Dexter's Laboratory

{{short description|American animated television series}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2025}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{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" /> * Slapstick * Science fiction }} | creator = Genndy Tartakovsky | showrunner = {{Plainlist| * Genndy Tartakovsky{{efn|Seasons 1–2}} * Chris Savino{{efn|Seasons 3–4}} }} | voices = {{Plainlist| * Christine Cavanaugh{{efn|Seasons 1–3 and ''Ego Trip''}} * Candi Milo{{efn|Seasons 3–4}} * Allison Moore{{efn|Seasons 1 and 3}} * Kat Cressida{{efn|Seasons 2 and 4, including ''Ego Trip''}} * Kath Soucie * Jeff Bennett * Eddie Deezen * Rob Paulsen * Tom Kenny * Frank Welker }} | theme_music_composer = {{Plainlist| * Thomas Chase * 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 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 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}}</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 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}}</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 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| * Cartoon Network Studios{{efn|Produced under Hanna-Barbera Cartoons for seasons 1–2.}} }} | network = Cartoon Network{{efn|Early episodes initially premiered on TBS and 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 science fiction 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. 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 from 1995 to 1996. The first pilot "Changes" became Cartoon Network's highest-rated ''What A Cartoon!'' short, and 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, before the series was revived for a second run of episodes. Due to Tartakovsky's departure, Chris Savino served as showrunner for the revival, which aired for two more seasons from November 18, 2001, to November 20, 2003, ending the series at 78 episodes.

''Dexter's Laboratory'' became one of Cartoon Network's most successful original series, which helped increase Cartoon Network's ratings in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It received high viewership in the United States on cable television, becoming Cartoon Network's highest-rated original series in 1996 and 1997. Critics lauded its humor, intelligence, and originality, ranking the series as one of the best cartoons in various lists. It was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour or Less) from 1995 to 1998 and won three Annie Awards. The series spawned various merchandise, including albums, books, home video releases, toys, and video games.

== Premise == thumb|left|Dee Dee (left) walks through the laboratory with her brother Dexter (right).

Dexter (voiced by Christine Cavanaugh in seasons 1–3 and ''Ego Trip''; Candi Milo in seasons 3–4) is a bespectacled boy-genius who lives in a suburban neighborhood with his parents, only addressed as Mom (voiced by Kath Soucie) and Dad (voiced by Jeff Bennett), and his hyperactive, carefree, older sister Dee Dee (voiced by Allison Moore in seasons 1 and 3; Kat Cressida in seasons 2 and 4, including ''Ego Trip'').{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=70}} Dexter conceals a vast secret laboratory and solves problems ranging from saving the world to defeating school bullies.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=70}} Dee Dee delights in playing haphazardly in the laboratory, wreaking havoc with Dexter's inventions.{{sfn|Perlmutter|2018|p=153}}

=== Recurring segments === ==== ''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.{{Sfn|Reboy|1999|p=33}} He is joined by his partner Agent Honeydew (voiced by Kath Soucie) and a team of assembled superheroes.{{Sfn|Reboy|1999|p=33}}

==== ''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) who shared an apartment.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |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/ |access-date=March 20, 2026 |work=Den of Geek}}</ref> Major Glory acts as a patriot; Valhallen wields with his electric guitar and speaks "between [<nowiki/>Old English] and surfer dialect"; and the Infraggable Krunk is a purple monster with the intelligence of a child.<ref name=":9" /> According to ''Den of Geek'', the trio are parodies of Captain America, Thor, and the Hulk that deal with "mundane sitcom stuff [...] with a superhero twist."<ref name=":9" />

== Episodes == {{Main|List of Dexter's Laboratory episodes{{!}}List of ''Dexter's Laboratory'' episodes}} {{:List of Dexter's Laboratory episodes}}

=== Notes === * The second season episode "Dexter and Computress Get Mandark!" was created by Long Island resident Tyler Samuel Lee, who submitted his idea to Tartakovsky as an audiotape at the age of six.<ref name=":0">{{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> Lee's recorded narration is used in the episode.<ref name=":0" /> Tartakovsky''—''who often received letters and comments from other fans''—''praised Lee for "[capturing] the imaginative kid perspective we're always striving for."<ref name=":0" /> The episode was animated with "crayon-like backgrounds" and "crudely drawn characters" to visualize the imagination of a second grader.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Scott |date=April 26, 1998 |title=Kid Concocts `Dexter's Laboratory' |work=The Washington Post |page=Y06 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|408362497}}}}</ref> * The second season episode "Rude Removal" 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 the characters swearing.<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> "Rude Removal" became available on Adult Swim's 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> * "Chicken Scratch" debuted theatrically with ''The Powerpuff Girls Movie'' on July 3, 2002, and was later broadcast as a season four episode on November 4, 2003, on Cartoon Network.<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><ref name=":7" />

=== Controversy === "Dial M for Monkey: Barbequor", a season 1 episode from 1996, was removed from rotation after being broadcast in the United States. It features a character named the Silver Spooner (a spoof of Silver Surfer), which was perceived by Cartoon Network to be a stereotype of gay men. Second, Krunk appears to become drunk, has a hangover, and vomits off-camera.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Evans |date=August 14, 2010 |title=Dial M for Monkey – The Banned Episode |url=https://gawker.com/5612599/dial-m-for-monkey---the-banned-episode |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703131950/http://gawker.com/5612599/dial-m-for-monkey---the-banned-episode |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |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 |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 two.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lacey |first=Gord |date=October 29, 2010 |title=Dexter's Laboratory — 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>

== Production == === Background === [[File:Genndy Tartakovsky 2023 2.jpg|thumb|256x256px|''Dexter's Laboratory'' creator Genndy Tartakovsky at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2023.]] 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|p=331}} Although relatively wealthy and well-connected, his family feared racial persecution due to their Jewish heritage and moved from Russia to Chicago when Tartakovsky was seven.<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> 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 books.{{sfn|Lenburg|2006|p=332}}<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><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 films; one of which was a precursor to ''Dexter's Laboratory''<nowiki/>'s first television pilot "Changes".{{sfn|Manley|2008|p=138}}<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 |volume=47 |issue=8 |issn=0093-7673}}</ref> A two-and-a-half-minute pencil test produced in 1991''–''92 as his second student film,{{sfnm|1a1=Manley|1y=2008|1p=136|2a1=Simensky|2y=2011|2p=286}}<ref name=":2">{{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=":5">{{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> "Changes" 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.{{sfnm|1a1=Lenburg|1y=2006|1p=332|2a1=Manley|2y=2008|2p=138}}

After ''Batman'', Tartakovsky moved back to California to work for Hanna-Barbera on the production team of ''2 Stupid Dogs''.{{sfnm|1a1=Lenburg|1y=2006|1p=332|2a1=Manley|2y=2008|2p=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> 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= 286–287}} 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> Tartakovsky's last job before developing ''Dexter's Laboratory'' into a television series was to serve as a sheet timer on ''The Critic''.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=69}}

=== Development === During his time on ''The Critic'', 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 expand the concept into a seven-minute storyboard.{{sfnm|1a1=Neuwirth|1y=2007|1p=69|2a1=Manley|2y=2008|2p=138}} Unhappy with his position on ''The Critic'', Tartakovsky accepted Huber's proposal.{{sfn|Manley|2008|p=138}} "Changes" premiered on February 26, 1995, as part of Cartoon Network's animation showcase series ''World Premiere Toons''.{{sfnm|1a1=Neuwirth|1y=2007|1p=69|2a1=Manley|2y=2008|2p=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> After "Changes" premiered, Tartakovsky had no expectations that it would lead to a series.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=70}} In September 1995, Turner Entertainment Co. announced the series greenlight of ''Dexter's Laboratory'',<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=September 4, 1995 |title=Turner orders up 'Dexter' |url=https://variety.com/1995/tv/features/turner-orders-up-dexter-99129976/ |access-date=March 18, 2026 |magazine=Variety}}</ref> becoming the first of sixteen shorts to earn the vote of approval based on feedback from focus groups, phone lines, the America Online reaction, the ten-city "Dive-In Theater" tour, and the "Cool Toons Mobile".<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><ref name=":10">{{Cite magazine |date=January 1996 |title=Animation Scene |url=https://archive.org/details/comics-scene-v-2-054-c-2c-jan.-1996-a-team-dcp/page/n33 |access-date=March 20, 2026 |magazine=Comics Scene |publisher=Starlog Group |location=New York City |pages=68–69 |via=Internet Archive |issue=54 |issn=1053-0398}}</ref> After Tartakovsky and his former classmates McCracken and Rudish finished "Changes" and ''The Powerpuff Girls''<nowiki/>' debut short "Meat Fuzzy Lumpkins" for ''World Premiere Toons'', they proceeded to work on the second short film for ''Dexter's Laboratory'' titled "The Big Sister".{{sfnm|1a1=Neuwirth|1y=2007|1p=70|2a1=Simensky|2y=2011|2pp=286–287}}

When ''Dexter's Laboratory'' received a series greenlight by former Cartoon Network president Betty Cohen and former television producer Mike Lazzo,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vejnoska |first=Jill |date=July 11, 1999 |title=FUNNY BUSINESS: One-and-only Cartoon Network President Betty Cohen is the marketing dynamo behind cable success story of the '90s |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-journal/150966406/ |access-date=March 8, 2026 |work=The Atlanta Journal |pages=L1, L14 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Stark |first=Chelsea |date=October 7, 2019 |title=Genndy Tartakovsky: ‘I want to be the best’ |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/10/7/20902728/genndy-tartakovsky-primal-adult-swim-star-wars-samurai-jack-interview/ |access-date=March 11, 2026 |work=Polygon}}</ref> Tartakovsky became one of the youngest animation directors during the time period at the age of 27.{{sfn|Lenburg|2006|p=332}} 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=Página 12 |language=es |trans-work=Page/12}}</ref> The production process for an episode was unique compared to most animated series at the time.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Dave |date=October 27, 1997 |title=Cartooning by Rote: Tempe grad learns funny business in the 'Lab' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-republic-arizona-republic-articl/192901050/ |access-date=March 7, 2026 |work=Arizona Republic |page=C6 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Similar to ''The Dick Van Dyke Show'', the story ideas for the episodes were created during pitch sessions.<ref name=":3" /> The stories would be transferred into storyboards with dialogue written, condensing and combining concepts into a story.<ref name=":3" /> Popular culture references were added as part of the jokes to entertain the series' audience.{{Sfn|Reboy|1999|p=33}}

The first season premiered on TNT on April 27, 1996, and the following day on Cartoon Network and 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> By August 1996, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was renewed for a second season,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Gelman |first=Morrie |date=August 12, 1996 |title=Cable is there for kids |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1996/BC-1996-08-12.pdf |access-date=March 7, 2026 |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |pages=35–36 |format=PDF |volume=126 |issue=34 |issn=1068-6827}}</ref> premiering on Cartoon Network on July 16, 1997.<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> The television film ''Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip'' premiered on December 10, 1999, on Cartoon Network.<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> During a press conference in New York City held on February 21, 2001, Cartoon Network announced that it ordered more than 110 episodes of renewed original series, including ''Dexter's Laboratory''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Bernstein |first=Paula |date=February 26, 2001 |title=Cartoon draws four new skeins |magazine=Variety |page=35382 |volume=2 |issn=0042-2738 |id={{ProQuest|236219925}}}}</ref> As Tartakovsky was immersed in launching his next series ''Samurai Jack'', Chris Savino replaced Tartakovsky as creative director.<ref name="Aushenker" /> By the fourth season, Savino was promoted to producer giving him further control of the series, including the budget.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=157}} To promote the third season, a twelve-hour marathon titled "Dexter Goes Global" was broadcast on November 18, 2001, in 96 countries and twelve 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> It featured fan-selected episodes of ''Dexter's Laboratory'' and culminated by premiering the first two episodes of the third season.<ref name="global" /> ''Dexter's Laboratory'' concluded on November 20, 2003.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Watch Dexter's Laboratory Online {{!}} Season 4 (2002) {{!}} TV Guide |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/dexters-laboratory/episodes-season-4/1000137978/ |access-date=March 13, 2026 |publisher=TV Guide}}</ref>

=== Character conception === {{Quote box | align = left | 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" /> }}

During Tartakovsky's second year at CalArts, he animated a tall ballerina and a boxy scientist for his second student short film.<ref name="Davenport" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Curtright |first=Bob |date=April 28, 1996 |title=Creating a Success Story |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-creating-a-successful/105700092/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=The Wichita Eagle |page=2H |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> Although they were unnamed at the time, the two characters would develop into Dee Dee and Dexter.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=69}} Early in development, Dee Dee was initially intended to be the protagonist; Dexter and Dee Dee's roles were later switched altogether.<ref name="Woulfe" /> To contrast the two characters, Tartakovsky made Dee Dee artistic and Dexter scientific.<ref name="Woulfe" /><ref name="Davenport" />

The names "Dexter" and "Dee Dee" were found in name books; "Dexter" caught Tartakovsky's attention for sounding scientific while "Dee Dee" appealed to him because of its uniqueness, feeling that it complemented her two pigtails.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=69}} 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 was already heavily associated with Disney.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=69}} The title ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was settled during the production of "Changes".{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=69}}

The sibling dynamic in ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was partially modeled on Tartakovsky's relationship with his older brother, Alex.<ref name="Woulfe" /><ref name="Davenport" /> Comparing himself to Dee Dee and Alex, who became a 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" /> He also reminisced that as children, he and his brother could each be a "pain in the ass" to the other.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=70}} To illustrate one of the parallels between his childhood and the series, Tartakovsky noted that Alex had kept him from playing with "intricate" toy soldiers, paralleling to Dexter attempts to keep Dee Dee away from his inventions.<ref name="Woulfe" /><ref name="Davenport" /> 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" />

Dexter was inspired by Tartakovsky's experiences as a child immigrant in Chicago, who would often be mocked by some children for his "very thick accent".<ref name="Woulfe" /> Tartakovsky noted that when he was a child, he was less confident than the character.<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> Partially inspired by his accent as a child,<ref name="Woulfe" /> 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" /> While developing Dexter and Dee Dee's parents as stereotypical American parents, Tartakovsky expanded their mother as a germophobe who needed to wear gloves.<ref name="Woulfe" />

Created by Tartakovsky, McCracken, and Rudish,<ref name=":10" /> Tartakovsky was not hoping for ''Dial M for Monkey'' to become successful nor a failure.{{Sfn|Reboy|1999|p=34}} Cartoon Network and Hanna-Barbera asked the production to create more shorts with Dexter and not ''Dial M for Monkey'' shorts unless they had "really good ideas."{{Sfn|Reboy|1999|p=34}} As they were still developing Dexter, it was deemed difficult to develop Monkey since he was a simple character.{{Sfn|Reboy|1999|p=34}} Tartakovsky's inspiration for ''The Justice Friends'' came from reading Marvel Comics while learning how to speak English.<ref name="Aushenker" /> While Tartakovsky and Rudish designed the characters, they conceived them as roommates dealing with their powers.{{Sfn|Reboy|1999|p=34}} In a 2001 ''IGN'' interview, Tartakovsky expressed disappointment with how ''The Justice Friends'' turned out, commenting that "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>

=== Animation and designs === The series was designed by Tartakovsky with assistance of McCracken and Rudish.{{sfn|Neuwirth|2007|p=70}} The simplistic style was influenced by the UPA shorts and the animated short film ''The Dover Boys at Pimento University''.{{sfn|Simensky|2011|p=287}} Other influences and styles contributed to the series include Hanna-Barbera cartoons, Warner Bros. Cartoons, and Japanese animation.{{sfn|Simensky|2011|p=287}} While developing ''Dexter's Laboratory'', Tartakovsky utilized limited animation by designing the noses and mouths in the style of Hanna-Barbera.{{sfn|Simensky|2011|p=287}}

Combining with a lot of influences, Tartakovsky experimented with many techniques that are uncommon to the UPA shorts and Hanna-Barbera cartoons, such as staging the laboratory scenes for depth of its actions and gags; adding comedy to its actions; expanding though variable shots and pacing; and giving Dexter's personality traits "more character and real emotion."{{Sfn|Simensky|2011|pp=287–288}} Influenced by director Robert Cannon's character movements and timing, Tartakovsky was inspired to replicate its movements with Dexter and Dee Dee by animating their distinctive movements and timing.{{sfn|Simensky|2011|p=287}} Other influences for timing include Bob Clampett, Chuck Jones, and live action films.{{Sfn|Simensky|2011|p=288}}

== 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.]] Upon its debut, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' garnered a 3.5 Nielsen rating with a delivery of 12 million viewers, becoming the highest-rated ''What a Cartoon!'' short on Cartoon Network.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Haddad |first=Charles |date=March 31, 1996 |title=Cartoon Network plays to a widening audience |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-journal-cartoon-network-play/193693133/ |access-date=March 18, 2026 |work=The Atlanta Journal |page=C5 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Throughout the series' run, it was Cartoon Network's highest-rated original series in 1996 and 1997 and developed a large adult audience.<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><ref>{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Scott |date=February 9, 1997 |title=Fox's 'King' Signals Prime Move |work=The Washington Post |page=Y07 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|408298818}}}}</ref> The series was part of Cartoon Network's 20 percent 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> As of 2003, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' averaged nearly 1.4 million viewers aged two to eleven per episode, tying with ''Codename: Kids Next Door'' as the most successful Cartoon Network show for June 2003.<ref name="Woulfe" /> Alongside ''The Powerpuff Girls'', ''Dexter's Laboratory'' helped increase Cartoon Network’s ratings in the late 1990s and early 2000s.<ref name="Aushenker" />

Cartoon Network viewers voted the series as "Toon of the Year" in 1996.{{sfn|Lenburg|2006|p=332}} In April 1997, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was awarded a Silver Pulcinella for Best Script at the 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'' whom Christine Cavanaugh also 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>

=== Critical response === ''Dexter's Laboratory'' received acclaim from critics.<ref name=":6">{{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|quote=''Dexter’s Laboratory'' received critical acclaim and won multiple Annie Awards[.]}}</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''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Ted |date=June 14, 1996 |title=Check Out Disney Channel's 'Hunchback' for Free |work=Daily Herald}}</ref> Arion Berger of ''LA Weekly'' praised the series as "simple, compact, perfectly timed, and pristinely drawn."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Berger |first=Arion |date=May 16, 1996 |title=The Mirror Cracked: Keepin' it unreal with Dexter, Boston Common and Andy Rooney |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/la-weekly-la-weekly-article-on-random-th/192902126/ |access-date=March 7, 2026 |work=LA Weekly |page=47 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Louise Leger of ''The Globe and Mail'' lauded the "clever dialogue" and commented that "off-the-wall fun ensues, all to the steady patter of sibling bickering."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Leger |first=Louise |date=September 7, 1996 |title=KIDS RULE: Children's programming is no longer prime time's poor cousin. Political pressure and regulatory intervention mean kids and parents have more muscle than ever |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-globe-and-mail-the-globe-and-mail-d/192880203/ |access-date=March 7, 2026 |work=The Globe and Mail |page=11 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In the lead up to its second season, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was referred as 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 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> ''Newsday''<nowiki/>'s Diane Wertz called the series "smart" and "culture-conscious".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wertz |first=Diane |date=July 8, 1997 |title=New Nightly 'Toon Show: Animated cable originals aim for stardom |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-diane-wertz-reviewing-cartoons/192881980/ |access-date=March 7, 2026 |work=Newsday |page=B53 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

In his 2015 book ''Animation: A World History Volume III: Contemporary Times'', Giannalberto Bendazzi called ''Dexter's Laboratory'' "visually and verbally innovative".{{Sfn|Bendazzi|2015|p=9}} 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.{{Sfn|Bendazzi|2015|p=9}} David Perlmutter wrote in his 2018 book ''The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows'' that all three segments of ''Dexter's Laboratory'' elevate stereotypical ideas through an approach that contains "verve and originality".{{sfn|Perlmutter|2018|p=153}} He highlighted 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}}

Critics ranked ''Dexter's Laboratory'' as one of the best cartoons in various lists. In 1997, Bill Ward of the ''Minnesota 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 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-critics-choice/174542992/ |work=Minnesota Star Tribune |page=53 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In 2009, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was ranked at number 72 for the ''IGN''<nowiki/>'s "Best Animated TV Series" list 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 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>

=== 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.{{sfn|Bendazzi|2015|pp=8–9}} 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''.<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=dead |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'''s 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''."<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/ |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 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''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}}</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">{{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>

''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=23–29 |doi=10.1177/1329878x0411300105 |via=Sagepub.com|url-access=subscription }}</ref> and a publication about how Mexican children react to references in the series by ''Comunicar''.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Niños 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=125–132 |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-Marí |first1=Elia-Margarita |volume=23 |hdl=11573/852381 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

In 2023, Tartakovsky stated that 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> He later joked in 2025 that he would revive the series if his career declines.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sayyed |first=Reeda |date=September 2, 2025 |title=Dexter’s Laboratory Creator Genndy Tartakovsky Says a Reboot Would Only Happen if His Career Fails |url=https://in.ign.com/dexters-laboratory-1/240481/news/dexters-laboratory-creator-says-a-reboot-would-only-happen-if-his-career-fails |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=IGN India}}</ref>

=== Awards and nominations === {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="width: 99%" ! scope="col" style="widthSydney8%;"| Award ! scope="col"| Date of ceremony ! scope="col"| Category ! scope="col"| Recipient(s) ! scope="col"| Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="12" |Annie Awards | rowspan="2" |November 11, 1995 | Best Animated Short Subject | Hanna-Barbera (for "Changes") | {{won}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 11, 1995|title='Fantasia' Animator Jules Engel to Be Feted|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-annie-awards-1995/193712957/|access-date=March 7, 2026|work=The Los Angeles Times|page=B2|quote=Jules Engel, the dapper founding director of the experimental animation program at CalArts in Valencia, will be honored tonight for contributions to animation that began 55 years ago with "Fantasia." The occasion will be the 23rd annual Annie Awards–the animation world's highest honor–at the Television Academy Theatre in North Hollywood.}}</ref><br><ref>{{Cite web |title=Annie Awards - 23rd Annie Awards|url=https://annieawards.org/legacy/23rd-annie-awards|access-date=March 7, 2026|publisher=Annie Awards|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128050031/https://annieawards.org/legacy/23rd-annie-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Best Individual Achievement for Storyboarding in the Field of Animation | Genndy Tartakovsky | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="5" |November 16, 1997 | Best Individual Achievement: Writing in a TV Production | Jason Butler Rote and Paul Rudish (for "Beard to Be Feared") | {{won}} | rowspan="5" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Annie Awards - 25th Annie Awards|url=https://annieawards.org/legacy/25th-annie-awards|access-date=March 7, 2026|publisher=Annie Awards|archive-date=September 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903124424/http://annieawards.org/legacy/25th-annie-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Best Animated TV Program | Hanna-Barbera | {{nom}} |- | Best Individual Achievement: Music in a TV Production | Thomas Chase and Steve Rucker | {{nom}} |- | Best Individual Achievement: Producing in a TV Production | Genndy Tartakovsky (for "Ham Hocks and Arm Locks") | {{nom}} |- | Best Individual Achievement: Voice Acting by a Female Performer in a TV Production | Christine Cavanaugh (as Dexter) | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="3" |November 13, 1998 | Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Primetime or Late Night Television Program | Hanna-Barbera | {{nom}} | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Annie Awards - 26th Annie Awards |url=https://annieawards.org/legacy/26th-annie-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903124430/https://annieawards.org/legacy/26th-annie-awards |archive-date=September 3, 2017 |access-date=March 7, 2026 |publisher=Annie Awards}}</ref> |- | Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Television Production | Christine Cavanaugh (as Dexter) | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Individual Achievement for Music in an Animated Television Production | David Smith, Thomas Chase, and Steve Rucker (for "LABretto") | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="2" |November 11, 2000 | Outstanding Achievement in a Primetime or Late Night Animated Television Program | Hanna-Barbera | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Annie Awards - 28th Annie Awards |url=https://annieawards.org/legacy/28th-annie-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903124440/https://annieawards.org/legacy/28th-annie-awards |archive-date=September 3, 2017 |access-date=March 7, 2026 |publisher=Annie Awards}}</ref> |- | 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}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="3" |Golden Reel Awards | March 21, 1998 | Best Sound Editing in Television Animation&nbsp;– 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}}</ref> |- | March 23, 2002 | Best Sound Editing in Television&nbsp;– 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}}</ref> |- | February 28, 2004 | Best Sound Editing in Television Animation&nbsp;– 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}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" rowspan="5" |Online Film & Television Association Awards | rowspan="3" |1998 | Best Animated Series | rowspan="4" |''Dexter's Laboratory'' | {{nom}} | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=2nd Annual TV Awards (1997-98) – Online Film & Television Association |url=https://www.oftaawards.com/television-awards/2nd-annual-tv-awards-1997-98/ |access-date=March 7, 2026 |publisher=Online Film & Television Association}}</ref> |- | Best Cable Series | {{nom}} |- | Best Writing in a Cable Series | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="2" |1999 | Best Animated Series | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=3rd Annual TV Awards (1998-99) – Online Film & Television Association |url=https://www.oftaawards.com/television-awards/3rd-annual-tv-awards-1998-99/ |access-date=March 7, 2026 |publisher=Online Film & Television Association}}</ref> |- | Best Voice-Over Performance | Christine Cavanaugh (as Dexter) | {{won}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="4" | Primetime Emmy Awards | 1995 (Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards) | rowspan="4" | Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour or Less) | Buzz Potamkin, Genndy Tartakovsky, and Larry Huber (for "Changes") | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite news |date=July 21, 1995 |title=Nighttime Nominees: A Complete Rundown |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-primetime-emmy-awa/192864148/ |access-date=March 7, 2026 |work=The Los Angeles Times |page=F26 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> |- | 1996 (Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards) | Larry Huber, Genndy Tartakovsky, Craig McCracken, and Paul Rudish (for "The Big Sister") | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite news |date=July 19, 1996 |title=And the Emmy Nominees Are. . . . |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-primetime-emmy-awa/192864400/ |access-date=March 7, 2026 |work=The Los Angeles Times |page=F22 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> |- | 1997 (Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards) | Sherry Gunther, Larry Huber, Craig McCracken, Genndy Tartakovsky, and Jason Butler Rote (for "Star Spangled Sidekicks", "TV Super Pals", and "Game Over") | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Richmond |first=Ray |date=July 25, 1997 |title=HBO bests Big 3 in Emmy noms |url=https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/hbo-bests-big-3-in-emmy-noms-1116675892/ |access-date=March 7, 2026 |magazine=Variety}}</ref> |- | 1998 (Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards) | Davis Doi, Genndy Tartakovsky, Jason Butler Rote, and Michael Ryan (for "Dyno-might" and "LABretto") | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite news |date=July 24, 1998 |title=Merlin, the Docs, the Moon and the Stars at the Top |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-primetime-emmy-awa/192864668/ |access-date=March 7, 2026 |work=The Los Angeles Times |page=F32 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> |}

== Merchandise == === Home media === ''Dexter's Laboratory'' debuted 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''.}} 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&nbsp;— 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=|publisher=Cartoon Network}}</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&nbsp;— 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>

Madman Entertainment released season one and part of season two on Region 4 DVD in 2008.<ref name="s1r4" /><ref name="s2p1r4" /> A Region 1 DVD release of season one was released by Warner Home Video on October 12, 2010.<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine |date=October 2010 |title=Magic, Mayhem and Mad Science–Now on Disc! |url=https://archive.org/details/Animation_Magazine_October_2010 |access-date=March 9, 2026 |magazine=Animation Magazine |page=42 |via=Internet Archive |volume=24 |issue=7}}</ref> As of 2015, ''Dexter's Laboratory'' was available on Hulu.<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> ''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, is available on iTunes.<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> ''Dexter's Laboratory'' is available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Tubi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/dexters-laboratory/1000137978/ |access-date=March 9, 2026 |website=|publisher=TV Guide}}</ref>

{| 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 |- ! Region 1 !! Region 2 !! Region 4 |- ! rowspan="8" style="background:orange;"| | rowspan="8"|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 – 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=":1" /> | {{n/a}} | {{dts|2008|2|13}}<ref name="s1r4">{{Cite web |title=Cartoon Network on DVD&nbsp;— 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 – 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|2 | ''The Powerpuff Girls: Twisted Sister''{{efn|name=Extra}} | VHS | {{dts|2001|4|3}}<ref>{{Citation |title=The Powerpuff Girls&nbsp;– 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&nbsp;– Twas the Fight Before Christmas (2003) |asin=B0000AQS8F |mode=cs1}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Powerpuff Girls&nbsp;– 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 magazine |last=Reyes |first=Sonia |date=February 16, 2004 |title='Toon Tour Mystery' is solved: Kellogg, Cartoon Network let kids' sweepstakes out of the box. |url=https://www.gale.com/apps/doc/A113455351/ITOF?u=fcla_main&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=78cc3715 |access-date=March 13, 2026 |magazine=Brandweek |page=6 |via=Gale |volume=45 |issue=7 |quote=The June-to-September campaign, across such brands as Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Pop-Tarts and Keebler, will offer one of five DVDs of 15 Cartoon Network favorites[.]}}</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 – 9 Creepy Capers |asin=B000244ESI |mode=cs1}}</ref> | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |- | ''Cartoon Network Christmas - Yuletide Follies''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | {{dts|2004|10|5}}<ref>{{Citation |title=Cartoon Network Christmas — 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 – 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&nbsp;— 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|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|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|4 | rowspan=2|''The Powerpuff Girls Movie''{{efn|name=Extra}} | DVD | rowspan=2|{{dts|2002|11|5}}<ref>{{Citation |title=The Powerpuff Girls&nbsp;— The Movie [VHS] (2002) |asin=B00006JUDM |mode=cs1}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=The Powerpuff Girls&nbsp;— 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 === Three ''Dexter's Laboratory'' tracks are featured on Cartoon Network's 1999 compilation album ''Cartoon Medley''.<ref name="Cartoon Medley">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Cartoon Medley|type=CD liner notes|others=Various artists|publisher=Kid Rhino|year=1999|id=R2 75693}}</ref> ''The Musical Time Machine'' is a soundtrack album released in 1998 through Rhino Records.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Stanley |first=T.L. |date=July 13, 1998 |title=Rhino's New Biz Safari |url=https://gale.com/apps/doc/A20934007/ITOF?u=fcla_main&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=92482444 |access-date=March 13, 2026 |magazine=Brandweek |page=22 |via=Gale |volume=39 |issue=28}}</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.<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 |page=12 |via=Google Books |volume=114 |issue=31 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref> The music videos for "Dexter (What's My Name?)", "Secrets", and "Back to the Lab" aired in August 2002 on Cartoon Network.<ref name="coolio" />

=== Publications === 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> 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>

=== Toys and promotions === Wendy's promoted ''Dexter's Laboratory'' with five collectible toys in their kids' meals 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=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>{{Sfn|Stabile|2013|p=101}} 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> Subway promoted ''Dexter's Laboratory'' 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 |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 promotion featured ''Dexter's Laboratory''-themed Airheads packs and an online sweepstakes.<ref name="airheads" /> Two board games ''Race to the Brainergizer'' and ''The Incredible Invention Versus Dee Dee'' 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 |publisher=Sandow Media |volume=99 |issue=2}}</ref>

=== Video games === Six ''Dexter's Laboratory'' video games have been released: ''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'' and ''Deesaster Strikes!'' for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance,<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><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> ''Mandark's Lab?'' for the Sony 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 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 phones.<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> A ''Dexter's Laboratory'' combat-style action video game on PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube was going 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 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> ''Dexter's Laboratory'' characters are featured in ''Cartoon Network Racing'' and ''Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion''.<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><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=November 23, 2011 |title='Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion XL' Review&nbsp;— 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=|publisher=MTV}}</ref> 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 * List of Hanna-Barbera characters {{Clear}}

== Notes == {{Notelist}}

== References ==

=== Citations === {{reflist|25em}}

=== Works cited === {{Refbegin|30em}} * {{Cite book |last=Bendazzi |first=Giannalberto |author-link=Giannalberto Bendazzi |title=Animation: A World History Volume III: Contemporary Times |publisher=CRC Press |year=2015 |isbn=978-1-317-51988-1 |location=Boca Raton |page=9 |pages= |chapter=North America}} * {{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/332 332–333] |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 |pages=136, 138 |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 |pages=69–70, 157 |chapter=From Russia, with Glove: Genndy Tartakovsky's ''Dexter's Lab'' Explodes}} * {{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 |page=153 |pages= |via=Internet Archive}} * {{Cite magazine |last=Reboy |first=Joseph A. |date=1999 |title=Powerpuff Girls; McCracken and Tartakovsky; Dexter's Laboratory; Tartakovsky and McCracken |url=https://archive.org/details/Animato_i40/page/32/mode |access-date=March 20, 2026 |magazine=Animato! |page= |pages=32–35 |via=Internet Archive |issue=40}} * {{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=286–288 |chapter=The Revival of the Studio-Era Cartoon in the 1990s |editor-last2=Keil |editor-first2=Charlie}} * {{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}} {{Refend}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} {{Wikiquote|Dexter's Laboratory}} * {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051216114348/http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/dexter/ |title=Official website |date=mdy}} * {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401000000/https://www.cartoonnetwork.co.uk/show/dexters-laboratory |title=Official UK website |date=mdy}} * {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991012022727/http://cartoonnetwork.com/doc/dexter/index.html |title=''Dexter's Laboratory'' at Cartoon Network's Department of Cartoons |date=mdy}} * {{IMDb title}} * {{Toonopedia|dexter.htm}}

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