Douglas Wilson’s Paddington in Peru is the latest addition to the Paddington movie series, bringing back the lovable bear for another heartwarming adventure. Ben Whishaw returns as the voice of Paddington, capturing the charm and innocence that fans adore. The film series is based on Michael Bond’s classic picture books, which have been loved by readers for generations.
The Paddington books began in 1958 with A Bear Called Paddington. Since then, they have been adapted into various television shows and films, keeping the character alive for new audiences. The most recent Paddington live-action films have received widespread praise.
In 2018, Paddington 2, directed by Paul King, reached an impressive milestone. It became the most-reviewed film to maintain a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing the previous record held by Toy Story 2. This achievement proved how much audiences and critics love Paddington’s world.
If you have already watched Paddington in Peru and cannot wait for another movie, there is good news. You do not have to wait for the next film to enjoy more of Paddington’s adventures. A wonderful animated series, The Adventures of Paddington Bear (1997), is available for free on Tubi.
This delightful show, directed by Marcos DaSilva and Francois Perrault, brings the same humor, warmth, and excitement as the movies. It is a great way to continue enjoying Paddington’s stories.
Also Read: ‘Severance’ Season 2 Episode 7 Recap: Chikhai Bardo and the Dark Truth Behind Gemma’s Fate
The 1997 Animated Series Brings Paddington’s Stories to Life
The Adventures of Paddington Bear follows the same setup as the movies and books. Paddington is a bear from Peru who now lives in England with the Brown family. His kind and curious nature leads him into all sorts of funny and heartwarming situations.
Many familiar characters from the Paddington films appear in the show. The Brown family plays a central role in Paddington’s life. Another key character is Mr. Curry, the grumpy next-door neighbor. In the live-action movies, Peter Capaldi played Mr. Curry. In the animated series, Nigel Lambert provides his voice.
Mr. Curry’s personality is slightly different in the show. While he is still unfriendly, his main trait is his cheapness. He constantly complains and refuses to spend money, which often leads to humorous situations.
Another familiar face is Mr. Gruber, the friendly antique shop owner. In the films, Jim Broadbent played Mr. Gruber, bringing warmth to the character. In the animated series, Cyril Shaps provides his voice. Mr. Gruber is well-traveled and loves telling Paddington about different cultures and places.
In the live-action movies, Mr. Gruber’s adventures are told through his stories. However, in the animated series, he actually takes Paddington on trips. Together, they travel to locations like Egypt and Montana, making every episode feel exciting and adventurous.
One major difference between the series and the movies is the absence of Phoenix Buchanan, the character played by Hugh Grant in Paddington 2. Though Phoenix was a fan-favorite villain, he does not appear in the animated show since it was created long before the movies.
Each episode follows a charming pattern. Paddington writes letters to his Aunt Lucy, updating her on his latest experiences. Jonathan Kydd, the voice actor for Paddington in the show, brings out the bear’s sweet and innocent personality. His voice performance is just as heartfelt as Ben Whishaw’s in the films.
Each episode runs for 24 minutes and includes three short Paddington stories. Some of these stories feel similar to moments in the Paddington movies. In one memorable episode, Paddington helps out at a barbershop, leading to complete chaos. This scene is very similar to a hilarious sequence in Paddington 2, showing how Paddington’s misadventures are timeless and funny in any format.
The Beautiful Animation Makes This Series Special
One of the reasons The Adventures of Paddington Bear stands out is its charming animation. Over the years, different Paddington adaptations have experimented with various animation styles.
The 1976 Paddington series used stop-motion. It combined a puppet version of Paddington with live-action backgrounds and cardboard cutout characters. While this style was unique, it did not always blend well visually.
In 2019, another Paddington animated series was released, featuring Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington. While this newer show is cute and appealing, its animation style feels a bit stiff compared to the warm, hand-drawn style of the 1997 version.
The character design in The Adventures of Paddington Bear closely matches Michael Bond’s original book illustrations. This gives the series an authentic and familiar look that longtime fans appreciate. The hand-drawn animation feels lively and expressive, making Paddington’s world feel cozy and inviting.
The show also uses animation in creative ways. In one memorable scene, Paddington learns to dance by reading a book with step-by-step instructions. The animation brings this to life by showing Paddington dancing across the turning pages. This imaginative sequence highlights how well the show embraces its animated format.
Among all the Paddington adaptations, this series truly feels like the books have been brought to life. The animation captures the spirit of Bond’s stories, making each episode feel like an illustrated storybook in motion.
Why This Series is Perfect for Paddington Fans
Fans of the Paddington movies or books will find plenty to love in this series. Paddington’s slapstick comedy and kind-hearted personality shine in both the films and the animated show. Even with simpler animation compared to a major film production, Paddington’s adventures remain just as funny and heartfelt.
Like the movies, the series balances everyday moments with exciting travels. Some episodes focus on simple activities, such as visiting a shopping mall or helping with chores.
Others take Paddington on international adventures, like his trip to Japan to try sumo wrestling. No matter where Paddington goes, his curious and well-meaning nature always leads to delightful situations.
Another great feature of this series is its accessibility. Unlike many older animated shows that are difficult to find, The Adventures of Paddington Bear is available for free on Tubi. This makes it easy for both longtime fans and newcomers to enjoy Paddington’s charming adventures.
Among the many shows available for free streaming, this series stands out as a relaxing and heartwarming choice. The stories are simple yet entertaining, making them perfect for unwinding after a long day.
If you are looking for something comforting and fun, The Adventures of Paddington Bear is a wonderful option. The show captures the spirit of Paddington’s world with humor, kindness, and timeless charm.
Where to Watch
The Adventures of Paddington Bear is currently streaming for free on Tubi in the U.S. Whether you are a longtime Paddington fan or discovering his stories for the first time, this animated series is a great way to enjoy more of his adventures.
Also Read: ‘Elsbeth’ Season 2 Episode 13 Recap: Murder, Deceit, and Dark Secrets Unfold in Elsbeth Season 2
