Yakari
A France 4 Original
Yakari tracks a bright young Sioux boy who has a rare gift for talking with animals, turning the natural world into a circle of friends rather than a backdrop. Each episode follows Yakari as he listens to creatures and learns their needs, hoping to lend a hand or a gentle nudge of help. He... Read more
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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026
About Yakari
Yakari tracks a bright young Sioux boy who has a rare gift for talking with animals, turning the natural world into a circle of friends rather than a backdrop. Each episode follows Yakari as he listens to creatures and learns their needs, hoping to lend a hand or a gentle nudge of help. He travels with a loyal group that includes a fellow young ally, Little Thunder, and a few animal companions who communicate through trust and humor. The adventures sweep across plains, forests, and rivers, presenting puzzles rooted in everyday life and the animals who inhabit them. The emphasis stays on curiosity, kindness, and cooperation, delivering safe, hopeful storytelling for families and kids.
Created by Claude de Ribaupierre and André Jobin, Yakari is an animated family series that debuted in 2005. The show features Maxime Nivet voicing Yakari, with Yoann Sover as Little Thunder, and a supporting cast that includes Pierre Casanova and Julia Fölster, among others.
As an adaptation that brings a cherished character to life on screen, the series foregrounds harmony with nature and respects wildlife as sentient beings with stories of their own. Yakari's gift frames animal voices as partners in discovery, inviting audiences to see the world through gentler eyes, and to appreciate the balance between people and animals.
Reception centers on its warm tone, accessible storytelling, and messages about friendship, cooperation, and environmental care. The animation style, clear pacing, and bright character design make it easy for families to discuss empathy, helping others, and balancing human needs with the natural world.
No widely reported major awards or nominations are attributed to Yakari 2005 in available records, suggesting the series was primarily a family viewing staple rather than a prize contender. Its reception has focused on educational value and broad appeal to young viewers rather than accolades, a sign of steady, ongoing availability.
Details
- Release Date
- December 24, 2005
- Episode Length
- 12m
- Rating
- TV-Y
- User Ratings
- 15 votes
- Type
- TV Series
- Seasons
- 5
- Episodes
- 156
- Network
- France 4, France 5, France 3
- Status
- Ended
- Genres
- Animation, Family, Kids
- Country
- Belgium
- Studio
- Ellipsanime Productions +4 more
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Cast
Maxime Nivet
Yakari (voice)
Yoann Sover
Little Thunder (voice)
Pierre Casanova
(voice)
Julia Fölster
(voice)
Created by: Claude de Ribaupierre, André Jobin
Seasons (5 seasons, 156 episodes)
Season 1
52 episodes - 2005
Season 2
26 episodes - 2007
Season 3
26 episodes - 2012
Season 4
26 episodes - 2016
Season 5
26 episodes - 2017