Pinky and the Brain (1995)
The animated classic where two lab mice — one a genius, one gloriously unhinged — attempt world domination every single night.
Pinky and the Brain - Series Information
- Original Title: Pinky and the Brain
- First Air Year: 1995
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Kids
- Content Rating (US): TV-Y7
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 21 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 95
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 9, 1995 (United States - TV-Y7), September 9, 1995 (Canada - C8), September 9, 1995 (Germany - 6), September 9, 1995 (France - NR), September 9, 1995 (Australia - G), September 9, 1995 (Brazil - L), September 9, 1995 (Mexico - AA), September 9, 1995 (Italy - T), September 9, 1995 (Spain - 7)
- Networks: The WB
- Alternative Titles: Pinky e o Cérebro (BR), Pinky und der Brain (DE), Steven Spielberg Presents: Pinky & the Brain (US), Minus et Cortex (FR), Pinky & The Brain (UK)
- Production Companies: Amblin Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation
- Production Countries: United States of America
Pinky and the Brain - Plot
Pinky and Brain are genetically enhanced laboratory mice who reside in a cage in the Acme Labs research facility. Brain is self-centered and scheming; Pinky is good-natured but feebleminded. In each episode, Brain devises a new plan to take over the world, which ultimately ends in failure, usually due to Pinky's idiocy, the impossibility of Brain's plan, Brain's own arrogance, or just circumstances beyond their control.
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Pinky and the Brain - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Rob Paulsen
- Maurice LaMarche
- Tress MacNeille
- Frank Welker
- Jeff Bennett
- Roddy McDowall
- Corey Burton
- Billy West
- Jess Harnell
- Jim Cummings
Writers
- Charles M. Howell IV
- Tom Sheppard
- Wendell Morris
- Gordon Bressack
- Earl Kress
Executive Producers
- Steven Spielberg
- Tom Ruegger
Pinky and the Brain - FAQs
What is Pinky and the Brain actually about?
Two genetically enhanced lab mice living at Acme Labs dream up a brand-new scheme to conquer the world every single episode. Brain is the calculating mastermind; Pinky is his cheerfully dim-witted sidekick. Their plans always collapse spectacularly, usually thanks to Pinky's blunders, Brain's own hubris, or sheer bad luck.
Who voices Pinky and the Brain?
Rob Paulsen brings the lovably clueless Pinky to life, while Maurice LaMarche delivers the imperious, gravelly tones of The Brain. Both voice actors won Daytime Emmy Awards for their performances — a remarkable achievement for an animated series and a testament to the show's exceptional vocal craft.
Where can you watch Pinky and the Brain?
Episodes are available to purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. If you'd rather not spend anything, Tubi TV streams select episodes free with ads. Availability may vary by region, so check your local platforms for the latest options.
Did Pinky and the Brain win any awards?
The series earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for both Rob Paulsen and Maurice LaMarche. It also received Annie Award nominations and was widely praised by critics as one of the smartest, wittiest animated shows of the 1990s.
Is Pinky and the Brain based on real people?
The characters were famously inspired by two Tiny Toons Animation writers — Tom Minton and Eddie Fitzgerald. Creator Tom Ruegger reportedly modeled Brain's intense, controlling personality on Minton and Pinky's scatterbrained nature on Fitzgerald. The duo first appeared as recurring characters on Animaniacs before earning their own series.
How many seasons does Pinky and the Brain have?
The series ran for four seasons between 1995 and 1998, producing 95 episodes in total. A fifth chapter of sorts followed with the short-lived spin-off Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain in 1998, which added a third character to the mix — much to the dismay of many fans.
Is Pinky and the Brain worth watching today?
Absolutely. The show holds up remarkably well thanks to its razor-sharp writing, layered pop-culture references, and the extraordinary chemistry between Paulsen and LaMarche. It works on two levels — silly enough for kids, yet packed with satirical wit that adults genuinely appreciate. A genuine gem of 1990s animation.
What shows are similar to Pinky and the Brain?
Fans of the show often love Animaniacs, which is where Pinky and Brain originally debuted. The Ren & Stimpy Show shares that same irreverent, adult-winking humor, while Courage the Cowardly Dog offers a similarly offbeat tone. For more zany cartoon duos, The Amazing World of Gumball is a modern-day favorite.
More About Pinky and the Brain
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