Draft:List of Animal Transformation in television series

• Comment: Many of the sources that you cited link to user-generated content such as IMDb, YouTube, blogs, wiki sites, etc - please note that these are not reliable sources and should be removed from the draft before resubmitting. Thanks.
  Specifically, all references appear to link to Fandom wikis, which are not reliable sources. ~Liance^talk 12:37, 12 September 2024 (UTC)

• Comment: You need to cite sources and finish filling out the list. But it's a good start! Dr vulpes (Talk) 07:44, 7 September 2024 (UTC)

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Animal transformations in television series have long captured the imaginations of audiences across various genres, blending fantasy, science fiction, comedy, and drama. These transformations, where characters shift into creatures—be they mythical beasts or everyday animals—have become a captivating storytelling device that adds layers of magic, tension, and symbolism to narratives. Such transformations often serve as a visual metaphor for a character's internal struggles or their journey of self-discovery. In many cases, these transformations bring humor, as characters must navigate the challenges of living in a foreign body, providing comic relief amid more serious plotlines. At the same time, they often heighten drama, as the transformation can signal danger, personal growth, or the unleashing of powers that are uncontrollable or unknown.

The trope of animal transformation is rooted in ancient mythology and folklore, where shapeshifting was commonly associated with powerful sorcery, divine intervention, or curses. These age-old themes have seamlessly translated into modern television, enriching character arcs and immersing viewers in fantastical worlds. Series from fantasy epics to family-friendly sitcoms have embraced this device, offering a wide range of transformations—whether it's a human turning into a fierce lion, a mischievous cat, or even more exotic creatures like dragons or phoenixes. Audiences are drawn to the blend of realism and magic, where sophisticated special effects, combined with character-driven plots, make the impossible seem plausible.

These transformations often reveal deeper truths about identity, adaptability, and power dynamics within the story. In shows aimed at younger audiences, transformations allow characters to experience life from a different perspective, promoting empathy and personal growth. In fantasy or action-adventure series, these shifts can be a tool for combat, a way of blending into environments, or even a temporary curse that must be overcome through resilience and cunning. Whether for humor, suspense, or emotional depth, the concept of animal transformation in television series continues to engage viewers, offering a compelling mix of visual spectacle, thematic depth, and narrative surprise.

As technology has advanced, so too has the representation of animal transformations in television, with CGI and prosthetics creating ever-more realistic depictions of these magical shifts. This has allowed for even more creative explorations of this trope, ensuring its place as a staple in storytelling across genres. Whether exploring themes of magic, identity, power, or transformation itself, the device of turning characters into animals has remained timeless, ensuring it remains a beloved and intriguing part of the television landscape.

Animorphs

"Animorphs," an American television series based on K.A. Applegate’s popular book series of the same name, aired from 1998 to 1999. The show, produced by Scholastic Productions and Protocol Entertainment, adapted the first 13 books of the 54-book series, combining elements of science fiction, fantasy, and drama to explore themes of identity, responsibility, and the struggle between good and evil. The series gained a dedicated fan base, particularly among pre-teens and teenagers, due to its unique premise and thought-provoking storylines.

Golden Retriever: A friendly and intelligent dog breed known for its loyalty, trainability, and gentle nature, often used as a family pet and working dog.

• Season 1, Episode 1 - "My Name is Jake, Part 1": Jake is introduced and discovers the ability to transform into different animals through the acquisition of the morphing power.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

In the 1997 Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show, animal transformations occur a few times, usually as a result of magic, spells, or supernatural influences. One notable example is in the Season 2 episode "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered." In this episode, Xander accidentally causes every woman in Sunnydale to fall in love with him due to a love spell gone wrong. Cordelia, Xander's then-girlfriend, becomes the object of extreme jealousy, and Buffy, under the influence of the spell, is briefly transformed into a rat by Amy, a witch trying to fend off the chaos.

The transformation of Buffy into a rat adds a humorous element to the storyline and is symbolic of the misdirected and uncontrollable nature of magic in the Buffy universe. While Buffy remains in her rat form for most of the episode, she is later restored to her human self by the end.

Amy Madison

Rat

• Season 3, Episode 11 - "Gingerbread": In this episode, Sunnydale experiences a moral panic after two young children are found murdered, supposedly by witches. As a result, a witch hunt begins, and Amy, Willow, and Buffy are accused of witchcraft and are about to be burned at the stake. To escape, Amy quickly casts a spell on herself to avoid capture, but instead of teleporting away or using a defensive spell, she accidentally transforms herself into a rat.
• Season 6, Episode 9 - "Smashed": The transformation happens when Willow casually uses her magic to reverse Amy's rat state, showcasing Willow's increased magical abilities. This scene marks Amy's return as a human and a more significant role in the ongoing storyline. After being turned back into a human, Amy expresses her confusion, having missed out on several years of life while she was a rat.

Buffy Summers

Rat

• Season 2, Episode 16 - "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.": Buffy is briefly turned into a rat due to a spell cast by Xander that backfires. She is eventually returned to her human form.

Mayor Richard Wilkins

Snake

• Season 3, Episode 22 - "Graduation Day, Part 2": The transformation occurs during the high school's graduation ceremony. Mayor Wilkins, who had been planning the Ascension for over a century, finally enacts the ritual. As he begins his speech, the sky darkens, and the students and parents in attendance grow uneasy. Suddenly, the Mayor starts to convulse and grow in size. Mayor Wilkins' body elongates and swells as he morphs into an enormous snake-like demon, known as Olvikan. His face distorts, and he loses his human form entirely, becoming a massive, terrifying serpent with scales and a grotesque appearance. The transformation sequence is accompanied by dramatic music and intense special effects for its time. The Mayor's new form is enormous, towering over the crowd and destroying parts of the stage as he completes his transformation. Buffy had anticipated the Mayor's transformation and prepared the students for battle. As chaos erupts, the students, led by Buffy, spring into action, fighting the Mayor’s vampire henchmen while trying to evade the giant snake demon. Buffy draws the giant serpent away from the crowd by taunting him, using her speed and wit to keep the Mayor's attention. Buffy lures the Mayor into the school building, where explosives had been planted. As the giant snake pursues her, she manages to escape, and the explosives are detonated, blowing up the entire school, killing the Mayor once and for all.

Oz (Daniel "Oz" Osbourne)

Wolf

• Season 2, Episode 15 - "Phases": The transformation happens at night during the full moon. Oz has started to suspect something unusual about himself but hasn't fully realized that he’s turning into a werewolf. After receiving a call from his aunt, who reveals that his young cousin bit him, Oz pieces together that the bite was responsible for his condition. As night falls, Oz's body begins to undergo a painful transformation. His face distorts as his human features change into that of a wolf-like creature. His teeth elongate, his muscles bulk up, and his body contorts into a monstrous form. The transformation isn't shown in graphic detail but focuses more on the emotional turmoil and physical pain Oz experiences during the change. Once fully transformed, Oz is no longer in control of his actions and becomes a dangerous, primal werewolf. He roams the woods, a threat to anyone who crosses his path. Buffy and the gang eventually confront him, but it’s not until morning, when Oz returns to his human form, that the situation de-escalates.

Veruca

Wolf

• Season 4: Episode 6 - "Wild at Heart": In this episode, Oz discovers that Veruca is also a werewolf, and their connection becomes dangerous as their animal instincts take over during the full moon. This episode culminates in a confrontation where Veruca fully transforms into a wolf, leading to a tragic outcome.

Xander

Hyena

• Season 1, Episode 6 - "The Pack": Xander and a group of students are possessed by the spirits of hyenas during a school trip to the zoo. Though they do not physically transform into hyenas, they take on the animal's predatory behaviors and personalities.

Charmed

In Charmed, animal transformations are a recurring theme and are usually connected to the magical abilities of the Halliwell sisters or other characters. Here are some notable examples:

Phoebe Halliwell

Cat:

• Season 1, Episode 8 - "The Truth Is Out There... and It Hurts": In this episode, Piper and Phoebe transform into a lion and a mouse while trying to protect an innocent.

Unicorn:

• Season 4, Episode 14 - “The Three Faces of Phoebe”: Phoebe transforms into a variety of mythical creatures, including a unicorn.
• Season 5, Episode 3 - “Happily Ever After”: Phoebe transforms into a unicorn during a magical mishap.

Piper Halliwell

Dog:

• Season 1, Episode 8 - “The Truth Is Out There... And It Hurts”: In this episode, Piper and Phoebe transform into a lion and a mouse while trying to protect an innocent.
• Season 1, Episode 22 - “Deja Vu All Over Again”: Piper was transformed into a dog along with Piper who transforms into a cat, respectively, as part of a plot by a witch who wants to kill them.

Prue Halliwell

Cat

• Season 1, Episode 22 - “Deja Vu All Over Again”: Prue was transformed into a cat along with Piper who transforms into a dog, respectively, as part of a plot by a witch who wants to kill them.
• Season 3, Episode 4 - "All Halliwell's Eve": This episode focuses on the Halliwell sisters traveling back in time to the 17th century to help a witch named "Grace" save her from being burned at the stake.

Lion

• Season 1, Episode 17 - “That ’70s Episode”: Piper is turned into a lion by a spell that goes wrong.

Paige Matthews

Fish

• Season 6, Episode 20 - "A Wrong Day's Journey into Right": Piper experiences a unique transformation into a fish. The episode revolves around the sisters continuing their battle against various evil forces, and Piper’s transformation into a fish occurs due to the magical hijinks they face. This transformation is one of the lighter and more whimsical moments in the episode, fitting in with the show's supernatural themes and frequent use of transformations and spells gone wrong. The title of the episode itself suggests a twist on a typical "wrong" day in the magical lives of the Halliwell sisters.

Every Witch Way

"Every Witch Way" is a popular show that follows Emma Alonso, a teenage witch who must balance her magical life with high school challenges. The series features a variety of magical transformations, including those into animals. Here’s a rundown of animal transformations in the show:

Emma Alonso

Cat:

• Season 1, Episode 1 - "The New Girl": Emma’s first day at her new school involves some magical mishaps. She accidentally transforms into a cat while trying to avoid a confrontation with the school’s popular girls. The transformation helps her avoid detection and adds to the comedic elements of the episode.
• Season 1, Episode 2 - "The Magic Begins: Emma’s first transformation happens when she’s trying to hide from her new magical responsibilities. The cat transformation is triggered by her anxiety and excitement about her new magical life.
• Season 1, Episode 8 - "The Transformation": Emma accidentally turns into a cat.
• Season 2, Episode 22 - "The Final Spell": In the season finale, Emma’s transformation into a cat plays a key role in a climactic confrontation. She uses her agility and stealth as a cat to outmaneuver her opponents and resolve the main conflict of the season.

Dog:

• Season 1, Episode 6 - "The Perfect Spell": Emma transforms into a dog to avoid detection while sneaking around the school.
• Season 1, Episode 7 - "The Secret": To retrieve a stolen magical item, Emma turns into a dog. This transformation is crucial for tracking the thief and retrieving the item without being noticed. Emma’s abilities as a dog showcase her resourcefulness.
• Season 2, Episode 3 - "The Big Move": Emma transforms into a lion to help her friends in a dangerous situation. This transformation demonstrates her growing control over her powers.

Elephant

• Season 2, Episode 5 - "The Truth Revealed": In an effort to save her friends from a dangerous situation, Emma transforms into an elephant. This transformation is used for its size and strength, allowing Emma to overcome obstacles and protect her friends effectively.
• Season 2, Episode 7 - "The Witch Is Out": Emma turns into an elephant during a spell gone wrong, leading to comedic situations and chaos.
• Season 2, Episode 8 - "The Test": Emma turns into an elephant during a magical event.

Lion

• Season 1, Episode 15 - "The Spell": During a magical duel, Emma uses her ability to transform into a lion to defend herself and her friends. The lion transformation is particularly powerful and demonstrates Emma’s strength and control over her magic.
• Season 3, Episode 20 - "The Ultimate Showdown": In the series finale, Emma’s transformation into a lion is pivotal in the final battle. Her lion form allows her to confront the main antagonist and protect her friends in a dramatic and action-packed conclusion.

Parrot

• Season 3, Episode 5 - "The Magic Is Back": Emma transforms into a parrot during a spell. This transformation is used to spy on someone and gather information.

Tiger

• Season 3, Episode 11 - "The Ultimate Test": Emma, facing a magical challenge, transforms into a tiger to gain strength and power.

Andi

Rabbit

• Season 3, Episode 12 - "The Revelation": Andi transforms into a rabbit.

Squirrel

• Season 2, Episode 12 - "The Lost Wand": Andi transforms into a squirrel to assist Emma and the team in retrieving a lost magical item.
• Season 3, Episode 3 - "The New Powers": Andi experiments with her new magical abilities and transforms into a squirrel. This transformation is used for spying and gathering information, highlighting the versatility of her powers.

Daniel

Hawk

• Season 3, Episode 10 - "The Big Reveal: Daniel uses his hawk transformation to scout the area and gather information from the sky. This transformation is crucial for planning a strategy and dealing with magical threats.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch

In the 1996 Sabrina the Teenage Witch series, Sabrina Spellman frequently undergoes transformations into various animals and mythical creatures, often triggered by her own spells. These transformations happen for a variety of reasons, including her volunteering to cast spells, transform herself to explore or investigated options, comedic plot elements, chaotic events, escaping tricky situations, or magical mishaps. Sometimes, the transformations serve as lessons in responsibility or patience, while other times they are a result of accidents during her magical adventures. Each transformation tends to lead to humorous or unexpected situations that Sabrina must navigate to return to her normal self.

In addition to Sabrina's transformations, other characters in the series also experience being turned into animals or mythical creatures. These transformations are sometimes caused by Sabrina’s spells, accidental magic, or external magical forces. Often, these scenarios result in comedic misunderstandings, emotional growth, or important character moments. Whether it’s Sabrina or someone else, these transformations are central to the magical chaos that defines the show, showcasing how magic, though useful, often comes with unexpected consequences.

Sabrina Spellman

Animals

Bat:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Bear:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Bird

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Cat:

• Season 1, Episode 1 - Pilot:

Crocodile:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Deer:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Dog:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Elephant:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Ferret:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Fish:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Fox:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Goat:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Lion:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Lizard:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Monkey:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Mouse:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Parrot:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Pig:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Rabbit:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Sheep:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Turtle:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Zebra:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Mythical creatures

Dragon: Occasionally transformed for magical or dramatic scenarios.

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Fairy: Transformed for magical or whimsical purposes.

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Gargoyle: Used for intimidating or mystical purposes.

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Hippogriff: Employed for its mythical and majestic qualities.

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Mermaid: Used for underwater adventures or magical scenarios.

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Nymph: Transformed for enchanting or natural situations.

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Phoenix: Transformed for dramatic or rebirth-themed scenarios.

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Sphinx: Employed for its riddle-related or mystical qualities.

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Unicorn: Used for magical or fantastical situations.

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Non-Animals/Humans

Clown:

• Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Other Characters

Aaron

• Goldfish:
  • Season TBA, Episode TBA: When Aunt Irma learns that Aaron, Sabrina's fiance, is a mortal she turns him into a goldfish. He's turned back into a human by the end of the episode.

Harvey

• Beast:

• • Season TBA, Episode TBA:

• Dog:

• • Season TBA, Episode TBA:

• Frog:

• • Season TBA, Episode TBA:

Libby

• Goat:

• • Season TBA, Episode TBA: In one episode while Sabrina in a bad mood. When Libby attempts to bully her, Sabrina turns her into a goat!

Ron

• Deer:

• • Season TBA, Episode TBA: Zelda has a date with a man named Ron. However, Hilda is having trouble with her powers and she unintentionally turns him into a deer. Whether Ron is later turned back into a man, or has to spend the rest of his life as a deer is never revealed.

Wansapanataym

In the Filipino TV series Wansapanataym, transformations, including animal transformations, were a common theme in various episodes due to its focus on magical realism and fantasy. These transformations often involved characters learning important life lessons. Some episodes featured magical objects, spells, or curses causing the transformations.

Maya

Ant:

• Maya, Ang Nagmamahal Na Langgam:

Pam

Butterfly:

• Si Pam Pabaya at ang mga Payaso:

Witches of East End

Witches of East End, a supernatural drama series that aired from 2013 to 2014, revolves around the Beauchamp family, a group of witches living in East End, New York. Throughout the series, the show features a variety of magical elements, including animal transformations, which are central to some of the characters' powers and plot developments.

Freya Beauchamp

Bird

• Season 1, Episode 10 - "The Fall of the House of Beauchamp":

Cat

• Season 1, Episode 6 - "Boogie Nights": In this episode, the Beauchamp sisters, Freya and Ingrid, are involved in a series of magical mishaps. Freya transforms into a cat as a result of a spell gone wrong. This transformation is pivotal as it showcases the sisters’ struggle to control their powers and the comedic elements of dealing with unintended consequences of magic.

Raven

• Season 1, Episode 7 - "The Feast of All Souls": During the Feast of All Souls, a significant event in the witching calendar, Freya is temporarily transformed into a raven. This transformation is used as a means of transportation and spying, demonstrating the versatility of witchcraft in the series. The raven form is symbolic of the connection between the supernatural and the physical world.

Unicorn

• Season 2, Episode 8 - "The Song Remains the Same": In the final season, there is a notable transformation where Freya turns into a unicorn. The unicorn, a symbol of purity and magic, plays a significant role in a climactic sequence, showcasing the high stakes and the magical prowess of the Beauchamp family.

Ingrid Beauchamp

Mouse

• Season 1, Episode 11 - "A Few Good Tales": In this episode, Ingrid uses her powers to transform into a mouse. This transformation is utilized for stealth and to avoid detection. The mouse form is a clever plot device that highlights Ingrid’s resourcefulness and the practical applications of witchcraft in everyday situations.

Killian

Lion

• Season 2, Episode 5 - "The Old Man and the Key": This episode features a scene where the character of Killian transforms into a lion. This transformation is part of a more complex magical scenario involving a powerful artifact. The lion form symbolizes strength and bravery, which are central themes in the episode’s storyline.

Wolf

• Season 2, Episode 2 - "The Son Also Rises": In this episode, the character of Killian Gardiner, a central figure in the series, undergoes a dramatic transformation into a wolf. The transformation occurs during a high-tension moment in the episode, as the supernatural threats faced by the Beauchamp family escalate.

Other Shows

Black Lightning

In the Black Lightning TV show, the character Grace Choi has animal-related powers. Grace, who is portrayed by Chantal Thuy, has the ability to shapeshift into various animals, most notably a leopard, due to her metahuman heritage. Her powers stem from her Amazonian ancestry, and she often manifests enhanced strength, agility, and the ability to transform into animals, primarily the leopard. This shapeshifting ability plays a key role in her superhero persona, protecting Freeland alongside Black Lightning and his family.

Lost Tapes

In the TV show Lost Tapes, a cryptid horror docudrama that aired on Animal Planet from 2008 to 2010, various mythical and paranormal creatures were featured. The show is known for presenting footage as if it were "found," often dealing with cryptid encounters or folklore creatures. However, Lost Tapes did not focus specifically on animal transformations. Instead, it portrayed creatures like the Chupacabra, Bigfoot, and the Jersey Devil, often showing people encountering or being attacked by these cryptids. While Lost Tapes featured many cryptids that resemble animals, it did not depict animal transformation as a primary theme. The focus was more on survival against dangerous or mysterious creatures.

Mighty Med

In Mighty Med, a Disney XD show about superheroes and a hospital that treats them, the character Kaz (played by Bradley Steven Perry) temporarily gains the power of animal transformation in the episode "The Key to Being a Hero." Kaz is a main character who, along with his best friend Oliver, discovers a hospital for superheroes and becomes a part of the team. In the specific episode, Kaz transforms into animals while trying to stop a villain. His transformations include animals such as a hawk and a bear. This ability is temporary and happens due to his interaction with a magical key.

The Originals

In The Originals TV show, various characters exhibit animal transformations due to their supernatural nature, particularly involving werewolves and other magical beings. The primary animal transformation in the series is that of werewolves, who can shapeshift between human and wolf forms, often triggered by the full moon or at will for more experienced wolves.

Passions

Passions was a soap opera known for its blend of supernatural elements, including witchcraft, magic, and fantasy. One notable character, Tabitha Lenox, a witch, frequently used magic to transform people or animals for various purposes. One of the most famous transformations was Timmy, her living doll companion, who could switch between doll and human form. Animal transformations occurred through various magical storylines, but these were often part of larger supernatural plots rather than the central focus. The show’s whimsical and dark tone allowed for numerous fantastical events, including such transformations.

Teen Titans

In the 2003 Teen Titans cartoon, Beast Boy is a main character with the unique ability to transform into any animal. His power comes from a mutation caused by a serum administered to save his life when he was a child. Unlike other shape-shifters, Beast Boy can turn into animals of all shapes and sizes, from the smallest insect to the largest dinosaur, and he retains his green skin, eyes, and hair in all forms.

True Blood

True Blood is a supernatural drama series that aired on HBO from 2008 to 2014, based on The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris. The show revolves around vampires coexisting with humans due to the invention of synthetic blood, but it also features a variety of other supernatural beings, many of which transform into animals. Here's a brief overview of the animal-related elements:

• Sam Merlotte: The most notable shapeshifter, Sam frequently transforms into a dog (specifically a collie), although shapeshifters in the show can take on the form of any animal they have seen.
• Luna Garza: Another shapeshifter, Luna shifts into various animals, including a rabbit and her daughter’s pet bat.
• Alcide Herveaux: A prominent werewolf character. Werewolves transform into wolves, though unlike typical shapeshifters, werewolves can only shift into one specific animal.
• Werepanthers: A unique group of individuals with the ability to shift into panthers. This is featured mostly in the storylines involving Jason Stackhouse and the town of Hotshot.