Jacob Two-Two is a Canadian animated TV series based on the Jacob Two-Two books written by Mordecai Richler. The show first aired on September 7, 2003, on YTV in Canada. The show also aired on Qubo in the United States (being one of the first cartoons to have aired on Qubo) and on the French-language network VRAK.TV as Jacob Jacob. After Jacob and his family moved to Montreal from England, he begins new challenges and stuff in his hometown. Jacob, his siblings, and his mother were named after Richler's children and wife.
Nelvana and 9 Story Entertainment produced the series' 62 episodes in association with YTV and Salter Street Films. Funbag Animation Studios, Atomic Cartoons, and Nitrogen Studios provided animation. The series ended on May 19, 2006.
In March 2004, Fox Kids Europe acquired the pay television rights to the show's first two seasons for the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands.
Characters
Main cast
Jacob
The youngest of five children, Jacob got his 'Two-Two' nickname because he always had to say everything twice to be heard amongst his large family when he was smaller. Now a little older, Jacob does not repeat himself as often, but still frequently falls back into this old habit. He inadvertently causes trouble because he always tells the truth. He looks up to his siblings, especially Daniel, (although he finds himself frequently left out of their activities) and wishes he had their experience and wisdom. His naïveté makes him a frequent target of twin siblings Noah and Emma and their fantastic yarns. Voiced and narrated by Billy Rosemberg best known in the United States as the voice of Max from Max & Ruby.
Morty
Loosely based on author and creator Mordecai Richler, Jacob's father is the writer of a series of adventure books about "The Amazing Ronald." He spends his time in his home office working out complex plots for his books, checking the hockey scores for his favourite team the Montreal Marvels (Parody of the Montreal Canadiens), or most often snoozing on the sofa with the newspaper draped over his face. He also loves jokes and making gentle fun of his children. Voiced by Harvey Atkin.
Florence
Jacob's mother is an expert juggler of tasks, happiest when operating at full throttle. Besides keeping her family on the go and organized, she also holds down a full-time job. As busy as she is, Florence always manages to look very chic and 'pulled together', and breezes through each day with effortless grace. Voiced by Janet-Laine Green.
Daniel
The eldest sibling, Daniel is an aloof and hopelessly cynical teen. Permanently garbed in black, he is fully conversant in all the newest bands and music crazes. Daniel does not have much time for Jacob, but occasionally offers his kid brother a unique 'teen view' of the world. He was first voiced by Jeff Berg and later voiced by Rob Tinkler.
Marfa
Jacob's elder sister, who is both academically and artistically inclined. Marfa is suffering through the toughest teen years and frequently takes it out on everyone around her. Preoccupied with her own concerns, Marfa has even less time for Jacob than Daniel. Convinced that Jacob ruins everything he touches, she does not like him going anywhere near her stuff. To Jacob, she occupies a mysterious world that he does not understand at all. Voiced by Jocelyn Barth.
Noah and Emma
Jacob's elder twin brother and sister. Energetic, athletic, full of daring and theatrical bravado. They have their own secret club, Kid Power, and spend long hours in their clubhouse in the yard fighting imaginary battles as their alter egos the intrepid Shapiro (Emma) and the fearless O'Toole (Noah). Up until the episode “Jacob Two-Two and the Uber Odor,” they wouldn’t allow Jacob into their 'clubhouse', which makes him long to get in there all the more. He often does their bidding in the hope that maybe this time they will let him inside. Noah is voiced by Marc McMulkin. Emma is voiced by Kaitlin Howell.
Buford Orville Gaylord Pugh
An odd little kid with a string of unfortunate names. His lack of anxiety and worries are not due to a lack of intelligence but to difficulty focusing. He is prone to recounting pointless, meandering shaggy dog stories. Buford and Jacob are both new kids at school. He is Jacob's best friend. He also has a mother who he mentioned, but unseen. He mentioned that he has a father, but also unseen in the 2nd episode 'Jacob Two-Two and the Staff Room of Doom'. He also has mentioned and unseen aunts, cousins, and uncles as well. Voiced by Kristopher Clark.