ThunderCats is an American animated television series that was produced by Rankin/Bass Productions debuting in 1985, based on the characters created by Tobin "Ted" Wolf. The series follows the adventures of a group of cat-like humanoid aliens. The animation was provided by Pacific Animation Corporation. Season 1 of the show aired in 1985, comprised of 65 episodes, followed by a TV movie entitled ThunderCats - HO! in 1986. Seasons two, three, and four followed a new format of twenty episodes each, starting with a five-part story; these aired from 1987 to 1988, 1988 to 1989, and 1989 to 1990, respectively.

In the second segment of Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story, called "Bango Was His Name Oh" Lion-O, Cheetara and Snarf are in Cats' Lair. Lion-O uses the Sword of Omens to watch Cheetara in the bathroom urinating. Larry Kenney, as Lion-O and Lynne Lipton, as Cheetara, reprise their roles from the TV show.

Lion-O appears in the Robot Chicken universe in Road to the Multiverse and also as a toy in April in Quahog.

In "German Guy" Peter asks Herbert to tell Meg "Thunder thighs are on the move, Thunder thighs are loose": A parody to the opening theme lyrics.