The Bugaloos

The Bugaloos
The Bugaloos in Tranquility Forest.
Created by	Sid and Marty Krofft
Starring	John McIndoe Caroline Ellis John Philpott Wayne Laryea Martha Raye Billy Barty Sharon Baird Joy Campbell Van Snowden
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	17
Production
Producer(s)	Sid and Marty Krofft
Running time	0:22 (per episode)
Distributor	CBS Television Distribution
Release
Original network	NBC
Original release	September 12, 1970 – September 2, 1972

Bugaloos
Soundtrack album
Released	1970 (1970)
Label	Capitol
Producer	Hal Yoergler

The Bugaloos is an American children's television series, produced by brothers Sidney Krofft and Martin Krofft, that aired on NBC on Saturday mornings from 1970 to 1972. The show features a musical group composed of four British-accented teenagers, who live in fictional Tranquility Forest. They wear insect-themed outfits with antennae and wings which allow them to fly, though on occasion, they are shown flying on surfboards. They are constantly beset by the evil machinations of Benita Bizarre, played by comedian Martha Raye. Bizarre, being untalented and ugly herself, is covetous of the Bugaloos' musical prowess.

Touted as the British version of The Monkees, The Bugaloos attracted more than 5,000 young actors and actresses to audition for the show's four lead roles, each having to demonstrate aptitude in dance, singing, and acting. Among those auditioning in spring 1970 were Elton John's future manager John Reid, and Phil Collins, who joined the art rock band Genesis later that year.

Reid and Collins had been two of the three finalists for the role of "I.Q." given to Scottish musician John McIndoe. "If one of those guys had gotten it instead of me, rock-'n'-roll history might have changed," McIndoe later joked. "Whenever I see them, I say, 'Hey guys, you were lucky you didn't get the part.'"

The show was taped in Los Angeles, California. Seventeen episodes of the series were produced. Like its predecessor H.R. Pufnstuf (1969), The Bugaloos ran for only one season (1970–1971), with reruns airing the following year (1971–1972). Following production of the first, and only, season, the Kroffts tried shooting for a second season, and also had a movie deal in the works with Columbia Pictures. However, miscommunication between the Kroffts and the actors resulted in them returning to England that December against the Kroffts' wishes. As a result, a potential second season was ultimately scrapped, along with plans for a movie which was shelved due to the bankruptcy of Columbia Pictures.