Channel Umptee-3 is a Saturday morning animated television series created by Jim George and produced by Norman Lear that aired on The WB in 1997. Ogden Ostrich, Sheldon S. Cargo, and Holey Moley drive around the world in a van with their own underground television station, while fleeing the wrath of corporate-villain Stickley Rickets. This one-season cartoon show was designed to teach kids to appreciate the wonders of everyday things, such as sleep and water. The title is derived from the fictitious number “umpteen.”
WriterMark Evanier
The Music Show
Oct 25, 1997
Ogden steals a band-leader's orchestra baton and tries to learn the meaning of music. Stickley must possess this thing called 'music' and kidnaps Clifton to make music for him.
Umptee Sunrise
Nov 1, 1997
Ogden Ostrich, Sheldon S. Cargo, and Holey Moley (a mole, of course) drive around the world in a van with their own underground television station, while fleeing the wrath of corporate-villain Stickley Rickets.
The U.F.O. Show
Nov 8, 1997
When Ogden becomes convinced that UFO's are real and extra-terrestrials exist, Professor Relevant explains that, according to scientific evidence, life only exists on Earth.
What's So Funny?
Nov 15, 1997
Ogden tries to understand what makes something funny and how laughter can be the best medicine. Meanwhile, Stickley tries to buy laughter and copyright it.
The Now Voyagers
Nov 22, 1997
Ogden goes on a personal search for an answer to an elusive question: 'What is now and when is now?' Stickley doesn't know the answer, but he loves the concept of making all his tenants pay their rent now, and yearns for it always to be now.
Just Add Water
Dec 6, 1997
As Ogden tries to find the perfect location for the opening of the water show, the gang explores the concept of water and learns that Sheldon can't swim and that he is afraid of water. Meanwhile, Stickley drops the Umptees in the middle of the Sahara.
Perchance to Dream
Dec 19, 1997
When Ogden has a terrible nightmare, he and the gang learn about sleep and dreams. In the meantime, Stickley instructs Bud and Ed to tire out the Umptees by keeping them awake so he can put them in a box once and for all.
Sale of the Century
Jan 2, 1998
Ogden discovers the 'magic' of money when gumball machines turn quarters into gum. Meanwhile, Stickley offers Ogden a million dollars to buy the station. Will Ogden succumb to the lure of wealth?
The Fear Show
Jan 9, 1998
No description available.
Weather or Not
Jan 16, 1998
As rain ruins Sheldon's kite show, the gang explores the concept of weather. Meanwhile, Stickley hopes to get rid of the Umptees by luring them into the eye of a terrible storm.
Yours, Mine, and Ours
Feb 6, 1998
The concept of possession captures the gang's attention as Sheldon and Ogden argue over the ownership of 'The Harvey Award,' a chocolate bunny that was presented to Channel Umptee-3.
The Whole Truth
Feb 13, 1998
Ogden lies to the gang about his mother's illness when, instead of rescheduling the show, he has a great time at a party. In the meantime, Stickley wants to capture the 'Little White Lie' in order to take over the world.
Words Are Weird
Feb 20, 1998
Ogden asks why some sounds have meaning and others don't, and why some are words and others are not?
