: It introduces the mutation of Hamato Yoshi into Splinter and the Turtles' first meeting with reporter April O'Neil .
This season transitioned the franchise into with a heavy focus on character growth and humor. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Season 1
: Shredder, Krang, Bebop, and Rocksteady are introduced as the primary antagonists operating out of the Technodrome . : It introduces the mutation of Hamato Yoshi
: The season finale, "Showdown," features a massive battle against the Kraang and Shredder, revealing that Shredder's daughter, Karai, is actually Splinter's lost daughter . Recent Reboots : The season finale, "Showdown," features a massive
The debut season began as a in December 1987, establishing the core "turtle-mania" tropes.
: The Turtles celebrate their 15th "Mutation Day" and visit the surface for the first time, encountering pizza and the alien Kraang .
: Critics from Rotten Tomatoes note it as "hip, playful and witty," though it is famously more comedic and campy than the original Mirage comics. 2003 Animated Series (4Kids)