The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!

Two famous Brooklyn plumbers burst from the Mario game world into television in 1989, bringing Mario and Luigi to weekday afternoons with a bold mix of animation and live action. In the animated episodes, the brothers team up with Princess Toadstool and square off against King Koopa in zany, action packed quests through the Mushroom World. Between adventures, the show cuts to live action segments where Mario and Luigi run their plumbing shop back in New York, a wink to grownups who remember the arcade days. The format keeps a fast pace, filled with bright humor and pratfalls, while staying firmly kid friendly and easy to follow for young viewers and longtime fans alike.

Created by Bruce Shelly, Reed Shelly and Bob Forward, The Super Mario Bros Super Show debuted in 1989. The program blends animated adventures with short live action interludes and draws on Nintendo’s Mario Bros property for its core heroes and setting, presenting a hybrid viewing experience that matched the budget and ambitions of late 80s TV.

The show carved a distinct niche in 80s pop culture by marrying two distinct styles and giving Mario a presence on television beyond video games. The combination of lively animation and the goofy charm of the live action shop sketches helped cement the characters in the imaginations of kids and nostalgia struck adults who remember the Mushroom World with a sense of whimsy.

The series is rated roughly 6.98 out of 10 based on 85 votes, signaling a mixed but affectionate reception. It centers on friendship and teamwork, delivering brisk, light hearted adventures that pair familiar gaming icons with accessible humor and a feel good attitude that invites audiences to root for the duo as they outsmart foes and keep things light and hopeful.