If you grew up in the 80s or have a child who loves colorful characters, you’ve likely encountered the Care Bears. These plump, cheerful bears from the clouds of Care-a-Lot have been sharing feelings and fighting gloom for decades. With so many different bears appearing in toys, TV shows, and movies, it’s natural to wonder exactly how many care bears are there. The answer, as it turns, is a little more complex than a simple number, as the family has grown and evolved over the years.
How many care bears are there in the original crew?
The classic lineup that started it all featured 10 original bears. These are the faces you probably remember most fondly, each with a unique belly symbol representing their specialty. This beloved group includes Tenderheart Bear (with a red heart), Cheer Bear (a rainbow), Grumpy Bear (a rain cloud), and Wish Bear (a shooting star), among others. They were the heart of the franchise when they first tumbled onto the scene in the 1980s.
The family grows with cousins and new friends
Soon after the main bears became popular, their world expanded to include the Care Bear Cousins. These were other animals like Lions, Elephants, and Monkeys who also lived in the Forest of Feelings. This added over a dozen new characters to the mix. As new TV series and toy lines were released over the years, even more bears were introduced, each with a new symbol and personality trait, from Share Bear to Funshine Bear and beyond.
Keeping track of your favorite bears
With so many characters, it can be fun to identify your favorites. Think about which feeling or personality trait resonates with you. Do you connect with Brave Heart Lion’s courage or Love-a-Lot Bear’s affection? The total number of distinct Care Bear characters now sits at over 30, not even counting special editions or international variations. This means there’s a bear for almost every emotion and situation.
So, while there isn’t one single number that captures every Care Bear ever made, the core family is a wonderfully diverse group of more than 30 characters. From the original ten to their many cousins and friends, this ever-expanding universe is a testament to the many ways we can care for one another.
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