'Father of the Pride'

'Father of the Pride':

Father of the Pride is a comedy series that centers on a pride of white lions that perform in the world-famous Las Vegas act of Siegfried & Roy. It is the first computer-generated-imaging (CGI) primetime series for a major broadcast network.

'Father of the Pride' Cast:

John Goodman (Roseanne) Orlando Jones (Magnolia) Emmy winner Carl Reiner (The Dick Van Dyke Show) and Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) star in Father of the Pride

Goodman will play Larry, a hard-working white lion in the revue while Hines will portray his wife Kate, a white lioness. Reiner will be Sarmoti, another white lion who is Kate's father, who clashes with Larry on every subject imaginable. Jones' character is Snack, a mischievous gopher and Larry's best friend.

Siegfried and Roy? Really?:

CGI versions of Siegfried & Roy will also be featured in the series. The popular duo's Las Vegas production was the longest-running and most-famous act on or near the Strip, and each show sold out during an 11-year run. The world-renowned spectacle was filled with elaborate sets, costumes, eye-popping illusions and a cast of live exotic animals.

What's The Big Deal?:

Goodman, Jones, Reiner and Hines lend their talents to the half-hour series that will incorporate much of the cheeky, edgy and ironic humor that proved so popular in the DreamWorks smash hit Shrek. Plus, it's the most expensive animated show ever made.

'Father of the Pride' Reviews:

Steve Robinson of TVGuide.com says,"Let this be a lesson to all you TV-industry wannabes: animating lions through Computer Generated Imaging doesn't make them funny. Unfortunately, funny is what the "com" part of sitcom is all about. Here, we have good "sit"; but bad "com." "

FilmForce says,"But Father of the Pride is so much more than crude humor. The plotlines are fun, intelligent and well thought out. The cast of characters is varied and always engaging to watch."

Regardless, the cartoon was canceled after only a few episodes.