Cartoon Network defined an entire generation of animators and audiences—and two of its most iconic shows just got the retrospective they deserve.
In this new Deadline article, Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter’s Laboratory) and Craig McCracken (The Powerpuff Girls) reflect on the creative freedom, experimentation, and raw passion that made the Cartoon Network era of the late ’90s and early 2000s a launchpad for animation legends.
From the unique “What A Cartoon!” initiative that empowered animators to take risks, to the hand-drawn magic that defined their series, this piece is a powerful reminder of what happens when artists are trusted to push boundaries.
Read all about it here: https://deadline.com/2025/06/dexters-laboratory-and-powerpuff-girls-crea...
What’s your favorite memory from this era of animation? Did shows like Dexter or Powerpuff shape your path as a creator?
Let’s open the vault; share your stories, inspirations, and favorite episodes below!
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Thanks for sharing the article, Ashley Renee Smith. I loved watching Dexter’s Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls growing up, especially Dexter! His sister, Dee Dee, bugged Dexter so much. "Dee Dee, get out of my laboratory!" Haha
I was a huge Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon fan growing up. The cartoons were so wacky and so fun. I'm sure I was influenced by them, and I wouldn't mind writing a wacky, fun 2D cartoon like one of them. I aim for wacky/weird and fun with all my scripts really.
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Hey, thanks for sharing Ashley Renee Smith. Dexter's Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls were my jam back in the day (90s kid)! Like Maurice Vaughan - I was a huge Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon fan. I would wake up on Saturday with my older sister, grab a bowl of cereal and watch cartoons in our living room until our friends came knocking to go outside.
I don't think the cartoon's influenced me into animation however I do look back at them now and use them as references. I found a new love and appreciation for them as an adult. I see how they shaped my childhood, connections with others like yourself and how it did impact certain animators on my team to follow their passion in animation.
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Maurice Vaughan, I know what you mean. Those shows struck such a perfect balance between chaos and cleverness, totally wild, but grounded in great characters and sharp comedic timing.
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Cyrus Sales, I love this so much! Fellow 90s kid here too! I lived for Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network growing up. I actually had a Powerpuff Girls backpack in 2nd grade that I wore with total pride. For my 32nd birthday last month, we did a Cartoon Network pub crawl with over 200 people, and no characters were allowed to repeat: full costumes, wild energy, total nostalgia overload. It was incredible!
It’s amazing how those shows still connect us today and inspire new creativity. I completely agree, there’s such a deeper appreciation for them as an adult, especially seeing how much heart and innovation went into shaping our childhood worlds.