Pinky and the Brain

Pinky and the Brain is a cartoon series that aired on the Warner Bros. network, the WB (now called The CW). Its principle characters are two laboratory mice, the well-meaning but dim-witted Pinky and his friend, the megalomanical genius, Brain. Each episode chronicled one of their nightly plots to take over the world, and the amusing ways in which it would inevitably fail.

Fast Facts

1. First aired: September 9, 1995
2. Last aired: September 28, 1998
3. Seasons: 4
4. Episodes: 65
5. Network: The WB (now called The CW)
6. Starring: Rob Paulsen as Pinky and Maurice LaMarche as Brain
7. Created by: Tom Ruegger]
8. Produced by: Steven Spielberg
9. Format: Animated series
10. Brain's voice was inspired by Orson Welles
11. Pinky was known for nonsensical interjections, "Narf!" and "Egad!"
12. Later seasons featured recurring caricatures of celebrities like Bill and Hillary Clinton and Christopher Walken

Bred In Captivity

The show began in 1993 as regular spots on the WB's other cartoon series, Animaniacs, and the characters were so popular that they were spun-off into their own series in 1995.

Stylized Megalomania

It was highly-praised and won awards for its writing, which frequently referenced classic movies and novels, and featured music that was often supplemented by a full orchestra.

Awards

Emmys

1. Outstanding Animated Program for the episode A Pinky and the Brain Christmas
2. Outstanding Special Class Animated Program
3. Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for Rob Paulsen

Annie Awards

1. Outstanding Individual Achievement, Voice Acting by a Male Performer in an Animated Television Program for Rob Paulsen in both 1996 and 1997, for Maurice LeMarche in 1998

PRISM Award

1. For the anti-smoking message in the episode Inherit the Wheeze

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