Bugaloos, The

From Wikipedia:

The Bugaloos is an American children's television series produced by brothers Sid and Marty Krofft in 1970. This Krofft live action puppet show aired on Saturdays from 1970 to 1972. The Bugaloos were a musical group comprised four British-accented teenagers, each with antennae and wings, who lived in Tranquility Forest and had their own rock band. They wore bug-oriented outfits which allowed them to fly (though on occasion flying on surfboards), and were constantly beset by the evil machinations of Benita Bizarre (played by comedienne Martha Raye), who was covetous of the Bugaloos’ musical prowess.

The show was produced by Sid and Marty Krofft, and aired on NBC from 1970 to 1972. Like its predecessor H.R. Pufnstuf (1969), The Bugaloos ran for only one season (1970-1971), with reruns airing the following year (1971-1972). It was shot in Los Angeles, California.

Touted as the British version of The Monkees, over 5,000 aspiring Bugaloos auditioned to cast the four leads, each having to demonstrate aptitude in dance, singing, and acting. Among those auditioning in spring 1970 was Elton John's former manager, John Reid, as well as rock musician 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 McIndoe, who has joked, "If one of those guys had gotten it instead of me, rock-'n'-roll history might have changed," McIndoe wrote. "Whenever I see them, I say, `Hey guys, you were lucky you didn't get the part.'"

Seventeen episodes of the series were produced.

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 0:25 (per episode)

Broadcast

Original channel NBC

Original run September 11, 1970 – September 2, 1972