and starting January 30, 1988 episodes expanded to hour-long blocks.
Was there ever a sequel series?
Yes. Extreme Ghostbusters premiered in 1997 as a sequel set years later, featuring a group of new young recruits.
