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The Ant and the Aardvark Theme
The Ant and the Aardvark theme is a cool, jazzy instrumental piece that perfectly sets the stage for a game of cat-and-mouse—or in this case, Aardvark-and-Ant. Unlike many cartoons of its time, this show didn’t use lyrics. Instead, it relied on a snappy, upbeat brass melody that captured the fun and frantic energy of the Aardvark’s endless (and usually failing) quest to catch his tiny rival.
Watch the Opening Sequence
A Cartoon Classic Explained
In simple terms, The Ant and the Aardvark is a series of 17 animated short films produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises (the same people who made the Pink Panther). It follows a very hungry blue Aardvark who is constantly trying to eat a clever red Ant.
The show is famous because one man, John Byner, voiced both main characters! He gave the Aardvark a voice that sounded like comedian Jackie Mason and gave the Ant a voice inspired by Dean Martin. This created a funny contrast between the grumpy, determined Aardvark and the cool, relaxed Ant. The show first appeared in theaters before becoming a beloved part of Saturday morning television.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any lyrics to the theme song?
No, the theme is a purely instrumental jazz track featuring prominent horns and a catchy rhythm.
Who voiced the characters?
John Byner provided the voices for both the Ant and the Aardvark.
How many episodes were made?
There were 17 theatrical shorts produced between 1969 and 1971.