“Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” the animated series on Paramount+ from August 2024

Tales of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: An Adventure of Adolescence and Mutants for a New Generation

What does it mean to be a teenager? Rebellion, self-discovery, the desire to explore the world… and, if you're a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, it all comes together with the duty to protect New York from the most bizarre enemies. With “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, the animated series launched on Paramount + in August 2024, we find ourselves immersed in an adventure that manages to combine the typical challenges of adolescence with those of mutant heroes.

This series, born from the iconic universe of Ninja Turtles di Peter laird e kevin eastman, is not only a return to the roots for long-time fans, but also a new window for new generations, thanks to its ability to combine humor, action and a strong sense of camaraderie. But above all, the series acts as an ideal bridge between the film “Mutant Mayhem” of 2023 and its long-awaited sequel.

Le Turtles have grown up, not so much physically, but emotionally. In this new phase, we discover their internal struggles, not only against enemies, but also against the doubts and insecurities typical of their age. This is where the series finds its heart: it is not only about spectacular battles in the streets of New York, but also about how these four brothers deal with expectations, a sense of duty and the desire to simply be normal kids.

A cast that makes the characters shine

The voice behind each character is a key element of the series' success. The cast, which includes Micah Abbey in the role of Donatello, Shamon Brown Jr. including Michelangelo, Nicolas Cantu in the role of Leonardo e Brady Noon including Raffaello, not only gives life to the protagonists, but enriches them with complex and human personalities. Each of them faces life with their own style and dreams: Donatello with his passion for technology and anime, Michelangelo who wants to become a comedian, Leonardo who, in addition to being a leader, cultivates a tender crush on April o'neil (dubbed by Ayo Edebiri), and Raffaello who is always ready to throw himself into the front line, without thinking twice.

These characters, who we have come to love over the years, seem almost new in their facets, more vulnerable and at the same time closer to those who watch them. Their world, made of secret sewers, epic battles and pizzas, is intertwined with their desires to grow up and find their place.

A plot that looks to the future

The series opens two months after the events of “Mutant Mayhem”, with the Turtles trying to adjust to their double lives as teenagers and warriors. However, their equilibrium is shaken when Bishop, a brilliant inventor, enters the scene with a plan to exterminate all mutants. It is a pivotal moment for the Turtles, who find themselves separated for the first time and must deal with loneliness and fear. This separation is not only physical, but also emotional: each Turtle must confront his or her own insecurities before they can reunite with their brothers and save the mutant world.

But the challenges don't end there. In the second part of the series, the Turtles clash with a group of aquatic mutants, the Three of the East River, which tests not only their fighting skills, but also their ability to work together. Through it all, the Turtles learn that the strength of the team lies in overcoming their differences and finding a balance between their human and heroic sides.

An expanding universe

Another fascinating aspect of the series is the way it enriches the universe of Ninja Turtles introducing new characters and giving more depth to existing ones. The return of Leatherhead, a mutant alligator, and characters like wingnut, Ray Fillet e Genghis Frog shows that alliances are fluid, and even villains can become allies. Also, the relationship between the Turtles and their master Splinter, who in this version speaks an invented language, “vermin”, adds a touch of comedy and mystery.

A winning collaboration

Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio e Point Gray Pictures, with animations curated by Titmouse, the series shows extreme care in both the story and the visuals. The action scenes are dynamic and engaging, but it is the way in which the series balances the action with more intimate and reflective moments that makes it special.

And if the success of “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” it is guaranteed, much of the credit goes to Seth Rogen ed Evan Goldberg, who with their ironic and intelligent touch have managed to make the Turtles more human than ever. The legacy of these pop culture icons is in good hands, and the series speaks to an audience of both old fans and new generations, offering something fresh and meaningful.

“Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is a celebration of what makes these characters immortal: their ability to face the greatest challenges with courage, camaraderie and, of course, a good dose of humor. Whether you grew up with the Turtles or are discovering them for the first time, this series will make you feel part of an adventure that is not only about fighting evil, but also about personal growth and unbreakable friendship.

The synopsis of the episodes of “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”:

Episode 1: “Leo Goes It Alone”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
Two months after defeating Superfly, the Turtles have become celebrated heroes in New York. However, on their way to a masquerade party, they are attacked by Bishop, a new enemy who wants to eliminate mutants. The Turtles are separated and Leonardo finds himself having to face one of the Mechazoid robots alone. With April's help, Leonardo manages to defeat the robot and reunite with his brothers.

Episode 2: “Miki Does the Right Thing”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
Michelangelo, after saving Rod, Bishop's assistant, discovers that Bishop wants to become a mutant. In exchange for her help in stopping Bishop, Rod asks Miki to transform him. The two go to the New York Zoo to try to achieve the transformation, but a fight with a Mechazoid robot complicates their plans. In the end, a pigeon is accidentally mutated, becoming Pete, as Miki prepares to face Bishop.

Episode 3: “Raff Thinks About It”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
Raphael is captured by the gang Purple Dragons and taken to an abandoned factory. After several escape attempts, he comes face to face with Hun and Angel, members of the gang, while a Mechazoid robot attacks them. Raphael, along with Hun and Angel, defeats the robot and is freed as a gesture of goodwill, before rushing to the aid of his brothers.

Episode 4: “Donni Holds On”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
Donatello is chased by a Mechazoid in the New York subway. After being temporarily arrested by the police, he manages to free himself and attempts to stop the robot by hacking into the subway system. Donatello manages to stop the train just before it crashes and uses a laptop to deactivate the Mechazoid, deciding to rebuild and reprogram it for future use.

Episode 5: “Bishop Makes His Move”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
A flashback reveals that Bishop, after losing his sister during the Superfly attack, has convinced billionaire Roderick Underwood Sr. to finance his Mechazoid construction projects. Bishop attempts to set a trap for the Turtles at the shipyards, but the plan fails thanks to Leonardo's ingenuity, who causes an explosion and manages to reunite the Turtles. Bishop, believing he has eliminated them, prepares for the final showdown.

Episode 6: “Night of the Mechazoids”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
The Turtles reunite and head to Bishop's factory, ready to stop her once and for all. However, the Mechazoids evolve and begin attacking Bishop as well. The Turtles, along with Bishop, form a temporary truce and, with the help of Metalhead, a Mechazoid reprogrammed by Donatello, manage to stop the attack. In the end, Bishop decides to surrender to the Earth Protection Force.

Episode 7: “Raff Against the Water”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
During a storm, the Turtles are stuck in their sewer shelter. Raphael, along with Scumbug e Ray Fillet, investigates strange noises coming from nearby. They discover that a group of mutant anemones are planning to destroy the sea wall to flood New York. Raff and his group try to warn his brothers of this new threat.

Episode 8: “Miki Takes Command”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
Michelangelo and Genghis Frog they go to a store to stock up on supplies, but they come across the Purple Dragons during a robbery. As they fight, a hole in the store floor reveals a mutant creature: Lee the Eel, which electrifies the water. Michelangelo manages to disarm the situation, locking Lee in the ceiling cables.

Episode 9: “Splinter and April vs. a Goldfish”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
Due to the storm, the sewers flood and April reaches the Turtles' refuge to check on the situation. Splinter and April are attacked by Goldfin, a mutant goldfish that is part of the Three of the East River. Splinter, with the help of an army of rats, manages to save April, but Goldfin escapes, leaving a new puzzle to solve.

Episode 10: “Donni Goes Under”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
Donatello and wingnut they try to repair the shelter's power supply, but are interrupted by Lee the Eel, which drags them into the lower levels of the sewers. There they encounter Leatherhead and together they face mutant alligators. After defeating them, Donatello and the others prepare to leave, but they run into Raphael and his group, joining forces against a greater threat.

Episode 11: “Leonardo Gets Busy”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
Leonardo, chasing Pigeon-Pete, collides with Mustang Sally, a mutant seahorse from the East River Three. As they fight, the building they are in is surrounded by the police. Leonardo and Pete manage to escape, but Sally destroys the pumping station, causing a flood in the natural history museum.

Episode 12: “The Pearl”

Exit date: August 9th, 2024
I Three of the East River recover a giant pearl stolen from the East River. The Turtles, with the help of their allies, try to defuse a bomb planted by Goldfin in the sewer system. After a battle at the museum, the Turtles manage to recover the pearl and bring it back to the river, stopping Goldfin and his accomplice Bad Bernie, but the two manage to escape with a final explosion.

Production

When it comes to Ninja Turtles, the imagination immediately flies to the streets of New York, epic fights and, of course, a good dose of pizza. But with Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this new animated series produced for Paramount +, the creators wanted to offer something more: a story that serves as a bridge between the film Mutant Mayhem (2023) and its sequel already announced for 2026.

The project, born from an idea of ​​the producers Seth Rogen e Evan Goldberg during the production of Mutant Mayhem, has become reality thanks to the involvement of Christopher Yost e Alan Wan, both veterans of the Turtles world, having worked on previous series such as the 2003 one and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles of 2018. What makes this new series special is its ability to explore the personal growth of the Turtles, placing them at the center of adventures that speak as much about their adolescence as their fight against mutant enemies.

Development and production: the evolution of a winning idea

The path that led to the creation of the Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was the result of a synergic collaboration between big names in the sector. After the success of Mutant Mayhem, Rogen and Goldberg were given the green light to develop a series that would continue the adventures of the Turtles, tying the film to a future sequel. Yost and Wan's vision was clear: to create a series that respected the legacy of the Turtles but brought something new, focusing on the challenges that the protagonists face alone, without the immediate support of their brothers.

This is a key point of the narrative: the series explores what it means for each Turtle to grow up and face the challenges of life alone. In this sense, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles manages to highlight sides of the character of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo that we have rarely seen before, making them not only warriors, but also teenagers struggling with insecurities, responsibilities and difficult choices.

An exceptional voice cast

One of the strong points of the series is undoubtedly the voice cast, which includes the talents already loved in Mutant Mayhem. Micah Abbey (Donatello), Shamon Brown Jr. (Michelangelo) Nicolas Cantu (Leonardo) and Brady Noon (Raphael) return to give life to the Turtles, while Ayo Edebiri takes over the role of April o'neil. This choice of vocal continuity creates a strong emotional connection with the film, allowing the audience to easily immerse themselves in the new adventures.

Interestingly, unlike the film, the voices were recorded individually for the series, which allowed the actors to explore their characters more deeply. This gave them the freedom to focus on emotional nuances, helping to create deeper, more intimate performances.

Animation and Style: A Return to Punk Roots

As for the animation, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has chosen a unique approach. If Mutant Mayhem distinguished itself for its unconventional CGI animation, the series adopts a 2D style that recalls the raw and rebellious energy of the early incarnations of the Turtles. This style, described as “punk rock” by Alan Wan, makes the visual aesthetic completely different from its contemporaries, offering a sense of roughness and authenticity that harks back directly to the original comics of kevin eastman e Peter laird.

Additionally, the series uses comic book drawings created by Leonardo as a narrative device, a direct homage to the Turtles' paper origins, which adds an additional level of visual and narrative depth.

A more mature, but still adventurous world

One of the challenges faced by yost e Wan was to make this series not just a kids' adventure, but also a product that touched on more mature themes, without ever losing sight of the action and humor that made the Turtles famous. The idea of ​​separating the Turtles and allowing them to face challenges individually was an important step in this direction: exploring the personal growth of each Turtle, away from their brothers, gave the series a more introspective edge than previous versions.

The main enemy, Bishop, has been reinvented for this series, becoming a fascinating and complex figure, very different from the classic antagonist. Even the choice to use robots like the Mechazoid adds a futuristic touch to the series, making the battles even more spectacular.

The Impact of the Series and What's Next

After the debut on Paramount + in August 2024, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles immediately caught the attention of audiences and critics, who praised its animation, humor, and emotional depth. While it is still unclear whether there will be a second season, the creative team has already stated that they have many ideas ready to further expand the Turtles universe.

What is certain is that Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has established a solid foundation for the future of the franchise, keeping the essence of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles intact while exploring new territory, both narratively and visually. And for those who love these mutant creatures, the new series represents a fascinating evolution that pays homage to the past, but looks enthusiastically to the future.

While we wait for the next chapter of their adventures, one thing is certain: the Ninja Turtles They are more alive and fit than ever, ready to continue fighting for the good of their beloved New York.

Technical data “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”

• Gender: Science Fiction, Superheroes
• Based on: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman
• Showrunners: Christopher Yost, Alan Wan
• Voices of:
• Micah Abbey
• Shamon Brown Jr.
• Nicolas Cantu
• Brady Noon
• Ayo Edebiri
• Theme Music Composer: Matt Mahaffey
• Composer: Matt Mahaffey
• Country of origin: United States
• Original language: English
• Number of seasons: 1
• Number of episodes: 12

Production

• Executive producers:
• Christopher Yost
• Alan Wan
• Seth Rogen
• Evan Goldberg
• James Weaver
• Josh Fagen
• Producer: Louis J. Cuck
• Episode length: 21 23-minute
• Production houses:
• Nickelodeon Animation Studio
• Point Gray Pictures

Original distribution

• Network: Paramount +
• Release date: August 9, 2024 – present