About
Quick guide
Player server
Episode
Season
The Transformers
19848
AnimationAction & AdventureKidsSci-Fi & Fantasy
Released
Oct 06, 1984
Country
United States
Productions
HasbroSunbow ProductionsMarvel ProductionsToei Animation
The Transformers is the first animated television series in the Transformers franchise. The series depicts a war among giant robots that can transform into vehicles and other objects.
Similar vibes
5 titles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Both offer 80s cartoon action featuring fighting teams battling villains.
Movie
★7/10
The Real Ghostbusters
Both are 80s cartoons with a mix of humor, action, and a simple good‑vs‑evil plot.
Series
★8/10
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Both feature 80s action toys turned into animated adventures with heroic battles.
Series
★7/10
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
Like Transformers, it blends toy lines with cartoon storytelling and a focus on teamwork.
Series
★8/10
Teen Titans Go!
Both deliver fast‑paced, comedic superhero action for younger viewers.
Series
★7/10
About
Quick guide
The 1984 Transformers cartoon set the stage for the franchise with 98 episodes of robot battles on Earth.
The original Transformers animated series debuted in 1984, running for four seasons and 98 half‑hour episodes. It follows the Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, and their war against the Decepticons, commanded by Megatron, as both sides battle for control of Earth. The show blends action, science‑fiction, and a light, family‑friendly tone, featuring robot characters that transform into vehicles and everyday objects. Voice work by Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, combined with animation largely outsourced to Japanese studios, gave the series a distinct 1980s cartoon aesthetic. Though aimed at children, the show’s energetic pacing and frequent battles appeal to a wide audience. The series also includes a re‑edited version of the 1986 Transformers movie, packaged as the brief “Season 5.”
What to know
- 98 30‑minute episodes over four seasons
- Autobots vs Decepticons fighting on Earth
- Robots transform into vehicles, animals, and other objects
- Voice of Optimus Prime: Peter Cullen
- Animation produced mainly by Toei and AKOM
- Season 5 features a re‑edited Transformers movie
- Family‑friendly tone with light action
- Strong focus on action and adventure
- Characters driven by simple hero/villain archetypes
- Set in a 1980s cartoon style
Watch if
If you enjoy classic 80s animation that balances action and adventure with a kid‑friendly tone, the Transformers series offers a nostalgic look at giant robots in battle, voiced by iconic actors and featuring memorable characters that have become cultural staples.
Skip if
If you prefer modern CGI animation, complex storylines, or mature themes, the 1984 Transformers cartoon’s simpler plot and vintage style might feel dated or too light for your tastes.
family friendlyfast pacedintense actionwar themesfantasy violence
Premise
The series follows the Autobots and Decepticons as they fight for control of Earth. Each episode introduces a new battle or challenge, keeping the action fresh and engaging.
Characters
Optimus Prime leads the Autobots, while Megatron heads the Decepticons. Supporting figures include Bumblebee, Starscream, and Soundwave, each with distinct personalities.
Production
Most animation work was outsourced to Japanese studios such as Toei, while voice work and storylines were handled in the U.S., creating a hybrid production model.
Season Structure
Four seasons comprise 98 30‑minute episodes, with a special Season 5 re‑editing the 1986 Transformers movie into episode segments.
Legacy
The 1984 series established the Transformers brand, inspiring comic books, toys, and later animated sequels that expanded the universe.
Home Media
Episodes have been released on VHS, DVD, and digital platforms, making the classic series accessible to new audiences.
Cultural Impact
The show helped define the 1980s cartoon landscape and remains a nostalgic touchstone for fans of the franchise.
FAQ
22 Q&A
Is this show an anime?
No, it is an American production. While animation work was done in Japan, the story, scripts, and voice recordings were created in the U.S.
Did the toys come before the cartoon?
The Transformers toys were released first. The cartoon was produced to promote the toy line, not the other way around.
How many episodes does the series have?
The series has 98 episodes, divided into four seasons plus a brief Season 5 that repackages the 1986 movie.
What is the length of each episode?
Each episode runs approximately 30 minutes, a standard length for 1980s animated series.
What is the plot of the series?
Two alien robot factions—the Autobots and the Decepticons—battle on Earth for control of resources and influence.
Who voices Optimus Prime?
Optimus Prime’s voice was provided by Peter Cullen, a longtime actor in the Transformers franchise.
Who voices Megatron?
Megatron is voiced by Frank Welker, known for many iconic character voices.
Which studios animated the series?
The majority of the animation was produced by Japanese studio Toei and South Korean studio AKOM.
Do the Autobots fly?
Early episodes show Autobots flying, but later seasons often portray them without flight, focusing more on ground combat.
What are the Constructicons?
Constructicons are a Decepticon subgroup that can combine to form larger robots. Their backstory varies across episodes.
What are Seekers?
Seekers refer to Decepticon jets, including Starscream, Skywarp, and Thundercracker, used to scout and attack.
Why does Optimus Prime’s trailer disappear?
The trailer vanishes during transformations because the cartoon did not explain how the parts re‑appear; fans speculate on unseen mechanisms.
What is a Spark?
In the series, a Spark is a source of life for a Transformer, though it is not fully defined in the original show.
Who is Primus?
Primus is not explicitly mentioned in the series. The concept of a cosmic creator appears in later media.
What happened to Dion?
Dion is a minor character who dies early in the series, with no further appearances afterward.
How many seasons were produced?
Four full seasons were produced, plus a brief Season 5 re‑editing the 1986 Transformers movie into episodes.
Is there a connection to the 1986 Transformers movie?
Yes, the movie was later edited into a short “Season 5” of the series for syndication.
Did the show have any political themes?
The series focuses on heroism versus villainy and does not delve into real‑world politics.
Does the show contain gore?
The show is family‑friendly and includes minimal violence, with no graphic gore.
What is the target audience?
The show is aimed at children and families, featuring clear moral lessons and simple action.
Are there any spin‑off series?
The original series sparked many later Transformers cartoons, but it is the foundational source for the franchise.
Can I watch the series online?
Episodes are available on various streaming platforms and digital retailers, though availability varies by region.
Actors
Peter Cullen
Optimus Prime (voice)
Frank Welker
Galvatron / Chromedome (voice)
Richard Gautier
Hot Rod (voice)
Jack Angel
Ultra Magnus / Cyclonus (voice)
Susan Blu
Arcee (voice)
Corey Burton
Spike Witwicky (voice)
David Mendenhall
Daniel Witwicky (voice)
Victor Caroli
Narrator (voice)
Stan Jones
Scourge (voice)
John Stephenson
Kup (voice)
Dan Gilvezan
Goldbug (voice)
Michael Bell
Brainstorm (voice)