Dexter’s Laboratory

Dexter’s Laboratory is a children’s animated series from the United States, blending elements of comedy and science fiction. Created by Genndy Tartakovsky for Cartoon Network, the show centers on Dexter, a young genius who operates a secret lab filled with his inventions. He frequently clashes with his sister Dee Dee, who somehow always manages to infiltrate his lab despite his efforts to keep her out, as well as his nemesis and neighbor, Mandark. The first two seasons also feature additional segments: “Dial M for Monkey,” which follows Dexter’s pet monkey who becomes a superhero, and “The Justice Friends,” which depicts three superheroes living together in an apartment.

Tartakovsky initially presented the concept to Hanna-Barbera’s World Premiere Toons, drawing inspiration from student films he made at the California Institute of the Arts. Four shorts were produced and aired on Cartoon Network in 1995 and 1996, leading to positive viewer feedback that prompted the network to commission a 13-episode first season, debuting on April 28, 1996. By 1999, the series had produced 52 episodes and a TV movie, after which Tartakovsky departed to focus on other projects like Samurai Jack and Star Wars: Clone Wars. In 2001, Cartoon Network Studios revived the show with a new production team, adding 26 more episodes before concluding the series on November 20, 2003.