Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation

Synopsis

Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation is a live-action television series that aired in 1997, continuing the adventures of the beloved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The series introduces a new character, Venus de Milo, the first female turtle, who joins Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo in fighting crime and protecting New York City from various new and familiar villains. With a mix of martial arts action, adventure, and lighthearted humor, the show stands out for blending youthful heroics with engaging storylines targeted toward a younger audience. The series offers a fresh take on the TMNT legacy while maintaining the core themes of teamwork, courage, and friendship.

Cast

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  Kirby Morrow

  Michaelangelo (voice)

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  Matt Hill

  Raphael (voice)

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  Jason Gray-Stanford

  Donatello (voice)

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  Michael Dobson

  Leonardo (voice)

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  Lalainia Lindbjerg

  Venus de Milo (voice)

• 

  Stephen Mendel

  Splinter (voice)

Reviews

Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation received mixed to negative reviews from both fans and critics. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 4.3 out of 10, reflecting general disappointment among viewers, particularly longtime fans who found the show's tone and new elements less appealing compared to earlier TMNT incarnations. The introduction of Venus de Milo was controversial, with some praising the attempt to add diversity, while others felt it disrupted the established dynamics of the team. Critics from outlets like TV Guide noted that while the show attempted to inject fresh life into the franchise, it sometimes suffered from lower production values and campy writing. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a formal rating for the series, but user reviews there echo similar sentiments about inconsistency in storytelling and character development. Despite its shortcomings, some reviews from dedicated young viewers praised the show for its accessibility and action sequences, highlighting that it still offered entertainment value, especially for newer audiences unfamiliar with previous TMNT series. Overall, the series is often viewed as a divisive, albeit nostalgic, chapter in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles saga.