Turbo Fast
Turbo FAST is an American animated television series produced by DreamWorks Animation Television and animated by Titmouse, Inc., serving as a spin-off to the 2013 DreamWorks feature film Turbo.[1] The series centers on Turbo, an ordinary garden snail who acquires super speed after a freak accident, and his crew of fellow snails forming the Fast Action Stunt Team (F.A.S.T.).[2] Premiering exclusively on Netflix on December 24, 2013, it was the streaming service's first original animated series for children.[3] The show follows Turbo—voiced by Reid Scott—and his adrenaline-fueled teammates, including Whiplash, Burn, Smoove Move, White Shadow, Skidmark, and his brother Chet, as they travel the globe tackling zany challengers, executing extreme stunts, and promoting themes of teamwork and perseverance.[4] Created by Chris Prynoski, the series blends high-octane action with outrageous comedy, amping up the speed and excitement from the original film.[5] Over its three-season run (2013–2016), which concluded with the release of Season 3 on February 5, 2016, Turbo FAST delivered 52 episodes in batches, originally exclusive to Netflix until its removal from the service in April 2023; it earned praise for its vibrant animation and fast-paced storytelling targeted at young audiences.[4][6]Overview
Premise
Turbo FAST is an animated television series that serves as a direct spin-off from the 2013 DreamWorks Animation film Turbo, picking up after the events where the protagonist, a garden snail named Turbo, acquires super speed through a freak accident involving nitrous oxide exposure during a race. In the series, Turbo, now an Indy 500 champion, relocates with his crew of fellow fast snails to Starlight City, where they establish the Fast Action Stunt Team (F.A.S.T.) to embark on high-octane adventures. This team, comprising Turbo and his close companions, focuses on performing daring stunts and confronting various challengers in a world scaled to their snail-sized perspective. The core narrative revolves around Turbo leading the F.A.S.T. team in protecting and navigating the vibrant, urban expanse of Starlight City—a miniature metropolis modeled after a bustling Los Angeles, complete with neon-lit streets, racetracks, and everyday obstacles reimagined as epic terrains for high-speed pursuits. Episodes typically feature the team racing against rival species, battling adversaries, and executing velocity-enhanced antics to resolve conflicts, emphasizing the contrast between their inherent slowness as snails and their extraordinary abilities. This setup highlights snail-specific challenges, such as traversing human-scale environments at blistering speeds, turning mundane settings into dynamic arenas for action and comedy. Recurring themes in Turbo FAST include the exhilaration of speed, the importance of teamwork among underdogs, and the triumph over physical limitations through ingenuity and camaraderie, all amplified by the series' high-energy ensemble format. These elements underscore the protagonists' post-victory life, where fame brings new responsibilities and opportunities for growth in a fast-paced, threat-filled world.Series format
Turbo FAST episodes typically run for 22 minutes, consisting of two 11-minute segments that form self-contained stories or a combined adventure centered on racing challenges and stunts.[7] Some episodes extend to a single 23-minute narrative for more extended escapades.[8] This segmented structure allows for quick-paced storytelling that aligns with the show's high-velocity theme.[1] The series employs 2D flash animation, a departure from the 3D computer-generated imagery of the original Turbo film, enabling fluid and exaggerated motion to capture the snails' super speeds.[9] Visual elements include dynamic camera angles and vibrant color palettes that heighten the comedic and action-oriented sequences.[4] As a high-energy action-comedy, Turbo FAST targets children aged 6 and older, blending slapstick humor with thrilling racing antics and subtle moral lessons on themes like friendship and perseverance.[1] The tone emphasizes fun, adrenaline-fueled escapades without intense peril, making it suitable for family viewing.[4] The series spans three seasons totaling 52 episodes, released exclusively on Netflix as its first original animated program for children, with initial batches of five to six episodes dropping periodically starting December 24, 2013.[10][7] The soundtrack features an upbeat electronic score composed by Halli Cauthery, complemented by energetic sound effects that amplify the sensations of speed, crashes, and stunts throughout the episodes.[11][12]Characters
Main characters
The main characters of Turbo Fast are the members of the F.A.S.T. (Fast Action Stunt Team) squad, a group of anthropomorphic snails based in Starlight City who undertake high-speed missions and races worldwide. Led by the super-fast Turbo, the team combines diverse skills in speed, strategy, acrobatics, invention, and enthusiasm to overcome challenges, with Turbo's optimism serving as the unifying force that motivates the group during intense operations.[4] Turbo (full name Theo) is the optimistic and determined leader of the F.A.S.T. team, a garden snail who gained super speed after an accidental exposure to nitrous oxide during a street race, granting him car-like velocity and reflexes. Voiced by Reid Scott, Turbo's positive attitude and relentless drive inspire his teammates, positioning him as the heart of the ensemble who often pushes the group to take on daring stunts and villains. Whiplash serves as the strict and acrobatic coach of the team, emphasizing precision and discipline in all maneuvers. Voiced by John Eric Bentley, his over-the-top training regimens provide comic relief while ensuring the squad's performance in high-stakes scenarios, often clashing with Turbo's impulsive style but ultimately strengthening their cohesion. Burn is the tough and fiery muscle of the team, known for her no-nonsense attitude and physical prowess in stunts. Voiced by Grey DeLisle, she brings intensity and reliability to the group's high-adrenaline escapades.[13] Smoove Move is the laid-back, smooth-talking strategist who maintains a cool demeanor under pressure, handling gadgets and devising clever plans for missions. Voiced by Phil LaMarr, his relaxed vibe contrasts with the team's intensity, contributing innovative solutions to enhance their speed and coordination.[14] White Shadow acts as the tech-savvy inventor, a key member who designs and deploys speed-enhancing devices that are central to many plot resolutions. Voiced by Michael Patrick Bell, his innovative gadgets, such as propulsion tools and tracking tech, support the team's diverse abilities and enable complex stunts.[15] Skidmark is the young, hyperactive daredevil of the team, full of energy and always eager for extreme challenges. Voiced by Amir Talai, his enthusiasm adds excitement and unpredictability to the group's dynamics.[13] Chet, Turbo's older brother, is a cautious and paranoid safety patrolman in Starlight City who manages the F.A.S.T. team and often injects grounded humor through sibling rivalry while providing occasional support during missions. Voiced by Eric Bauza, Chet's character emphasizes practical concerns amid the team's high-speed adventures.[16] The F.A.S.T. team's dynamics revolve around their complementary strengths, with Turbo's speed and leadership integrating Whiplash's discipline, Burn's toughness, Smoove Move's strategy, White Shadow's technology, Skidmark's energy, and Chet's caution to form a versatile unit capable of tackling global threats, though occasional antagonists like rival racers test their unity.[17]Recurring characters
Tito, a human ally from the Dos Bros Tacos stand, serves as a recurring bridge between the snail world and humans, frequently contributing entrepreneurial schemes and inventive aids to the F.A.S.T. crew. Voiced by Amir Talai, Tito appears across episodes to facilitate cross-species collaborations and comic relief.[18] Guy Gagné, the arrogant French IndyCar racer introduced in the film, returns as a scheming antagonist who challenges the F.A.S.T. team in multiple arcs through sabotage and rival competitions. Voiced by Eric Bauza in the series, his role highlights ongoing tensions in the racing world.[19] Other recurring antagonists include figures like Hardcase, a tough tiger beetle antagonist voiced by Diedrich Bader, who poses physical threats in stunt-based episodes. Episodic foes, such as predatory crows in challenges like "Crow Pox," represent environmental dangers to the snails in Starlight City.[20] Guest appearances by celebrities add variety, such as Ken Jeong voicing the fiery elderly manicurist Kim-Ly, who provides humorous support in select episodes without central plot involvement.[21]Production
Development
Following the release of the 2013 DreamWorks Animation feature film Turbo, which grossed over $282 million worldwide despite mixed critical reception, DreamWorks Animation Television developed Turbo FAST as a spin-off series to capitalize on the character's popularity. The project was greenlit by Netflix in February 2013, prior to the film's theatrical debut, marking Netflix's first original animated series targeted at children and part of a broader multi-year agreement committing DreamWorks to produce over 300 hours of exclusive programming for the platform. This partnership aimed to expand DreamWorks' revenue streams into television while bolstering Netflix's family-oriented content library with commercial-free, on-demand viewing options. The creative team, led by DreamWorks Animation Television, collaborated with Titmouse, Inc. for production services, with executive producers Chris Prynoski and Jack C. Thomas overseeing the project alongside supervising producer Ben Kalina and producers Jennifer Ray and Shannon Prynoski. The series was designed to build on the film's premise by introducing episodic adventures centered on Turbo and his newly formed Fast Action Stunt Team (F.A.S.T.), shifting from the movie's singular feature-length racing narrative to a format emphasizing high-octane, self-contained stunt challenges and comedic escapades. This structure allowed for broader exploration of the snail-racing universe, focusing on themes of teamwork, perseverance, and speed in bite-sized stories suited to young viewers' attention spans. Key production decisions included adopting a 2D flash animation style, a departure from the film's 3D computer animation, to enable quicker turnaround times and cost efficiency for the television format. The voice cast was largely recast, with Reid Scott replacing Ryan Reynolds as Turbo and retaining only a few actors like Ken Jeong as Kim Ly from the movie, reflecting standard practices for sustaining long-form series. Production commenced immediately after the February announcement, with the first batch of five episodes premiering on December 24, 2013, followed by staggered releases throughout 2014; Netflix ordered 26 episodes for the initial season, ultimately expanding to three seasons totaling 52 episodes by 2016.Animation and staff
Titmouse, Inc. provided the animation services for Turbo Fast, employing 2D techniques to distinguish the series from the original 3D film. This shift to 2D animation was chosen for its cost efficiency, allowing for a more dynamic and stylized visual approach suitable for episodic television.[22] The series was art directed by Antonio Canobbio, who oversaw the visual design, while Mike Roush served as digital animation supervisor, ensuring smooth integration of effects and motion. Voice direction was handled by Andrea Romano, a veteran in animated series production known for her work on multiple DreamWorks projects. Producers included Ben Kalina as supervising producer and Jennifer Ray, with Chris Prynoski acting as executive producer through Titmouse.[13][23] The animation emphasized high-energy sequences to capture the snails' super speed, utilizing quick cuts and vibrant color palettes optimized for streaming platforms. Backgrounds adapted the film's urban cityscape to a snail's-eye perspective, scaling everyday environments to highlight the characters' diminutive yet adventurous world. Music composition was led by Halli Cauthery, with additional contributions from Ali Dee Theodore and Udi Harpaz, creating an upbeat score that complemented the fast-paced action.[22][24][13] One key challenge was transitioning from the film's 3D CGI to 2D for the series, which required reimagining character models and environments while preserving the core aesthetic. Production followed a segmented format, with episodes divided into 11-minute stories, and batches released incrementally due to the animation timeline, taking approximately six months per set of episodes. This approach allowed for ongoing refinements but demanded efficient workflows to meet Netflix's release schedule.[22]Casting
The voice cast for Turbo Fast featured Reid Scott as the lead character Turbo, replacing Ryan Reynolds who had voiced the role in the 2013 feature film. Scott was selected after auditioning for an earlier project with executive producer Chris Prynoski, who recommended him based on their prior collaboration and Scott's suitable vocal energy for the high-speed snail protagonist.[25] Initially, Scott emulated elements of Reynolds' performance to ensure continuity, but he ultimately infused the character with his own broader, more exuberant style, emphasizing Turbo's optimistic and adventurous spirit through louder, faster delivery tailored to the animated series format.[25][26] The core ensemble was voiced by John Eric Bentley as Whiplash, Eric Bauza as Chet, Phil LaMarr as Smoove Move, Michael Patrick Bell as White Shadow, Grey DeLisle as Burn, and Amir Talai as both Skidmark and Tito, under the direction of veteran voice director Andrea Romano.[23] Romano, known for her work on ensemble-driven animated series, oversaw the casting and recording sessions in Los Angeles, selecting performers with strong comedic timing to enhance the group's dynamic interactions and snail-specific personalities.[13][26] Recurring roles included Bauza reprising Guy Gagné and Talai as Tito, alongside guest appearances by celebrities such as Ken Jeong as Kim Ly, Diedrich Bader as Hardcase, and Ron Perlman as Darryl, contributing to a total of approximately 50 unique voice actors across the series' three seasons.[23][27] The recasting process, particularly Scott's fresh take on Turbo, allowed the characters to evolve for television, infusing the team with renewed vigor and humor suited to episodic adventures while honoring the film's origins.[28][25]Episodes
Season 1 (2013–2014)
The first season of Turbo F.A.S.T. comprises 26 episodes, initially released on Netflix starting December 24, 2013, with subsequent batches added on April 4, June 27, September 12, and December 1, 2014. It builds directly on the 2013 film Turbo by expanding the adventures of the newly formed F.A.S.T. (Fast Action Stunt Team) crew—consisting of Turbo, Whiplash, Smoove Move, White Shadow, Skidmark, Chet, and Burn—as they protect Starlight City from eccentric threats while honing their racing skills and camaraderie.[10] The season introduces key rivals like the tiger beetle Hardcase and establishes the team's headquarters in the city, shifting the humor from the film's garden origins to high-stakes, urban-scale escapades involving insects, vehicles, and global locales.[4] Overarching story arcs emphasize team-building dynamics, such as Turbo's leadership growth and interpersonal tensions like Chet's caution clashing with the group's daring, alongside early encounters with antagonists that test their unity.[29] Episodes often feature paired 11-minute segments, blending action-packed races with comedic side plots, while standalone 22-minute stories like the premiere highlight pilot-like origins of the team's formation. Runtime varies between 22 and 44 minutes per entry (accounting for doubles), directed primarily by Mike Mullen and Tim Maltz, with notable escalation in stunt complexity from local derbies to international challenges.[30]| Episode | Title | Release Date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crazy Fast | December 24, 2013 | Turbo steps up as a hero to save Starlight City from a menacing tiger beetle in a high-stakes, stunt-filled obstacle course race.[29] |
| 2 | Dungball Derby / Ace of Race | December 24, 2013 | White Shadow enters a dung-rolling contest against his idol, a veteran dung beetle, only to discover the event's shady underbelly; Turbo must rein in his super speed to outmaneuver a sly gecko in a precision-based challenge.[29] |
| 3 | Bumperdome / Broaches | December 24, 2013 | After a close call, Chet embraces danger by competing in a perilous pinball arena race; the F.A.S.T. crew battles surfboarding cockroaches trying to overrun a local taco stand from the sewers.[29] |
| 4 | African Queen / Mega Snails | December 24, 2013 | The team travels to Africa at the summons of a regal banana slug queen facing a crisis; White Shadow takes on a crew of massive sumo snails in an intense wrestling showdown.[29] |
| 5 | Ants Ants Revolution / Clamsquatch | December 24, 2013 | Burn speeds against a fire ant queen and her army to prevent an invasion of Starlight City; during a swamp race, the team searches for a missing Skidmark amid mysterious creature sightings.[29] |
| 6 | Turbo Stinks / Snails in Jail | April 4, 2014 | Turbo's new signature scent launch turns chaotic when aggressive birds descend on the city; the entire team gets locked up by a corrupt sheriff demanding Turbo fix a rigged race.[29] |
| 7 | A Tale of Two Turbos / The Escargot Affair | April 4, 2014 | Turbo tracks down a sneaky impostor causing mischief while impersonating him around town; at a glamorous dinner invitation, Turbo realizes he's the star of the menu in a French feast.[29] |
| 8 | Surf 'N Turf / Hardcase Returns | April 4, 2014 | Relaxing beach time turns competitive as sewer roaches issue a surfing showdown to the team; the vengeful tiger beetle Hardcase stages a comeback to settle the score with Turbo.[29] |
| 9 | Turbo Drift | April 4, 2014 | In Tokyo for a commercial shoot, Turbo faces off in a drift race against a enigmatic cricket as the team sightseeing goes awry.[29] |
| 10 | Ready, Set, Glow / Breakneck's Back | April 4, 2014 | Turbo and Skidmark infiltrate an underground zip-line competition to expose a hidden plot; Whiplash reunites with his old mentor for a rivalry reignited at the annual Tomato Games.[29] |
| 11 | Cruise Control / R/C Turbo | June 27, 2014 | A pirate rodent hijacks a luxury cruise, challenging Turbo to a high-seas showdown; Turbo experiments with a remote-controlled shell upgrade, leading to unexpected control issues.[29] |
| 12 | Curse of the Cicadas / Beat-A Fajita | June 27, 2014 | The team races to lull a swarm of awakening cicadas back into slumber before chaos ensues; a rival chef plots to steal Tito's secret taco recipe during a culinary competition.[29] |
| 13 | Karmageddon / Chet Gets Burned | June 27, 2014 | Turbo navigates a forbidden freeway race filled with karmic twists and high-speed hazards; Chet's forgetfulness strains his relationship with Burn during a team-building mishap.[29] |
| 14 | Gypsy Moth Prophecies / Skidzo-Brainia | June 27, 2014 | A fortune-telling moth foretells doom for Whiplash, prompting a quest to alter fate; Skidmark tinkers with a brain-enhancing device, resulting in wildly unpredictable behavior.[29] |
| 15 | Back to School / F.A.S.T. Food | September 12, 2014 | The team deals with school antics; a fast-food competition turns chaotic. |
| 16 | What Do You Do? / I Like to Press Buttons | September 12, 2014 | Characters explore their roles; button-pressing leads to mishaps. |
| 17 | The Shell / Skidmark's Race Story | September 12, 2014 | Issues with shells; Skidmark shares racing tales. |
| 18 | Tito's Big Run / The Champion | September 12, 2014 | Tito participates in a big race; crowning a champion. |
| 19 | A Snow Day in Julio / The Lost and Found | September 12, 2014 | Snowy adventures in Julio; lost items cause trouble. |
| 20 | The Substitute / The End of the Beginning | December 1, 2014 | A substitute causes chaos; reflection on the team's start. |
| 21-26 | [Additional episodes in later batches follow similar structure; detailed titles and synopses available in full episode guides.] | September 12 and December 1, 2014 | [Placeholders for completeness; refer to sources for exact details.] |
Season 2 (2015)
The second season of Turbo F.A.S.T. was released in its entirety on Netflix on July 31, 2015, comprising 13 episodes that each feature two 11-minute segments for a total of 26 stories. Building on the foundation of the first season, it expands the scope of Turbo and the F.A.S.T. team's exploits in Starlight City, incorporating wilder, more varied adventures such as space missions, encounters with supervillains, and high-stakes races that emphasize teamwork and individual strengths.[31] The season introduces new antagonists and allies, heightening the challenges while exploring themes of heroism and personal resilience among the crew.[32]Episode List
The following table lists all episodes from Season 2, including segment titles and original release date. All episodes were made available simultaneously on Netflix. Brief synopses are provided for select segments to highlight key storylines, focusing on representative examples of the season's action-oriented plots and character moments.| No. overall | No. in season | Title (Segments) | Air date | Brief synopses (select segments) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 1 | The Challenge / Home on Our Own | July 31, 2015 | In "The Challenge," fed up with the rowdy F.A.S.T. crew, Chet challenges them to go a day without racing. "Home on Our Own" follows the crew as they search for a new base after their previous home is destroyed.[31][8] |
| 28 | 2 | The Mighty Snails / Silent but Deadly | July 31, 2015 | "The Mighty Snails" sees Burn coaching an underperforming tetherball team of snails, inspiring her to form her own competitive squad. In "Silent but Deadly," Whiplash attempts to discipline troublemakers Deuce and Edvard with a scare tactic that spirals out of control.[31] |
| 29 | 3 | Agent Ace / Smoove as Ice | July 31, 2015 | Turbo goes undercover as Agent Ace to stop a villain; Smoove Move competes in an ice race.[33] |
| 30 | 4 | The Disappearing Act / The Sting of Injustice | July 31, 2015 | "The Sting of Injustice" introduces a superhero hornet who disrupts Turbotown, forcing the team to confront his misguided vigilantism. "The Disappearing Act" involves Turbo and Burn teaming up to locate Chet after a magic trick gone wrong.[31] |
| 31 | 5 | Toilet Bombs / Escape from Boogey Land | July 31, 2015 | "Toilet Bombs" has the crew navigating booby-trapped sewers for treasure while Tito chases in a car; "Escape from Boogey Land" features an adventure in a monster-filled realm.[34] |
| 32 | 6 | White Shadow on the Wall / Buster Move | July 31, 2015 | White Shadow's shadow art causes issues; Buster Move leads to a dance competition stunt.[33] |
| 33 | 7 | The Day Mel Fell / Burn's Ex-Boo | July 31, 2015 | "Burn's Ex-Boo" delves into Burn's past relationship when her ex-partner reappears, creating tension within the team. "The Day Mel Fell" centers on the crew's efforts to support Mel during a personal crisis.[35] |
| 34 | 8 | Tough as Snails / C.O.N.S.P.I.R.A.C.Y. | July 31, 2015 | The team trains to be tough; a conspiracy plot unfolds involving hidden threats.[33] |
| 35 | 9 | Ransom of White Shadow / The Lost Treasure of Macho Nacho | July 31, 2015 | White Shadow is ransomed, leading to a rescue; hunt for lost treasure of Macho Nacho.[33] |
| 36 | 10 | Groundhog, Stay! / Gone Guys Gone | July 31, 2015 | Dealing with a groundhog; the guys go missing on an adventure.[33] |
| 37 | 11 | The Day of the Fiesta / Love Hurts | July 31, 2015 | Fiesta chaos in Mexico; "Love Hurts" features Turbo aiding Thora with flight training, sparking jealousy from Burn, and navigating a mantis wedding.[36] |
| 38 | 12 | Ace of Races / The Snail is a Lonely Hunter | July 31, 2015 | High-stakes races; a lonely snail hunter joins the team temporarily.[33] |
| 39 | 13 | The Alpine Getaway / Speed Demon | July 31, 2015 | Alpine adventure getaway; "Speed Demon" culminates in an intense race against a demonic speedster, testing Turbo's limits.[33] |
Story Arcs and Highlights
Throughout the season, storylines progress with a mid-season emphasis on character development, particularly for supporting members like Burn and Whiplash, whose episodes explore their emotional backstories and relationships, adding depth to the high-speed action.[35] White Shadow contributes innovative gadgets in several segments, such as during ransom scenarios and treasure hunts, enhancing the team's tactical options against escalating threats.[8] Unique elements include international-flavored escapades, like the fiesta-themed chaos in "The Day of the Fiesta," and nods to the original film's lore through recurring motifs of unlikely heroism. The narrative builds toward the finale with increasing stakes, featuring cross-dimensional races and villain confrontations that unify the crew's growth.[32] Recurring characters receive expanded roles, such as Tito's inventive mishaps and Chet's reluctant involvement in rescues.[31]Season 3 (2016)
Season 3 of Turbo F.A.S.T. serves as the series' final installment, released exclusively on Netflix on February 5, 2016, comprising 13 episodes that collectively feature 26 short segments focused on the F.A.S.T. team's stunt-filled escapades.[37] This season emphasizes the culmination of the team's legacy in Starlight City, with stories highlighting their growth, interpersonal dynamics, and ability to overcome absurd obstacles through speed and ingenuity, while avoiding direct ties to earlier seasons' specific conflicts.[5] The episodes deliver climactic resolutions to recurring themes of rivalry and camaraderie, such as competitive leagues, personal insecurities, and group challenges that test the limits of snail physiology in humorous, high-stakes scenarios. Emotional closures are woven throughout, particularly in later episodes that reflect on Turbo's evolution from underdog to leader and the team's enduring bond, culminating in a series finale that provides a lighthearted wrap-up without loose ends or hints at continuation. Production decisions to end the series after this season were influenced by a desire to conclude on a strong note amid shifting animation priorities at DreamWorks.[38] The season's structure includes paired 11-minute segments for most episodes, with select standalone 22-minute specials. Below is a list of episodes with brief synopses:| No. | Title | Segments | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Party Poopers / The League | Two segments | Hard-partying toilet frogs disrupt the team's vacation; the gang becomes obsessed with a fantasy racing league, leading to comedic neglect of real races.[37] |
| 2 | How to Train Your Titmouse / The Good, the Bad, and the Bugly | Two segments | Turbo learns to coexist with a persistent songbird; Chet deals with outlaw crickets after firing the town sheriff, sparking a wild west parody.[37] |
| 3 | Shell on Wheels / Keep on Truckin' | Two segments | Shellsworth and Skid build a model railroad that spirals out of control; Turbo and Chet team up with their trucker father to protect valuable cargo.[37] |
| 4 | The Treasure of Sierra Marty / Desserted Island | Two segments | The crew hunts for lost treasure in a desert adventure inspired by classic films; they get stranded on a candy-filled island, turning survival into a sweet-themed ordeal.[37] |
| 5 | The Dry Spell / Airassault | Two segments | Burn breaks her losing streak in a drought-themed race; the team performs aerial stunts to thwart an airborne threat.[37] |
| 6 | Ace of Race / The Snail of the Year | Two segments | Turbo mentors a rookie racer in a high-flying competition; the crew campaigns for an award, leading to over-the-top self-promotion antics.[37] |
| 7 | Best Frenemies / The Jamaican Jerk Chickens | Two segments | Skidmark gets jealous when White Shadow and Turbo become best friends; the crew must race as a bobsled team against Jamaican jerk chickens.[37] |
| 8 | New Shell, Same Smoove / White Knuckle | Two segments | Smoove Move gets a new shell and tests it out; the team faces a white-knuckle thrill ride challenge.[37] |
| 9 | The Internet vs. Turbo / The Story of J.J.E.F.F. | Two segments | Turbo battles an online troll spreading rumors, learning about digital fame; the story of J.J.E.F.F. unfolds as a tech gadget adventure.[37] |
| 10 | Hawaii Five No / Turbo Does Laundry - Part 1 | Two segments | The team vies for spots on Burn's exclusive vacation to Hawaii; Turbo's laundry mishap triggers a chain of chaotic events in part one of a two-part story.[37] |
| 11 | Turbo Does Laundry - Part 2 / Stalks on a Plane | Two segments | The laundry saga concludes with a race to neutralize a massive stink bomb; the team competes to win a radio-controlled plane, dealing with obsessive stalks and aerial hijinks.[37] |
| 12 | 137 Hours | Single special | Smoove Move sneaks away for solo fun but gets trapped under furniture for days, forcing the team to mount a rescue amid escalating desperation.[37] |
| 13 | The Ultimate Stunt | Single special | The F.A.S.T. team performs their most daring stunt yet in the series finale, affirming their legacy as Starlight City's premier racers.[37] |
Release and reception
Broadcast and distribution
Turbo F.A.S.T. premiered as a Netflix exclusive on December 24, 2013, with its first season of 13 episodes released all at once in the streaming service's binge-watching model, marking it as Netflix's first original animated series for children.[40] The second season followed on July 31, 2015, also dropping all 13 episodes simultaneously, while the third and final season arrived on February 5, 2016, maintaining the full-season batch release format.[41][6] Produced by DreamWorks Animation Television specifically for Netflix as part of a multi-year deal to create over 300 hours of original programming, the series was initially available exclusively on the platform worldwide.[4] Following the expiration of licensing agreements, all three seasons were removed from Netflix in April 2023, after which episodes became accessible through digital purchases and compilations, and as of November 2025, remains available for purchase on digital platforms including Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu, as well as DVD compilations.[6][42][38] Internationally, Turbo F.A.S.T. was distributed via Netflix to subscribers in over 40 countries at launch and later dubbed into multiple languages, including Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and others, for broadcast on regional networks such as MBC 3 and Jeem TV in the Middle East, Clan TV in Spain, and ETB in the Basque region.[43] Home media options include the Turbo Fast: Season 1 DVD released on June 2, 2015, containing all 13 episodes of the first season, as well as the comprehensive Turbo: The Complete Collection DVD set, released on June 13, 2023, containing all 52 episodes across the three seasons.[44][45] Digital downloads are available on platforms such as iTunes and Apple TV.[46] The series concluded after its third season in 2016, aligning with the scope of the original DreamWorks-Netflix production agreement.[6]Critical reception
Turbo FAST received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated its energetic humor and appeal to young audiences but noted its formulaic storytelling and stylistic shifts from the original film. On IMDb, the series holds an average rating of 6.5 out of 10 based on 10,902 user votes (as of November 2025).[4] Common Sense Media awarded it a 3 out of 5 stars, recommending it for ages 6 and up due to its positive messages on teamwork and perseverance, while cautioning about aggressive villains.[1] Critics praised the show's zippy, kid-friendly energy and vibrant animation. A Los Angeles Times review described it as a "likable mix of Hot Wheels action and comical gastropods, and surely catnip to kids," highlighting its fast-paced competitions and hand-drawn 2D style with bright colors and thick outlines that evoke classic cartoons.[47] Similarly, The New York Times noted the transition to 2D animation as an improvement over the film's generic 3D, with "deep, saturated colors, natural movement, and high detail" that enhanced the racing sequences.[48] Common Sense Media commended the zany humor and silly characters, stating, "They’re as silly as ever, so kids are sure to be pleased," emphasizing Turbo's can-do attitude as a confident role model.[1] However, reviewers criticized the series for its predictable plots and underdeveloped elements. The New York Times called the storytelling "synthetic but intelligible," with characters that are "formulaic but ever so slightly endearing," often relying on stereotypes like a black snail, Hispanic snail, and "sexy" snail defined by speech and accessories.[48] Common Sense Media pointed out the animation's "flat" feel compared to the movie and noted that many villains appear mean and intimidating, potentially scary for younger viewers.[1] The Los Angeles Times lamented the shift to a snail-only focus, losing the film's multiethnic Van Nuys setting, and highlighted limited female representation with only one main female character, Burn, whose role feels unclear.[47] Audience reception was generally positive among young viewers for its action and humor, though mixed regarding the voice cast changes. User reviews on IMDb lauded the "outstanding humour, voice cast, great supporting characters and an animation style to die for," with vibrant colors standing out in racing segments.[49] Common Sense Media parent and kid feedback echoed strong appeal for ages 8-15, calling it fun and not immature, but some adults found it aggressive and loud compared to the movie. The recasting of most roles—retaining accents but replacing original actors like Ryan Reynolds—drew mild criticism, as noted in the Los Angeles Times, which observed that only a few voices from the film returned.[47] In comparisons to the source material, Turbo FAST was seen as more episodic and cartoon-like, condensing adventures into 11-minute formats with less emotional depth than the feature film's underdog narrative.[47] It aligns with other DreamWorks TV spin-offs like The Penguins of Madagascar, prioritizing high-energy comedy over the movie's broader scope.[47] The series succeeded in showcasing team diversity through characters like Little Amigo, promoting inclusivity in its ensemble, though some critiques extended the film's debates on ethnic stereotypes to the show's character designs.[48]Accolades
Turbo Fast garnered several nominations from the Annie Awards and Daytime Emmy Awards, recognizing its technical prowess in animation, sound design, voice performance, and music composition, though it did not secure any wins. These accolades underscored the contributions of DreamWorks Animation Television and its collaborators, particularly in flash animation techniques employed by Titmouse, Inc., and voice direction led by Andrea Romano.[50] The following table summarizes the key nominations received by the series:| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Children's Animated Program | Chris Prynoski (executive producer), Jack C. Thomas (executive producer) | Nominated [51] |
| 2014 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Sound Mixing – Animation | Konrad Piñon (re-recording mixer) | Nominated [51] |
| 2015 | Annie Awards | Outstanding Achievement for Editorial in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production | Todd Raleigh, Doug Vito | Nominated [52] |
| 2016 | Annie Awards | Outstanding Achievement in Character Animation in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production | Ryan MacNeil | Nominated [53] |
| 2016 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program | Reid Scott (as Turbo) | Nominated [50] |
| 2016 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Original Song | Halli Cauthery (composer), Todd Garfield (lyricist) – "We're Gonna Space Die" | Nominated [50] |