The Koala Brothers is a British stop-motion animated children's television show that features the adventures of two koala brothers, Frank and Buster, as they seek to help their neighbors in a sleepy town in the Australian Outback. A notable quality of the series is that although there can be differences of opinion and occasional instances of antisocial or thoughtless behaviour, there are no villains or disagreeable characters. Rather, the emphasis is on helping and being a good friend. Originally aired on ABC Kids (Australia), the show later aired on CBeebies in the United Kingdom, having premiered on 1 September 2003 and Playhouse Disney in the United States, as well as various other international stations.
The show aired in reruns on Disney Junior from 2012-2013.
Broadcast episode formats vary slightly between countries, though the core material of each episode, featuring the brothers assisting one of their friends and overcoming a problem, such as jealousy, fear, or the failure to share, does not change. In Australia, the show runs in episodes of around 12 minutes (though these are broadcast in pairs on Playhouse Disney), with the opening song "Call The Koala Brothers" repeated in instrumental form over the credits. CBeebies eliminates the introduction and closing song to squeeze the program into a 10-minute format.
In the 30-minute broadcast version, the show opens with the theme song and then the narrator introduces Frank and Buster as they fly in their yellow two-seater propeller monoplane above the Outback. The supporting cast is introduced as the narrator asks "Who do you think the Koala Brothers are going to help today?" Each 30-minute episode ends with "The Helping Song", in which all the characters gather at the Koala Brothers' homestead and sing about always trying to help and caring for one another.
All characters in the show, with the notable exceptions of Archie and Penny (the latter whom only communicates through penguin-like noises) speak in Australian accents in all but the American dub in which certain characters are given American accents.
Frank the Koala is the pilot of the plane. He has demonstrated excellent skills in tennis and was the only member of the community able to defeat Archie, though he admitted it was probably just luck. He also fostered an interest in pottery at one point but did not have any great artistic ability.
Buster the Koala sits behind Frank in their plane and uses his telescope to spot friends in need from the air. He is always willing to provide a pep talk or a hug to his friends. He speaks more softly than Frank and has a small tuft of hair on the top of his head. Buster loves to bake, especially butter cookies.
Mitzi the Possum often wears sandals and thick-rimmed glasses. She lives next door near the Koala's house and she is a very nervous character who relies on the koala brothers to keep in line with her perfectionist tendencies. Mitzi can also be a bit bossy and can upset her friends at times, but her friends always forgive her in the end. In the American dub she sports a Southern-American accent.
Ned the Wombat is apparently the youngest member of the local community and lives in a caravan next door to the Koala Brothers' homestead. He is often unsure of himself, but he dreams of adventure as an explorer or a sea captain. He is very determined, and easily fixated on an idea.
George the Turtle is the local mail carrier. He has no known residence but is always seen delivering the mail with his trusty leather satchel. He is very proud of being a mail carrier and tells the best campfire stories in the outback. He also has an interest in stamp collecting.
Sammy the Echidna lives in town and owns the local general store, which sells fuel in addition to comestibles. His sole employee is Josie. He has the least amount of problems, after the Koala Brothers.
Josie the Kangaroo with an American accent, works at the general store. She wears a red and white shirt, has a yellow tummy, wears shoes, and she and Mitzi are the best of friends.
Alice the Platypus works at the local cafe and appears to be the sole employee, though it is not clear if she owns the cafe. She is very forgetful. She rides a green motor-scooter around, which has its share of drastic engine problems. She loves to bake and is good at following recipes. She is also good at reading maps. In the US dub, she is voiced with a '60's hippie lingo.
Archie the Crocodile lives in a well-appointed cottage near the local water hole. He is always exercising, stretching, or playing tennis, and is renowned at being the best at almost every sport. He is British, and has an upper-crust demeanor.
Penny the Penguin is an explorer who lives in Antarctica, but has visited the outback on occasions and keeps up a regular written correspondence with the Koala Brothers. She doesn't talk, but she communicates by chattering like a baby.
Lolly the Emu is the local ice cream vendor and can often be seen driving her ice cream truck around. She greets people by saying "Hi, darling(s). What can I do for you today?" She often calls people "darling" or "hon".
Frank and Archie - Keith Wickham in the UK and US
Buster, Sammy and George - Rob Rackstraw in the UK and US
Ned, Josie and Penny - Janet James in the UK and US
Mitzi, Alice and Lolly - Lucinda Cowden in the UK and US
BAFTA Children's Awards 2006
Nominated for Best Animation (for the episode The Koala Brothers Outback Christmas)
