If you watched cartoons in the late ’90s or early 2000s, you might remember Cartoon Cartoon. This was a brand under Cartoon Network that featured some of the most famous animated shows.
These included Dexter’s Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, Ed, Edd n Eddy, and The Powerpuff Girls. These shows became a huge part of many childhoods and still hold a special place in pop culture today.
In this article, we will explore what Cartoon Cartoon was, how it started, the most popular shows under this brand, and why it still matters today.
The Birth of Cartoon Cartoon
The Need for New Cartoons
Before Cartoon Cartoon, Cartoon Network mostly played old shows like The Flintstones, The Jetsons, and Scooby-Doo. While these shows were fun, people wanted fresh content. Cartoon Network realized this and started looking for ways to create original cartoons.
What a Cartoon! and Its Role
In the mid-1990s, Cartoon Network introduced What a Cartoon!, a project led by animator Fred Seibert. This was a platform where new animators could show their ideas. Many of these short cartoons were turned into full TV shows. This project helped start what we now know as Cartoon Cartoon.
Iconic Shows Under Cartoon Cartoon
Dexter’s Laboratory – The Boy Genius
One of the first Cartoon Cartoon shows was Dexter’s Laboratory. It followed Dexter, a young boy with a secret lab full of inventions. His biggest challenge was his sister, Dee Dee, who always found ways to mess up his experiments. Another key character was Mandark, Dexter’s rival, who always tried to outsmart him. The show was filled with science, humor, and memorable moments.
Johnny Bravo – The Musclehead with Confidence
Johnny Bravo was about a man who thought he was the coolest guy ever. He looked like Elvis and was always trying to impress women. However, his confidence usually got him into funny and embarrassing situations. The show had a mix of humor, pop culture references, and guest appearances from real-life celebrities.
Ed, Edd n Eddy – The Masters of Scams
This show was about three boys named Ed, Edd (Double D), and Eddy. They spent most of their time coming up with crazy ideas to make money for jawbreakers, a type of candy they loved. Each character had a unique personality. Ed was strong but not very smart. Edd was the intelligent one. Eddy was the leader who always came up with the plans. Their adventures were funny and creative, making this show a fan favorite.
The Powerpuff Girls – Small but Mighty
This series followed three young superheroes—Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup. They were created by Professor Utonium in his lab when he accidentally added Chemical X to a mix of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Together, they fought villains like Mojo Jojo, HIM, and Fuzzy Lumpkins. The show balanced action, comedy, and emotional moments, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.
Courage the Cowardly Dog – Horror and Comedy in One Show
This show was about Courage, a small pink dog who lived with his elderly owners, Muriel and Eustace. Strange and scary things always happened to them, and Courage had to find ways to save the day. The show had a unique style, mixing creepy and funny elements, making it one of the most unforgettable Cartoon Cartoon series.
The Impact of Cartoon Cartoon on Modern Animation
A Place for New Talent
Many of the people who worked on Cartoon Cartoon later created other famous animated shows. For example, Craig McCracken (creator of The Powerpuff Girls) later made Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. Genndy Tartakovsky (creator of Dexter’s Laboratory) went on to make Samurai Jack and Hotel Transylvania.
How It Changed Cartoon Network
Over time, Cartoon Network stopped using the Cartoon Cartoon brand. However, its influence remained. Shows like Adventure Time, Regular Show, and Steven Universe were inspired by the creativity and style of Cartoon Cartoon.
Nostalgia and the Demand for Revivals
Today, many people still love Cartoon Cartoon shows. Some have been rebooted, like The Powerpuff Girls. Others are available on streaming services, allowing a new generation of viewers to enjoy them.
FAQs About Cartoon Cartoon
1. What was the first Cartoon Cartoon show?
The first official Cartoon Cartoon series was Dexter’s Laboratory, which premiered in 1996.
2. Why did Cartoon Cartoon end?
Cartoon Network decided to stop using the Cartoon Cartoon name in the early 2000s as it focused on new programming strategies.
3. Can I still watch Cartoon Cartoon shows today?
Yes! Many of these classic shows are available on streaming platforms like HBO Max and Amazon Prime.
4. Will there be more Cartoon Cartoon revivals?
There have been talks of reboots for some of these shows, but nothing has been officially confirmed except The Powerpuff Girls reboot.
The Timeless Bond of Childhood Friends: Why They Matter Forever
Conclusion
The Cartoon Cartoon era was one of the best times in animation history. It gave us amazing shows, introduced us to talented creators, and left a lasting impact on cartoons today. Even though the brand itself is gone, its legacy continues to live on through reruns, reboots, and streaming platforms.
