Garbage Pail Kids (1988– ) User Reviews

not nearly as bad as you might think

[Indyfan82 · 2 July 2004]

I remember watching this cartoon as a child and it's not nearly as bad as some people made it out to be. Yes, it is a real cartoon and it did air in various countries around the world, although apparently not in America. After looking at quite a few of the actual Garbage Pail Kids cards, I would parents had good reason to be concerned about a cartoon based on the cards. I don't care much myself for the cards, because I think they were gross and disgusting in the 1980s and they're gross and disgusting now. I will admit that some of them are kind of funny.

The cartoon itself was actually my first introduction to the Garbage Pail Kids. I didn't find out about the trading cards and the infamous 1987 live action movie (MacKenzie Astin's greatest role, next to that bit on The Facts of Life! :-) until much later. I actually viewed the Kids more as superheroes than anything. Well, you had Clogged Duane, who could turn his body into goo and slide through things, much like Nickelodeon's Alex Mack. And there was Patty, who could stretch her body and contort her face into silly shapes, much like Plastic Man or Mr. Fantastic, or even Elongated Man. There was Elliot Mess, who could take apart his body and hold his head in his hands. (I'm not sure how this power benefited him, other than he could use his head as a bowling ball. Well, anyway, that is using his head! Ha! I kill me! Okay, but seriously...) Split Kit was kind of the James Dean type dude, who could split himself into half nice kid and half bad dude. Then there was Janet, who could wipe her face clean and move it to her left hand and would talk with her hand. Literally, people would have to talk to the hand! And her face would be blank. (Again, I'm not sure of the point of this "power".)

Anyway, the Kids actually went around and helped people (sort of) and it was quite funny. It really wasn't as bad as the cards. That portion would usually be half of the show and the other half would have movie parodies. There were parodies of famous movies like the Indiana Jones trilogy, The Fly, and the Superman movies. I still remember "The Fry" parody and the "Supernerd" parody. Both were very funny. I was even able to acquire two episodes of this rare series and it was just as I remembered from a few scant years ago. Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Whoa, Whoa, Oh, Oh,.... (Yeah, I remember the theme song too) Garbage Pail Kids - the cartoon was pretty cool. I don't think I would get into collecting the cards and I haven't made myself watch the movie yet, but if you can find the cartoon you might want to check it out.

How can you turn trading cards into a TV show?You can't.

[13Funbags · 1/10 · 10 May 2017]

As a huge fan of the cards, I had been looking forward to seeing this series since I found out it existed last year.I have never been so disappointed.The show really doesn't even have anything to do with the Garbage Pail Kids.A few of the Kids make very brief appearances but the main cast is just a group of kids who get "trashed out".They get told to go visit the command center and they ask "What about the girls?" What girls?There hadn't been any girls in the show yet.WTF??To make it even worse, the first half of every episode is a terrible parody of a very old movie.The parodies are not only terrible because they don't have anything to do with Garbage Pail Kids but they are just not funny or even slightly entertaining.This show claimed to be gross and disgusting but it's just stupid and boring.It deserves a minus rating and should never be seen by anyone.

Garbage Pail Kids is a treasure for 80's cartoon fans

[wooldoor_j_sockbat · 9/10 · 22 April 2006]

This show is the one of the most controversial issues in the late 1980s. Parents and teachers complaining that the series based on the popular 1985-1988 stickers were too gross and some say disrespectful to the handicapped. Apparently this is another case that people in 1987 overreacted to the GPK TV series. The show itself showed little or no resemblance of grossness as the cards they are based on. This show was made before the days of "Ren and Stimpy" and "Beavis and Butt-head" so if your looking for it to be gross, well does throwing slime count? Hee Hee! Fans of the Garbage Pail Kids stickers will not be disappointed. (unless they were wanted it to be gross) The series is based on five kids, Split Kit, Elliot Mess, Terri Cloth, Clogged Duane, and Patty Putty who can transform into the Garbage Pail Kids(in the first two episodes, later they start the episode as their GPK personas).

The show does not focus on the five GPK characters. In the beginning of the program they show a parody of a hit movie such as "Superman", "King Kong", "Jaws", "The Pink Panther", etc. Later we have parody commercials like the little brother volume control, or the robo-tattler. Also it features a small segment called a "Garbage Pail Groaner" where they make a joke or a pun and everyone starts groaning.

People who grew up in the 1980s and was bummed out because their parents made protests and complaints to CBS will be pleased. Most of the episodes are funny and yet some aimed at more little kids' stuff like going to Storybook Land and The Land of Odd (Oz). This is a great show. I do recommend anyone who just like cartoons to buy the DVD. It is a shame that CBS never aired, but at least they were nice enough to release the series onto DVD. Way to go, CBS!

Not as bad as you think pt 2

[StarlightReviews · 8/10 · 5 November 2019]

Here are the las two episodes then episode ratings overall the first part isn't up yet but that's okay at least one went through :)

Episode 12. The land of odd This is a wizard of oz parody, the kids are at a fair and a tornado shows up out of nowhere setting free balloon Sheryl peril. The kids go to escape the wind but Sheryl grabs Patty, Kit, and Duane whisking them away with the tornado. Elliot and Terri duck down and avoid the tornado. At least they got to miss out on the complete mind effery that is this episode. So the three kids go to the land of odd, and fix a now popped Sheryl. The kids meet dottie and her friends and they go on a wizard of oz style adventure complete with a witch and a wizard. Except Kit is extremely snarky in this episode a bit more then usual but then again that's just how he is. So the wizard turned himself into a lizard. But he still kinda helps the kids. And they three plus Dottie head back home on Sheryl. Things to note: this episode isn't as bad as I'm making it sound. It's actually kinda cute.

Episode 13. A fishy story We're finally here! The last episode! So the kids are fishing out in the ocean When their boat is flipped. They save a southern Mermaid named Phylis, who's family could lose their sea horse ranch, it turns out some manta ray are working with the banker to close the ranch then buy the land. So the kids try to stop them, Kit using force (or trying to) as usual as then getting dragged away by Patty. Eventually the kids do save phylis's ranch. Things to note: this is the final episode of the series.

Ratings: Batteries not included: 7/10- good way to start but story couldn't make up its mind on its pacing was either too fast or too slow Honest Abe has a close shave: 4/10- boring but the kids had some good moments Justin cleans up: 4/10- once again the story dragged but the kids were good for the five seconds they were actually there The house that dripped crud: 8/10- Pretty solid episode. Love the kids being kids Green dean goes off his bean: 2/10- this episode had me pretty bored but Patty was there hence why it got two points Elliot messed up: 10/10: I love Elliot he's prolly my favorite of the boys so an episode of his own is a big old win for me Mona Loser: 5/10: Not bad but not good the kids are why I rate these higher then I usually would. Had they all not been there the rating would be lower Chris Messin August: 7/10- cute but it felt so mean spirited same with Kit he was just kinda awful through quite a bit of it. An egg-citing adventure: 6/10- Duane deserves a better focus episode. He deserves the world k- thanks Heartless Hal: 9/10- really funny I know it's not a 10 and I said it's my favorite, but there were some parts that I thought were a bit odd. Like why is the Cupid here? Can Elliot catch a break? Why did the love potion make Kit a sweetheart? Idk. A rhyme in time- 5/10- another one where pacing was a bit all over the place but a good episode the tuffet line made me cackle. The land of odd- 8/10- a cute episode but I wish Terri and Elliot were there. But I'm kinda glad we only got the three featured. A fishy story- 9/10- cute episode it's in my top 3. The small thing with Duane and Phylis was cute too.

Thank you for reading my reviews! Have a nice day! - Starrla :)

Not Actually That Bad

[StarlightReviews · 8/10 · 4 November 2019]

I was a bit skeptical when I first heard there was a garbage pail kids cartoon due to my extreme distaste for the 1987 movie. But I managed to force myself to watch all thirteen episodes. The episodes start with a usually subpar gag and then we are shown the theme song which I found to be annoying yet catchy. In the theme we are introduced to the main kids. I recognized two of them as I either had the card itself or had seen the card. (Terri Cloth and Split Kit respectively). The episodes then go to a movie parody. I usually found these to be quite boring and not very interesting. Then we are shown another subpar gag, and then a story with the five main garbage pail kids. Split Kit- Played by Noam Zylberman, The leader with the split personality and the split look Patty Putty- Played by Tara Strong, The tomboyish blonde that has an elastic body and a semi bland personality- despite this I found her to be my favorite Terri Cloth- Played by Alyson Court, The girly girl with her face on her hand seeming like the smart one of the group Elliot Mess- Played by Michael Fantini, The green eyed boy with the mixed up body. He was kinda the smart one but mixed up words often.- He was my other favorite Clogged Duane- Played by Cree Summer, The boy made of liquid and was the real leader for the most part.

I blame the characters lack of personality on the lack of episodes. With more episodes I bet the characters would have had more character growth. Now for the episodes, I'm mainly going to focus on the kids subplots cause I actually watched those in full. This first post is the first 11 episodes as I can't fit 12 and13

Episode 1. Batteries Not Included The Kids are playing with toys that end up breaking. The kids are then summoned by Trash Tracey who informs them that Trashcan Ken is summoning them to his lair. Up untill this point the children are normal, they only look like this in the first episode, So after being trashed out the kids go to investigate the "Fun Busters" and discover that the batteries are made to purposely used to break toys. The kids obviously win against these fun busters. Things to note: Terri has a different voice in this episode. It is possible that Terri had another actress at the time of recording.

Episode 2. Honest Abe has a close shave The kids go to my Rushmore and find that the Abe Lincoln head is gone. I must admit I found this one boring. Most important things to note, introduction of Rustin Justin, and the kids are trashed out full time.

Episode 3. Justin Cleans up The kids are riding in Rustin Justin, why this show is letting young kids/teens? Drive cause none of them are 16 I'm betting. Is beyond me, to exchange coupons for ice creams or something idk. Justin then breaks down and the kids go to obtain gas and Justin is stolen by a wealthy guy. But the kids are able to fin him due to Justin losing parts. Justin then cleaned up and the kids attempt to get him back and the kids try to figure out how to get him back. Justin is entered into a car show, the kids also happen to be there. If Justin wins he will be sold. So Justin breaks himself to return to the kids.

Episode 4. The House That dripped crud The story opens with the kids watching a horror movie, all of them are screaming Kit then adjusts himself to stop screaming and come off as not scared, despite being scared himself no more then a moment ago. Kit then bets his friends that the cant spend the night in old Marley manor or the house that dripped crud. Upon arrival Kit is the only one to make an attempt to enter the house. But upon hearing a loud noise the other four follow him inside. Once inside the kids, mainly Terri, are subjected to scares, turning out to be jokes, but turns out the house is actually haunted by monsters. This is realized by Elliot after he is separated from the group. The monsters obviously return home in the end. Thing to note: in this episode it is revealed the Elliot has green eyes, and Terri has her face drawn on for the first time

Episode 5. Green Dean goes off his bean The kids accidentally grow a mutant bean, another episode I admit I couldn't fully sit through Things to note: I'm pretty sure that this episode is Patty and Duane centric but the other three kids are there.

Episode 6. Elliot Messed Up My second favorite episode of the lot. Elliot and Patty are walking home together after school comparing report cards. Elliot is afraid his parents will be unhappy with him as he got a D in English. On their way home the two stumble upon a dog. Which Elliot decides to take home. He convinces his mother to let him keep the dog which he calls Kenny. After the dog proves to be too much of a hassle his parents make Elliot give the dog away, Patty then takes him and after the same thing happens too her, after being passed off to Duane and, you guessed it, the same thing happens a third time Elliot is given back the dog which turns out belongs to an officer. Things to note: This is 100% an Elliot episode. The introduction of Elliot's father, Patty's mon, and Duane's mom. Introduction of Mark bark/ kennel Kenny. Terri does not speak at all in this episode that I could hear and Kit I believe speaks once.

Episode 7. Mona loser Nothing really interesting happens here either, but nevertheless, the kids are sucked into the Mona loser painting and travel back in time to help Leonardo de squinty paint the Mona loser by making him glasses. Thing to note: Terri's face is once again drawn on.

Episode 8. Chris Messin August The town is decorated for Christmas despite being august, and "Santa" is going to be at the mall. This excites Patty, she grabs Kits hand trying to drag him with her to the mall. He doesn't move and states he doesn't want to see Santa passing Patty's hand to Duane yanking him after her. Turns out this "Santa" is actually an imposter Santa clause is making kids be evil, one of which is Kit and he like a majority of the other kids start to misbehave. Patty sees through the guy almost immediately and convinces the other three that this guys is a fake and a phony. They then go to the NORTH POLE and talk to SANTA and try to solve the problem. Which of course is solved. Thing to note: This is what I could mainly conclude to be a kit centered episode but I digress. The kids are seen in alternate outfits.

Episode 9. An egg-citing adventure The kids go over to Duane's house to "party and hang out" like jr high kids do, but are unable too as Duane's dad is egg sitting for his work and Duane's parents are going out leaving Duane to watch the egg. While they kids are doing so the egg hatches into a baby ostrich. Which immediately begins to cry. Each of the kids try to make it stop, once it's patty's turn all of the kids get distracted and lose the ostrich so they go out to look for it. Things to note: A Duane episode introduction of Duane's father, Patty can turn herself in to animals using her putty ability.

Episode 10. Heartless Hal My Favorite episode-it also aired on my birthday! not the same year of course but that's fun!-anyway. It's a valentines episode but it aired in July. So the kids are walking to school Patty and Terri both carrying valentines. Patty made on special for Kit, but he expresses a distaste for the commercial holiday, this greatly upsets Patty, and she leaves in a huff. Terri scolds the boys and follows her friends. Kit rips up the valentine and he and the other boys walk off laughing, this summons heartless Hal, a Cupid character of sorts, appears and tells the boys off, but they aren't having any of that, and throw him away. Kit gets plunger arrowed and falls head over heels for Patty. While she's still mad at first once she realizes he's "genuine" she forgives him. The kids do end up being late to school and miss the test getting detention. Their teacher then gets plunger arrowed too and falls for another teacher, but the kids get an early recess. Terri begins to feel that Patty and Kit are slightly over doing it. And then gets plunger arrowed herself causing her to also fall for Kit. This freaks out both Duane and Elliot but then Elliot gets hit and falls for Terri. As Duane is made of liquid he is unable to be hit by an arrow. Later in class the Cupid returns and gets everyone else, aside from Duane as once again he is liquid and is immune, this causes literal chaos among the entire class room. Duane points out to Hal that what he's done is kinda not okay. So Hal hits em all again to fix everything, Hal then leaves wishing Duane a happy Valentine's Day. It's now after school and the kids are walking home. Patty asks Kit if he meant anything he said to her that day. Causing Terri to leave saying she'll call Patty later. Once alone Kit confesses that he also likes Patty. She exclaims in excitement and plants a kiss on his cheek and running off. He exclaims in disgust but then checks his surroundings and blushing. Things to note: it is slightly implied that Elliot may actually have feelings for Terri toward the end of the episode. It is also basically confirmed that Kit and Patty have feelings for each other thought this is never brought up again in the series.

Episode 11. A rhyme in time The kids are looking around in an attic, implied to be Patty's, and Patty finds an old nursery rhyme book while looking through the book the kids notice that Jack and Jill are gone, and what does Patty do? Why she jumps right into the book. The others follow her in and are now in the land of nursery rhymes. Running into various characters along the way. Eventually Jack and Jill are found and they are on strike cause they want to stop falling down the hill. The kids solve the problem by piling pillows on the hill for a safer fall. Things to note: this could be considered a Patty episode because she speaks the most out of the kids. Also adult joke that may fly over younger kids heads. Kit: "Have you looked under your tuffet lately?" Patty and Terri: "KIT!"

Michelle Muck meets Patty Putty

[galaxy2069 · 23 July 2003]

The fact that the mythical "Garbage Pail Kids" Saturday morning cartoon never actually aired (in the United States) was a landmark error by CBS executives, who were pressured by letters and complaints from several anguished suburban soccer moms (and other assorted fruit cakes) whose only other primary concerns were piano recitals and choir practice.

Fortunately, a few episodes aired overseas and were taped, and can now be purchased via the internet. The cartoon featured several GPK characters including Liberty Libby, Clogged Duane, Elliot Mess, Michelle Muck and Trashed Tracy. The only thing that aired in the United States was a Saturday morning "teaser ad" that ran a few weeks before the original scheduled debut.

UPDATE! The mythical Garbage Pail Kids cartoon is now available on DVD! All 13 episodes will be available in April 2006—Reserve your copy today!

I have 6 episodes on a DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[garbagepaildj · 22 June 2004]

I have been a huge Garbage Pail Kids fan and a loyal one since they came out in 1985. I recently purchased a 2-disk DVD of "The Garbage Pail Kids Movie" and the Saturday morning cartoon. There are 6 episodes and only one is in English and the rest are in Icelandic. It is actually a nice quality & unique DVD. It was great to finally see the long lost cartoon!!! Not as cool as I thought it would be, but it was still cool. I love it!!! Garbage Pail Kids are awesome!!!! I wish some company would publish a mega GPK DVD with the cartoon, movie, and tons of extras like card profiles and newspaper/magazine articles. Anyway, they seem to be popular again so maybe a DVD will be released. Maybe even a new cartoon!!!!!!!!

THIS is what parents were so up and arms about?????????

[beyondent-1 · 6 February 2007]

For years, this has been the holy grail for Saturday Morning cartoon addicts like myself. After finally seeing an episode on Youtube, all I can say is, WHAT THE HELL WAS THE BIG DEAL! If these parent groups actually watched the damned show, they'd see that it was about as offensive as "The Get Along Gang". And it's no where near as awful as the movie!!!!!

The show is pretty damned light weight. The thing that made the trading cards so much fun was that they were taboo. They were the kind of gross out humor that adults hate, and therefore, kids love. Not since Jay North played "Dennis The Menace" did network executives so miss the point.

a cartoon that never actually aired on network TV from the 80s

[gordon-39 · 27 March 2006]

Weirdly the previous commenter remembers seeing the show -- except it never actually aired on network TV. He actually has the names of a couple of the movie parody titles correct. I'd be interested to find out how he knew them.

The show was comprised of 6 elements. Four were one minute "gags." One was a short adventure story with a regular cast of GP Kids and one element was the aforementioned movie parody. The point was to use as many of the cards as possible throughout the series.

The trivia from IMDb is correct. Action For Children's TV refused to even run the episodes before threatening to wage an attack of some sort on CBS. Intestingly enough another show aired about a year later (never good with time and dates) that depending on how you want to look at it was far more "outrageous" -- this was Beetlejuice the cartoon.

I suppose if there's any buildup of interest at all in this series it's to see how offensive it really was. I'm most curious to find out what the verdict will be.