I’ve been a longtime admirer of The Beatles and their incredible cultural legacy, and I believe one important part of that history has been overlooked for far too long: the original Beatles animated television series that aired on ABC from 1965 to 1967. Across three seasons, the show introduced audiences around the world to a colorful, humorous interpretation of John, Paul, George, and Ringo while helping expand Beatlemania into the world of Saturday morning television. Despite its historical significance, the series has never received a proper modern restoration or official home video release.

I’m asking Apple Corps, Universal Music Group, and The Walt Disney Company to work together to preserve and officially release this landmark series on streaming platforms and on physical media such as Blu-ray and DVD. I want future generations to be able to experience this unique chapter of Beatles history in the best quality possible instead of having to search for deteriorated copies or unofficial uploads.

I’m also motivated by the fact that many of the talented people who helped create the series are no longer with us. The cartoon’s memorable voice performances by Paul Frees and Lance Percival, as well as the creative vision of producer Al Brodax, deserve to be celebrated and preserved. Their contributions to animation and entertainment should not fade into obscurity simply because the series remains inaccessible. An official release would honor both their work and the enduring appeal of The Beatles themselves.

The Problem
Today, fans who want to watch the series are often left with few legitimate options. Many episodes survive only through grainy bootlegs, aging television recordings, or expensive, long out-of-print VHS releases from the 1990s that are difficult for collectors to obtain. The available copies frequently suffer from poor image quality, missing segments, faded colors, and compressed audio that do not reflect the care that should be given to such an important piece of pop culture history.

Meanwhile, nearly every other major Beatles project has benefited from extensive restoration and preservation efforts. Classic albums have been remixed and remastered, archival recordings have been released, and documentary projects have introduced new audiences to the band's story. Productions such as Anthology and Get Back demonstrate the commitment to preserving the Beatles’ history in exceptional quality. Yet the animated series remains a largely forgotten chapter despite its importance in expanding the band's global popularity.

This situation leaves an unfortunate gap in the official Beatles canon. The series was the first weekly television show centered around the band and influenced generations of viewers and animators. Without an authorized restoration and release, an important artifact of 1960s television history risks being remembered only through incomplete or unofficial copies.

Why It Matters Now
1. The YouTube & Internet Archive Signal
The demand is already proven. Despite copyright takedowns, episodes are constantly uploaded to YouTube by fans, with several 16mm transfers garnering hundreds of thousands of views. The MTV reruns from the 1980s have found a permanent home on the Internet Archive because fans have nowhere else to go. This digital "piracy" is actually a cry for a legitimate, high-quality alternative.

2. Completing the Beatles’ Legacy
The Beatles' legacy demands completeness. Between the Red and Blue album expansions and the "Now and Then" single, we are in a golden age of Beatles curation. Leaving the animated series out of this ecosystem creates a massive hole in the band's historical narrative. This show was the first time any band had been portrayed as cartoon characters, a trend that changed Saturday morning television forever.

3. The Disney Connection
The relationship between The Beatles and The Walt Disney Company has never been stronger. With Get Back and the Let It Be film restoration finding a home on Disney+, the infrastructure is already in place. Disney is the perfect home for a series that bridges the gap between music history and animation history.

4. The Desperation of Physical Media Collectors
There is a massive, underserved market of physical media collectors who are desperate for an official Blu-ray or 4K box set. We want the liner notes, the production art, and the crisp audio that only a physical release can provide. In an age of disappearing streaming content, we want the security of owning this piece of history.

The Beatles Cartoon is more than a nostalgic curiosity—it is a valuable piece of animation history and an important chapter in the story of the world's most influential rock band. By restoring and releasing the complete series on streaming services and physical media, Apple Corps, Universal Music Group, and The Walt Disney Company can preserve an overlooked classic, honor the artists and creators who made it possible, and introduce it to millions of viewers who have never had the chance to experience it.

📱 Spread the Word on Social Media
Help this petition gain momentum! Share it on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Bluesky, and YouTube using the hashtag:

#ReleaseTheBeatlesCartoon
Tag @AppleCorps, @UMG, @Disney, and @DisneyPlus in your posts. Let the rights holders know that fans around the world are united in demanding an official release. Whether you're a lifelong Beatlemaniac or a new fan just discovering the Fab Four, your voice matters. Share your favorite memories of the cartoon, post clips (while they're still up!), and tell the world why this series deserves to be seen.

The Beatles changed music forever, and their animated adventures remain an important part of that story. Together, we can help ensure that this colorful piece of history is finally given the care and recognition it deserves.

After all, with enough support, perhaps we really can work it out. 🎵

#ReleaseTheBeatlesCartoon 🎸🎬📀