Receiving the rights and transferring the “Super Sentai” brand from Japan, “Power Rangers” is a superhero television series that captivated young audiences when it first aired in 1993. Its undeniable success led American production companies to strive for originality in creating new shows, especially since its formula often resulted in failures and left fans disappointed.
Below, we will explore 5 television series that were inspired by “Power Rangers” and have left a mark in the past.
1. The Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog (1998)
Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog – Opening (Intro) HQ
Based on Irish mythology, “The Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog” was the first show produced by Saban Entertainment (the studio behind “Power Rangers”) that created its unique series without directly adapting any Japanese brand. The series is set in the fictional realm of Kells, a mystical land reminiscent of ancient Ireland, featuring a group of heroes who fight against evil with elemental powers such as fire, air, earth, and water.
2. Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation (1997)
Ninja Turtles – The Next Mutation TV Show Intro
“Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation” is the first live-action series featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but instead of adhering strictly to the comic book’s principles, it incorporated elements reminiscent of the “Power Rangers” formula. The show introduced a new female character named Venus de Milo and featured the turtles teaming up against a monstrous villain known as “The Rank.” However, this series lasted only one season due to poor viewership and high production costs.
3. Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills (1994)
Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters From Beverly Hills Opening
“Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters From Beverly Hills” is a rather bizarre series with a long title produced by DIC Entertainment and aired during 1994 – 1995. The show follows four high school students in Beverly Hills, California, who are recruited by an alien named Nimbar to combat the evil Gorganus and his monstrous minions. Each main character is imbued with a tattoo that grants them the ability to transform into the “Galactic Sentinels.”
4. Los Luchadores (2001)
LOS LUCHADORES (Show Intro)
“Los Luchadores” is the most direct parody of the “Power Rangers” in our list, produced by Saban Entertainment in 2001. The main characters are a group of luchadores (Mexican wrestlers) who unite to protect their city from evil forces. The combination of superhero themes with wrestling culture unfortunately did not resonate well with audiences, leading to its cancellation after just one season.
5. Van-Pires (1997)
Van Pires – Volume I – Mission Demolition
“Van-Pires” is a CGI-animated series that combines elements from both “Power Rangers” and “Transformers.” It was the first series aimed at children that utilized 3D modeling and animation software. The story begins when a hidden artifact transforms vehicles into evil creatures known as “Van-Pires,” while a group of teenagers, including Snap, Rev, Nike, and Axle, take on the responsibility of protecting Earth. Unfortunately, this series only aired for 13 episodes before being discontinued.
Source: Ranker
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