Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003) Was UNDERRATED!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has had so many iterations of the turtles done in so many cool and fun animations styles. Today I want to talk about the 2003 iteration of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles since it was the version of the characters that I mainly grew up with and I feel was made in a really cool way and think it's a bit underrated as well.
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Jordan Fringe Gaming: ‪@JordanFringeGaming‬
Written By: Jordan Fringe & Christine Parshall
Edited By: Jordan Fringe & Jackson S.
Channel Art By: Jerry Meehan

[@JordanFringe94]

Thanks so much for watching! Which version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was your favorite overall? Let me know!

[@johntheanimator4317]

ok

[@trynaka1421]

rise was my favorite it was such a hidden gem it was a nice take on the turtles fresh and diffrent

[@captainmarvelous2065]

2003 was my all time favourite version. The one I grew up with. it had the perfect balance of comedy, dark moments etc, thats what I think.

[@paramount3603]

@@trynaka1421 he should transformers robots in disguise 2001 next

[@EvaFull]

OG ‘87, but I also enjoy 2003 & 2012.

[@acetrainerkat]

TMNT 2003 is actually my favourite iteration. It was also the first "boys show" that I really liked and allowed me to just enjoy what I like

[@zeospark9715]

I'm with you there. Younger me before that era was only watching kid shows like Blue's Clues, Franklin, etc. But then I found myself tuning into FoxKids/FoxBox seeing all the shows there. TMNT 2003 became one of my favorite shows there period and helped steered me towards other action boy shows like Transformers lol

[@christopheredwards788]

2003 series i grew up on. It's great. Can't believe it's been 20 years. My childhood. Thank you for covering this Jordan.

[@__Nameless_one__]

20 years!? I was 8!? Damn!!

[@kristopherwillis8075]

​@@__Nameless_one__I was 10 damn😅

[@__Nameless_one__]

​@@kristopherwillis8075 Crazy man I remember watching this with my dad 😂

[@nicktechnubyte1184]

​@@kristopherwillis8075I was 12, still remember recording some of the episodes on blank VHS tapes! Those were great times, so much simpler back then!

[@k98sportz16]

Same man when the turtles are mentioned I picture this version first in my mind

[@mochi355]

The shredder theme and voice of the 2003 series will forever be iconic to me

[@alesolren]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen this series NOT get the credit it deserved. Top 5 cartoon in my book

[@paulgilbert5278]

There was a time when nobody talked about the 2003 show. But nowadays it definitely gets more appreciation

[@jasonkeane133]

If you want to try it then, try Paramountplus all seasons are available

[@opportunity3278]

@@paulgilbert5278 It truly brightened up my day whenever this aired on our little box TV, so nostalgic.

[@vullord666]

It's still easily the niche turtles. Cartoon enthusiasts talk about it a ton. But the only turtles cartoon that pierces into the zeitgeist is the 80s/90s animated series. Which sucks because that's not at all what the turtles intended to be. The 2003 version had one of the original comic book creators in charge, was a more accurate interpretation, and is the template for pretty much all modern turtles. Yet it doesn't get recognition outside of the "if you know; you know" crowd. Like the 2003 theme isn't randomly played in the end credits of every movie or video game or cameo or crossover for nostalgia.

[@denickart]

​@@vullord666nah as someone who's not into Ninja Turtles this is definitely the one I hear about the most unless I'm talking to somebody in their 40s

[@Akursedtime]

The 2003 incarnation was my childhood along with ATLA, Teen Titans and Justice League/Unlimited. I prefered the darker tone and had a compelling narrative. The animation was excellent too. Its too bad the franchise hasn't gone back to those roots yet. Hopefully one day.

[@AJ_suede]

I appreciated this one as a kid for being all encompassing, you can throw the turtles anywhere and they fit in. This one took that to the extreme early 2000s with great action, design, and homages to previous iterations. It is still my favorite series by a longshot. When i think of each character, their voices come up in my head!

[@paulgilbert5278]

The 2003 voice cast is so definitive. Raph is not Raph without the tough New York accent and Mikey needs the California surfer accent.

[@AndrewAce.]

Same. I always hear them first and foremost...

[@LeopoldLitchenstein]

​@paulgilbert5278 This so much. The voices for the Turtles in this show are still the best ones

[@benwasserman8223]

Still has my favorite version of Shredder to date. And I love how the 2003 show's original characters like Hun and Bishop were integrated into future cartoons/comics as well.

[@boobah5643]

I don't think Bishop was original to the 2003 show; I'm pretty sure I saw him in one of the supplements for _Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Other Strangeness,_ an RPG written by Eric Wujcik and published by Palladium Games. I always assumed he was from one or another iteration of the comics.

[@sharpester7277]

I like how in the 2003 show, Shredder is completely evil and humorless. Similar to how he was in the original comics.

[@paulgilbert5278]

@@sharpester7277 And his lack of humor is ironically funny in some ways

[@ig9796]

I grew up on the 2003 version of the turtles its why I loved them so much. The darkness of everything explored is so truly unique and I don't think caught in any other iteration of the IP.

[@nickster5207]

This show is a time capsule of early 2000's angsty culture and I love it.

[@robinkholmes7127]

I loved this show and "Fast Forward" and "Back to the Sewer" the world-building, the characters, the grittiness and the story.

[@Excalibur-Sonic]

Same. :)

[@Jayagebee]

It was also my first TMNT, and still to this day I absolutely love the five seasons bc of their beautiful animation, darker tone and engaging storytelling. The 2012 series is good as well, but 2003 is where the magic happened!

[@BooboosANDBloodshed_95]

TMNT 2003 was my generation's iteration, and it was awesome. I still go back and re-watch it often. Even though I'm a 28 year old man 😂😂😂😂

[@kobebrewster2549]

Man I'm 25 and I stay rewatching them. I mainly go to my favorite episodes

[@BilingualRainbow]

This series was the definitive version for me. I grew up on the original cartoon, but this was just a phenomenal show. I think Rise may have overtaken it for mme as all time favorite though.

[@byronrush9802]

Original and the 2003 version and the one that branched off from the 2003 version are the only ones I accept

[@MyIndieGameDevJourney3818]

me too they should make a new one with almost but just a tiny bit darker(while keeping the same humor)

[@1Lanavis1]

Same

[@dracodracarys2339]

The 2007 movie is also underrated. It perfectly combines dark and gritty with fun and wacky, and the fight between Raphael and Leonardo on the rooftops is honestly both a visual spectacle and a great character moment.

[@LowellLucasJr.]

The 2003 series was a breath of fresh air! I grew up with the 80s Turtles and loved them but still loved the 2003 series! I enjoyed watching it when I entered College and thought " Finally! Parent groups stepped back to let the grungy, dark comic accurate stories come to Life!!! At least for a time!"😂

[@ShadowWolfRising]

And it was done by 4kids! ........Wait.

[@AskAir]

Man, the '03 series was just perfect in so many ways! Great retrospective.

[@blackhood7200]

We really need more Edgy cartoons like this.

[@Bulbasaur617]

Oh nice! This is the version that got me into the TMNT franchise and I think this is one of the best interpretation of the TMNT. Thanks for doing a video on this version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles here.

[@TheDragonfriday]

Same here well for me it first and last time I watch TMNT

[@jahmirwhite7807]

​@@TheDragonfriday What about the 2012 version and ROTTMNT?

[@Never_heart]

For some reason outside of the main reoccurring cast, there are exactly 2 characters that burned into my memory from this series. Mr Touch and Mr Go, I don't even know why but the scene of them saying their names before activating their powers just stuck in my head really prominently after all of these years

[@richardperaza5083]

I love this version I don’t think the last 2 seasons are as bad as people give it but I do think they were a step down from the first 5 and yet it told an amazing story and a wonderful ending

[@moringlory23]

Recently went back to rewatch after 20 years, and the show still holds up! Definitely up there with Static Shock in my book 😊

[@paulgilbert5278]

The show aged well. At least Seasons 1-4

[@taajihpickett2391]

Your the goat for mentioning static that show is up there with batman the animated series, spiderman, and xmen for me

[@kilode5798]

"Like the phoenix, I have risen from the ashes. And into my fire, you shall fall." - Shredder

[@Sybir.]

Underrated, I feel TMNT is hardly rated with how often gets rebooted. Still, definitely one of the greatest turtle periods I remember! Glad you decided to rate (cover) it.

[@KingHypel]

I grew up watching the 80’s cartoon, the trilogy of movies from the 90’s, and the 2003 TMNT series (even the weird season when they went to the future). I have loved the franchise from a young age and I love almost every iteration of the Turtles. Would love to see more videos of the other TMNT series/movies in the future!

[@Bloody-Butterfly]

I grew up with the original 87 cartoon. When the 2003 show came out, it was everything I wanted. (But 87 is still my favorite).

[@FlameHawk100]

That intro alone brings back to much memories

[@oakmars8062]

It was very underrated and is still the best tmnt cartoon ever

[@dg7k]

Grew up on this version of TMNT games, special episodes, movies and all truely iconic nothing tops it i feel. 🐢🐢🐢🐢

[@bringerdown3998]

2003 and 2012 are some of my favorites

[@CybercietyYT]

2003 TMNT is, in my opinion, still the peak of the series and will continue to be; especially since they have the best Shredder incarnations and cast of characters.

[@mr_mad_hatter1062]

I'm so Glad you covered this masterpiece and They finally released the 2003 series on boxset

[@devonjeffers5898]

Underrated as all hell. As someone who's binged this series a while back, this is arguably my favorite tied with 2012.

[@Markimark151]

I love this TMNT reboot! Even though I was in high school when this cartoon was made, I enjoyed it for being respectful to older fans and loved how Fox gave it really good animation!

[@elmirdays]

This show was such a big part of my childhood I loved it and still do so much I remember having so many of the toys and more 🙌🏻

[@tatalsaba]

My absolute favourite TMNT series of all times, and I say that after growing up with the 80's to early 90's version. Great stories that didn't shy away from the dark stuff, high amounts of action, impressive animation, and then it went downhill with back to the future.

[@user-zf2ru4eq4w]

Turtles forever also had the turtles from the original comic book appear as well. In fact, it also acknowledged the live action version of the turtles up to that point.

[@KnuxtheFanGirl]

I love the 2003 cartoon!! It's the version I grew up!! It brought me back into the franchise again!!

[@valeriedominguez607]

This version of the turtles was the one that introduced me to the Turtles to begin with. I loved the story and Mikey is my favorite. I really wanna go back and watch it again since the only time I could watch it was on Saturday mornings as a kid.

[@jamiereeve3136]

I grew up with the 2003 tmnt. Used to watch it all day everyday after school. Had the figures dvds and games. Every now and then I’ll binge the series from start to finish. From the start all the way to back to the sewers. Holds a special place in my heart. Loved the 2012 version too but just not as much as 2002

[@robertocarvajal9140]

I became a big turtles fan because of this series. I still have my transforming Leonardo and my SFX katana. I recently read the complete run of the original comics and didn't realize initially that this show is an adaptation of that original run. It's been so long and I want to watch it again

[@ObiClon]

Even though I was born around the time the 80's version was on TV, I would say the 2003 version is another version that is fondly rooted in my heart as far as Saturday morning entertainment goes.

[@b1ake__]

Thanks so much for covering this version of the Turtles! They’re the iteration that I grew up on. One of my favourite Christmas memories is getting all four of the turtle action figures, and spending Christmas day building a turtle lair out of cardboard boxes - even used green spray paint for the sewer. Thanks for bringing that memory back, Jordan!

[@SoulStarSketchin]

As a kid I grew up with the classic 80s-90s Turtles cartoon but I do think that overall the 2003 series was probably one of the best iterations and being the closest loyal to the comics version tone. Course the 2012 series also had a bit of charm to it too.

[@duckgooseyswan]

This was my first TMNT show I ever watched way back when cable television is (and still) around. I watched this show even if it was past my bedtime. I remember jumping and running around the living room whenever I watched some scenes that shocks me, such as Splinter protecting his sons in the Shredder Strikes episode. Another reason why I kept on watching the show was because of Donatello, he was wearing the bandana of my favorite colour. I wasn't able to complete the whole season because the TV was only able to air the first two seasons decades ago, so I didn't actually know there were more episodes and a movie until I went through online. I also did feel a bad when the network can't show much of the 2003 content, though.

[@jasonkeane133]

One thing that was fantastic about this series... Casey and his comedic timing

[@TPDManiacXC626]

The 2003 Ninja Turtles are and will always be my favorite childhood TV show until the day I die. It had the right balance of darkness, comedy, dialogue, action, compelling storytelling, wholesome messages,and everything else in-between. And who can ever forget the kick-ass introduction theme song?!

[@mx9226]

I love this show. It was my introduction to this franchise.

[@Flyersfan1594]

This series is the one I grew up on and will always be the best. Love seeing it get some attention recently!!

[@mad_quack]

2003 version was my initial introduction to the TMNT. I love the darker themes and how they don’t hold back. No wonder I liked this version better than any other version.

[@KasukuSaki]

This was also my first introduction to TMNT, I loved this show! And the opening is still so good✨

[@tsoudapop]

This is the one I grew up watching too. Awesome to see you covering this. Just got a hit with a wave of nostalgia.

[@christophergarrett7082]

2003 is my favorite cause it was the darkest and more serious version. So glad it became available in entirety on digital and dvd

[@FanaticMitchell1]

My thoughts on this Ninja Turtle show, it's my favorite piece of TMNT media, I was 5 years old when this show came out and I really liked it, I loved both the 2003 show and the 1987 show, my favorite Ninja Turtle was always Leonardo, but for the 2003 Show specifically, April is the best character from the 2003 show in my opinion, the last time I saw the show (before I recently gotten the complete series that released by Paramount months ago) was back in 2013 when it re-ran on the Nicktoons Network and it was the episode where the turtles and April got sent to a jungle and April was adapting pretty well to the Jungle life, to the point where the turtles started calling her Jungle Girl, I really like how in this show, that she was more active than the original April from the 80s TV show, I like that she was basically the big sister to the turtles and that she was very protective of them, you can really tell by that in the Jungle Girl episode

[@geardog24]

While everyone remembers the 80’s version, this was the TMNT I grew up with. And the fact that it follows the gritty original comic helps too.

[@NostalgiaNetwork]

Criminally underrated. Honestly it’s the best on screen interation of these characters. Most comic book accurate

[@megasystem8473]

It is not underrated in the slightest

[@paulgilbert5278]

Among fans it’s not underrated but in the public domain most people think of the classic cartoon and modern iterations over the 2000s cartoon.

[@zeroman237]

Whoever voiced Raph in this version. Badass.

[@chellastation]

The 2003 series was my 1st introduction to the show. The theme song hits hard

[@awc6007]

I absolutely love this show as a kid, watched a bit on TV and had the first 2 seasons on DVD. The writing and animation aged so well and I consider this is the best version of the characters.

[@bensneb360]

This was MY turtles growing up, I was crazy addicted to it, still my favorite version for nostalgia purposes

[@Toohotmittens]

Ty for all of your uploads dude.

[@user-mb4pd4ou5i]

Yes I did grow up with the 1987 version of tmnt but since then I’ve been seeing some of the 2003 version and I gotta say I have a lot more respect for it love this video Jordan ❤❤❤❤

[@mecahhannah]

❤ this is the TMNT series i grew up with and it's my favorite and I still love it and always will! Thanks for covering it! Happy holidays everyone!

[@tombwady3330]

Wish the turtles still looked like this. It's their best design PERIOD

[@chedysouilhi7408]

Absolutely that's my childhood right there , epicly nostalgic times and that console game (based on season 1) was a banger too 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@dreaminplaysgames101]

Dude I’ve been waitinggg for you to drop this video for a while now😭

[@nathangarcia1992]

This is still my favorite version of the TMNT franchise! I remember the show had a good balance of action comedy and darker undertones. Plus the toys were just awesome! Good old nostalgia right here.

[@haydendegrow945]

Oh gods did i ever love this show! I remember watching it on my friends' satellite TV after coming home from school (we didn't have cable TV back then)... I rediscovered it on KZbin later and have been a fan ever since.

[@scarletmoon789]

I love this series, I grew up with it and if I can find any good merch now a days I try to get, its showed so much depth and the banter between them all way hilarious 😂 God I miss watching this I hope to someday get a DVD collection and some decent merchandise

[@basketballfan23]

thank you for making this. This is my favorite show ever

[@rivwilson9330]

Yes!! Love that you covered this

[@ITSGOODFORYOURHEALTH]

Yes, this is the best one. I still have a hard time giving new ones a chance because the 03 one is so nostalgic.

[@Vdr777]

YES. YES IT IS. LOVE THIS SHOW. What was it, fast forward? That season was so cool! Oh crap that reminds me, does anyone remember "Monster Allergies"? That was a hell of a show back in the day.

[@joeross8863]

It's funny that this video was posted today. This was my childhood show, and I just started rewatching it a couple of days ago.

[@austinkimble9719]

I started with the 80s cartoon due to my grandparents having them all on vhs, but the 03 was what really cemented my then obsession with the turtles (I was 6 at the time). after watching this I think I’m going to give it a rewatch!

[@FoxoFlame]

It was funny yestreday was thinking if you made a vid on this. Thanks Jordan 😂

[@UltimateMayhemVX]

Still love this series. It's fun to go back and watch it. My favorite line is still when they're doing pull-ups in a construction site and Mikey gets a call, is told something, replies they'll be there, and when the others ask who it was he replies Nobody.😂

[@sirkingpinmonroe4439]

2003 introduced me to the TMNT franchise as a kid. Good times 💙💜❤️🧡

[@BAYLEY713]

It was my favourite show as a kid. Made me feel cool

[@TheTacoDoctor]

So glad you finally covered this show.

[@michaelsimms7396]

Best intro. I'm bias because I grew up with this one but still it goes so hard

[@raineskempen3191]

I’m so ready to watch this video!!! I spent all year getting through this show. And I finished it last week!!!

[@roberttreacy8271]

2003 TMNT is my favorite version of the franchise.

[@johntheanimator4317]

This show was PEAK!!!!

[@gundamofspitara7583]

When I think of the Turtles, this is what I think of, these voices are the ones I think of, these are the supporting characters I was introduced to. It was so much fun! Thanks for covering this

[@paulgilbert5278]

Honestly the 2003 Turtles are the definitive ones. Leo wasn’t a whiny leader, Raph was more lone wolf than jock, Don wasn’t an anxious nerd, and arguably most important Mikey wasn’t childish and stupid. They’re personalities were handled great here.

[@4125tech]

I've been rewatching this show for the first time since I was very, very little. It has aged so well. And now there's a Fringe video on it! This is a good month.

[@DarkDekicDuka]

By far my favorite version of these characters. This was the BTAS of TMNT.

[@pablocasas5906]

Though I was introduced to the Turtles by their video games and the crossover they had with Power Rangers in Space, the 2003 TMNT was the first time I got invested in the Turtles, and I loved the show backed then when it aired on Fox Kids here in Latin America Also, last week Ninja Turtles fans, and fans of dubbing in general, received some bad news, Mexican voice actor Gabriel Ortiz, who voiced Michaelangelo in the '03 series and the '07 movie, passed away at the age of 44. He was very well known for voicing Vash in Trigun and Steve in American Dad. His Michaelangelo was also considered one the best voices the character had in Spanish. He will be missed a lot 😔

[@user-qw6im8dv2j]

The 2003 tmnt is that I grew up on. I am from bulgaria and they got on the market right around when I was 5-6 years old and my parents bought the whole series on DVDs for me. I've re-watched it like 6 times I can't get enough of it every time🫶🫶🫶

[@joedefilippo9172]

I’m waiting for this man to cover the following. Mummies alive, Shinzo, rave master, and flint the time detective. Love how much nostalgia these videos bring me.

[@devynharrison2979]

I love this series so damn much. Everything about it, I'm rewatching season 3 right now, falling in love all over again.

[@midgettiger6389]

This show is the reason I haven’t watched any of the newer adaptations. It was just too cool!

[@johnsonislovely]

Hi! Target demographic for TMNT 2003 super fan here! It was very much properly rated for its time and its greatly appreciated by multiple generations of fans!

[@humpitywithdumpity]

I’m so happy this series is finally getting the appreciation it deserves. As a kid, I grew up with the 2012 series, I never even heard about the 03 incarnation until I saw a dvd of it at a family video, seven year old me was intrigued. I eventually became obsessed with the series as to me, it was just completely unique compared to other iterations.

[@LeopoldLitchenstein]

This show getting so much gas recently has been the best Christmas gift I could ask for

[@nutshot_brawler8466]

Huh, I never knew this wasn't as popular as the other installations, I still remember the crossover movie, that was the first Turtles movie I watched, never thought cartoons would have movies till I saw that. TURTLE POWER!

[@GamerFunOriginallyAarush]

It was indeed underrated!

[@thesupersamcraft]

YES! This was 100% my favourite version of the turtles and since their creator was so heavily involved I really feel it THE definitive version of the Turtles. 2003 Turtles is what the Turtles were meant to be. A perfect balance of dark, serious and goofy and silly. Love other turtles stuff too but this is by far the best in my opinion

[@TheJobberHunter]

I grww up watching the re runs of the 80s cartoon and then keeping up with this series. It was an excellent contrast.

[@brendanpower1890]

This is by far my favorite turtles. I've watched the whole series multiple times watching it again now actually about half way through season 3