Shazzan: A memorable cartoon from the 1960s

Shazaan was a fun cartoon

"Shazzan" (Not to be confused with Shazam) is an American animated adventure series produced by Hanna-Barbera. The show follows the adventures of two siblings, Chuck and Nancy, who find themselves transported to a magical and ancient Arabian world. The siblings had been in a cave during a storm and found a treasure chest.

Inside they see two halves of a ring and when they put them together they spell the word "Shazzan." As soon as the children say the magic word they are transported back in time and they discover a powerful genie named Shazzan. He gives them Kaboobie the flying camel and who aids them in their various quests and endeavors. Each time the rings are placed together and Chuck and Nancy say "Shazzan" the genie appears to do the bidding of his "Young masters."

Shazzan only aired original episodes for one season

I loved this cartoon but obviously, others did not feel the same way as it only aired original episodes for 5 months. Shazzan was created by Alex Toth and aired on Saturday mornings on CBS from September 9, 1967, to January 20, 1968. The animated series continued in reruns until September 6, 1969.

Chuck and Nancy, traveled around a mystical Arabian world, mounted on Kaboobie as they tried to figure out how to return home. During their journey, they face several dangers, but they are aided by Shazzan, who has magical powers There were 18 half-hour episodes produced, made up of two 11-minute segments. The voice actors for the cartoon were as follows.

Barney Phillips voiced Shazzan and MeTV fans will recognize his face in the above image and recall seeing him on episodes of The Twilight Zone, The Invaders, and I was a Teenage Werewolf.

Jerry Dexter voiced Chuck as well as Aqualad in Aquaman, as well as vocing characters in Goober and the Ghost Chasers, Fang Face and others.

Janet Waldo was the voice of Nancy and she also did the voices of Judy Jetson and Penelope Pitstop.

Don Messick voiced Kaboobie the flying camel and cartoon fans may recognize Messick's talent from other famous animated animals like Scrappy Doo, (Scooby-Doo franchise) Muttley, (Wackey Races and The Dastardly and Muttley How), Boo Boo Bear (The Yogi Bear Show) and Astro (The Jetsons).

Shazzan is an icon of days gone by

Shazzan is a colossal, blue-skinned genie with immense magical powers. He aids Chuck and Nancy by using his abilities to help them overcome obstacles and challenges. Each episode follows Chuck and Nancy as they encounter different adventures and adversaries in the Arabian world. With the help of Shazzan's magical abilities, they navigate through various fantastical landscapes and try to find a way back home.

"Shazzan" focused on exploration, teamwork, and friendship and features elements of Arabian mythology and fantasy, creating a world filled with magical creatures and mystical landscapes. He was from the era of Saturday morning cartoons when kids really could just be children.

Cultural Influence of Shazzan

"Shazzan" is remembered for its distinct visual style and the whimsical blend of Arabian mythology and fantasy elements. While it aired for only one season (1967-1968), it left an impression on viewers who grew up during that era. "Shazzan" is an example of the creative storytelling that was prevalent in animated television during the 1960s and 1970s.

It's worth noting that this show might not be as widely recognized as more iconic Hanna-Barbera productions like "Scooby-Doo" or "The Flintstones," but it remains part of the animation history of that time and those who enjoyed it have fond memories. You can watch the entire 18 episodes of Shazzan on Youtube at this link and go back to a time of fun and innocence.