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{{short description|American animated television series}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}{{Use American English|date=September 2019}} {{Infobox television | image = Dexter-logo.png | genre = {{Plainlist| * [[Adventure]]<ref name="Metacritic">{{Cite Metacritic |id=dexters-laboratory |type=tv |title=Dexter's Laboratory |access-date=2024-08-01}}</ref> * [[Comedy]]<ref name="Metacritic" /> * [[Science fiction]] }} | creator = [[Genndy Tartakovsky]] | showrunner = {{Plainlist| * Genndy Tartakovsky{{efn|1996β1998}} * [[Chris Savino]]{{efn|2001β2003}} }} | voices = {{Plainlist| * [[Christine Cavanaugh]] * [[Candi Milo]] * Allison Moore * [[Kat Cressida]] * [[Kath Soucie]] * [[Jeff Bennett]] * [[Eddie Deezen]] * [[Rob Paulsen]] * [[Tom Kenny]] * [[Frank Welker]] }} | theme_music_composer = {{Plainlist| * Thomas Chase * [[Steve Rucker (composer)|Steve Rucker]] * Gary Lionelli{{efn|name=Lionelli|Dial M for Monkey and The Justice Friends segments}} }} | open_theme = "Dexter's Laboratory (Main Title)" | end_theme = "Dexter's Laboratory (End Title)"{{efn|Narration by [[Mako (actor)|Mako Iwamatsu]];<ref>{{Cite web |title=Main Title Narrator |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Dexters-Laboratory/Main-Title-Narrator/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409192009/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Dexters-Laboratory/Main-Title-Narrator/ |archive-date=2023-04-09 |website=BehindTheVoiceActors}}</ref> performed by Agostino Castagnola<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agostino Castagnola |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Agostino-Castagnola/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721224706/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Agostino-Castagnola/ |archive-date=2017-07-21 |website=BehindTheVoiceActors.com}}</ref>}} | composer = {{Plainlist| * Thomas Chase * Steve Rucker * Gary Lionelli{{efn|name=Lionelli}} }} | country = United States | language = English | num_seasons = 4 | num_episodes = 78{{efn|The series contains 216 unique segments.}} | list_episodes = List of Dexter's Laboratory episodes | executive_producer = {{Plainlist| * Genndy Tartakovsky * [[Sherry Gunther]] * [[Larry Huber]] * [[Buzz Potamkin]] * [[Fred Seibert]] }} | producer = {{Plainlist| * Genndy Tartakovsky * [[Davis Doi]] * [[Brian A. Miller]] * [[Chris Savino]] }} | runtime = 22 minutes | company = {{Plainlist| * [[Hanna-Barbera|Hanna-Barbera Cartoons]]{{efn|Pilot episodes and season 2}} * [[Cartoon Network Studios]]{{efn|Season 1 produced as a division of Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, seasons 3β4 produced as a standalone entity from its former parent}} }} | network = [[Cartoon Network]]{{efn|Early episodes initially premiered on [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]] and [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]] before airing on [[Cartoon Network]].}} | first_aired = {{Start date|1996|04|27}} | last_aired = {{End date|1998|06|15}} | first_aired2 = {{Start date|2001|11|18}} | last_aired2 = {{End date|2003|11|20}} | related = ''[[What a Cartoon!]]'' }} '''''Dexter's Laboratory'''''{{efn|Commonly abbreviated as '''''Dexter's Lab'''''}} is an American [[animated television series]] created by [[Genndy Tartakovsky]] for [[Cartoon Network]]. The series follows Dexter, an enthusiastic boy-genius with a science [[laboratory]] in his bedroom, which he keeps secret from his unsuspecting parents. Dexter is at constant odds with his older and more [[extraverted]] sister Dee Dee, who regularly accesses the laboratory and inadvertently foils his experiments. Mandark, a nefarious boy-genius classmate who lives next-door to Dexter, attempts to undermine him at every opportunity. Prominently featured in the first and second seasons are other segments focusing on [[superhero]]-based characters Monkey, Dexter's pet lab-monkey with a superhero [[alter ego]], and the Justice Friends, a trio of superheroes who share an apartment. Tartakovsky pitched the series to [[Fred Seibert]]'s animated shorts showcase ''[[What a Cartoon!]]'' at [[Hanna-Barbera]], basing it on student films he produced at the [[California Institute of the Arts]]. Four pilots aired on Cartoon Network and [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]] from 1995 to 1996. Viewer approval ratings led to a half-hour series, which consisted of two seasons totaling 52 episodes, airing from April 27, 1996, to June 15, 1998. ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was the first original series for the channel under the [[Cartoon Cartoons]] moniker. On December 10, 1999, a [[television film]] titled ''[[Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip]]'' aired as the intended [[series finale]], after which Tartakovsky focused his work on another series for Cartoon Network, ''[[Samurai Jack]]''. In November 2000, the series was renewed for two seasons, which began airing on November 18, 2001. Due to Tartakovsky's departure, [[Chris Savino]] served as showrunner, and a new team at [[Cartoon Network Studios]] produced the series. After 26 episodes, the fourth season concluded on November 20, 2003, ending the series. ''Dexter's Laboratory'', particularly its first two seasons, received critical acclaim and became one of Cartoon Network's most successful original series. It won three [[Annie Awards]], with nominations for four [[Primetime Emmy Awards]], four [[Motion Picture Sound Editors|Golden Reel Awards]], and nine other Annie Awards. Animators [[Craig McCracken]], [[Seth MacFarlane]], [[Butch Hartman]], [[Paul Rudish]], and [[Rob Renzetti]] worked on the series and later achieved further success in their careers in animation. Spin-off media include children's books, comic books, DVD and VHS releases, music albums, toys, and video games. == Premise == === Characters === [[File:Dexter and Dee Dee.png|thumb|left|Dee Dee (left) walks through the laboratory with her brother, Dexter (right).]] Dexter (voiced by [[Christine Cavanaugh]] in seasons 1β3; [[Candi Milo]] in seasons 3β4) is a bespectacled boy-genius who, behind a bookcase in his bedroom, conceals a secret [[laboratory]], which can be accessed by spoken passwords or hidden switches on his bookshelf. Though highly intelligent, Dexter often fails to achieve his goals when he becomes overexcited and careless. Tartakovsky described Dexter as "a good kid. He's very ambitious. And he's very frustrated that everyone isn't as smart as him."<ref name="Woulfe" /> Although he comes from a typical American family, Dexter speaks with an accent of indeterminate origin. Christine Cavanaugh described it as "an affectation, [a] kind of accent, we're not quite sure. A small [[Peter Lorre]], but not. Perhaps he's Latino, perhaps he's French. He's a scientist; he knows he needs [a] kind of accent."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Scott |date=July 20, 1996 |title=Out of the Mouth of 'Babe' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1996/07/21/out-of-the-mouth-of-babe/de4c5788-1184-422c-a172-78e30c9b811d/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623163609/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1996/07/21/out-of-the-mouth-of-babe/de4c5788-1184-422c-a172-78e30c9b811d/ |archive-date=June 23, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |department=TV Week |page=Y06}}</ref> [[Genndy Tartakovsky]] explained, "he's a scientist. All scientists are foreign and have accents...It's not really a German accent. It's just Eastern European."<ref name="Woulfe">{{Cite web |last=Woulfe |first=Molly |date=June 24, 2003 |title=Meet 'Dexter's' Dad: Chicago-Bred Animator Draws from His Imagination |url=https://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/meet-dexter-s-dad/article_962576aa-a2ab-5e76-9a16-444b5c4813d0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128210722/https://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/meet-dexter-s-dad/article_962576aa-a2ab-5e76-9a16-444b5c4813d0.html |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |access-date=November 28, 2018 |website=[[The Times of Northwest Indiana]] |publisher=[[Lee Enterprises]]}}</ref> Tartakovsky later declared Cavanaugh's input for Dexter to be irreplaceable as he acknowledged her legacy.<ref name="CBR" /> Dexter conceals his lab from his clueless parents, addressed only as Mom (voiced by [[Kath Soucie]]) and Dad (voiced by [[Jeff Bennett]]), who Tartakovsky described as simplified stereotypes of "ideal parents".<ref name="Woulfe" /> His hyperactive, carefree, older sister Dee Dee (voiced by Allison Moore in seasons 1 and 3 and by [[Kat Cressida]] in seasons 2 and 4) delights in playing haphazardly in the laboratory, wreaking havoc with Dexter's inventions. Though seemingly dim-witted, Dee Dee, a talented ballet dancer, often outsmarts her brother and even provides him helpful advice. According to Tartakovsky, "Dee Dee is the life, she's the spirit, everything is fun. There's no hardship in life."<ref name="Woulfe" /> When Tartakovsky was asked whether he and his brother Alex had a similar sibling relationship, he stated, "There's a little bit of Dee Dee and Dexter in that. He has science and he doesn't want Dee Dee in his lab. My brother is Dexter. I'm Dee Dee."<ref name="Woulfe" /> Dexter's nemesis is rival classmate Mandark Astronomonov{{efn|Mandark's first name is revealed to be Susan in "A Boy Named Sue", but he is otherwise referred to as Mandark.<ref name="Sue">{{Cite episode |title=A Boy Named Sue |series=Dexter's Laboratory |network=[[Cartoon Network]] |date=March 29, 2002 |season=3 |number=6a}}</ref>}}<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Dexter's Rival |series=Dexter's Laboratory |network=[[Cartoon Network]] |date=May 12, 1996 |season=1 |number=3a}}</ref><ref name="Sue" /> (voiced by [[Eddie Deezen]]). Like Dexter, Mandark is a boy genius with his own laboratory, but his schemes are generally evil and designed to gain power or downplay or destroy Dexter's accomplishments. In revival seasons, Mandark becomes significantly more evil, becoming Dexter's enemy rather than his rival, and Mandark's laboratory changes from brightly lit with rounded features to gothic-looking, industrial, and angular. Mandark's [[unrequited love]] for Dee Dee is shown as a pivotal weakness, notably near the end of the ''[[Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip|Ego Trip]]'' television film. === Recurring segments === Every ''Dexter's Laboratory'' episode, with the exception of "Last But Not Beast", is divided into different stories or segments, each being 7β12 minutes long. Occasionally, a segment centers on characters other than Dexter and his family. Two segments are shown primarily during season 1: ''Dial M for Monkey'' and ''The Justice Friends''.<ref name="zany">{{Cite news |last=Boedecker |first=Hal |date=July 14, 1997 |title=Cartoon Network Zany Relief |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=j4c1AAAAIBAJ&pg=1308,7322907 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301141548/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=j4c1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=dqYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1308,7322907 |archive-date=March 1, 2017 |access-date=January 22, 2013 |work=[[Reading Eagle]] |page=B6 |via=[[Google News]]}}</ref> ''Dial M for Monkey'' is the middle segment for six episodes of season 1, and ''The Justice Friends'' takes its place until season 1's end. With rare exception, extra segments do not appear after season 1. Other recurring characters include Puppet Pal Mitch (voiced by Rob Paulsen) and Puppet Pal Clem (voiced by Tom Kenny). ==== ''Dial M for Monkey'' ==== ''Dial M for Monkey'' follows Monkey (vocal effects provided by [[Frank Welker]]), Dexter's pet laboratory monkey who is secretly a crime-fighting [[superhero]]. Monkey's superpowers include super-strength, telekinesis, flight, and super speed. He is joined by his partner Agent Honeydew (voiced by Kath Soucie), Commander General (voiced by [[Robert Ridgely]] in season 1, [[Earl Boen]] in season 2), and a team of assembled superheroes. ''Dial M for Monkey'' was created by Genndy Tartakovsky, [[Craig McCracken]], and [[Paul Rudish]].<ref name="Turner1995">{{Cite press release |title=Emmy-Nominated "Dexter's Laboratory" to Be Expanded into Series Airing on Turner Entertainment Networks in April 1996 |date=August 29, 1995 |publisher=[[Business Wire]]}}</ref> ==== ''The Justice Friends'' ==== ''The Justice Friends'' follows Major Glory (voiced by [[Rob Paulsen]]), Valhallen (voiced by [[Tom Kenny]]), and the Infraggable Krunk (voiced by Frank Welker),<!-- Do not add parody/spoof info without citing a source ---> a trio of superhero roommates residing in an [[apartment]] called Muscular Arms. Their adventures deal less with superhero life and more with an inability to agree with each other; it is presented much like a [[sitcom]], including a [[laugh track]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dominguez |first=Noah |date=February 11, 2020 |title=How Dexter's Laboratory Perfected the Superhero Parody |url=https://www.cbr.com/dexters-lab-justice-friends-dial-m-for-monkey-retrospective/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212152216/https://www.cbr.com/dexters-lab-justice-friends-dial-m-for-monkey-retrospective/ |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=December 14, 2020 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jasper |first=Gavin |date=November 21, 2020 |title=The Justice Friends from Dexter's Laboratory Deserve a Revival |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-justice-friends-from-dexters-laboratory-deserve-a-revival/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929005418/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-justice-friends-from-dexters-laboratory-deserve-a-revival/ |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=December 14, 2020 |website=[[Den of Geek]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Genndy Tartakovsky's inspiration for ''The Justice Friends'' came from reading [[Marvel Comics]] while learning how to speak English.<ref name="Aushenker" /> In a 2001 ''[[IGN]]'' interview, Tartakovsky expressed disappointment with how ''The Justice Friends'' turned out, saying, "it could have been funnier and the characters could have been fleshed out more."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plume |first=Kenneth |date=November 28, 2001 |title=10 Questions: Genndy Tartakovsky |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/28/10-questions-genndy-tartakovsky |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107162829/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/11/28/10-questions-genndy-tartakovsky |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> == Production == [[File:Genndy Tartakovsky.jpg|thumb|''Dexter's Laboratory'' creator [[Genndy Tartakovsky]] at the [[Annecy International Animation Film Festival]] in 2012]] === Background === Genndy Tartakovsky, the creator of ''Dexter's Laboratory'', was born in [[Moscow]], where his father, a [[dentist]], served in the [[government of the Soviet Union]].{{sfn|Lenburg|2006}} Although relatively wealthy and well-connected, his family feared racial persecution due to their [[Jewish culture|Jewish heritage]] and moved from Russia to [[Chicago]] when Tartakovsky was seven.<ref name="Aushenker" /> Along with his older brother, Alex, Tartakovsky learned English by watching cartoons<ref name="Aushenker" /> and taught himself how to draw as a child by copying [[comic book]]s.<ref name="Woulfe" />{{sfn|Lenburg|2006}}<ref name="Davenport">{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=Misha |date=November 24, 2002 |title='Dexter' Creator Draws on His Youth |url=http://www.suntimes.com:80/output/television/sho-sunday-nowplay24.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021201044019/http://www.suntimes.com/output/television/sho-sunday-nowplay24.html |archive-date=December 1, 2002 |access-date=July 24, 2019 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |department=Television |publisher=[[Wrapports]]}}</ref> Tartakovsky initially went to [[Columbia College Chicago]] to study advertising and took an animation class as an elective.<ref name="Davenport" /> After he transferred to the [[California Institute of the Arts]] in 1990 to study animation full-time, Tartakovsky wrote, directed, animated, and produced two student [[short film]]s, one of which was a precursor to ''Dexter's Laboratory''<nowiki/>'s [[television pilot]], "Changes".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=People Staff |date=March 3, 1997 |title=In Toon with Tots |url=https://people.com/archive/in-toon-with-tots-vol-47-no-8/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075237/https://people.com/archive/in-toon-with-tots-vol-47-no-8/ |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |access-date=November 27, 2018 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |volume=47 |issue=8 |issn=0093-7673}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Animator Profile: Genndy Tartakovsky |url=http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/ap/gtartakovsky.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619095331/http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/ap/gtartakovsky.html |archive-date=June 19, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=[[CartoonNetwork.com]]}}</ref>{{sfn|Manley|2008|p=136}} A two-and-a-half-minute [[Traditional animation#Animation|pencil test]],{{sfn|Manley|2008|p=136}}{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}} this short film was included in a university screening for the producers of ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', who were impressed and hired Tartakovsky to move to Spain to work on ''Batman'' at a studio in [[Madrid]].{{sfn|Manley|2008|p=136}}{{sfn|Lenburg|2006}} After ''Batman'', Tartakovsky moved back to California to work for [[Hanna-Barbera]] on the production team of ''[[2 Stupid Dogs]]''.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}}{{sfn|Manley|2008|p=138}}<ref name="Jubera">{{Cite news |last=Jubera |first=Drew |date=August 12, 2001 |title=Watching TV: Is 'Samurai' One for the Ages? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-journal-is-samurai-one-for/161511715/ |work=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]] |department=Arts |location=[[Burbank, California]] |page=L12 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>{{sfn|Lenburg|2006}} His co-workers on that series, Craig McCracken, [[Rob Renzetti]], and Paul Rudish, had been classmates of his at Cal Arts{{sfn|Simensky|2011|pp= 286β287}} and went on to collaborate with him on ''Dexter's Laboratory''.<ref name="NYTimes">{{Cite news |title=Dexter's Laboratory Credits |url=https://www.nytimes.com/tv/show/154958/Dexter-s-Laboratory/credits |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206114629/https://www.nytimes.com/tv/show/154958/Dexter-s-Laboratory/credits |archive-date=February 6, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Seibert |first=Fred |author-link=Fred Seibert |date=November 3, 2004 |title=Original Premiere >My Life As a Teenage Robot |url=http://frederatorstudios.blogspot.com/2004/11/original-premiere-my-life-as-teenage.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071239/http://frederatorstudios.blogspot.com/2004/11/original-premiere-my-life-as-teenage.html |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=Frederator Blogs |publisher=[[Frederator Studios]] |orig-year=June 23, 2003}}</ref> Tartakovsky's last job before developing ''Dexter's Laboratory'' into a television series was to serve as a [[exposure sheet|sheet timer]] on ''[[The Critic]]''. During his time on that series, Tartakovsky received a phone call from [[Larry Huber]], who had been a producer on ''2 Stupid Dogs''. Huber had shown Tartakovsky's unfinished student film to a then-nascent Cartoon Network and wanted Tartakovsky to develop the concept into a seven-minute [[storyboard]].{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}}{{sfn|Manley|2008|p=138}} === Development === {{Quote box |align=right |width=24em |style=max-width:40% |quote="It actually started with Dee Dee. I wanted to animate a girl dancing. So, I drew this skinny, big-headed girl dancing. When I had finished her, I thought, what would be the opposite of her? So, I drew a block. That's Dexter. Then I thought if she's into arts, he's into science." |author=Tartakovsky |source=''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]''<ref name="Davenport" /> }} Unhappy with his position on ''The Critic'', Tartakovsky accepted Huber's proposal,{{sfn|Manley|2008|p=138}} and the resulting project, "Changes", was produced as part of Cartoon Network's animation showcase series, ''[[What a Cartoon!|World Premiere Toons]]'', debuting on February 26, 1995.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}}{{sfn|Manley|2008|p=138}}<ref name="Moore">{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Scott |date=February 26, 1995 |title=Creative World Premiere Toons' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1995/02/26/creative-world-premiere-toons/d5f8f962-ea0b-4840-a9dc-e12b163886ae/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723135706/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1995/02/26/creative-world-premiere-toons/d5f8f962-ea0b-4840-a9dc-e12b163886ae/ |archive-date=July 23, 2020 |access-date=May 14, 2011 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> Viewers worldwide voted through phone lines, websites, focus groups, and consumer promotions for their favorite short cartoons; ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was the first of 16 to earn that vote of approval.<ref name="Turner1995" /> [[Mike Lazzo]], then-head of programming for Cartoon Network, said in 1996 that it was his favorite of the 48 shorts that had been produced by that point, commenting that he and colleagues "loved the humor in the brother-versus-sister relationship".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mifflin |first=Lawrie |date=April 24, 1996 |title=TV Notes; A Cartoon Winner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/24/arts/tv-notes-a-cartoon-winner.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131538/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/04/24/arts/tv-notes-a-cartoon-winner.html |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |work=[[The New York Times]] |page=18}}</ref> Even after "Changes" premiered, Tartakovsky had no expectations that it would lead to an entire series.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}} In 2018, he noted that his generation was the first in which people could become [[showrunner]]s at a young age, saying, "Everybody before us were in their forties, at least, and so [our generation's experience] was a very different way to do something where we had no clue what we were doing and we were just trying to make each other laugh."<ref name="Sokol">{{Cite web |last=Sokol |first=Tony |author-link=Tony Sokol |date=June 29, 2018 |title=Hotel Transylvania Director Genndy Tartakovsky Tells Tales Outside the Lab |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation/274603/hotel-transylvania-director-genndy-tartakovsky-tells-tales-outside-the-lab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130030428/https://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/hotel-transylvania-3-summer-vacation/274603/hotel-transylvania-director-genndy-tartakovsky-tells-tales-outside-the-lab |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=[[Den of Geek]]}}</ref> When ''Dexter's Laboratory'' received a series [[greenlight]], Tartakovsky became, at age twenty-seven, one of the youngest [[animation director]]s of that era.{{sfn|Lenburg|2006}} Speaking with the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' in 2002, Tartakovsky remarked about the network, "With Cartoon Network, they were looking for more undiscovered talent, people that may have had a hard time getting in.[...]It became a great opportunity to do something. And as I got into it, I realized that they were also offering the creative freedom. They were letting the creators make the shows."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Littlejohn |first=Janice Rhoshalle |date=December 2, 2002 |title=Niche Networks Break the Mold |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-dec-02-et-littlejohn2-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001005316/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-dec-02-et-littlejohn2-story.html |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |access-date=2021-09-30 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> In August 1995, Turner ordered six half-hour episodes of ''Dexter's Laboratory'', which included two cartoons of one spin-off segment titled ''Dial M for Monkey''.<ref name="Turner1995" /> In addition to Tartakovsky, McCracken, Renzetti, and Rudish,{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}} directors and writers on ''Dexter's Laboratory'' included [[Seth MacFarlane]],<ref name="seth">{{Cite web |last=Bartlett |first=James |date=March 12, 2007 |title=Seth MacFarlane β He's the "Family Guy" |url=https://greatreporter.com/2007/03/12/seth-macfarlane-he-s-family-guy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522134407/https://greatreporter.com/2007/03/12/seth-macfarlane-he-s-family-guy/ |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=GreatReporter.com}}</ref> [[Butch Hartman]],<ref name="butch">{{Cite web |last=Basile |first=Nancy |year=2007 |title=Not Just Cartoons: Nicktoons! An Interview with Butch Hartman |url=http://animatedtv.about.com/od/spongebobsquarepants/a/nicktoonsbook.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312065254/http://animatedtv.about.com/od/spongebobsquarepants/a/nicktoonsbook.htm |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=[[About.com]]}}</ref> [[John McIntyre (cartoonist)|John McIntyre]],<ref>{{Citation |title=Dexter's Laboratory |asin=B00004L8LF |asin-tld=ca |mode=cs1}}</ref> [[Robert Alvarez]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Drosu |first=Alexandra |date=January 17, 2018 |title=Striking Gold |url=https://keyframemagazine.org/2018/01/17/striking-gold/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003210046/https://keyframemagazine.org/2018/01/17/striking-gold/ |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=KeyframeMagazine.org}}</ref> and [[Chris Savino]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roffman |first=Marisa |date=July 11, 2010 |title=Comic-Con 2010: Sunday's Schedule Released |url=https://www.givememyremote.com/remote/2010/07/11/comic-con-2010-sundays-schedule-released/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713205801/https://www.givememyremote.com/remote/2010/07/11/comic-con-2010-sundays-schedule-released/ |archive-date=July 13, 2010 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=GiveMeMyRemote.com}}</ref> McCracken served as an [[art director]] on the series. Perlmutter described McCracken's role on ''Dexter's Laboratory'' as that of Tartakovsky's "effective second-in-command".{{sfn|Perlmutter|2014|p=269}} === Style and influences === [[File:Craig McCracken 1.jpg|thumb|right|[[Craig McCracken]], Tartakovsky's classmate at CalArts, helped him develop ''Dexter's Laboratory'' while McCracken worked on his own series, ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]''.]] Tartakovsky's former classmates McCracken and Rudish helped him design "Changes". This pilot was revised to create a second cut, as Tartakovsky felt utterly dissatisfied with the score, the sound effects, and the entire second half, which he chose to redo entirely.<ref name="Maher">{{Cite web |last=Maher |first=John |date=February 8, 2017 |title=The Secret Hustle of the First 'Dexter's Laboratory' Short |url=https://dotandline.net/the-secret-hustle-of-the-first-dexters-laboratory-short/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215234314/https://dotandline.net/the-secret-hustle-of-the-first-dexters-laboratory-short/ |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 15, 2023 |website=[[The Dot and Line]]}}</ref> After seeing the revision, producer [[Fred Seibert]] felt convinced that the concept for ''Dexter's Laboratory'' could be successful.<ref name="Maher" /> Soon afterward, Tartakovsky helped McCracken create his own short film for ''World Premiere Toons'', which would eventually become the basis for ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]''.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}} After finishing McCracken's project, the group proceeded to work on a second short film for ''Dexter's Laboratory'', titled "The Big Sister".{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}}{{sfn|Simensky|2011|pp= 286β287}} At the time, Tartakovsky was still not anticipating a series greenlight for ''Dexter's Laboratory''. He went on to reminisce that, in those days, he was simply having fun working on short films with his friends.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}} Tartakovsky and McCracken, who had been roommates shortly after college,<ref name="Sokol" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fritz |first=Steve |date=January 15, 2009 |title=Animated Shorts: Craig McCracken Talks Powerpuff Girls |url=https://www.newsarama.com/1954-animated-shorts-craig-mccracken-talks-powerpuff-girls.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130030416/https://www.newsarama.com/1954-animated-shorts-craig-mccracken-talks-powerpuff-girls.html |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |access-date=November 29, 2018 |website=[[Newsarama]]}}</ref> went on to become regular collaborators on each other's series.{{sfn|Perlmutter|2014|p=269}} Animation historian David Perlmutter noted a [[symbiosis]] between the two men, which he felt led to stylistic similarities between ''Dexter's Laboratory'' and ''The Powerpuff Girls''.{{sfn|Perlmutter|2014|p=269}} Tartakovsky drew inspiration from his experiences as an immigrant growing up in Chicago. He explained that, like Dexter, he had a "very thick accent" as a childβand even though he lived in a diverse neighborhood, children would tease him for this.<ref name="Woulfe" /> Speaking with ''[[The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles]]'' in 2001, Tartakovsky explained, "When I moved to America, I wanted to fit in and be American...We never tried to be too heavy-handed with ''Dexter's'', but if you look at the underlying themes of the show, it's about a little kid trying to fit in."<ref name="Aushenker">{{Cite news |last=Aushenker |first=Michael |date=August 2, 2001 |title=The Way of the Samurai |url=https://jewishjournal.com/culture/arts/4663/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131911/https://jewishjournal.com/culture/arts/4663/ |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |access-date=May 14, 2011 |work=[[The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles]]}}</ref> Tartakovsky noted that when he was a child, he was less confident than the character, telling ''[[The New York Times]]'', "The one thing about Dexter, if he doesn't fit in, he'll start his own club. He's not afraid to be an outsider."<ref name="Adams" /> In developing ''Dexter's Laboratory'', he continued the tradition of making "violent cartoons", explaining that "many people like them because they project themselves in the drawings and they laugh," while following the principles of older Hanna-Barbera cartoons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaina |first=Patricia |date=March 4, 2000 |title=Entrevista al Creador de "El Laboratorio de Dexter" |trans-title=Interview with the Creator of "Dexter's Laboratory" |url=https://www.pagina12.com.ar/2000/00-03/00-03-04/pag29.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215124411/https://www.pagina12.com.ar/2000/00-03/00-03-04/pag29.htm |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |website=[[PΓ‘gina 12]] |language=es |trans-work=Page/12}}</ref> [[Linda Simensky]], who served as senior vice-president of Original Animation for [[Cartoon Network]] during the production of ''Dexter's Laboratory'', wrote in 2011 that Dexter was designed "to be more of an icon in some ways"; she continued, "his body was short and squat and his design was simple, with a black outline and relatively little detail... Since Tartakovsky knew he was developing ''Dexter'' for television, he purposely limited the design to a degree, designing the nose and mouth, for instance, in a Hanna-Barbera style to animate easily."{{sfn|Simensky|2011|pp= 286β287}} This simplistic style was influenced by [[United Productions of America|UPA]] shorts, as well as by the ''[[Merrie Melodies]]'' cartoon ''[[The Dover Boys at Pimento University]]''.{{sfn|Simensky|2011|p=287}} Simensky noted though, that in contrast to those cartoons, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' is "staged cinematically, rather than flat and close to the screen, to leave space and depth for the action and gags in the lab".{{sfn|Simensky|2011|pp= 286β287}} Tartakovsky was influenced by [[Warner Bros.]] cartoons, Hanna-Barbera, and Japanese [[anime]].{{sfn|Simensky|2011|pp= 286β287}} [[Sam Raimi]]'s films ''[[Evil Dead II]]'' and ''[[Army of Darkness]]'' heavily influenced the series' visual style. Referring to a scene from ''Army of Darkness'' featuring the construction of a robotic hand, McCracken explained, "He [Tartakovsky] applied that sequence to the show all the time, especially when Dexter was building stuff."<ref name="Motamayor">{{Cite web |last=Motamayor |first=Rafael |date=May 3, 2021 |title=How Dexter's Laboratory Changed American Cartoons Forever |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/how-dexters-laboratory-changed-american-cartoons |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903130915/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/how-dexters-laboratory-changed-american-cartoons |archive-date=September 3, 2021 |access-date=September 3, 2021 |website=[[Syfy Wire]]}}</ref> === Character conception === [[File:Christine Cavanaugh.jpg|thumb|right|[[Christine Cavanaugh]] provided the voice of Dexter for the first two seasons and part of the third season.]] ''Dexter's Laboratory'' has its origins in a drawing of a tall, thin girl dancing next to a short and blocky boy that Tartakovsky made while at CalArts.<ref name="Davenport" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Wilkinson |first=Alec |author-link=Alec Wilkinson |date=May 27, 2002 |title=Moody Toons |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/05/27/moody-toons |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109112138/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/05/27/moody-toons |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |access-date=May 14, 2011 |magazine=[[The New Yorker]] |page=76 |issn=0028-792X}}</ref><ref name="Woulfe" /> These two characters would eventually develop into Dee Dee and Dexter respectively, although they went unnamed until Tartakovsky started expanding the concept for Cartoon Network.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}} To further contrast the two characters, Tartakovsky determined that Dee Dee would be artistic, while Dexter would be focused on science.<ref name="Woulfe" /><ref name="Davenport" /> In an interview, Tartakovsky said, "Dee Dee came first. She was really the star of the show to me. She was so much fun. Later on, I started on Dexter and he took over."<ref name="Woulfe" /> The names Dexter and Dee Dee were both found in name books; "Dexter" caught Tartakovsky's attention for sounding scientific, while "Dee Dee" appealed to him because of its uniqueness and because he felt that it complemented that character's two [[pigtail]]s. Before settling on these options, Tartakovsky had considered titling the series ''Dartmouth and Daisy''. Explaining why he discarded this idea, Tartakovsky said that "Dartmouth doesn't exactly roll off the tongue" and that the name [[Daisy Duck|Daisy]] was already heavily associated with [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]. The title ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was not settled on until around midway through production of the series' pilot episode, "Changes".{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}} {{Quote box |align=right |width=24em |style=max-width:40% |quote=I really don't like to answer those questions because it's a question that should forever exist. You kind of make your own mind up about it. |author=Tartakovsky, on whether or not there is an [[Fictional universe|in-universe]] explanation for Dexter's accent. |source=''[[Den of Geek]]''<ref name="Sokol" /> }} The ages of Dexter and Dee Dee are meant to be nebulous. Although Tartakovsky suggested that Dexter is intended to be about six to eight years old and that Dee Dee is "a couple years older", he stressed that he would "never want" to specify Dexter's exact age.<ref name="Woulfe" /> Tartakovsky wrote Dexter as a hardworking, unspoiled "[[Midwestern United States|Midwest]] kid" who loves food and explained, "I'm not saying he's from Chicago, but there's a reason he's got his own [[burrito]] palace, just like I had growing up in Chicago."<ref name="Davenport" /> The sibling dynamic in ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was partially modeled on Tartakovsky's relationship with his older brother, Alex.<ref name="Woulfe" />{{sfn|Lenburg|2006}}<ref name="Davenport" /> Comparing himself to Dee Dee and Alex, who became a [[computer engineering|computer engineer]], to Dexter,<ref name="Woulfe" /><ref name="Davenport" /> Tartakovsky acknowledged that he was most likely a "pest" to his older brother while they were growing up.<ref name="Woulfe" /> Another time, he reminisced that as kids, he and his brother could each be a "pain in the ass" to the other.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}} To illustrate one of the parallels between his childhood and the series, Tartakovsky noted that Alex had kept him from playing with "intricate" [[toy soldier]]s in those days, much like Dexter attempts to keep Dee Dee away from his inventions.<ref name="Woulfe" /><ref name="Davenport" /> Tartakovsky determined that Dexter should have an accent because the character "considers himself a very serious scientist, and all well-known scientists have accents."<ref name="Adams">{{Cite news |last=Adams |first=Thelma |author-link=Thelma Adams |date=August 19, 2001 |title=The Way We Live Now: Questions for Genndy Tartakovsky; The Big Draw |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/19/magazine/the-way-we-live-now-questions-for-genndy-tartakovsky-the-big-draw.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002205134/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/19/magazine/the-way-we-live-now-questions-for-genndy-tartakovsky-the-big-draw.html |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> During one interview, Tartakovsky suggested that viewers should decide for themselves whether or not the character's accent is an affectation, saying that "[n]obody knows" whether the character is "pretending to be a German scientist" or is speaking naturally.<ref name="Sokol" /> Although Tartakovsky noted in a separate interview that Dexter's accent is not meant to denote any specific nationality,<ref name="Woulfe" /> he revealed in a 2012 [[Reddit]] [[r/IAmA|AMA]] that it was partially inspired by "a funny French accent" done by his college roommate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tartakovsky |first=Genndy |author-link=Genndy Tartakovsky |date=October 2, 2012 |title=I Am Genndy Tartakovsky, the Director of Hotel Transylvania. AMA. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/10l1an/i_am_genndy_tartakovsky_the_director_of_hotel/c6gkoyt/?context=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313201031/https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/10l1an/i_am_genndy_tartakovsky_the_director_of_hotel/c6gkoyt/?context=3 |archive-date=March 13, 2019 |access-date=December 5, 2018 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>{{efn|Tartakovsky's roommate at CalArts was ''Dexter's Laboratory'' collaborator Rob Renzetti,{{sfn|Perlmutter|2014|p=322}} whom he first met through his brother, Alex.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mallory |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Mallory |date=August 30, 2012 |title=Tartakovsky and the Road to Transylvania |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2012/08/tartakovsky-and-the-road-to-transylvania/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707061712/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2012/08/tartakovsky-and-the-road-to-transylvania/ |archive-date=July 7, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2018 |website=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref>}} When Candi Milo took over the role of Dexter in season 3, she had trouble replicating Cavanaugh's performance until she met Tartakovsky and realized Cavanaugh was imitating his Russian accent (albeit some exaggeration).<ref>{{Cite AV media |last1=VeritΓ© Entertainment |title=Candi Milo - Talking Voices (Part 1) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IyI_XgKmug |via=[[YouTube]] |date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=14 October 2024}}</ref> === Original run === [[File:SRM headshot.jpg|thumb|left|[[Steve Rucker (composer)|Steve Rucker]] composed music for the series with Thomas Chase and Gary Lionelli.]] ''Dexter's Laboratory'' premiered on [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]] on April 27, 1996, and the following day on Cartoon Network and [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Beller |first=Miles |date=April 25, 1996 |title=TV Review; 'Dexter's Laboratory' |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=[[BPI Entertainment News Wire]]}}</ref> It became the first in a brand of Cartoon Network original cartoons, later including ''[[Cow and Chicken]]'', ''[[I Am Weasel]]'', ''[[Johnny Bravo]]'', ''The Powerpuff Girls'', ''[[Ed, Edd n Eddy]]'', and ''[[Courage the Cowardly Dog]]'', collectively known as [[Cartoon Cartoons]]. A second season was ordered, which premiered on Cartoon Network on July 16, 1997.<ref name="zany" /> This season includes "Dexter and Computress Get Mandark!", an episode created by six-year-old [[Long Island]] resident Tyler Samuel Lee, who submitted his idea to Tartakovsky as an audiotape. Lee's recorded narration is used in the episode, and Tartakovsky (who often received letters and comments from other fans) said that Lee had "a great understanding of the show and genuinely captured the imaginative kid perspective we're always striving for."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Price |first=Michael H. |date=May 5, 1998 |title=Tyler Samuel Lee |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/117329705/tyler-samuel-lee/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701015612/https://www.newspapers.com/article/117329705/tyler-samuel-lee/ |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=January 27, 2023 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |location=[[Fort Worth, Texas]] |page=78 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> Composers Thomas Chase, [[Steve Rucker (composer)|Steve Rucker]], and Gary Lionelli provided the musical score for the series. ''Dexter's Laboratory'' went on hiatus on June 15, 1998, after two seasons, with season 2 lasting 39 episodes.<ref name="Brooks">{{Cite book |last1=Brooks |first1=Tim |author-link=Tim Brooks (historian) |title=[[The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946βPresent]] |last2=Marsh |first2=Earle |date=October 16, 2007 |publisher=[[Ballantine Books]] |isbn=978-0-345-49773-4 |edition=9th |location=[[New York City]] |pages=350β351}}</ref> The series finale was initially intended to be "Last But Not Beast", which differed from the format of other episodes, in that it was a single 25-minute episode, rather than a collection of shorter segments. By this point, Tartakovsky was exhausted. His focus on the series had cost him two relationships, and he went on to joke that the process of running ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was like "giving birth to ten children."<ref name="Jubera" /> After putting the series on hiatus, Tartakovsky became a supervising producer on colleague Craig McCracken's series, ''The Powerpuff Girls''; he directed episodes of that series and worked on ''[[The Powerpuff Girls Movie]].''{{sfn|Lenburg|2006}}{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007}}{{sfn|Perlmutter|2014|p=269}} After the movie, McCracken went on to create ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' for Cartoon Network. Both Hartman and MacFarlane left Cartoon Network altogether at this point; the former went on to create ''[[The Fairly OddParents]]'' and ''[[Danny Phantom]]'' for [[Nickelodeon]] while the latter went on to create ''[[Family Guy]]'' for [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] respectively.<ref name="seth" /><ref name="butch" /> In 1999, Tartakovsky returned to direct ''Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip'', an hour-long television movie.<ref name="ego">{{Cite magazine |last=Bernardin |first=Marc |author-link=Marc Bernardin |date=November 24, 2000 |title=Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip Review |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2000/11/24/dexters-laboratory-ego-trip |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206161222/https://ew.com/article/2000/11/24/dexters-laboratory-ego-trip/ |archive-date=February 6, 2015 |access-date=January 22, 2013 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |issn=1049-0434}}</ref> It was his last ''Dexter's Laboratory'' production to be involved with and was intended to be its conclusion. ''Ego Trip'' was hand-animated, though character and setting designs were subtly revised. Its plot follows Dexter on a quest through time to discover his future triumphs.<ref name="ego" /> It premiered on December 10, 1999, at 7:00 PM with a repeat broadcast on January 1, 2000, at 12:00 AM.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeMott |first=Rick |date=December 1, 1999 |title=Cartoon Network to Air Dexter's Lab Special |url=https://www.awn.com/news/cartoon-network-air-dexters-lab-special |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203123045/https://www.awn.com/news/cartoon-network-air-dexters-lab-special |archive-date=February 3, 2014 |access-date=April 22, 2013 |website=[[Animation World Network]]}}</ref> === Revival === On February 21, 2001, Cartoon Network issued a press release stating that ''Dexter's Laboratory'' had been revived for a 13-episode third season.<ref name="digitalmedia">{{Cite news |date=February 21, 2001 |title=Cartoon Network Announces New Programming and Online Initiatives for 2001β2002 Television Season |url=http://oceania.digitalmedianet.com/article/Cartoon-Network-Announces-New-Programming-and-Online-Initiatives-For-2001-2002-Television-Season-720 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044324/http://oceania.digitalmedianet.com/article/Cartoon-Network-Announces-New-Programming-and-Online-Initiatives-For-2001-2002-Television-Season-720 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=November 16, 2013 |publisher=Digital Media Online |agency=[[Business Wire]]}}</ref> The series was given a new production team at [[Cartoon Network Studios]], and Chris Savino took over the role of creative director from Tartakovsky, who at the time was immersed in launching his next series, ''[[Samurai Jack]]''.<ref name="Aushenker" /><ref name="digitalmedia" /> During season four of ''Dexter's Laboratory'', Savino was promoted to producer giving him further control of the series, including the budget.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=157}} Revival episodes featured revised visual designs and sound effects, recast voice actors, and a transition from traditional cel animation, which was used until ''Ego Trip'', to digital ink and paint, which was used permanently beginning with season three's premiere. Christine Cavanaugh voiced Dexter for early episodes of season three, but she retired from voice acting in 2001 for personal reasons. She was replaced by Candi Milo.<ref name="Brooks" /> Allison Moore, a college friend of Tartakovsky, was cast as Dee Dee. Moore's role was later recast with Kat Cressida.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=http://techjives.net/onvoxshow/?p=190 |title=Episode 013 β Guest: Kat Cressida (Voice of Dee Dee from Dexter's Lab Amongst Many Other Things!) β On Vox |date=February 28, 2011 |last=Elk |first=Amy |last2=Pope |first2=Chris |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015153045/http://techjives.net/onvoxshow/?p=190 |archive-date=October 15, 2018 |website=TechJives.net}}</ref> In season three, Moore briefly returned to voice Dee Dee before Cressida again assumed her role for season four. Character redesigns were handled with the help of one of Dexter's original model designers, Chris Battle, known individually for acting as character designer for Nickelodeon's ''[[Aaahh!!! Real Monsters]]'' and Cartoon Network's ''The Powerpuff Girls''. [[Aaron Springer]] and [[Chris Reccardi]] are credited on the writing staff, as is ''Family Guy'' creator Seth MacFarlane.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Humphries |first=Chris |date=March 3, 2021 |title=10 Shows You Didn't Realize Were by Seth MacFarlane |url=https://whatculture.com/tv/10-shows-you-didn-t-realize-were-by-seth-macfarlane |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427042301/https://whatculture.com/tv/10-shows-you-didn-t-realize-were-by-seth-macfarlane |archive-date=April 27, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2023 |website=[[WhatCulture]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, Tartakovsky said he was uninterested in attempting to reboot ''Dexter's Laboratory'' due to Cavanaugh's death in 2014, as well as the "overabundance" of recent reboots of cartoons.<ref name="CBR">{{Cite web |last=John-Day |first=Michael |date=April 25, 2023 |title=Dexter's Laboratory Creator Addresses the Chances of a Revival Series |url=https://www.cbr.com/dexter-laboratory-revival-chances/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427042258/https://www.cbr.com/dexter-laboratory-revival-chances/ |archive-date=April 27, 2023 |access-date=April 27, 2023 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref> == Episodes == {{Main|List of Dexter's Laboratory episodes{{!}}List of ''Dexter's Laboratory'' episodes}} {{:List of Dexter's Laboratory episodes}} ''Dexter's Laboratory'' broadcast 78 half-hour episodes over 4 seasons during its 7-year run. Four pilot shorts were produced for ''What a Cartoon!'' that aired from 1995 to 1996, and were reconnected into season 1 in later airings. Fifty-two episodes were produced from 1996 to 1998, followed by ''Ego Trip'' in 1999. Another 26 episodes were produced and broadcast from 2001 to 2003. "Chicken Scratch" debuted theatrically with ''The Powerpuff Girls Movie'' in 2002, and was later broadcast in season four.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vice |first=Jeff |date=July 3, 2002 |title='Powerpuff Girls' Packs a Mean Punch |url=https://www.deseret.com/2002/7/3/19664168/powerpuff-girls-packs-a-mean-punch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707070550/https://www.deseret.com/2002/7/3/19664168/powerpuff-girls-packs-a-mean-punch/ |archive-date=July 7, 2024 |access-date=January 24, 2013 |work=[[Deseret News]]}}</ref> == Broadcast == ''Dexter's Laboratory'' premiered on February 26, 1995, on Cartoon Network as part of ''What a Cartoon!''.<ref name="Moore" /> On October 8, 2000, Cartoon Network aired the "Favorite Dexters" marathon from 12 PM to 7 PM Eastern.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cartoon Network TV |url=http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001007080239/http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv/index.html |archive-date=2000-10-07 |website=[[CartoonNetwork.com]]}}</ref> On December 31, 2000, Cartoon Network aired its "New Year's Bash" marathon featuring ''Dexter's Laboratory'' among other programs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 21, 2000 |title=Television Highlights for the Week of Dec. 31-Jan. 6 |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]}}</ref> On November 18, 2001, it broadcast a 12-hour "Dexter Goes Global" marathon in 96 countries and 12 languages.<ref name="global">{{Cite news |last=Godfrey |first=Leigh |date=November 6, 2001 |title=Dexter Goes Global in Worldwide Marathon |url=http://www.awn.com/news/dexter-goes-global-worldwide-marathon |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104083045/http://www.awn.com/news/dexter-goes-global-worldwide-marathon |archive-date=January 4, 2016 |access-date=June 5, 2013 |publisher=[[Animation World Network]]}}</ref> This marathon featured fan-selected episodes of ''Dexter's Laboratory'' and culminated by premiering two new episodes of season 3.<ref name="global" /> From 2005 to 2008, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was rerun in segments on ''The Cartoon Cartoon Show'' with other Cartoon Cartoons from that era. From 2012 to 2014, it returned in reruns on the revived block, ''[[Cartoon Planet]]''. From January 16, 2006, to June 7, 2021, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' aired reruns on [[Boomerang (TV network)|Boomerang]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ball |first=Ryan |date=January 12, 2006 |title=Dexter's Laboratory Joins Boomerang |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2006/01/dexters-laboratory-joins-boomerang/ |journal=[[Animation Magazine|Animation]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707065345/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2006/01/dexters-laboratory-joins-boomerang/ |archive-date=July 7, 2024 |access-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Boomerang Schedule |url=http://schedule.adultswim.com/servlet/BoomerangServlet?action=selectBMDay&theDate=6/27/16&timeZone=EST |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623004810/http://schedule.adultswim.com/servlet/BoomerangServlet?action=selectBMDay&theDate=6%2F27%2F16&timeZone=EST |archive-date=June 23, 2016 |website=[[AdultSwim.com]]}}</ref> [[Cartoon Network (Canadian TV channel)|Cartoon Network]] has aired reruns in [[Canada]] since its launch on July 4, 2012.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=June 21, 2012 |title=Cartoon Network/Adult Swim Go Canuck |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2012/06/cartoon-networkadult-swim-go-canuck/ |journal=[[Animation Magazine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707065600/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2012/06/cartoon-networkadult-swim-go-canuck/ |archive-date=July 7, 2024 |access-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref> This launch was commemorated by parent network Teletoon, which aired Cartoon Network-related programming blocks and promotions in weeks leading up to it, including episodes of ''Dexter's Laboratory''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=May 4, 2012 |title=Teletoon Promotes Cartoon Network Launch in Canada |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/teletoon-promotes-cartoon-network-launch-in-canada/ |journal=[[Animation Magazine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907062249/http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/teletoon-promotes-cartoon-network-launch-in-canada/ |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |access-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref> ''Dexter's Laboratory'' currently airs in reruns on [[Checkered Past (TV programming block)|Checkered Past]] on [[Adult Swim]]. === Controversial episodes === "Dial M for Monkey: Barbequor", a season 1 episode from 1996, was removed from rotation sometime after its original premiere in the United States with no official reason given (although this has been unofficially attributed to the episode's inclusion of a stereotypical depiction of a homosexual male character).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Anderson |date=August 14, 2010 |title=Dial M for Monkey β The Banned Episode |url=https://www.gawkerarchives.com/5612599%2Fdial-m-for-monkey---the-banned-episode |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707072244/https://www.gawkerarchives.com/5612599%2Fdial-m-for-monkey---the-banned-episode |archive-date=July 7, 2024 |access-date=August 10, 2013 |website=[[Gawker]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Belonksy |first=Andrew |date=June 12, 2008 |title=Banned "Anti-Gay" Toon Exhumed! |url=https://www.queerty.com/banned-anti-gay-toon-exhumed-20080612 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828085858/https://www.queerty.com/banned-anti-gay-toon-exhumed-20080612 |archive-date=August 28, 2018 |access-date=August 10, 2013 |website=[[Queerty]]}}</ref> In later broadcasts and on its Season 1 DVD (Region 1), "Barbequor" has been replaced with "Dexter's Lab: A Story", an episode from season 2.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacey |first=Gord |date=October 29, 2010 |title=Dexter's Laboratory β Season 1 Review |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/reviews/Dexters-Laboratory-Season-1/10187 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200111/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/reviews/Dexters-Laboratory-Season-1/10187 |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |access-date=January 20, 2013 |website=[[TVShowsOnDVD.com]]}}</ref> "[[Rude Removal]]", a season 2 episode, was produced but not aired. It involves Dexter creating a "rude removal system" to diminish Dee Dee and Dexter's rudeness that instead creates highly rude clones of both siblings. "Rude Removal" was only shown during certain animation festivals and was never aired on television due to characters [[profanity|swearing]], even though all swear words are [[censored]].<ref name="deseret">{{Cite news |last=Pierce |first=Scott D. |date=July 27, 1998 |title=Lost Cartoon? |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/643555/Conan-cant-shake-off-rocky-start-as-host.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001034138/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/643555/Conan-cant-shake-off-rocky-start-as-host.html |archive-date=October 1, 2018 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |work=[[Deseret News]]}}</ref> Tartakovsky commented that "[[Broadcast Standards and Practices|standards]] didn't like it."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seibert |first=Fred |author-link=Fred Seibert |date=October 26, 2010 |title=Bad Dexter! |url=http://archives.frederatorblogs.com/frederator_studios/2010/10/26/banned-dexter/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816234003/http://archives.frederatorblogs.com/frederator_studios/2010/10/26/banned-dexter/ |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=Frederator Blogs |publisher=[[Frederator Studios]]}}</ref> Linda Simensky, then-vice president of original programming for Cartoon Network, said "I still think it's very funny. It probably would air better late at night."<ref name="deseret" /> Michelle Klein-HΓ€ss of ''[[Animation World Network]]'' called the episode "hilarious" after viewing it at the 1998 World Animation Celebration, although she predicted that it would "never be shown on television".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Klein-HΓ€ss |first=Michelle |date=March 1998 |title=Thinking About the World Animation Celebration '98 |url=https://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.12/2.12pages/2.12hasswac.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102015002/https://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.12/2.12pages/2.12hasswac.html |archive-date=November 2, 2018 |access-date=November 27, 2018 |magazine=Animation World Magazine |publisher=[[Animation World Network]] |volume=2 |issue=12}}</ref> In October 2012, Genndy Tartakovsky was asked about "Rude Removal" during an AMA on Reddit, and he replied "Next time I do a public appearance I'll bring it with me!"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tartakovsky |first=Genndy |date=September 27, 2012 |title=I Am Genndy Tartakovsky, the Director of Hotel Transylvania. AMA. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/10l1an/i_am_genndy_tartakovsky_the_director_of_hotel/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126014957/https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/10l1an/i_am_genndy_tartakovsky_the_director_of_hotel/ |archive-date=November 26, 2016 |access-date=January 20, 2013 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> Adult Swim later asked fans on [[Twitter]] if interest still existed with it, and fan response was "overwhelming".<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=274738945294729216 |user=adultswim |title=''Dexter's Lab'' Fans: Is There Still Interest in Seeing the Lost Unaired Episode? [...] |date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093446/https://twitter.com/adultswim/status/274738945294729216 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=275417904894341121 |user=adultswim |title=Re: #DextersRudeRemoval [...] |date=December 2, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093450/https://twitter.com/adultswim/status/275417904894341121 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> "Rude Removal" was finally uploaded on Adult Swim's official [[YouTube]] account on January 22, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tickle |first=Glen |date=January 22, 2013 |title=Adult Swim Releases Banned Dexter's Laboratory Episode |url=https://www.themarysue.com/lost-dexters-laboratory-episode-surfaces/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129082138/https://www.themarysue.com/lost-dexters-laboratory-episode-surfaces/ |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=November 12, 2014 |website=[[The Mary Sue]]}}</ref> == Reception == [[File:Dexter Macy's Parade 1998.jpg|thumb|right|Dexter was a featured character at the [[Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade]] from 1998 to 2000.]] ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was Cartoon Network's highest-rated original series in 1996 and 1997.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bevilacqua |first=Joseph K. |date=September 1998 |title=Tooning in the 1998 Fall Season |url=https://www.awn.com/mag/issue3.6/3.6pages/3.6bevilacqua.html |journal=Animation World Magazine |publisher=[[Animation World Network]] |volume=3 |issue=6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705101042/https://www.awn.com/mag/issue3.6/3.6pages/3.6bevilacqua.html |archive-date=July 5, 2024 |access-date=May 25, 2012}}</ref> Cartoon Network viewers voted the series as "Toon of the Year" in 1996.{{sfn|Lenburg|2006}} Internationally, it garnered a special mention for best script at the 1997 Cartoons on the Bay animation festival in Italy.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bendazzi |first=Giannalberto |author-link=Giannalberto Bendazzi |date=May 1997 |title=Cartoons on the Bay |url=https://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.2/articles/bendazzicartoons2.2.html |journal=Animation World Magazine |publisher=[[Animation World Network]] |volume=2 |issue=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023054926/https://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.2/articles/bendazzicartoons2.2.html |archive-date=October 23, 2013 |access-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref> From 1998 to 2000, a Dexter balloon was featured in [[Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade]] alongside other iconic characters, including the titular piglet from ''[[Babe (film)|Babe]]'' whom Christine Cavanaugh voiced.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Connors |first=Anthony |date=November 29, 1998 |title=Then & Now a November March |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/november-march-article-1.816799 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131357/http://www.nydailynews.com/november-march-article-1.816799 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |website=[[New York Daily News]] |location=[[New York City]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2005 |title=Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Morphs into Marketing Tool |url=http://www.chiefmarketer.com/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-morphs-into-marketing-tool/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130005525/http://www.chiefmarketer.com/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-morphs-into-marketing-tool/ |archive-date=November 30, 2015 |access-date=March 20, 2014 |website=ChiefMarketer.com |publisher=Access Intelligence}}</ref> The series was part of Cartoon Network's 20% ratings surge during mid-1999.<ref name="phyllis">{{Cite web |last=Furman |first=Phyllis |date=November 8, 1999 |title=Popular Shows on Cartoon Put a Nick in Rival's Edge |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19991115/2995265/popular-shows-on-cartoon-put-a-nick-in-rivals-edge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913184853/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19991115&slug=2995265 |archive-date=September 13, 2018 |access-date=May 25, 2012 |website=[[The Seattle Times]] |url-status=live |location=[[New York City]]}}</ref> On July 7, 2000, the series was the network's highest-rated original telecast among households (3.1), kids 2β11 (7.8), and kids 6β11 (8.4), with a delivery of almost 2 million homes.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=The Summer of Cartoon Network Continues: Dexter's Laboratory Becomes Network's Highest-Rated Original Telecast Ever in Households, Kids |date=July 11, 2000 |publisher=[[Warner Media Group]] |url=https://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2000/07/11/the-summer-of-cartoon-network-continues-dexter-s-labratory |last1=Goldberg |first1=Laurie |access-date=June 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109073904/https://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2000/07/11/the-summer-of-cartoon-network-continues-dexter-s-labratory |archive-date=November 9, 2018}}</ref> On July 31, 2001, it scored the highest household rating (2.9) and delivery (2,166,000 homes) for a Cartoon Network telecast for that year.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Cartoon Network Originals Chart Record Summer Ratings |date=August 28, 2001 |publisher=[[Warner Media Group]] |url=https://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2001/08/28/cartoon-network-originals-chart-record-summer-ratings |last1=Swaney |first1=Joseph |last2=Purcell |first2=Courtenay |access-date=May 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109074106/https://www.warnermediagroup.com/newsroom/press-releases/2001/08/28/cartoon-network-originals-chart-record-summer-ratings |archive-date=November 9, 2018}}</ref> Along with ''The Powerpuff Girls'', ''Dexter's Laboratory'' expanded the network's viewership to 72 million,<ref name="Aushenker" /> and the series became one of the network's highest-rated original series of 2002.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=BAM! Entertainment Expands Its Cartoon Network(TM) Portfolio |date=November 6, 2002 |publisher=[[BAM! Entertainment]] |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bam-entertainment-expands-its-cartoon-networktm-portfolio-76675907.html |access-date=May 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195528/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bam-entertainment-expands-its-cartoon-networktm-portfolio-76675907.html |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |place=[[San Jose, California]] |agency=[[PR Newswire]]}}</ref> === Critical reception === ''Dexter's Laboratory'', particularly its first two original seasons, received critical acclaim and became one of Cartoon Network's most successful original series. [[Betty Cohen]], then Cartoon Network's president, called it one of her favorite animated programs, stating, "It shows little guys can be powerful."<ref name="phyllis" /> Rapper [[Coolio]] stated in an August 2002 ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' interview that he is a fan of the series, stating, "I watch a lot of cartoons because I have kids. I actually watch more cartoons than movies."<ref name="coolio">{{Cite magazine |last=Hay |first=Carla |date=August 3, 2002 |title=TV Themes and 'Dexter' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AwwEAAAAMBAJ&q=dexter's+laboratory&pg=PA12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929005434/https://books.google.com/books?id=AwwEAAAAMBAJ&q=dexter%27s+laboratory&pg=PA12 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |page=12 |via=[[Google Books]] |volume=114 |issue=31 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref> Shortly after the premiere of its first season, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was hailed as one of the best new series on Cartoon Network by Ted Cox of the ''[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Ted |date=June 14, 1996 |title=Check Out Disney Channel's 'Hunchback' for Free |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]]}}</ref> In the lead up to its second season, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was called the most imaginative series on Cartoon Network by Nancy McAlister of ''[[The Florida Times-Union]]''.{{efn|Writing in 1997, McAlister mistakenly claimed that ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was about to start its third season;<ref name="McAlister" /> the series was actually about to start its second season,<ref name="Ward" /> which would mark its third year on television.<ref name="Moore" />}} Although McAlister critiqued the [[gender role|gender stereotyping]] of Dexter's parents, she acknowledged that she was only applying such scrutiny to the series because ''Dexter's Laboratory'' had helped convince her that "viewers should take animated programming seriously".<ref name="McAlister">{{Cite news |last=McAlister |first=Nancy |date=July 14, 1997 |title=Network's Animated Series Not Just for Kids |work=[[The Florida Times-Union]]}}</ref> In 1997, Bill Ward of the ''[[Star Tribune]]'' named ''Dexter's Laboratory'' to his Critic's Choice list, recommending it for the "young of all ages".<ref name="Ward">{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Bill |date=July 16, 1997 |title=Critic's Choice |work=[[Star Tribune]]}}</ref> In 2012, ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' ranked ''Dexter's Laboratory'' fourth in its list of "10 Best Cartoon Network Shows".<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2012 |title=10 Best Cartoon Network Shows: We Rank 'Em! |url=http://www.ew.com/gallery/10-best-cartoon-network-shows-we-rank-em/579314_4-dexters-laboratory |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123194051/http://www.ew.com/gallery/10-best-cartoon-network-shows-we-rank-em/579314_4-dexters-laboratory |archive-date=November 23, 2015 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> In 2009, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was named 72nd best animated series by ''IGN'', whose editors remarked, "Aimed at and immediately accessible to children, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was part of a new generation of animated series that played on two levels, simultaneously fun for both kids and adults."<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 23, 2009 |title=72. Dexter's Laboratory |url=http://www.ign.com/top/animated-tv-series/72.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009020114/http://www.ign.com/top/animated-tv-series/72.html |archive-date=October 9, 2015 |access-date=June 30, 2011 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> In his 2015 book ''Animation: A World History Volume III: Contemporary Times'', [[Giannalberto Bendazzi]] called ''Dexter's Laboratory'' "visually and verbally innovative".<ref name="Bendazzi">{{Cite book |last=Bendazzi |first=Giannalberto |title=Animation: A World History Volume III: Contemporary Times |publisher=[[CRC Press]] |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-317-51988-1 |location=Boca Raton |pages=8β9 |chapter=North America}}</ref> He considered the series to be a groundbreaking work of [[pop art]], likening its visual style to both [[street art]] and the designs of [[Takashi Murakami]].<ref name="Bendazzi" /> David Perlmutter wrote in his 2018 book, ''The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows'', that all three segments of ''Dexter's Laboratory'' (the main scenario, along with ''Dial M for Monkey'' and ''The Justice Friends'') elevate stereotypical ideas through an approach that contains "verve and originality".{{sfn|Perlmutter|2018|p=153}} Perlmutter called the series more "complex" than it first seems.{{sfn|Perlmutter|2018|p=153}} He praised the staging of action sequences throughout the series and wrote that ''Dexter's Laboratory'' is "much more effective (and funny) than it would have been under a director less committed to the project [than Tartakovsky]."{{sfn|Perlmutter|2018|p=153}} === Legacy === As affirmed by Giannalberto Bendazzi in ''Animation: A World History Volume III'', ''Dexter's Laboratory'', along with Craig McCracken's ''The Powerpuff Girls'', helped define the style of Cartoon Network, both for being works "in which lines and colour are predominant", and for underlining their graphic aspect through [[limited animation]].<ref name="Bendazzi" /> Television critic Robert Lloyd claimed that both artists were "at the forefront of a second wave of innovative, creator-driven television animation, whose first wave began in the 1990s with the likes of [[Ralph Bakshi]]'s ''[[Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures]]'' and [[John Kricfalusi]]'s ''[[The Ren & Stimpy Show]]''."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lloyd |first=Robert |date=February 2, 2020 |title=At Netflix, 'Powerpuff Girls' Creator Savors Freedom: 'We Can Do This Now?' |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-02-02/powerpuff-girls-craig-mccracken-kid-cosmic-netfix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905160842/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-02-02/powerpuff-girls-craig-mccracken-kid-cosmic-netfix |archive-date=September 5, 2021 |access-date=September 3, 2021 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Tartakovsky reflected on this period in 2024, saying that he and his colleagues took full advantage of the freedom provided by the still-new Cartoon Network, but that the level of trust on young artists was "pretty much gone" 30 years later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=June 19, 2024 |title=Genndy Tartakovsky Looks Back at the Magic of 'Dexter's Lab' and the Cartoon Boom of the '90s (Exclusive) |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/06/genndy-tartakovsky-looks-back-at-the-magic-of-dexters-lab-and-the-cartoon-boom-of-the-90s-exclusive/ |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=Animation Magazine}}</ref> The show has been credited for kick-starting the channel's ascent and launching Tartakovsky's career, which later gave way to ''Samurai Jack'' and ''[[Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003 TV series)|Star Wars: Clone Wars]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blumenfeld |first=Zach |date=April 16, 2016 |title=How Dexter's Laboratory Kickstarted Cartoon Network's Ascent |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/how-dexters-laboratory-kickstarted-cartoon-networks-ascent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929005420/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/how-dexters-laboratory-kickstarted-cartoon-networks-ascent/ |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=September 3, 2021 |website=[[Den of Geek]]}}</ref> To this, ''[[Gizmodo]]'' contributor Beth Elderkin added: "Since then, he's become a staple in children's and adult animation, responsible for everything from the ''[[Hotel Transylvania]]'' series to the powerful (and ultra-violent) ''[[Primal (TV series)|Primal]]''."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elderkin |first=Beth |date=October 29, 2020 |title=Genndy Tartakovsky's Unicorn: Warriors Eternal Is Heading to HBO Max |url=https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2020/10/genndy-tartakovskys-unicorn-warriors-eternal-is-heading-to-hbo-max/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102195510/https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2020/10/genndy-tartakovskys-unicorn-warriors-eternal-is-heading-to-hbo-max/ |archive-date=November 2, 2020 |access-date=September 3, 2021 |website=[[Gizmodo]]}}</ref> ''[[New York (magazine)#Vulture|Vulture]]'' called the first pilot episode "a testament to Tartakovsky's talent and commitment as a filmmaker and a proof of concept for the ''What a Cartoon!'' anthology format."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Vilas-Boas |first1=Eric |last2=Meher |first2=John |date=October 5, 2020 |title=The 100 Most Influential Sequences in Animation History |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/most-influential-best-scenes-animation-history.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005205951/https://www.vulture.com/article/most-influential-best-scenes-animation-history.html |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=September 3, 2021 |website=[[Vulture.com|Vulture]]}}</ref> For a while, the show's simplistic look was adopted by other American cartoons; in a 2021 interview with ''[[Syfy Wire]]'', animator Butch Hartman said, "When I started making ''Fairly OddParents'', I took cues from what Genndy did in terms of simplifying the designs and using bold colors and simple shapes."<ref name="Motamayor" /> ''Dexter's Laboratory'' has been subject to scholarly works that include a study on [[post-9/11]] America by Media International Australia<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Stockwell |first=Steve |date=November 2004 |title=Dealing with World Domination: Lessons from ''The Powerpuff Girls'' and Friends |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1329878x0411300105 |journal=Media International Australia |publisher=[[Sage Publishing]] |volume=113 |issue=1 |pages=23β29 |doi=10.1177/1329878x0411300105 |via=[[Sagepub.com]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> and a publication about how [[Mexicans|Mexican]] children react to references in the series by ''[[Comunicar]]''.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=NiΓ±os Mexicanos y Dibujos Animados Norteamericanos: Referencias Extranjeras en Series Animadas |trans-title=Mexican Children and American Cartoons: Foreign References in Animation |url=https://www.scipedia.com/public/Cornelio_2015a |url-status=live |publisher=Media Education Research Journal |issue=45 |pages=125β132 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707091439/https://www.scipedia.com/public/Cornelio_2015a |archive-date=July 7, 2024 |access-date=July 7, 2024 |via=Scipedia.com |journal=[[Comunicar]]|date=2015 |doi=10.3916/C45-2015-13 |last1=Cornelio-MarΓ |first1=Elia-Margarita |volume=23 |hdl=11573/852381 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> === Awards and nominations === {| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Year !! Award !! Category !! Nominee(s) !! Result !! Ref |- | rowspan="3" | {{dts|1995}} | rowspan="2" | [[Annie Awards]] | [[Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject|Best Animated Short Subject]] | [[Hanna-Barbera]] (for "Changes") | {{won}} | <ref name="95annies">{{Cite web |title=23rd Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (1995) |url=http://annieawards.org/23rd-annie-awards |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223143930/http://annieawards.org/23rd-annie-awards |archive-date=February 23, 2013 |access-date=June 28, 2012 |website=AnnieAwards.org |publisher=[[ASIFA-Hollywood]]}}</ref> |- | [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in a Feature Production|Best Individual Achievement for Storyboarding in the Field of Animation]] | [[Genndy Tartakovsky]] | {{nom}} | <ref name="95annies" /> |- | rowspan="2" | [[Primetime Emmy Awards]] | rowspan="2" | [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour or Less)]] | [[Buzz Potamkin]], [[Genndy Tartakovsky]] and [[Larry Huber]] (for "Changes") | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory in "Changes" |url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/dexters-laboratory-changes |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629024227/http://www.emmys.com/shows/dexters-laboratory-changes |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |website=[[Emmys.com]] |publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]}}</ref> |- | {{dts|1996}} | [[Larry Huber]], [[Genndy Tartakovsky]], [[Craig McCracken]] and [[Paul Rudish]] (for "The Big Sister") | {{nom}} | <ref name="emmys">{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory |url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/dexters-laboratory |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629025629/http://www.emmys.com/shows/dexters-laboratory |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |website=[[Emmys.com]] |publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]}}</ref> |- | rowspan="6" | {{dts|1997}} | rowspan="5" |[[Annie Awards]] | [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production|Best Individual Achievement: Writing in a TV Production]] | [[Jason Butler Rote]] and [[Paul Rudish]] (for "Beard to Be Feared") | {{won}} | <ref name="97annies">{{Cite web |title=25th Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (1997) |url=http://annieawards.org/25th-annie-awards |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223153328/http://annieawards.org/25th-annie-awards |archive-date=February 23, 2013 |access-date=June 28, 2012 |website=AnnieAwards.org |publisher=[[ASIFA-Hollywood]]}}</ref> |- | [[Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production|Best Animated TV Program]] | [[Hanna-Barbera]] | {{nom}} | <ref name="97annies" /> |- | [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production|Best Individual Achievement: Music in a TV Production]] | Thomas Chase and [[Steve Rucker (composer)|Steve Rucker]] | {{nom}} | <ref name="97annies" /> |- | Best Individual Achievement: Producing in a TV Production | [[Genndy Tartakovsky]] (for "Ham Hocks and Arm Locks") | {{nom}} | <ref name="97annies" /> |- | [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production|Best Individual Achievement: Voice Acting by a Female Performer in a TV Production]] | [[Christine Cavanaugh]] (as Dexter) | {{nom}} | <ref name="97annies" /> |- | [[Primetime Emmy Awards]] | [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour or Less)]] | [[Sherry Gunther]], [[Larry Huber]], [[Craig McCracken]], [[Genndy Tartakovsky]] and [[Jason Butler Rote]] (for "Star Spangled Sidekicks", "TV Super Pals", and "Game Over") | {{nom}} | <ref name="emmys" /> |- | rowspan="5" | {{dts|1998}} | rowspan="3" | [[Annie Awards]] | [[Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production|Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Primetime or Late Night Television Program]] | [[Hanna-Barbera]] | {{nom}} | <ref name="98annies">{{Cite web |title=26th Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (1998) |url=http://annieawards.org/26th-annie-awards |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223120846/http://annieawards.org/26th-annie-awards |archive-date=February 23, 2013 |access-date=June 28, 2012 |website=AnnieAwards.org |publisher=[[ASIFA-Hollywood]]}}</ref> |- | [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production|Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Television Production]] | [[Christine Cavanaugh]] (as Dexter) | {{nom}} | <ref name="98annies" /> |- | [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production|Outstanding Individual Achievement for Music in an Animated Television Production]] | David Smith, Thomas Chase, and [[Steve Rucker (composer)|Steve Rucker]] (for "LABretto") | {{nom}} | <ref name="98annies" /> |- | [[Primetime Emmy Awards]] | [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour or Less)]] | [[Davis Doi]], [[Genndy Tartakovsky]], [[Jason Butler Rote]] and Michael Ryan (for "Dyno-might" and "LABretto") | {{nom}} | <ref name="emmys" /> |- | [[Motion Picture Sound Editors#Golden Reel Awards|Golden Reel Awards]] | [[Golden Reel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing β Sound Effects, Foley, Music, Dialogue and ADR for Short Form Animation Broadcast Media|Best Sound Editing in Television Animation β Music]] |''Dexter's Laboratory'' | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite news |last=Variety Staff |date=February 26, 1998 |title=Golden Reels Set Sound Noms |url=https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/golden-reels-set-sound-noms-1117468163/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721054217/https://variety.com/1998/tv/news/golden-reels-set-sound-noms-1117468163/ |archive-date=2024-07-21 |access-date=2024-07-21 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" | {{dts|2000}} | rowspan="2" |[[Annie Awards]] | [[Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production|Outstanding Achievement in a Primetime or Late Night Animated Television Program]] | [[Hanna-Barbera]] | {{nom}} | <ref name="00annies">{{Cite web |title=28th Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (2000) |url=http://annieawards.org/28th-annie-awards |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130414005156/http://annieawards.org/28th-annie-awards |archive-date=April 14, 2013 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=AnnieAwards.org |publisher=[[ASIFA-Hollywood]]}}</ref> |- | [[Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production|Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Television Production]] | [[Christine Cavanaugh]] (as Dexter in ''[[Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip]]'') | {{won}} | <ref name="00annies" /> |- | {{dts|2002}} | rowspan="2" | [[Motion Picture Sound Editors#Golden Reel Awards|Golden Reel Awards]] | [[Golden Reel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing β Sound Effects, Foley, Music, Dialogue and ADR for Short Form Animation Broadcast Media|Best Sound Editing in Television β Music, Episodic Animation]] | [[Roy Braverman]] and William Griggs (for "Momdark", "Quackor", and "Mind Over Chatter") | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite web |last=Hobbs |first=John |date=February 10, 2002 |title=Sound Editors Tap Noms for Golden Reel Awards |url=https://variety.com/2002/film/awards/sound-editors-tap-noms-for-golden-reel-awards-1117860492/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627223024/https://variety.com/2002/film/awards/sound-editors-tap-noms-for-golden-reel-awards-1117860492/ |archive-date=June 27, 2019 |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> |- | {{dts|2004}} | [[Golden Reel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing β Sound Effects, Foley, Music, Dialogue and ADR for Short Form Animation Broadcast Media|Best Sound Editing in Television Animation β Music]] | Brian F. Mars and [[Roy Braverman]] (for "Dexter's Wacky Races") | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite web |last=Graser |first=Marc |date=January 19, 2004 |title='Pirates' Reels in Most MPSE Noms |url=https://variety.com/2004/tv/awards/pirates-reels-in-most-mpse-noms-1117898745/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422145632/https://variety.com/2004/tv/awards/pirates-reels-in-most-mpse-noms-1117898745/1117860492 |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |access-date=2024-07-14 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> |} == Merchandise == === Home media === ''Dexter's Laboratory'' first appeared in home media as a "bonus toon" on the ''Jonny Quest - Race Bannon in Army of One'' [[VHS]]<ref name="race">{{Citation |title=Jonny Quest - Race Bannon in Army of One [VHS] |asin=6303953328 |mode=cs1}}</ref>{{efn|Includes ''What a Cartoon!'' short ''Dexter's Laboratory''.}} and later in a limited-run, complete series ''Dexter's Laboratory'' [[DVD-Video|DVD]] contest prize, both of which became available in 1999.<ref name="race" /><ref name="subway_dvd" /> Dedicated, wide-release home media for the series began with the ''Dexter's Laboratory: Volume 1'' VHS in the United Kingdom in 2000<ref name="Volume 1">{{Citation |title=Dexter's Laboratory: Volume 1 [VHS] |asin=B00004L8LF |asin-tld=co.uk |mode=cs1}}</ref> and the ''Dexter's Laboratory: Greatest Adventures'' VHS in North America in 2001.<ref name="Greatest Adventures">{{Citation |title=Dexter's Laboratory β Greatest Adventures [VHS] (1996) |asin=B00005BCN4 |mode=cs1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory "Dexter's Greatest Adventures" |url=http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/shop/dexter/vid/vhs/WHV12DXT99NAH1793.01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010908160005/http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/shop/dexter/vid/vhs/WHV12DXT99NAH1793.01.html |archive-date=September 8, 2001 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=[[CartoonNetwork.com]]}}</ref> The made-for-television movie ''Ego Trip'' was released exclusively on VHS in North America in 2000<ref name="Ego Trip R1">{{Citation |title=Dexter's Laboratory β Ego Trip [VHS] (1996) |isbn=1560396474 |mode=cs1}}</ref> and in the United Kingdom in 2001.<ref name="Ego Trip R2">{{Citation |title=Dexter's Laboratory: Dexter's Ego [VHS] |asin=B000059RK5 |asin-tld=co.uk |mode=cs1}}</ref> Episodes from the series have been included as extra content in other Cartoon Network series' home media releases or as part of Cartoon Network's compilation DVDs. ''[[Cartoon Network Racing]]'', a [[PlayStation 2]] video game, contains the episodes "Dexter's Rival" and "Mandarker" as unlockable extras. [[Warner Bros. Animation]] stated in a 2006 interview that they were "in conversations with Cartoon Network" for DVD collections of cartoons, among which was ''Dexter's Laboratory''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacey |first=Gord |date=June 6, 2006 |title=Home Theatre Forum Warner Bros Chat Transcript β Part 2 |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Site-News/5803 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822134831/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Site-News/5803 |archive-date=August 22, 2010 |access-date=August 16, 2010 |website=[[TVShowsOnDVD.com]]}}</ref> [[Madman Entertainment]] released season 1 and part of season 2 in [[DVD region code#4|Region 4]] in 2008.<ref name="s1r4" /><ref name="s2p1r4" /> A Region 1 release of season 1 was released by [[Warner Bros. Home Entertainment|Warner Home Video]] on October 12, 2010.<ref name="lambert" /> It was the third official release of a Cartoon Network series on DVD under the "Cartoon Network Hall of Fame" label.<ref name="lambert">{{Cite web |last=Lambert |first=David |date=June 30, 2010 |title=Dexter's Laboratory β Enter Dexter's Lab at Long Last...Season 1 DVDs Announced! |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Dexters-Laboratory-Season-1/13993 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702021749/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Dexters-Laboratory-Season-1/13993 |archive-date=July 2, 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |website=[[TVShowsOnDVD.com]]}}</ref> ''Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series'' was released on DVD in North America on June 25, 2024, by [[Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment]] and includes all episodes along with the television film ''Ego Trip'' except for "Dial M for Monkey: Barbequor" and "Rude Removal."<ref name="complete">{{Citation |title=Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series |asin=B0D2KLZ865}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=May 9, 2024 |title='Dexter's Laboratory' Complete Series Coming to DVD for the First Time |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/05/dexters-laboratory-complete-series-coming-to-dvd-for-the-first-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629062627/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/05/dexters-laboratory-complete-series-coming-to-dvd-for-the-first-time/ |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |access-date=June 24, 2024 |website=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref> Every episode, except for the television film ''Ego Trip'' and the banned "Rude Removal" episode, became available on [[iTunes]] in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 28, 1996 |title=Dexter's Laboratory, Season 1 |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/dexters-laboratory-season-1/id337363281 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715231656/http://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/dexters-laboratory-season-1/id337363281 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |publisher=[[iTunes Store]]}}</ref> "Rude Removal" later became available on Adult Swim's official YouTube channel on January 22, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Erik |date=January 22, 2013 |title=Watch a Lost Episode of ''Dexter's Laboratory'' Chockfull of Bleeped Cursing |url=https://www.avclub.com/article/watch-a-lost-episode-of-idexters-laboratory-ichock-91472 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219220915/http://www.avclub.com/article/watch-a-lost-episode-of-idexters-laboratory-ichock-91472 |archive-date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=February 12, 2014 |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |publisher=[[Onion, Inc.]]}}</ref> ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was available on [[Netflix]] from 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory 1996 |url=http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Dexter-s-Laboratory-Season-1/70144363 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013004638/http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Dexter-s-Laboratory-Season-1/70144363 |archive-date=October 13, 2010 |access-date=December 16, 2013 |website=[[Netflix]]}}</ref> until March 30, 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayne |first=Tim |date=February 24, 2015 |title=Here's What's Leaving Netflix in March 2015 |url=https://www.moviefone.com/news/leaving-netflix-march-2015/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326052651/https://www.moviefone.com/news/leaving-netflix-march-2015/ |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |access-date=December 7, 2024 |website=[[Moviefone]]}}</ref> and on [[Hulu]] beginning on May 1, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plaugic |first=Lizzie |date=April 23, 2015 |title=Hulu Snags Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Shows in Exclusive Deal |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/23/8484309/hulu-cartoon-network-adult-swim-stream |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424065005/https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/23/8484309/hulu-cartoon-network-adult-swim-stream |archive-date=April 24, 2015 |access-date=December 7, 2024 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Holme |first=Lisa |date=April 23, 2015 |title=Wubbalubbadubdub! Master Shake, the Crystal Gems, and the Land of Ooo: Your Animated Favorites and More, Coming Soon to Hulu |url=http://blog.hulu.com/2015/04/23/turner-hulu/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425051609/http://blog.hulu.com/2015/04/23/turner-hulu/ |archive-date=April 25, 2015 |website=[[Hulu]]}}</ref> [[Max (streaming service)|HBO Max]] carried the series from May 2020<ref name="CultureSlate">{{Cite web |last=Sandler |first=Scott |date=January 1, 2024 |title='Ed, Edd, n Eddy' and 'Dexter's Laboratory' Arrive on Prime Video with More Content Than HBO Max Ever Had |url=https://www.cultureslate.com/news/ed-edd-n-eddy-and-dexters-laboratory-arrive-on-prime-video-with-more-content-than-hbo-max-ever-had |access-date=December 7, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101183320/https://www.cultureslate.com/news/ed-edd-n-eddy-and-dexters-laboratory-arrive-on-prime-video-with-more-content-than-hbo-max-ever-had |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |website=CultureSlate.com}}</ref> until May 10, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weir |first=Melanie |date=May 11, 2023 |title=Cartoon Network Fans Livid As HBO Pulls More Shows with No Warning |url=https://insidethemagic.net/2023/05/hbo-pulls-cartoon-network-shows-mw1/ |access-date=December 7, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511194750/https://insidethemagic.net/2023/05/hbo-pulls-cartoon-network-shows-mw1/ |archive-date=May 11, 2023 |website=InsideTheMagic.net}}</ref> [[Amazon Prime Video]] began streaming the series on December 30, 2022.<ref name="CultureSlate" /> {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" |- |+''Dexter's Laboratory'' home media releases ! colspan=2 rowspan=2|Season ! rowspan=2|Title ! rowspan=2|Format ! colspan=3|Release dates |- ! [[DVD region code#1|Region 1]] !! [[DVD region code#2|Region 2]] !! [[DVD region code#4|Region 4]] |- ! rowspan="8" style="background:orange;"| | rowspan="8"|[[List of Dexter's Laboratory episodes#Season 1 (1996β97)|1]] | ''Jonny Quest - Race Bannon in Army of One''{{efn|name=Extra|Included on home media as part of a compilation or as a bonus cartoon instead of a feature.}} | VHS | {{dts|1996|03|19}}<ref name="race" /> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: Volume 1'' | VHS | {{n/a}} | {{dts|2000|3|27}}<ref name="Volume 1" /> | {{n/a}} |- | ''Cartoon Network Halloween 2 - Grossest Halloween Ever''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | {{dts|2005|8|09}}<ref>{{Citation |title=Cartoon Network Halloween 2 β Grossest Halloween Ever (2005) |asin=B0009IWFDS |mode=cs1}}</ref> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete First Season'' | DVD | {{dts|2010|10|12}}<ref name="lambert" /> | {{n/a}} | {{dts|2008|2|13}}<ref name="s1r4">{{Cite web |title=Cartoon Network on DVD β Dexter's Laboratory Season 1 (2 Disc Set) |url=https://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?releaseId=8534&method=view |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927071238/https://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?releaseId=8534&method=view |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2011 |publisher=[[Madman Entertainment]]}}</ref> |- | ''4 Kid Favorites Cartoon Network: Hall of Fame #1''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | {{dts|2012|3|13}}<ref>{{Citation |title=4 Kid Favorites Cartoon Network: Hall of Fame (2012) |asin=B006UANER0 |mode=cs1}}</ref> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | ''4 Kid Favorites Cartoon Network: Hall of Fame #3''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | {{dts|2015|6|23}}<ref>{{Citation |title=4 Kid Favorites Cartoon Network: Hall of Fame #3 |asin=B00VA327Y8 |mode=cs1}}</ref> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: Collected Experiments'' | DVD | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | {{dts|2017|10|25}}<ref name="collected">{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory Collected Experiments β DVD |url=https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/39922 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025075316/https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/39922 |archive-date=October 25, 2017 |access-date=October 25, 2017 |publisher=[[Madman Entertainment]]}}</ref> |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series'' | DVD | {{dts|2024|6|25}}<ref name="complete" /> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- ! rowspan=11 style="background:#CCCC52| | rowspan=11|[[List of Dexter's Laboratory episodes#Season 2 (1997β98)|2]] | ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]: Twisted Sister''{{efn|name=Extra}} | VHS | {{dts|2001|4|3}}<ref>{{Citation |title=The Powerpuff Girls β Twisted Sister [VHS] (1998) |asin=B000056WSQ |mode=cs1}}</ref> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: Greatest Adventures'' | VHS | {{dts|2001|7|3}}<ref name="Greatest Adventures" /> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | rowspan=2|''[[The Powerpuff Girls: 'Twas the Fight Before Christmas]]''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | rowspan=2|{{dts|2003|10|7}}<ref>{{Citation |title=Powerpuff Girls β Twas the Fight Before Christmas (2003) |asin=B0000AQS8F |mode=cs1}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Powerpuff Girls β Twas the Fight Before Christmas [VHS] (2003) |asin=B0000AQS8H |mode=cs1}}</ref> | {{n/a}} | rowspan=2|{{dts|2005|11|8}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Powerpuff Girls Twas the Fight Before Christmas |url=https://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/8801/powerpuff-girls-twas-the-fight-before-christmas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120411080240/http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/8801/powerpuff-girls-twas-the-fight-before-christmas |archive-date=April 11, 2012 |access-date=May 26, 2011 |publisher=[[Madman Entertainment]]}}</ref> |- | VHS | {{n/a}} |- | ''[[Scooby-Doo]] and the Toon Tour of Mysteries''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | {{dts|2004|06}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spethmann |first=Betsy |date=February 26, 2004 |title=Kellogg, Cartoon Network in $4 Million Back-to-School Campaign |url=http://www.chiefmarketer.com/kellogg-cartoon-network-in-4-million-back-to-school-campaign/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921161832/http://www.chiefmarketer.com/kellogg-cartoon-network-in-4-million-back-to-school-campaign/ |archive-date=September 21, 2015 |access-date=January 20, 2013 |website=ChiefMarketer.com |publisher=Access Intelligence}}</ref> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | ''Cartoon Network Halloween - Nine Creepy Cartoon Capers''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | {{dts|2004|8|10}}<ref>{{Citation |title=Cartoon Network Halloween β 9 Creepy Capers |asin=B000244ESI |mode=cs1}}</ref> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | ''Cartoon Network Christmas - Yuletie Follies''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | {{dts|2004|10|5}}<ref>{{Citation |title=Cartoon Network Christmas β Yuletide Follies (2004) |asin=B0002I84M6 |mode=cs1}}</ref> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | ''Cartoon Network Christmas 2 - Christmas Rocks''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | {{dts|2005|10|4}}<ref>{{Citation |title=Cartoon Network Christmas 2 β Christmas Rocks (2005) |asin=B0009ZE9NK |mode=cs1}}</ref> || {{dts|2010|10|18}}<ref>{{Citation |title=Cartoon Networks Christmas Rocks [DVD] |asin=B003V1YHBS |asin-tld=co.uk |mode=cs1}}</ref> | {{n/a}} |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: Season 2; Part 1'' | DVD | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | {{dts|2008|6|11}}<ref name="s2p1r4">{{Cite web |title=Cartoon Network on DVD β Dexter's Laboratory Season 2 Part 1 (2 Disc Set) |url=https://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?releaseId=10682&method=view |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927071647/https://www.madman.com.au/actions/catalogue.do?releaseId=10682&method=view |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2011 |publisher=[[Madman Entertainment]]}}</ref> |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: Collected Experiments'' | DVD | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | {{dts|2017|10|25}}<ref name="collected" /> |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series'' | DVD | {{dts|2024|6|25}}<ref name="complete" /> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- ! rowspan=3 style="background:#030| | rowspan=3|[[Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip|Film]] | ''Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip'' | VHS | {{dts|2000|11|7}}<ref name="Ego Trip R1" /> | {{dts|2001|7|23}}<ref name="Ego Trip R2" /> | {{n/a}} |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: Collected Experiments'' | DVD | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | {{dts|2017|10|25}}<ref name="collected" /> |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series'' | DVD | {{dts|2024|6|25}}<ref name="complete" /> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- ! rowspan=2 style="background:#52CC52| | rowspan=2|[[List of Dexter's Laboratory episodes#Season 3 (2001β02)|3]] | ''Dexter's Laboratory: Collected Experiments'' | DVD | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | {{dts|2017|10|25}}<ref name="collected" /> |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series'' | DVD | {{dts|2024|6|25}}<ref name="complete" /> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- ! rowspan=4 style="background:#00f| | rowspan=4|[[List of Dexter's Laboratory episodes#Season 4 (2002β03)|4]] | rowspan=2|''[[The Powerpuff Girls Movie]]''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | rowspan=2|{{dts|2002|11|5}}<ref>{{Citation |title=The Powerpuff Girls β The Movie [VHS] (2002) |asin=B00006JUDM |mode=cs1}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=The Powerpuff Girls β The Movie (2002) |asin=B00006JU8D |mode=cs1}}</ref> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | VHS | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: Collected Experiments'' | DVD | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | {{dts|2017|10|25}}<ref name="collected" /> |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series'' | DVD | {{dts|2024|6|25}}<ref name="complete" /> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |} === Music releases === ''Dexter's Laboratory'' has spawned two music albums: ''The Musical Time Machine'' and ''[[Dexter's Laboratory: The Hip-Hop Experiment|The Hip-Hop Experiment]]''. Three ''Dexter's Laboratory'' tracks are featured on Cartoon Network's 1999 [[compilation album]] ''[[Cartoon Medley]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 6, 1999 |title=Various β Cartoon Medley |url=http://www.discogs.com/Various-Cartoon-Medley/release/1449465 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205034719/http://www.discogs.com/Various-Cartoon-Medley/release/1449465 |archive-date=December 5, 2013 |access-date=December 28, 2012 |publisher=[[Discogs]]}}</ref> ''The Musical Time Machine'' is a [[soundtrack album]] released on May 19, 1998, on [[Compact disc|CD]] and [[Cassette tape|cassette]] through [[Atlantic Records]]. It contains five songs taken from the series and one track exclusive to the album. [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] of [[AllMusic]] gave the album a positive review, writing, "It won't win any new fans, but those that love the show will get a kick out of this disc."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen |title=Dexter's Laboratory <nowiki>[Original TV Soundtrack]</nowiki> |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/dexters-laboratory-original-tv-soundtrack-mw0000036491 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617010431/http://www.allmusic.com/album/dexters-laboratory-original-tv-soundtrack-mw0000036491 |archive-date=2012-06-17 |access-date=2012-12-16 |website=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]}}</ref> ''The Hip-Hop Experiment'' is a compilation album released on August 20, 2002, on CD and limited-edition green [[vinyl record]] through [[Kid Rhino]] and Atlantic Records. It features various [[hip-hop]] music artists and released alongside three music videos for "Back to the Lab" by [[Prince Paul (producer)|Prince Paul]], "Dexter (What's His Name?)" by Coolio, and "Secrets" by [[will.i.am]]. A fourth music video by [[They Might Be Giants]] for "Dee Dee and Dexter" was produced by [[Klasky Csupo]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2010 |title=Dexter's Lab Promo Clip |url=http://www.theymightbegiants.com/news/dexters-lab-promo-clip/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731142349/http://www.theymightbegiants.com/news/dexters-lab-promo-clip/ |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2012 |website=[[TheyMightBeGiants.com]]}}</ref> Upon Cartoon Network's request for the artist to write an original song for ''Dexter's Laboratory: The Hip-Hop Experiment'', rapper Coolio, who provided the track "Dexter (What's His Name?)", stated, "I didn't really know what I wanted to do at first, but I knew I wanted it to be positive and lively."<ref name="coolio" /> === Publications === Books set in ''Dexter's Laboratory'' were released by [[Scholastic Corporation|Scholastic]] and [[Little Golden Books]]. {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" |- |+ Under ''Dexter's Laboratory'' ! Title || Year || Author || ISBN |- | ''Dexter's Ink'' || 2002 || Howie Dewin || {{ISBN|0-439-38579-2}} |- | ''Dex-Terminator'' || 2002 || Bobbi J. G. Weiss and David Cody Weiss || {{ISBN|0-439-38580-6}} |- | ''Dr. Dee Dee & Dexter Hyde'' || 2002 || Meg Belviso and Pam Pollack || {{ISBN|0-439-43422-X}} |- | ''I Dream of Dexter'' || 2003 || Meg Belviso and Pam Pollack || {{ISBN|0-439-43423-8}} |- | ''The Incredible Shrinking Dexter'' || 2003 || Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso || {{ISBN|0-439-43424-6}} |- | ''Dexter's Big Switch'' || 2003 || Meg Belviso and Pamela Pollack || {{ISBN|0-439-44947-2}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" |- |+Unnumbered ! Title || Year || Author || ISBN |- | ''Horse of a Different Dexter'' || 2002 || David Cody Weiss and Bobbi J. G. Weiss || {{ISBN|0-439-38581-4}} |- | ''Knights of the Periodic Table'' || 2003 || David Cody Weiss and Bobbi J. G. Weiss || {{ISBN|0-439-43425-4}} |- | ''Cootie Wars'' || 2003 || David Cody Weiss and Bobbi J. G. Weiss || {{ISBN|0-439-44932-4}} |- | ''Brain Power'' || 2003 || David Cody Weiss and Bobbi J. G. Weiss || {{ISBN|0-439-44942-1}} |- | ''Zappo Change-O'' || 2001 || Genndy Tartakovsky, Golden Books || {{ISBN|0-307-99812-6}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" |- |+ Under ''Dexter's Laboratory: Science Log'' ! Title || Year || Author || ISBN |- | ''Dee Dee's Amazing Bones'' || 2002 || Anne Capeci || {{ISBN|0-439-44175-7}} |- | ''Mixed-Up Magnetism'' || 2002 || Anne Capeci || {{ISBN|0-439-38582-2}} |- | ''What's the "Matter" with Dee Dee?'' || 2003 || Anne Capeci || {{ISBN|0-439-47240-7}} |- | ''Little Lab or Horrors'' || 2003 || Anne Capeci || {{ISBN|0-439-47242-3}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" |- |+ Related ! Title || Year || Author || ISBN |- | ''Dexter's Laboratory: Science Fair Showdown!'' || 2001 || Chip Lovitt (Golden Books) || {{ISBN|0-307-10775-2}} |- | ''Dexter's Joke Book for Geniuses'' || 2004 || Howie Dewin (Scholastic) || {{ISBN|0-439-54582-X}} |} Characters from ''Dexter's Laboratory'' are featured in a 150,000-print magazine called ''Cartoon Network'', published by Burghley Publishing and released in the United Kingdom on August 27, 1998.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rushe |first=Dominic |date=August 9, 1998 |title=Cartoon TV Launches Own Comic |work=[[The Sunday Times]] |department=Business |publisher=[[News UK]]}}</ref> [[DC Comics]] printed four comic book volumes featuring ''Dexter's Laboratory''. Characters from the series first appear in ''Cartoon Network Presents'', a 24-issue volume showcasing Cartoon Network's premiere animated programming, which was produced from 1997 to 1999. In 1999, DC gave ''Dexter's Laboratory'' its own 34-issue comic volume, which ran until 2003. DC's ''Cartoon Cartoons'' comic book, which ran from 2001 to 2004, frequently includes ''Dexter's Laboratory'' stories. This was superseded by ''Cartoon Network Block Party'', which ran from 2004 to 2009. On February 25, 2013, [[IDW Publishing]] announced a partnership with Cartoon Network to produce comics based on its properties, which included ''Dexter's Laboratory''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sunu |first=Steve |date=February 25, 2013 |title=IDW to Publish Cartoon Network Comics |url=https://www.cbr.com/idw-to-publish-cartoon-network-comics/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113095205/https://www.cbr.com/idw-to-publish-cartoon-network-comics/ |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref> Its first issue was released on April 30, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sims |first=Chris |date=January 16, 2014 |title=Dexter Meets The Powerpuff Girls, but Only on Derek Charm's Amazing 'Dexter's Laboratory' #1 Cover |url=https://comicsalliance.com/dexters-laboratory-1-idw-variant-cover-derek-charm-powerpuff-girls/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320061049/http://comicsalliance.com/dexters-laboratory-1-idw-variant-cover-derek-charm-powerpuff-girls/ |archive-date=March 20, 2014 |access-date=March 20, 2014 |website=[[ComicsAlliance]]}}</ref> === Toys and promotions === [[Wendy's]] promoted ''Dexter's Laboratory'' with five collectible toys in their [[kids' meal]]s from mid-October to November 23, 1997.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=October 13, 1997 |title=Wendy's Cooking Up Promo Scheme in the Cartoon 'Lab' |department=News Roundup |magazine=[[Brandweek]] |location=[[Atlanta]] |volume=38 |issue=38 |issn=1064-4318}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |date=November 1, 1997 |title=News Briefs |url=http://kidscreen.com/1997/11/01/19916-19971101/ |url-status=live |journal=[[Kidscreen]] |publisher=[[Brunico Communications]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004119/http://kidscreen.com/1997/11/01/19916-19971101/ |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=November 15, 2013}}</ref> [[Discovery Zone]] sponsored Cartoon Network's eight-week-long "Dexter's Duplication Summer" in 1998 to promote the series' new schedule.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Fitzgerald |first=Kate |date=May 11, 1998 |title=Cartoon Network to Concoct Dexter's Lab in Winner's Room |url=http://adage.com/article/news/cartoon-network-concoct-dexter-s-lab-winner-s-room/65881/ |url-status=live |journal=[[Ad Age|Advertising Age]] |volume=69 |issue=19 |page=40 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610211111/http://adage.com/article/news/cartoon-network-concoct-dexter-s-lab-winner-s-room/65881/ |archive-date=June 10, 2015 |access-date=November 6, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Stabile |first=Carol |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wd_cAAAAQBAJ&q=%22Dexter%27s+Laboratory%22+%22last+but+not+beast%22 |title=Prime Time Animation: Television Animation and American Culture |date=September 13, 2013 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-1-136-48164-2 |location=Abingdon |page=101 |chapter=Synergy Nirvana: Brand Equity, Television Animation, and Cartoon Network |access-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929005357/https://books.google.com/books?id=wd_cAAAAQBAJ&q=%22Dexter%27s+Laboratory%22+%22last+but+not+beast%22 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |url-status=live |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> [[NASCAR]]'s 1999 "Wacky Racing Team" vehicle driven by [[Jerry Nadeau]] in the [[Daytona 500]] featured ''Dexter's Laboratory'' characters on its paint.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ebenkamp |first=Becky |date=February 15, 1999 |title=Cow and Chicken Joins Taco Bell Promo Menu |magazine=[[Brandweek]] |page=53 |volume=40 |issue=7 |issn=1064-4318}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1810497742113853546 |user=NascarPaint |title=Jerry Nadeau - Cartoon Network Wacky Racing / Dexter's Laboratory (Ford) 1999 Daytona 500 (Daytona International Speedway) #NASCAR |date=July 8, 2024}}</ref> A [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]] promotion supported by [[Publicis & Hal Riney]] of Chicago lasted from August 23 to October 3, 1999, called "Dexter's Super Computer Giveaway", in which a computer, monitor, games, software, and an exclusive set of ''Dexter's Laboratory'' DVDs were given out as prizes.<ref name="subway_dvd">{{Cite press release |title=Subway(R) Restaurants Media Menu. |date=July 12, 1999 |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SUBWAY%28R%29+Restaurants+Media+Menu.-a055127016 |via=[[The Free Library]] |access-date=January 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110194832/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/SUBWAY(R)+Restaurants+Media+Menu.-a055127016 |archive-date=January 10, 2017}}</ref> Subway promoted ''Dexter's Laboratory'' once again from April 1 to May 15, 2002, with four kids' meal toys.<ref name="airheads">{{Cite journal |last1=Beirne |first1=Mike |last2=Sperber |first2=Bob |date=February 4, 2002 |title=Subway, Air Heads Get Results from Dexter's Lab |journal=[[Brandweek]] |volume=43 |issue=5 |page=5 |issn=1064-4318}}</ref> [[Dairy Queen]] sold six kids' meal toys during an April 2001 promotion that was financed by a $3 million advertising and marketing budget.<ref name="Beirne" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 20, 2001 |title=Dairy Queen |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Dairy+Queen.-a072467312 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130808232914/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Dairy+Queen.-a072467312 |archive-date=August 8, 2013 |access-date=August 8, 2013 |magazine=Ice Cream Reporter |via=[[The Free Library]]}}</ref> That month, [[Perfetti Van Melle]] and Cartoon Network launched the "Out of Control" promotion, which included on-air marketing and a sweepstakes to win an "Air Dextron" entertainment center.<ref name="Beirne">{{Cite journal |last=Beirne |first=Mike |date=April 16, 2001 |title=Dexter's Lab Pulls in Edgy Marketing |journal=[[Brandweek]] |volume=42 |issue=16 |page=6 |issn=1064-4318}}</ref> The following April, a similar promotion featured ''Dexter's Laboratory''-themed [[Airheads (candy)|Airheads]] packs and an online sweepstakes.<ref name="airheads" /> [[Trendmasters]] released a series of ''Dexter's Laboratory'' figures and playsets in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trendmasters- Dexter's Lab Figures Released |url=http://www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=56&show_article=55 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111092425/http://www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=56&show_article=55 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |website=Figures.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Trendmaster Toy Update |url=http://www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=56&show_article=54 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111094156/http://www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=56&show_article=54 |archive-date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |website=Figures.com}}</ref> ''Race to the Brainergizer'' and ''The Incredible Invention Versus Dee Dee'', two board games, were released by [[Pressman Toy Corporation]] in 2001.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Gerardi |first=Dave |date=February 2001 |title=Dexter's Lab Notes |magazine=[[Playthings (magazine)|Playthings]] |publisher=Sandow Media |volume=99 |issue=2}}</ref> [[Burger King]] sponsored ''Dexter's Laboratory'' toys beginning in September 2003 with kids' meals during a larger promotion featuring online games, [[Cartoon Orbit]] codes, and new episodes.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Burger King(R) Restaurants' 'Experiment in Fun' Produces Dexter's Laboratory(TM) Kids Meal Program |date=August 28, 2003 |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BURGER+KING(R)+Restaurants'+'Experiment+In+Fun'+Produces+Dexter's...-a0106992387 |via=[[The Free Library]] |access-date=May 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203223911/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BURGER+KING(R)+Restaurants'+'Experiment+In+Fun'+Produces+Dexter's...-a0106992387 |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |place=[[Miami]]}}</ref> [[Kellogg's]] cereal boxes in the United Kingdom gave away the characters of Dexter and Dee Dee were as part of the Cartoon Network Wobble Heads in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Cartoon Network Wobble Heads Issued with Kelloggs Frosties |url=http://cerealoffers.com/Kelloggs/Frosties/2000/Cartoon_Network_Wobble_Heads/cartoon_network_wobble_heads.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190622001621/http://cerealoffers.com/Kelloggs/Frosties/2000/Cartoon_Network_Wobble_Heads/cartoon_network_wobble_heads.html |archive-date=June 22, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |website=CerealOffers.com}}</ref> A [[trading card]] series was published by Artbox Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory(TM) Trading Cards Series One |url=http://www.artboxent.com/DextersLab.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020602092134/http://www.artboxent.com/DextersLab.htm |archive-date=June 2, 2002 |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=ArtboxEnt.com}}</ref> === Video games === Six ''Dexter's Laboratory'' video games have been released: ''[[Dexter's Laboratory: Robot Rampage|Robot Rampage]]'' for the [[Nintendo]] [[Game Boy Color]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory: Robot Rampage |url=https://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-robot-rampage |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706021856/https://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-robot-rampage |archive-date=July 6, 2018 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> ''Chess Challenge''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory: Chess Challenge |url=https://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-chess-challenge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706021707/http://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-chess-challenge |archive-date=July 6, 2018 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> and ''[[Dexter's Laboratory: Deesaster Strikes!|Deesaster Strikes!]]'' for the Nintendo [[Game Boy Advance]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory: Deesaster Strikes |url=https://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-deesaster-strikes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705233819/http://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-deesaster-strikes |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> ''[[Dexter's Laboratory: Mandark's Lab?|Mandark's Lab?]]'' for the [[Sony]] [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory: Mandarks Laboratory |url=https://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-mandarks-laboratory |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705233934/http://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-mandarks-laboratory |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> ''Dexter's Laboratory: Science Ain't Fair'' for [[personal computer|PC]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory: Science Ain't Fair |url=https://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-science-aint-fair |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705233216/http://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-science-aint-fair |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> and ''Dexter's Laboratory: Security Alert!'' for [[mobile phone]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory: Security Alert! |url=https://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-security-alert |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705220933/http://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory-security-alert |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> Similar to ''[[Battle Chess]]'', ''Chess Challenge'' is a [[chess]] video game that triggers battle animations each time an overtaking move occurs. Each capture is accompanied by the sequences set in Dexter's home depicting the piece's defeat. Those scenes are set in Dexter's home with magic attacks and Dee Dee's toys having an appearance. The completion of the puzzles will unlock certain game modes, including a two-player mode.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nix |first=Marc |date=May 22, 2002 |title=E3 2002: Dexter's Laboratory Chess Challenge |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/22/e3-2002-dexters-laboratory-chess-challenge |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307113123/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/22/e3-2002-dexters-laboratory-chess-challenge |archive-date=March 7, 2014 |access-date=January 16, 2020 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2003 |title=Dexter's Laboratory: Chess Challenge |url=https://www.pcmag.com/archive/dexters-laboratory-chess-challenge-35509 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929005420/https://www.pcmag.com/archive/dexters-laboratory-chess-challenge-35509 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=January 16, 2020 |website=[[Personal Computer Magazine]]}}</ref> A ''Dexter's Laboratory'' combat-style action video game on PlayStation 2 and Nintendo [[GameCube]] was set to be developed by [[n-Space]], published by [[BAM! Entertainment]], and distributed in Europe by [[Acclaim Entertainment]] for a 2004 release, but it was canceled.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Acclaim Entertainment, Ltd. and BAM! Entertainment, Ltd. Forge International Product Distribution Agreement. |date=July 23, 2003 |publisher=[[Acclaim Entertainment]] |location=[[Glen Cove, New York]] |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acclaim-entertainment-ltd-and-bam-entertainment-ltd-forge-international-product-distribution-agreement-70819482.html |access-date=November 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129051922/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acclaim-entertainment-ltd-and-bam-entertainment-ltd-forge-international-product-distribution-agreement-70819482.html |archive-date=January 29, 2016 |agency=[[PR Newswire]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory |url=https://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909031806/https://www.ign.com/games/dexters-laboratory |archive-date=September 9, 2023 |access-date=November 2, 2015 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> On February 15, 2005, [[Midway Games]] announced plans to develop and produce a new ''Dexter's Laboratory'' video game for multiple consoles, but it was never published.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Midway and Cartoon Network Sign Three Multi-Territory Publishing Agreements for Games Based on Three Top-Rated Kids' Properties |date=February 15, 2005 |publisher=[[Business Wire]] |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Midway+and+Cartoon+Network+Sign+Three+Multi-Territory+Publishing...-a0128652413 |via=[[The Free Library]] |access-date=November 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319132222/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Midway+and+Cartoon+Network+Sign+Three+Multi-Territory+Publishing...-a0128652413 |archive-date=March 19, 2014 |place=[[Chicago]]}}</ref> Dexter, Mandark, Dee Dee, Dexter's computer, and Major Glory, as well as items, areas, and inventions are featured in the [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|MMORPG]] ''[[FusionFall]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quick Start Guide: Getting Started |url=http://fusionfall.cartoonnetwork.com/game/gameguide.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608024909/http://fusionfall.cartoonnetwork.com/game/gameguide.php |archive-date=June 8, 2011 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=[[CartoonNetwork.com]] |publisher=[[Turner Broadcasting System]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Graduation: Mt. Neverest |url=http://fusionfall.cartoonnetwork.com/community/event-game-guide-details.php?id=504 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526035450/http://fusionfall.cartoonnetwork.com/community/event-game-guide-details.php?id=504 |archive-date=May 26, 2011 |access-date=May 31, 2011 |website=[[CartoonNetwork.com]] |publisher=[[Turner Broadcasting System]]}}</ref> ''Dexter's Laboratory'' characters are featured in ''Cartoon Network Racing''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Lucas M. |date=January 11, 2007 |title=Cartoon Network Racing Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/11/cartoon-network-racing-review-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329173711/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/11/cartoon-network-racing-review-2 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> and ''[[Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=MTVGeek |date=November 23, 2011 |title='Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion XL' Review β The Only Game Where You Can Beat Up Captain Planet with Dexter |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/h6sxli/cartoon-network-punch-time-explosion-xl-review-the-only-game-where-you-can-beat-up-captain-planet-with-dexter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909032344/https://www.mtv.com/news/h6sxli/cartoon-network-punch-time-explosion-xl-review-the-only-game-where-you-can-beat-up-captain-planet-with-dexter |archive-date=September 9, 2023 |access-date=January 15, 2013 |website=[[MTV.com]]}}</ref> ''Punch Time Explosion'' features different voice talent for Dexter ([[Tara Strong]] instead of Christine Cavanaugh or Candi Milo) and Monkey ([[Fred Tatasciore]] instead of Frank Welker). Elements from ''Dexter's Laboratory'' are featured in the 2024 Warner Bros. game ''[[MultiVersus]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 2024 |title=Warner Bros. Games Launches MultiVersus |magazine=Gaming World News |publisher=Worldwide Videotex |volume=35 |issue=7 |page=1}}</ref> == See also == * [[List of fictional scientists and engineers]] * [[List of works produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions]] * [[List of Hanna-Barbera characters]] {{Clear}} == Notes == {{Notelist}} == References == {{Reflist}} == Further reading == * {{Cite book |last=Lenburg |first=Jeff |url=https://archive.org/details/whoswhoinanimate0000lenb/page/332 |title=Who's Who in Animated Cartoons: An International Guide to Film & Television's Award-Winning and Legendary Animators |publisher=[[Applause Theatre & Cinema Books]] |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-55783-671-7 |location=[[New York City]] |pages=[https://archive.org/details/whoswhoinanimate0000lenb/page/332 332β333] |chapter=Genndy Tartakovsky |access-date=May 31, 2011 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FVShFCjVzvIC&q=tartakovsky%20calarts&pg=PA332 |via=[[Google Books]]}} * {{Cite book |last=Manley |first=Mike |title=Best of Draw! Volume 1 |publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]] |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-893905-41-2 |location=[[Raleigh, North Carolina]] |chapter=Animation: An Interview with Genndy Tartakovsky}} * {{Cite book |last=Neuwirth |first=Allan |author-link=Allan Neuwirth |title=Makin' Toons: Inside the Most Popular Animated TV Shows and Movies |publisher=[[Skyhorse Publishing]] |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-62153-197-5 |location=[[New York City]] |chapter=From Russia, with Glove: Genndy Tartakovsky's ''Dexter's Lab'' Explodes}} * {{Cite book |last=Perlmutter |first=David |title=America Toons In: A History of Television Animation |publisher=[[McFarland & Company]] |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-7864-7650-3 |location=[[Jefferson, North Carolina]] |chapter=Songs of Innocence and Experience (1990β1999)}} * {{Cite book |last=Perlmutter |first=David |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/the-encyclopedia-of-american-animated-television-shows-perlmutter-david-z-lib.org/page/153/mode/2up |title=The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows |publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]] |year=2018 |isbn=978-1-5381-0374-6 |location=[[Lanham, Maryland]] |chapter=A-Z Entries |pages=153β154 |via=[[Archive.org]]}} * {{Cite book |last=Simensky |first=Linda |author-link=Linda Simensky |title=Funny Pictures: Animation and Comedy in Studio-Era Hollywood |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-520-95012-2 |editor-last=Goldmark |editor-first=Daniel |location=[[Berkeley, California]] |pages=272β91 |chapter=The Revival of the Studio-Era Cartoon in the 1990s |editor-last2=Keil |editor-first2=Charlie}} == External links == {{Commons category}} {{Wikiquote|Dexter's Laboratory}} * {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20051216114348/http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/dexter/}} (archive) * {{Official website|https://www.cartoonnetwork.co.uk/show/dexters-laboratory|Official UK website}} * {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/19991012022727/http://cartoonnetwork.com/doc/dexter/index.html|''Dexter's Laboratory'' at Cartoon Network's Department of Cartoons}} (archive) * {{IMDb title}} * {{Toonopedia|dexter.htm}} {{Dexter's Laboratory}} {{Navboxes |list= {{Genndy Tartakovsky}} {{Former Cartoon Network original programming}} {{Hanna-Barbera}} {{Rough Draft Studios}} {{Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject}} }} {{Portal bar|Cartoon Network|Cartoon|Animation|Television|United States|Comedy|Science fiction|1990s|2000s}} {{Authority control}} {{Good article}} [[Category:Dexter's Laboratory| ]] [[Category:1990s American animated comedy television series]] [[Category:1990s American children's comedy television series]] [[Category:1990s American comic science fiction television series]] [[Category:1996 American animated television series debuts]] [[Category:2000s American animated comedy television series]] [[Category:2000s American children's comedy television series]] [[Category:2000s American comic science fiction television series]] [[Category:2003 American television series endings]] [[Category:American children's animated comic science fiction television series]] [[Category:American children's animated science fantasy television series]] [[Category:American television series revived after cancellation]] [[Category:Animated television series about children]] [[Category:Animated television series about siblings]] [[Category:Annie Awardβwinning television shows]] [[Category:Cartoon Cartoons]] [[Category:Cartoon Network original programming]] [[Category:Television series by Cartoon Network Studios]] [[Category:Television series by Rough Draft Studios]] [[Category:Elementary school television series]] [[Category:American English-language television shows]] [[Category:Television shows set in laboratories]] [[Category:Television series about geniuses]] [[Category:Television series by Hanna-Barbera]] [[Category:Best Animated Short Subject Annie Award winners]] [[Category:Television series created by Genndy Tartakovsky]] [[Category:Television shows adapted into comics]]
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