Kikoriki, known in Russia as Smeshariki (Russian: Смеша́рики), is a Russian animated television series consisting of 208 episodes of 6 minutes and 30 seconds each, aimed at children of 3 to 8 years. The first episode premiered in Russia on May 7, 2005. English-language distribution rights to the series were acquired by 4Kids Entertainment from worldwide distributor Fun Game Media, Munich[1] and began airing as part of The CW4Kids block on The CW on September 13, 2008, under the name GoGoRiki.[2] Fun Game Media is also producing a European version, which began airing on KI.KA on December 8, 2008.[3][4]
The Smeshariki (the name is derived from смешные "smeshnye" meaning "funny", and шарики "shariki" meaning "little balls") are stylized rounded animals. Each of the nine characters has a unique personality and a range of interests with no negative characters among them. Plots are built not on the battle of opposing forces but on the unexpected situations the animated characters stumble upon in their interactions deemed similar to the ones that children may encounter in their everyday lives. Many of the topics foreground the guidance that friendship and community provide to the individual making his or her way in the world. Complex themes and specific cultural references place this cartoon firmly within the Russian tradition of animation.[5] Much attention was devoted to the humor in the series, some of which has attracted adults as well.
Pogoriki / Крош (Krosh) / Krash / Kurashi-Kun (Rabbit)
Chikoriki / Ёжик (Yozhik) / Chiko / Chi-Kun (Hedgehog)
Wolliriki / Бараш (Barash) / Wally / Basho-Kun (Ram)
Rosariki / Нюша (Nyusha) / Rosa / Bota-Chan (Pig)
Bigoriki / Кар Карыч (Kar Karych) / Carlin / Karasu-San (Crow)
Olgariki / Совунья (Sovunya) / Olga / Zukusensei-San (Owl)
Ottoriki / Пин (Pin) / Otto / Pingama-Kun (Penguin)
Docoriki / Лосяш (Losyash) / Dokko / Shika-Kun (Moose)
Boboriki / Копатыч (Kopatych) / Berry / Garudikuma-Kun (Bear)
Roboriki / Биби (Bibi) / Robo / Roboto-San (Robot)
Krash is a sky blue rabbit who firmly believes that everything in the world must be interesting and fun. He loves doing adventurous things such as hiking in the mountains (in the episode "Good News") and diving for treasures. He does not like to fulfill his promises if it is difficult (in the episode "Hives of Boboriki"). He once lost his entire crop of carrots to a slot machine (in the episode "Big Whoop"). He was voiced by Dan Green.
Russian's name Krosh (Russian: Крош) derives to Russian word кролик ('krolik' rabbit); it is also an abbreviation of the word Russian: крошка which means "baby" or "crumb".
Voice: Anton Vinogradov (Russian) / Dan Green (English)
Wally is a lavender ram who is often dramatic. He loves to create poetry, though it doesn't always come to him. He sometimes goes to extraordinary lengths to find inspiration (in the episode "Play, Soccer!"). Wally is a "night owl" in that he goes to sleep late and wakes up late (in the episode "The Living Clock"). He's afraid of heights (in the episode "The Lucky One"). He dabbles in music sometimes, though sometimes with poor results (in the episode "La"). Sometimes through outside circumstances he finds himself in an adventure (in the episode "Go Sailing"). He feels that becoming sick is a good thing. Wally appears to be attracted to Rosa in turn, but is much less outgoing about it. He was voiced by Wayne Grayson.
Russian's name Barash (Russian: Бараш) means a cute ram.
Voice: Vadim Bochanov (Russian) / Wayne Grayson
Смеша́рики (сокращение от рус. смешные шарики) — российский мультипликационный сериал для всей семьи, созданный в рамках образовательного проекта «Мир без насилия» и производящийся при поддержке Министерства культуры
В сентябре 2008 года 104 серии мультфильма были адаптированы для показа на американском телеканале The CW под названием «англ. GoGoRiki» (gəu'gəu'riki')[5]. Также мультфильм выходит в Германии (нем. Kikoriki, канал KI.KA), Великобритании (англ. Kikoriki, канал Pop), Италии (итал. Chicorichi), в Казахстане (каз. Көңілді томпақтар, 31 канал), на Украине (укр. Смішарики, Интер, Новый канал, ТЕТ)[6] и в Белоруссии (канал ОНТ), во Франции (на France 1, France 2, France 3, France 4 и France 5).
