Almost Naked Animals is a Canadian animated television series that was produced by 9 Story Entertainment for Cartoon Network and YTV. The series was created by Noah Z. Jones, who is also the creator of the Disney Channel animated series Fish Hooks. It was based upon an art website that Jones created in 2005. The series premiered on January 7, 2011 on YTV, and ended on May 22, 2013.
Premise
The cartoon is set inside a tropical resort called the Banana Cabana. All of the cabana's staff members and residents are funny animals who have shaved off their fur and wear only underclothes. A dog named Howie is the manager and leader of the cabana. Each episode follows Howie and his "misfit" crew having unusual adventures in the Banana Cabana.
Episodes
Characters
Main
Howie is a pale-yellow dog and manager of the Banana Cabana. He is hyperactive, very dim witted and impulsive, he's almost always cheerful. He is also completely oblivious to his sister's evil nature.
Octo is an overly cautious blue octopus and the desk clerk. He is Howie's best friend.
Bunny is a sometimes short-tempered yellow rabbit and activity planner with a sugary personality.
Duck is a Tan-colored duck who does every random job and tries anything to get it done. It was revealed in "The Sun Howie Always Wanted", and "Mini Howies" that his full name is Archibald William Nightindale Duck III. As a running gag Duck often appears during a problem with a funny non sequitur.
Narwhal is a self centered, periwinkle-colored narwhal that loves to sing.
Sloth is a peach-colored sloth and the bellhop of the Banana Cabana. She has a crush on Howie. She also does everything slowly. She moves around using her luggage cart.
Villains
Poodle is a pink poodle. Howie's evil older sister who owns a rival hotel called the Chateau Chattoo. She always tries to ruin Howie's fun and tries to take over Howie's hotel.
Batty is a black bat. Poodle's evil minion who is also Howie's long-lost cousin.
Radiation Rooster is the Radioactive Microwave Sales Rooster. His limbs fall off and he is very dumb.
Captain Fizzy is a Pirate Turtle the owner of the soft drink "Captain Fizzy's Fuzzy Orange Soda" and "Sugar" which is 99% sugar. He is a turtle. He started a few contests like the limited edition blue and green can contest and the Fuzzy Orange Happy Land contest. He has a floating factory which is a large boat.
Hippo is a blue hippopotamus. He is also dressed up as a superhero.
Production
The series is produced by 9 Story Entertainment who produced it for Cartoon Network and YTV. Noah Z. Jones is the creator of the series, while Brad Ferguson is the director. Executive producers includes Vince Commisso, Steve Jarosz, and Noah Z. Jones. Other staff for the series includes Tristan Homer as producer and Mark Satterthwaite as creative producer. Development for the series started as early as 2006. On October 16, 2009, Aaron H. Bynum, news editor of Animation Insider, announced that the series entered production. Vince Commisso, president and CEO of 9 Story Entertainment was pleasantly surprised and charmed for the production of Almost Naked Animals and said: "We are very excited to be commencing production on Almost Naked Animals,". "We spent a great deal of time in development, ensuring the characters, the pacing and the tone of the show was precise. It is extremely gratifying to see our work come to fruition and the end result is this high-quality, curiously funny animated property."
Home media
Episodes of Almost Naked Animals are available for digital download through the iTunes Music Store, which are split into two volumes. Roadshow Home Entertainment released a 95-minute Region 4 DVD of the show on December 1, 2011. In 2012 NCircle Entertainment has released episodes on DVD for Canada and the US. In the UKAbbey Home Media released episodes on DVD.
Reception
Critical response
In June 2011, Almost Naked Animals was picked as one of People Magazine's top children's shows to watch in the US. Common Sense Media rated the show 3 stars out of 5, with the review stating that "The show's writing is smart enough that adults will get some laughs right alongside their kids".
Ratings
During the week of November 20, 2011, the show has been receiving high ratings on CITV in the UK and has been the most watched after school children's program amongst kids aged 4–9.
Awards and nominations
Other media
Toys and merchandising
The Licensing Shop has signed products in the US market for Almost Naked Animals. Freeze has secured rights for t-shirts, fashion tops and hoodies in all sizes while ABG Accessories will be making cold weather accessories, spring and summer headwear and rainwear including umbrellas and slickers for the show. In 2012 Cafepress agreed to make Almost Naked Animals plushies, water bottles, tshirts, and more merchandise is being made.
Online game
In January 2012 it was announced that 9 Story and Game Pill were creating an Almost Naked Animals online game entitled "Cabana Craze." The game was released on September 25, 2012 and can be found at CabanaCraze.com.
