The Raccoons: Canada’s Evergreen Anniversary!

Before the age of streaming and endless animated options, Canadian viewers were treated to a forest full of heart, humour, and environmental messages in The Raccoons. Created by Kevin Gillis, the series began with four television specials in 1980 before blossoming into a full series that aired from 1985 to 1991. This iconic piece of Canadiana was a trailblazer, since few animated series were made in the country back then. I even tuned in to see what Bert, Ralph, and Melissa were up to—their adventures were wholesome family fun.

Set in the picturesque Evergreen Forest, The Raccoons blended adventure, comedy, and a touch of drama, making it stand out in the landscape of 80s animation.

Of course, no good story is complete without a memorable antagonist. Cyril Sneer is a scheming aardvark millionaire determined to exploit Evergreen Forest for profit. Over the series’ run, Cyril’s hardened exterior softened, revealing unexpected layers of character. His son, Cedric, also earned a place in viewers’ hearts as Bert’s nerdy yet good-hearted ally.

Fans of the show also remember its iconic theme song, Run with Us, a catchy tune that perfectly captured the spirit of the series. And for a new generation—or nostalgic adults—The Raccoons found new life in 2023 with a 4K remaster, now available on multiple streaming platforms.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, select cities across Canada are hosting special events. So far, I’ve only found a talk at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, where Gillis will discuss the production and how the show came to life. He will be doing an autograph session afterwards. I’m hoping more events are announced closer to November, when the series first aired.

Whether you’re revisiting Evergreen Forest or discovering it for the first time, The Raccoons remains a charming reminder of a time when cartoons could mix laughter, lessons, and heart in equal measure.

Watch the Episode of The Raccoons that started it all