Of all Dukes of Hazzard rare collectibles, there was never one as elusive as the “The Dukes” animated series. This famous Saturday morning cartoon originally aired on CBS from February 5th, 1983 to November 5th, 1983.
In this fondly remembered animated series produced by Hanna-Barbera Studios, Bo, Luke and Daisy Duke take their high-wheelin’ country cruisin’ around the world in a race against Boss Hogg for the family farm.
![The Dukes [Animated] (4 Discs)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51FFcgbGjVL._SL500_.jpg)
The Dukes Animated Series – A Saturday Morning Spinout from Hazzard County
In 1983, The Dukes of Hazzard took a detour from live action to Saturday morning cartoons with The Dukes Animated Series, produced by Hanna-Barbera. Aimed at younger fans of the hit TV show, this animated adaptation brought Bo, Luke, and Daisy Duke back to TV screens in a new format—complete with zany international races, cartoon-style gags, and all the Southern charm you’d expect from the Duke family.
What Was The Dukes Animated Series?
The Dukes Animated Series aired on CBS from February to October 1983. It followed the Duke cousins and Daisy as they raced Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane around the world in an effort to win prize money to save Uncle Jesse’s farm. Each episode dropped the gang into a new global location—from the pyramids of Egypt to the streets of Venice—bringing an adventurous twist to the familiar cat-and-mouse formula.
The animated General Lee was still leaping rivers and outrunning the law, but this time with Hanna-Barbera’s signature sound effects and slapstick flair. Despite the format change, the characters retained their core personalities, and longtime fans could still count on clever escapes, wild stunts, and down-home humor.
Coy and Vance Take the Wheel (Temporarily)
Due to off-screen contract disputes with original stars John Schneider and Tom Wopat, the first 13 episodes of The Dukes Animated Series featured their temporary replacements, Coy and Vance Duke. Voiced by Jeff Kramer and Byron Cherry, these episodes mirrored the casting shakeup that occurred in the live-action show’s fifth season.
Once Schneider and Wopat returned to the main show, they also reprised their roles in the final 7 episodes of the animated series, bringing Bo and Luke back to animated life alongside Catherine Bach as Daisy.
Familiar Voices and Fun Facts
James Best (Rosco), Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg), Catherine Bach (Daisy), Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse), and Frank Welker (animal and sound effects legend) all lent their voices to the show.
The series was known for its upbeat theme song and catchy narration, setting the stage for each week’s global adventure.
Although it ran for only two short seasons, the show remains a nostalgic gem for longtime fans and 80s cartoon enthusiasts.
Is The Dukes Animated Series Available to Watch?
Yes—though it was once rare, The Dukes Animated Series is now available on dvd. Fans can relive the wild, animated adventures or discover them for the first time alongside the original episodes of the classic TV show.
Why It’s Worth a Watch
While it’s definitely more lighthearted and kid-friendly than the original series, The Dukes cartoon captures the spirit of Hazzard County in a fun and accessible way. It’s an entertaining slice of 80s nostalgia and a unique chapter in The Dukes of Hazzard legacy.
Whether you’re a die-hard collector or introducing the next generation to the Duke family, The Dukes Animated Series is a must-see for fans who want the full Hazzard experience—from dirt roads to Saturday morning cartoons.
For more information on The Dukes Animated Series and an episode guide, check out our wiki.
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