Hey Arnold! is an American animated television series created by Craig Bartlett for Nickelodeon. The show aired from 1996 to 2004 and follows the life of Arnold Shortman, a fourth-grader with a football-shaped head living in a boarding house with his grandparents in the fictional city of Hillwood.
Craig Bartlett, who previously worked on Pee-wee's Playhouse, developed the idea for Hey Arnold! while working at Nickelodeon. Initially, Arnold appeared in a series of short segments in Nickelodeon's Nickelodeon Shorts, where he was introduced as a character named "Arnold" in a short called "Arnold Escapes from Church."
The concept was expanded into a full series after positive reception. The show's pilot aired in 1996, and due to its success, it was picked up for a full season. Hey Arnold! quickly became one of Nickelodeon's flagship shows, known for its blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and urban setting, which was somewhat unique for children's television at the time.
The series often dealt with themes like family dynamics, friendship, and growing up in an urban environment. Episodes frequently tackled social issues, making the show notable for its depth and realism for its time. Critics praised the show for its animation quality, character development, and story arcs. It received numerous awards, including a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Children's Animated Program.
After its original run, Hey Arnold! left fans with unresolved storylines, particularly regarding the mystery of Arnold's parents. In response, Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie was released in 2017, serving as both a continuation and a conclusion to many of the show's unresolved plots. This film was well-received, reigniting interest in the series.