3000 Whys of Blue Cat
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Wang Hong |
| Headquarters | Changsha , China |
| Products | Animated series, merchandise, games |
3000 Whys of Blue Cat () represents the pioneering large-scale animated series originating from mainland China, with a particular focus on science. This series is produced by Hunan Sunchime Happy Culture Company and is popularly referred to as "Lan Mao" or "Blue Cat".
History
The inception of Blue Cat dates back to 1992 when Wang Hong began developing the concept in a modest workshop located in Changsha, drawing inspiration from the children's science book series One Hundred Thousand Whys. In 1993, he established Oriental Cartoon Production Co., Ltd. Later, in 1997, Wang collaborated with Sun Wenhua, chairman of Hunan Sanchen Company, to create the Sanchen Film Library joint venture, which produced the animated series New 100,000 Whys. By 1998, this project transitioned into Naughty Blue Cat 3000 Questions, marking the official debut of the Blue Cat character.
In June 1999, Wang granted Beijing TV Station a free license to broadcast Naughty Blue Cat 3000 Questions in exchange for limited advertising slots. This exposure led to considerable popularity across mainland China. Subsequently, in 2000, Hong Kong’s Asia Television acquired the series for broader distribution. By August 2001, Sanchen Cartoon Group began monetizing Blue Cat through various image-based derivative merchandise. The launch of a Blue Cat-themed game followed in December 2004.
Earlier that year, Wang Hong departed from Sanchen Cartoon Group and co-founded Hongmeng Cartoon Group alongside He Mengfan. In January 2005, Sanchen initiated legal action against Hongmeng to restrict competitive activities; the court imposed limitations on Hongmeng’s ability to produce or distribute certain animated works, with specific exceptions.
In December 2006, Sanchen formed a partnership with South Korea's Dongwoo Animation to facilitate translation and broadcasting of Blue Cat within South Korea. Additionally, they signed an agreement with Thailand Wisdom Education Group to introduce Blue Cat books into educational institutions there. On November 28, 2007, mutual equity participation between Hunan Hongmeng Cartoon and Sanchen Cartoon culminated in the establishment of Hunan Blue Cat Animation Media Co., Ltd. This company launched the Blue Cat Dragoon series in 2009.
Story
The blue hue of Blue Cat represents aspiration and dreams. This character embodies curiosity and a strong desire to explore, possessing the imaginative ability to traverse any historical period through vivid daydreams.
Characters
| Name | Description | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cat (Template:Lang-zh) | As the central figure, Blue Cat is a super-powered feline known for his physical strength and fondness for exercise and assisting others. He exhibits optimism, courage, and integrity. In the Adventure in Space series, he takes on the role of an enthusiastic space explorer; within Blue Cat Dragon Rider, he commands the Dragon Rider Dragoon team dedicated to maintaining global peace. | All series |
| Naughty / Taoqi (Template:Lang-zh) (Hong Kong: WhyWhy) | An intelligent and lively green mouse who delights in playful teasing and adventure. In Adventure in Space, he serves as the spaceship pilot aspiring to become an exceptional aviator. | Classical Blue Cat Series, Interactive TV Series, Kindergarten Series, Blue Cat Dragon Rider, Legend of the Stars |
| Fei-Fei (Template:Lang-zh) (Hong Kong: Lemon) | An orange fox characterized by self-perceived superior intellect. In Adventure in Space, he acts as a junior doctor prone to errors but uses cleverness to resolve issues. Within Blue Cat Dragon Rider, his personality shifts to being both conceited and timid. | Classical Blue Cat Series, Interactive TV Series, Blue Cat Dragon Rider, Legend of the Stars |
| Fatty / Feizai (Template:Lang-zh) | A yellow mouse known as a bookworm responsible for scientific knowledge and diagrams; often called Little Doctor. During Adventure in Space, he analyzes spacecraft and dreams about constructing one. | Humor Stage Series, Star Wars Series, Dinosaur Times Series, Ocean World Series |
| Gali (Template:Lang-zh) (Hong Kong: Hide-and-seek) | A spirited pink mouse who can be headstrong and vain. She harbors resentment toward Aunt Hen in Humor Stage; causes minor troubles in Adventure in Space; evolves into a doctor overcoming fears in Blue Cat Dragon Rider. | Classical Blue Cat Series, Interactive TV Series, Blue Cat Dragon Rider, Legend of the Stars |
| Sweet Sister / Tianniu (Template:Lang-zh) (Hong Kong: Féiyīn) | A sincere and honest red pig hailing from rural areas. | Humor Stage Series, Star Wars Series, Ocean World Series |
| Aunt Hen / Ji Dashen (Template:Lang-zh) (Hong Kong: Ms. Blabber) | A teacher and guardian figure for children in her thirties; known for her traditional and conservative outlook. | Humor Stage Series, Star Wars Series, Dinosaur Times Series |
| Dr. Yang (Template:Lang-zh) | An intelligent scientist who assists with investigations in Dinosaur Times and Ocean World series. | Dinosaur Times Series, Ocean World Series |
| Badou (Template:Lang-zh) | A well-meaning but clumsy bear; serves as nutritionist and food enthusiast during Adventure in Space; displays unexpected bravery in Blue Cat Dragon Rider. | Sports Competition Series, Knowledge Olympics Series, Adventure in Space Series, Blue Cat Dragon Rider Series |
| Green Monkey (Template:Lang-zh) | Sports Competition Series, Knowledge Olympics Series | |
| Red Dog (Template:Lang-zh) | Sports Competition Series, Knowledge Olympics Series | |
| Black Whistle (Raven) (Template:Lang-zh) | Sports Competition Series, Knowledge Olympics Series | |
| Lala (Template:Lang-zh) | An alien princess introduced during season six; pivotal in linking main series with Blue Cat Dragon Rider; she is a scientist and inventor of Dragon Rider bracelets who risks her life for Earth's safety. | Adventure in Space Series, Mysteries of the Human Body Series, Blue Cat Dragon Rider Series, Legend of the Stars Series |
| Buji (Template:Lang-zh) | Adventure in Space Series, Legend of the Stars Series | |
| Xiaoxiao (Template:Lang-zh) | Team 119 Series | |
| Guli (Template:Lang-zh) | 'Mysteries of the Human Body' Series | |
| Tuantuan (Template:Lang-zh) | Mysteries of the Human Body Series | |
| Mante (Template:Lang-zh) | Mysteries of the Human Body Series | |
| Dongchen (Template:Lang-zh) | Mysteries of the Human Body Series | |
| Bosi (Template:Lang-zh) | Mysteries of the Human Body Series | |
| Dr. Waiwai (Template:Lang-zh) | The antagonist within Blue Cat Dragon Rider who schemes to dominate Earth and the universe. | Blue Cat Dragon Rider Series |
| Aardwolf (Template:Lang-zh) | A subordinate of Dr. Waiwai frequently unsuccessful in missions. | Blue Cat Dragon Rider Series |
| One-eyed Eagle (Template:Lang-zh) | A loyal and intelligent henchman serving Dr. Waiwai. | Blue Cat Dragon Rider Series |
| Nine-tailed Fox (Template:Lang-zh) | A former servant who defects upon discovering Dr. Waiwai's deception. | Blue Cat Dragon Rider Series |
| Diandian (Template:Lang-zh) | Blue Cat's Journey to the West Series |
3000 Whys of Blue Cat
The "3000 Whys of Blue Cat" collection consists of approximately 3,000 episodes, each lasting about 15 minutes, with a total investment of 150 million yuan. The animation chronicles the educational journeys of Blue Cat, Naughty, and their companions, with each episode dedicated to explaining a specific piece of knowledge. The series' opening theme is "It's a Big World" (《地厚天高》). This installment introduces the characters as they embark on explorations around the world.
- A total of 365 episodes comprise the Incredible Adventures of Blue Cat
| Series Title | Main Characters | Summary | Episode Count |
| Humor Stages Series, also referred to as Classical Blue Cat (幽默舞台系列) | Blue Cat, Naughty, Fei-Fei, Fatty, Gali, Tianniu, and Aunt Hen | This initial segment of the 3000 Whys series presents standalone stories addressing daily curiosities. Subsequent series expand into broader narratives while maintaining educational objectives. It includes shorter thematic sub-series such as Constellation Stories (星座故事), Topography (地形地貌), Technological Innovations (科技创新), and Natural Phenomena (自然现象). | 424 |
| Star Wars Series (星际大战系列) | Blue Cat, Naughty, Fei-Fei, Fatty, Gali, Tianniu, and Aunt Hen | Centers on extraterrestrial invasions and the galactic defense efforts led by Blue Cat and friends to safeguard Earth from hostile forces. | 384 |
| Dinosaur Times Series (恐龙时代系列) | Blue Cat, Naughty, Fei-Fei, Fatty, Gali, Aunt Hen, and Dr. Yang | A continuation from previous storylines where aliens engineer destructive dinosaurs to assault Earth. Blue Cat's group journeys to the Triassic era to recover original dinosaur DNA and protect the planet. | 264 |
| Ocean World Series (海洋世界系列) | Blue Cat, Naughty, Fei-Fei, Fatty, Gali, Aunt Hen, and Dr. Yang | Facing depletion of Earth's resources, the team ventures into oceanic environments in search of new supplies. | 312 |
| Sports Competition Series / Living Olympics (运动竞技系列) | Blue Cat, Naughty, Fei-Fei, Fatty, Gali, Tianniu, Green Monkey, Red Dog, Black Whistle, and Badou | Encourages "joyful exercise" through narratives centered around sports competitions. | 226 or 257 |
| Space Series / Adventure in Space (航空航天系列 or 太空历险记) | Blue Cat, Naughty, Fei-Fei, Fatty, Gali, Badou, Lala, and Buji | Inspired by China's astronaut Yang Liwei; Blue Cat assembles a space team and encounters Lala from planet Ozma during their interstellar escapades. | 400 |
| Safe Driving Series (交通安全系列 or 平安出行) | Set in the busy metropolis Sun City with heavy traffic congestion; children take on roles to ensure transportation safety. | 108 | |
| The Team 119 Series (消防安全系列 or 消防大本营) | Blue Cat, Xiaoxiao, and others | Children form the 119 Firefighting Squad under professional firefighter mentorship to raise awareness about fire safety. | 119 |
| Knowledge Olympics Series (知识奥运系列 or 运动小子) | Contestants compete to become Wheat Town's Olympic torchbearer; Blue Cat and friends actively participate. | 64 | |
| Mysteries of the Human Body Series (人体奥秘系列 or 健康特攻队) | Blue Cat leads the Special Health Team under Dr. Yuan's guidance to fight an alien virus infecting patient Tuantuan. CCTV broadcast edited the episodes from 104 down to 64; complete versions are accessible via local TV stations and iQiyi platform. | 104 |
Interactive Television Program
| Series Title | Primary Characters | Overview | Episode Count |
| (Template:Lang-zh) | An English language learning series produced by Golden Eagle Animation, currently known as Happy Parade (Template:Lang-zh). | Unknown | |
| Happy Blue Cat CPU (Template:Lang-zh) | A Flash-animated show featuring trendy themes and internet slang expressions. | Unknown |
Blue Cat for Kindergarten
| Series Title | Primary Characters | Overview | Episode Count |
| Blue Cat Reading is Fun (Template:Lang-zh) | Approximately 32 | ||
| Blue Cat Elementary School Art (Template:Lang-zh) | Approximately 16 | ||
| Blue Cat Elementary School Pinyin (Template:Lang-zh) | Approximately 16 | ||
| Blue Cat Early Childhood Math (Template:Lang-zh) | Approximately 8 | ||
| Blue Cat Early Childhood Science (Template:Lang-zh) | Unknown | ||
| Blue Cat Learns to Sing English Songs (Template:Lang-zh) | Unknown |
Blue Cat Dragon Rider
Set in a futuristic era, this narrative centers on Blue Cat and companions establishing the Dragon Riders defense team to safeguard Earth against technological dangers, supported by Lala, a scientist from Ozma.
| Series Title | Primary Characters | Overview | Episode Count |
| Blue Cat Dragon Rider Series (Template:Lang-zh) | Blue Cat, Naughty, Fei-Fei, Gali, Badou, Lala, Dr. Waiwai, Aardwolf, One-eyed Eagle, Nine-tailed Fox | Set amid a conflict-ridden cosmos, Lala searches for a missing magical bracelet shard to rescue Ozma. Upon arriving on Earth where technological threats escalate, she organizes the Dragon Riders to counter Dr. Waiwai’s malevolent schemes. Under Blue Cat’s leadership, the group strives to defend the planet. | 60 |
| The Flower of Life (Template:Lang-zh) | Blue Cat, Naughty, Fei-Fei, Gali, Badou, Lala, Dr. Waiwai, Aardwolf | 48 | |
| Legend of Xuandi (Template:Lang-zh) | Blue Cat, Naughty, Fei-Fei, Gali, Badou, Lala, Dr. Waiwai, Aardwolf, Xuandi | 76 |
Blue Cat's Journey to the West
| Series Name | Primary Characters | Overview | Episode Count |
| Blue Cat's Journey to the West (Template:Lang-zh) |
Blue Cat and Diandian |
Accompanied by the elf Diandian, Blue Cat explores diverse international settings undertaking missions that emphasize Western customs and cultural practices. | 104 |
| Blue Cat BangBangBang (Template:Lang-zh) | Blue Cat and Diandian | Within the Tree of Knowledge, Blue Cat and Diandian establish the BangBang team, providing assistance to callers via their dedicated hotline. | 52 |
Legend of the Stars
| Series Name | Key Characters | Description | Total Episodes |
| Legend of the Stars (Template:Lang-zh) | Blue Cat, Naughty, Fei-Fei, Fatty, Gali, Badou, Lala, and Buji | An official storyline has not been disclosed. | 240 |
Merchandise
Beyond its animated productions, the brand encompasses a wide array of products including home video releases, literature, audio CDs, children's clothing lines, toys, drinks, and confectionery items. In 2006, proposals for a "Blue Cat Theme Park" advanced to evaluation phases. On August 4, 2006, Sega collaborated with Sunchime Cartoon Group and XPEC Entertainment—a game developer based in Suzhou—to develop video games and digital media content inspired by Blue Cat.
External links
- 1999 Chinese television series debuts
- 1990s Chinese television series
- 2000s Chinese television series
- 1990s animated comedy television series
- Chinese children's animated comic science fiction television series
- Beijing Television original programming
- China Central Television original programming
- Animated television series about cats
- Television shows set in China
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
- Children's television series about talking animals