Introduction
American animated comedy television series Some of this article's listed sources may not be reliable. Please help improve this article by looking for better, more reliable sources. Unreliable citations may be challenged and removed. (June 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
The Epic Tales of Captain UnderpantsSeason 1 promotional posterAlso known asThe Epic Tales of Captain Underpants: Camp (season 3)The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants in Space! (season 4)GenreAction comedyFamilyCreated byDav PilkeyBased onCaptain Underpantsby Dav PilkeyCaptain Underpants: The First Epic Movieby David SorenDeveloped byPeter HastingsMark BankerVoices of Nat Faxon Ramone Hamilton Jay Gragnani Jorge Diaz Peter Hastings Narrated bySean AstinTheme music composerPeter HastingsComposersJared FaberFred KronCountry of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishNo. of seasons4No. of episodes48 (plus 3 specials) (list of episodes)ProductionExecutive producerPeter HastingsRunning time21 minutesProduction companyDreamWorks Animation TelevisionOriginal releaseNetworkNetflixReleaseJuly 13, 2018 (2018-07-13) –December 4, 2020 (2020-12-04) The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants is an American animated television series produced by DreamWorks Animation Television. Developed for television by Peter Hastings and Mark Banker, it is a standalone sequel to the 2017 feature film Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, based on the Captain Underpants book series by Dav Pilkey. The show's first season was released on Netflix on July 13, 2018, its second season releasing on February 8, 2019, its third season, Camp, releasing on July 19, 2019, and its fourth season, The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants in Space!, releasing on July 10, 2020. In 2023, Hastings confirmed that no further seasons were planned, but a Dog Man movie was in development. On January 9, 2026, the entire series was removed from Netflix following the end of their deal with DreamWorks, moving the series to Peacock the same day.
Premise
[edit] Season 1[edit] The series revolves around the adventures of George Beard and Harold Hutchins, two best friends who are devoted pranksters and aspiring comic book artists. The two attend Jerome Horwitz Elementary School, overseen by the strict principal Mr. Krupp. As a side-effect of having once been hypnotized by George and Harold, Krupp turns into their comic book character Captain Underpants whenever he hears the sound of fingers snapping. Conversely, Captain Underpants turns back into Krupp after water gets in his face. Both personalities remain ignorant of the other. Most episodes deal with a threat to the school brought about by an ordinary person, often a teacher, being turned into a monster depicted in George and Harold's comics through intentionally contrived coincidences.
Season 2[edit] A cyborg future version of George and Harold's nemesis Melvin takes over the school and replaces Mr. Krupp so he can get his younger self into Eliteanati Academy.
Camp[edit] The third season involves George and Harold heading to a summer camp, with them having to deal with Mr. Krupp being the camp instructor and the eventful hijinx of the camp owned by the Federation of United National Camps (AKA the F.U.N.C.).
In Space![edit] The fourth season involves George and Harold being recruited for a mysterious mission in space, but by the second episode, Melvin gets captured by Biglyans (a large alien species).
Episodes
[edit] Main article: List of The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants episodes SeasonEpisodesOriginally releasedFirst releasedLast released113July 13, 2018 (2018-07-13)213February 8, 2019 (2019-02-08)Camp13July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)Specials3October 8, 2019 (2019-10-08)December 4, 2020 (2020-12-04)In Space!6July 10, 2020 (2020-07-10)
Cast
[edit] Main[edit] Nat Faxon as Benjamin "Benny" Krupp/Captain Underpants Ramone Hamilton as George Beard Jay Gragnani as Harold Hutchins Sean Astin as Narrator Peter Hastings as Comic Narrator Jorge Diaz as Melvin Sneedly, Stanley Peet, Mr. Rected, and Melvinborg Erica Luttrell as Erica Wang Supporting[edit] David Koechner as Mr. Meaner Laraine Newman as Ms. Ribble Patty Mattson as Ms. Anthrope Dayci Brookshire as Jessica Gordon, Dressy Killman, Penelope Brown-Hoggard and additional teachers. Grace Dumbaar as Sophie One Evan Kishiyama as Steve "Gooch" Yamaguchi Brennan Murray as Bo Hweemuth Trevor Devall as Smartsy Fartsy and new Smartsy Fartsy (who was eaten by Smartsy) Nolan North as Lee Dingman, Cash Networth, Jet Wingman, Yule, and Dr. Shifty Fitzgibbons Secunda Wood as Moxie Swaggerman and Haily Comett Gavin C Robinson as Mr. Hand Tress MacNeille as Ms. Hurd Kevin Michael Richardson as Diddlysaurus, Dr. Diaper, Turbo Toilet 2000, Zorx, Klax, Jennifer, Professor Poopypants, The Schoozer, and Fingers Stephen Root as Morty Fyde and Avacadwoe Mindy Sterling as Cindy Sneedly Clancy Brown as Toilette Ree and Splotch Phil LaMarr as Mr. Cleveland Maggie Wheeler as Ms. Yewh, TP Mummy, and Lunch Lady Tudi Roche as Bernice Krupp Stephen Tobolowsky as Creeply Rattlechains Fred Tatasciore as Furculees, Chief Hairococha, Keithicus, Rippedicus, and Guardicus Rob Riggle as Theodore "Ted Turdsly" Murdsly Dawn Wells as Gumbalina Toothington Steve-O as Lane Junkston Jim Rash as Mr. Jerry Citizen Lewis Black as Ragely J. Snarlingtooth Toby Huss as Caesar and Cruelius Sneezer John DiMaggio as Smelly Socktopus Gary Anthony Williams as Dupe Licitous Paul Rugg as Vert Ladderfeller III, Altitooth, and Bivocac Ladderfeller Maurice LaMarche as Tubbadump Max Koch as Laserlightmare and Hank Jim Cummings as Santa Claus/Jacked Santa Eric Bauza as Robius and Rap Talkwell Kari Wahlgren as Mayor Hoppy McChapper
Production
[edit] In April 2000, Dav Pilkey sought to adapt Captain Underpants into a possible television series, having imagined Chris Farley in the titular role prior to his death. Soup2Nuts would subsequently attempt to produce an animated series based on the books later that decade. On December 12, 2017, Netflix and DreamWorks Animation Television announced that there would be an animated series to follow up the feature film adaptation of the book series, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, entitled The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants. Originally titled "Captain Underpants and the Epic Tales of George and Harold", it premiered on the streaming service on July 13, 2018, and was executive-produced by Peter Hastings. A second season was announced and to be released on February 8, 2019. The third season was announced to be released on July 19, 2019. A new series, which contained six episodes, was announced to be released on July 10, 2020. In October 2019, Netflix released a 46-minute Halloween special of the series titled The Spooky Tale of Captain Underpants: Hack-a-Ween. In February 2020, an interactive special titled Captain Underpants: Epic Choice O' Rama was released. In December 2020, a 46-minute Christmas special titled Captain Underpants: Mega Blissmas was released. In 2023, co-showrunner Peter Hastings confirmed that no further seasons were planned, with the next installment in the franchise being the 2025 feature film Dog Man.
Release
[edit] The series was first released on Netflix on July 13, 2018. The second season was released on February 8, 2019, and the third season was released on July 19, 2019. The series also aired in the UK on CITV.
Why Captain Underpants belongs on the festive binge list
The series’ 21‑minute episodes pack enough slap‑stick mischief to keep children entertained while adults can relax with a cup of tea. Its bright colour palette and upbeat score create a cosy, low‑stress atmosphere that works well alongside Christmas crackers and mince pies. Because each instalment ends on a lighthearted note, it’s perfect for winding down after the day’s holiday hustle, offering a repeat‑able formula that fits neatly into busy family schedules without demanding a huge time commitment.
Choosing the right viewing set‑up for a holiday marathon
When planning a Captain Underpants marathon, consider streaming on a device that supports subtitles—many families find the captioned humour more accessible for younger viewers. Pair the show with a smart speaker that can pause automatically for snack breaks, ensuring no one misses the punchline. For a festive touch, dim the lights and add a coloured LED strip that flickers in sync with the show’s jaunty soundtrack, creating a playful ambience that feels both modern and seasonally cheerful.
Common misconceptions about the show’s humour
Some parents think the series is merely a collection of juvenile jokes, but its comedy often relies on clever wordplay and visual gags that appeal to a wider age range. The writers weave in subtle references to classic slap‑stick cinema, offering a nostalgic nod for older viewers. Understanding this layered humour can turn a simple cartoon into a shared family experience, where everyone catches a different joke and the laughter feels more inclusive.