 1997 must have been a good year for New York-based animation studio Jumbo Pictures, Inc. The company was enjoying the success of its recently renewed "Doug", and was also working on producing "101 Dalmations: The Series" - which premiered later that year. 1997 was also the year that the company's founder, Jim Jinkins, created the upbeat, musical animated series "PB&J Otter" for the Disney Channel. Developed with the cooperation of Harvard Cognitive Skills Group, Project Zero, the show premiered in March of 1998. "PB&J Otter" tells the continuing story of the day-to-day adventures of three young Otter siblings - older brother Peanut, younger sister Jelly, and baby sister Butter - and their friends and family, living life in a small community known as Lake Hoohaw. Other characters include PB&J's friends: sarcastic Flick Duck; slightly paranoid Munchy Beaver; and Pinch Raccoon, a lover of anything dainty. Pinch's rambunctious younger brother, Scootch, makes a few appearances as well. Ernest and Opal are PB&J's understanding and supportive parents. Banjo-picking Mayor Jeff is the unofficial town patriarch. The Snooty Poodles are the wealthy upper-class neighbors (always quick to point out that they live on the other side of the lake), who seem to be on a never-ending quest for the most expensive things money can buy. Also, PB&J's adventurous aunt, Anna (Aunt Nanner), visits every now and then, often bearing unique gifts for her nieces and nephew. "PB&J Otter" originally ran on the Disney Channel for 3 seasons, on Saturday and Sunday mornings. In July 1999, the show began to air on weekday mornings, as well. |
