Doug (TV series)
Doug is an animated television series created by Jim Jinkins. The series focuses on the life of Douglas "Doug" Funnie, an 11-and-a-half-year-old boy as he navigates the trials and tribulations of adolescence in the fictional town of Bluffington.
The series premiered on Nickelodeon in 1991 as part of its original Nicktoons lineup, alongside Rugrats and The Ren & Stimpy Show. The Nickelodeon run lasted until 1994. The show was then picked up by Disney in 1996, where it was rebranded as Brand Spanking New! Doug and aired until 1999.
The show is characterized by its distinctive, simple animation style and its focus on relatable themes such as friendship, family, self-esteem, and the challenges of growing up. Each episode typically revolves around a problem or dilemma that Doug faces, and often features his vivid daydreams and fantasies.
Key characters in Doug include his best friend, Skeeter Valentine; his crush, Patti Mayonnaise; his mischievous older sister, Judy Funnie; his dog, Porkchop; and his rival, Roger Klotz. The series is noted for its use of musical interludes and recurring themes. The Disney version of the show saw some changes in character design and storylines, and introduced new characters. The overall tone of the Disney iteration was often perceived as lighter and more predictable than the original Nickelodeon series.