Is The Real Ghostbusters Series Still Canon?

Hey everyone, let's dive into a fun debate: Is The Real Ghostbusters canon? For those of you who might not know, The Real Ghostbusters was the awesome animated series that followed the original Ghostbusters movie. It ran from 1986 to 1991, and for many of us, it was the Ghostbusters experience growing up. But with all the reboots, sequels, and new versions floating around, it's fair to ask: Does this classic cartoon still hold its place in the official Ghostbusters universe? Let's break it down and see if we can get some answers, guys!

To really understand if The Real Ghostbusters is canon, we need to know what "canon" actually means. In simple terms, canon refers to the officially recognized stories, characters, and events that make up the established continuity of a fictional universe. Think of it like a family tree; canon stories are the branches that are considered part of the main trunk. So, if something is canon, it's considered part of the official story. When we're talking about Ghostbusters, that means the events, characters, and adventures of The Real Ghostbusters could still be considered part of the official timeline alongside the movies, other shows, and any new installments. The question is, has the franchise treated it that way?

Before Ghostbusters: Afterlife came out, the answer was...complicated. The Ghostbusters franchise has never been super strict about canon, particularly in its earlier years. The first movie was a huge hit, and the cartoon was a massive success in its own right, spinning off its own toys and merchandise. The animated series took some creative liberties, exploring different types of ghosts, adding new gadgets, and, of course, giving us a more in-depth look at the main characters' personalities. Even though it continued the adventures of Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston, the series wasn't always directly referenced in other Ghostbusters media. When the second movie was released, it didn't really acknowledge anything that happened in the cartoon. This left fans to kind of decide for themselves whether they wanted to consider the animated show as part of the “real” story. The series often seemed to exist in its own separate sphere, which made it tricky to definitively declare it canon at the time.

Now, let's talk about the key players. The original Ghostbusters film was the foundation. Then came The Real Ghostbusters animated series, which was heavily inspired by the movie. Then Ghostbusters II followed up the movie. The animated show had the freedom to expand the world and explore new ghost-busting adventures. After Ghostbusters II, there was a long gap before the next big Ghostbusters movie. This gap led to new installments, like the 2009 video game, which featured the original cast (voices and likenesses) and acted as a pseudo-Ghostbusters III. Even in the game, the canon was treated with a loose approach. The franchise has always played it fast and loose when it comes to canon, giving each new installment creative freedom. So, if we’re being honest, it was never clear what parts of the extended universe were truly official and what was just fun content for fans.

The Real Ghostbusters and the Ghostbusters Legacy

Alright, so how has The Real Ghostbusters influenced the Ghostbusters legacy and influenced subsequent Ghostbusters content? The Real Ghostbusters wasn't just a fun cartoon; it actually made some important contributions to the overall Ghostbusters universe. One of the most obvious ways is how it developed the personalities of the main characters. In the movie, the Ghostbusters were cool, funny guys, but the animated series really dug into their individual quirks and backstories. Peter Venkman's sarcasm, Ray Stantz's enthusiasm for the paranormal, Egon Spengler's scientific obsession, and Winston Zeddemore's grounded perspective were all expanded upon. The show gave us more time with these characters, allowing the writers to develop them, and these traits are now fundamental to what makes them so popular.

The series also introduced iconic ghosts and monsters. Characters like Slimer became Ghostbusters mainstays, and new specters and villains emerged. These characters, in turn, appeared in other Ghostbusters media, helping create a cohesive world and an ongoing sense of familiarity. Plus, the series established important ghost-busting concepts. They expanded the lore, added gadgets, and set the stage for future installments. The cartoon's success also helped cement the franchise's cultural footprint. Its merchandise, theme song, and general popularity kept Ghostbusters alive in the public consciousness long after the first movie. It's thanks to this continued exposure that the franchise has remained popular for so long. The cartoon kept the spirit of Ghostbusters alive in between movies and helped build a passionate fan base.

In terms of its impact, The Real Ghostbusters has had a significant influence on the franchise. The cartoon expanded the world, added new characters, and helped build up the personalities of the characters we know and love. Without the cartoon, the Ghostbusters franchise might have faded away after the second movie. But thanks to the cartoon, the franchise was able to establish itself as a long-term property.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife and the Canon Question

Now, let's fast forward to Ghostbusters: Afterlife. This movie, released in 2021, was a direct sequel to the original two films, effectively ignoring the 2016 reboot. Afterlife was a love letter to the original movies, and a large part of its appeal was its nostalgia factor. The return of the original Ghostbusters cast, Egon's legacy, and the use of classic props and gadgets all helped bring the story to life. But did Afterlife acknowledge The Real Ghostbusters in any way?

Unfortunately, not explicitly. The movie didn't make direct references to specific events or characters from the animated series. While the presence of Slimer in Afterlife is noteworthy because of its origins in The Real Ghostbusters, there was no direct acknowledgement. At the time of Afterlife's release, it appeared that the film was treating the animated series as a separate entity, similar to how the franchise had been doing for years. So, while Afterlife was a great continuation of the original Ghostbusters story, it didn't offer any clear answers about the animated series' canonicity. Fans, once again, were left to interpret the relationship between the different pieces of the puzzle.

However, it's worth noting that the Ghostbusters franchise has changed quite a bit since Afterlife. There has been new content and developments that may give us a fresh perspective. The Ghostbusters universe is always evolving, and the official stance on canon can change over time. It's worth keeping an eye out for how future installments may incorporate or address The Real Ghostbusters. Maybe in the future, we'll get a clearer picture of where the series fits into the grand scheme of the Ghostbusters universe. As it stands now, the answer to the canon question is still up for debate. But for many fans, The Real Ghostbusters will always be canon in their hearts.

The Ghostbusters Universe Today

So, where does that leave us today with The Real Ghostbusters? It's a tricky question without a simple answer. The Ghostbusters franchise hasn't fully embraced or disavowed the animated series. The franchise tends to pick and choose elements from various installments when creating new content, which can make things confusing. It makes the answer very difficult, and up to the individual. For some, The Real Ghostbusters is absolutely canon. They grew up with the cartoon, consider it a core part of the Ghostbusters story, and embrace the characters and lore it introduced. For others, the animated series exists as a fun, separate entity. It might be enjoyed and appreciated, but not necessarily seen as part of the