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The Guardians

Overview

Series synopsis

The Guardians is a British animation kids sci-fi & fantasy drama television series that premiered on ITV1 on July 10, 1971. It ended on October 1, 1971. It was created by Rex Firkin, Vincent Tilsley. It stars Gwyneth Powell, Cyril Luckham, David Burke and Derek Smith.

In 1940s Shanghai, struggling actor Ding Yi is forced to impersonate a blind cryptography expert after agent Gu Yinshan mistakenly kills the real man. Disguised as his assistant, Gu Yinshan joins Ding Yi to infiltrate Japanese intelligence with the help of theater owner Xian Biyun. Facing constant danger, the unlikely duo form a deep brotherhood, but their clashing loyalties lead to an inevitable test of trust and sacrifice.

Premise

In 1940s Shanghai, struggling actor Ding Yi is forced to impersonate a blind cryptography expert after agent Gu Yinshan mistakenly kills the real man. Disguised as his assistant, Gu Yinshan joins Ding Yi to infiltrate Japanese intelligence with the help of theater owner Xian Biyun. Facing constant danger, the unlikely duo form a deep brotherhood, but their clashing loyalties lead to an inevitable test of trust and sacrifice.

Cast and characters

Leading cast

Guest cast

Episodes

This series spans 11 seasons with 299 episodes.

Season Episodes First aired Last aired
Season 1 13 July 9, 1971 October 9, 2025
Season 2 26 February 25, 2015 March 21, 2015
Season 3 26 October 5, 2015 March 28, 2016
Season 4 26 July 28, 2016 January 12, 2017
Season 5 26 June 8, 2017 November 30, 2017
Season 6 26 June 28, 2018 December 20, 2018
Season 7 26 August 8, 2019 January 30, 2020
Season 8 26 August 6, 2020 January 28, 2021
Season 9 26 January 6, 2022 July 28, 2022
Season 10 26 August 3, 2023 January 25, 2024
Season 11 52 July 24, 2025 December 25, 2025
Season 1 preview 13 episodes total
Season 2 preview 26 episodes total
Season 3 preview 26 episodes total
Season 4 preview 26 episodes total
Season 5 preview 26 episodes total
Season 6 preview 26 episodes total
Season 7 preview 26 episodes total
Season 8 preview 26 episodes total
Season 9 preview 26 episodes total
Season 10 preview 26 episodes total
Season 11 preview 52 episodes total

Production

Genres
Animation, Kids, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama
Country
GB
Original language
en

Release

Original network/platform ITV1
First aired July 10, 1971
Last aired October 1, 1971
Runtime 60 minutes
Status ended
Schedule Saturday

References

  1. The Movie Database (TMDB)
  2. TVMaze
  3. IMDb
  4. Official Website
  5. EpisodeTime Show Page