Why A ‘Doug’ Reboot On Nickelodeon Won’t Happen, But There’s Still Hope For ‘Rugrats’

Since its inception in 1977, Nickelodeon has been creating cartoons that kids and adults alike can’t get enough of. Among some of their most popular programs are “Rugrats,” “Doug” and “Ren & Stimpy” — three classic kids shows which are turning 25 this month.

While none of the three shows are still on the air, adults who grew up watching them — as well as kids who were introduced to them via reruns, DVDs and clips on the internet — remain big fans. As such, a number of the creative minds behind these programs have given some thought to rebooting the popular series’ and it seems it’s not entirely out of the question.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly two of three “Rugrats” creators said they had discussed ways to bring the show back on a number of occasions. Paul Germain and Arlene Klasky both echoed the sentiment that a reboot is “possible,” but ultimately up to Nickelodeon. As for fans of both “Doug” and “Ren & Stimpy,” there is a possibility that both shows could be remade, but it is highly unlikely. Jim Jinkins, the creator of “Doug,” told EW that Disney currently owns the rights to the show and has “no interest” in revamping the show. Conversely, it is “Ren & Stimpy” creator John Kricfalusi who has no interest in returning to Nickelodeon. He and the network are said to have had a nasty falling out which left a bad taste in Kricfalusi’s mouth — even all these years later.

“Doesn’t look like it,” he said. “At least not without the creator of this creator-driven show.”

While it remains unclear if fans of these three classic Nickelodeon cartoons can expect to see new episodes in their future, there is one popular show the network decided to bring back in a special way. On June 14 it was announced that “Hey Arnold” would get the ending it deserved, more than 10 years after the show went off the air. Nickelodeon revealed they had begun working on a film called, “Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie.”

EW reported that the film would pick up right where the series left off and provide answers about the disappearance of Arnold’s parents, who traveled to San Lorenzo together and were never seen or heard from again. As was previously reported, the final episode of “Hey Arnold!” showed the show’s main character uncovering a journal filled with details about his parents’ relationship as well as their trip. Grandpa read the journal to Arnold while flashbacks were shown to provide context for viewers. The show ends with Arnold and his grandparents finally accepting that his parents may never return. All that will change going in to “The Jungle Movie,” however. With a renewed sense of hope he and his grandparents will set off on a journey to get the answers they and “Hey Arnold!” viewers have been seeking for so long.

The film will bring back several original stars to, once again, animate the voices of their former characters. Helga, Phoebe, Harold, Rhonda, Olga, Grandpa, Grandma, and more will be voiced by the same actors who originally gave them life. Lane Toran and Jamil Smith, the voiced behind Arnold and Gerald, respectively, have confirmed that they were invited back, but have yet to reveal who they will be voicing. Mason Vale Cotton and Benjamin “L’il P-Nut” Flores have been cast as the main characters in “The Jungle Movie.”

Nostalgic “Hey Arnold!” fans will have to wait until 2017 to catch “The Jungle Movie.” The film will be two hours long.