Johnny Test
Johnny Test is a Canadian-American animated television series created by Scott Fellows, centering on the adventures of 11-year-old Johnny Test, his genetically enhanced talking dog Dukey, and his super-genius twin sisters Susan and Mary, who conduct wild scientific experiments often leading to chaotic escapades and battles against villains in the fictional town of Porkbelly.[1][2] The original series premiered on September 17, 2005, on Kids' WB in the United States and ran for six seasons until 2014, comprising 131 episodes produced primarily by Warner Bros. Animation for the first season, followed by Cookie Jar Entertainment and DHX Media for subsequent seasons.[1][3] It aired internationally on networks such as Cartoon Network and Teletoon, targeting children aged 6-11 with its fast-paced action, humor, and themes of science and sibling dynamics.[1] The series was revived in 2021 as a Netflix original, developed and produced by WildBrain with 2-D animation across two seasons of 40 episodes, each approximately 11 minutes long, maintaining the core premise while introducing updated adventures and character developments.[4][5][6] Voice acting features talents such as James Arnold Taylor as Johnny Test (both series), Maryke Hendrikse as Susan Test (both series), Trevor Devall as Dukey (seasons 5–6 of original and revival), and Emily Tennant as Mary Test (revival).[1][5] Notable for its distinctive visual style, including Johnny's signature flaming hair trails during turbo modes, Johnny Test has garnered a dedicated fanbase for blending comedy, action, and inventive storytelling.[4]Series Overview
Premise
Johnny Test is an animated series centered on the adventures of 11-year-old Johnny Test, a crafty suburban boy living in the fictional town of Porkbelly. The core storyline follows Johnny as he teams up with his 13-year-old super-genius twin sisters, Susan and Mary Test, to tackle action-packed escapades often sparked by their experimental inventions that go awry. These mishaps frequently thrust Johnny into fantastical scenarios, blending science fiction elements with the everyday challenges of childhood, such as school rivalries and neighborhood antics, all while maintaining a fast-paced, humorous tone.[7][4] A key element of the premise is the involvement of the family dog, Dukey, who has been genetically modified by Susan and Mary's experiments to speak and understand human language, making him Johnny's loyal sidekick and confidant. Dukey often provides comic relief and assists in resolving the chaos caused by the sisters' gadgets, which sometimes grant Johnny temporary superpowers or high-tech enhancements to combat kid-villains or avert disasters. This dynamic highlights the show's recurring theme of brotherly-sisterly collaboration amid inventive mayhem, with the Test family home serving as the primary hub for these events before expanding into broader, imaginative locales.[1][7] The narrative framework emphasizes Johnny's role as the unwitting test subject for his sisters' projects, driven by their desire to impress others or solve problems, resulting in a blend of slapstick humor and high-stakes action that underscores themes of ingenuity and family bonds in a suburban setting.[4]Characters
The central figure of the series is Johnny Test, an 11-year-old boy characterized by his energetic and mischievous nature, often seeking out thrills through daring escapades in the town of Porkbelly. As the protagonist, he frequently volunteers as a test subject for his sisters' scientific experiments, leading to a variety of superpowered adventures that highlight his adventurous spirit and occasional recklessness. Johnny's relationships with his family form the core of the show's dynamics, particularly his reliance on his sisters for gadgets and his close bond with his dog, which drives much of the humor and action. In the original series (2005–2014), he is voiced by James Arnold Taylor; Taylor reprises the role in the Netflix revival (2021–2022).[1][8][4] Johnny's twin sisters, Susan and Mary Test, are 13-year-old geniuses who serve as the inventive forces behind many of the series' plotlines, creating high-tech gadgets and enhancements that enable their brother's exploits. Susan tends to be the more assertive and technically focused of the two, often taking the lead in their laboratory projects, while Mary displays a more empathetic and occasionally temperamental side, contributing emotional depth to their collaborations. Their dynamic with Johnny involves a quid pro quo arrangement, where they supply him with inventions in exchange for his participation in tests, fostering a mix of sibling rivalry, affection, and comedic mishaps. In the original run, Susan was voiced by Maryke Hendrikse throughout, while Mary was voiced by Brittney Wilson in seasons 1 and 5, and Ashleigh Ball in seasons 2–4 and 6; for the revival, Hendrikse returns as Susan, with Emily Tennant voicing Mary.[9][5] Dukey, the Test family's genetically enhanced talking dog, acts as Johnny's loyal sidekick and primary companion, providing comic relief through his sarcastic commentary and unwavering support during adventures. Enhanced by the sisters' experiments to gain human-like intelligence and speech, Dukey often participates in the chaos alongside Johnny, balancing the boy's impulsiveness with practical advice while sharing a brotherly camaraderie that underscores themes of friendship and teamwork. Originally voiced by Louis Chirillo in seasons 1–4, the role transitioned to Trevor Devall for seasons 5–6 and the revival series.[9][4] Among the recurring characters, Hugh Test, the stay-at-home father, is depicted as a well-meaning but clueless homemaker obsessed with household chores and gardening, often oblivious to the family's extraordinary events and serving as a source of gentle humor through his absent-mindedness. His wife, Lila Test, is a driven career woman and lawyer who works long hours, embodying a strong maternal figure whose limited home presence amplifies the siblings' independence. Susan and Mary harbor persistent crushes on their neighbor Gil, a laid-back teenage boy who remains largely unaware of the affection, adding layers of unrequited humor to their pursuits. Eugene "Bling-Bling Boy" Hamilton, a wealthy but egotistical rival inventor, frequently antagonizes the Tests with his over-the-top schemes, driven by his own crush on Susan and jealousy toward Johnny. Other notable antagonists include the General, a military leader who enlists the siblings for high-stakes missions, highlighting dynamics of reluctant heroism and authority clashes. Voice actors for these roles include Ian James Corlett as Hugh (both series), Kathleen Barr as Lila (both series), Andrew Francis as Gil (both series), Lee Tockar as Bling-Bling Boy (both), and Andrew Francis as the General (original). These characters enrich the interpersonal web, contrasting the Tests' inventive chaos with everyday suburbia and villainous interruptions.[9][5])Production
Development and Original Run
Johnny Test was created by Scott Fellows, who developed the concept around 2004 based on his own childhood experiences as an adventurous boy in a suburban family setting. Fellows, previously a writer on shows like The Fairly OddParents, pitched the series as an animated comedy blending everyday family life with over-the-top sci-fi elements and humorous experiments conducted by Johnny's genius sisters. The initial concept emphasized quick-paced action and sibling dynamics, drawing from Fellows' interest in classic cartoon styles while incorporating modern humor.[10] Production began under Warner Bros. Animation in collaboration with Cookie Jar Entertainment, with Fellows serving as executive producer and head writer. The series was greenlit for Kids' WB, targeting Saturday morning animation blocks, and the first season featured 13 episodes that introduced core elements like Johnny's talking dog Dukey and the inventive Test family. Early production focused on 2D animation with vibrant visuals to support the fast-paced storytelling and gadget-filled adventures.[1][11] The show premiered on September 17, 2005, on Kids' WB in the United States and Teletoon in Canada, marking the start of its original run. It initially aired alongside other Warner Bros. properties like Loonatics Unleashed, building a young audience with its mix of slapstick and mild educational undertones through scientific mishaps. After the merger forming The CW, the series transitioned to Cartoon Network in 2008 for remaining seasons, continuing production through changes in network affiliation.[12] Over its original run from 2005 to 2014, Johnny Test spanned six seasons and 117 episodes, many structured as double-length segments to fit 22-minute air slots. The early seasons highlighted family-oriented humor and sci-fi gags, such as Johnny testing wild inventions that often backfire spectacularly, while later original production maintained this formula amid shifts to Canadian studios for cost efficiency. The series concluded its initial airing on December 25, 2014, after establishing a global fanbase through syndication.[13][14]Style Changes and Cancellation
In 2009, coinciding with the premiere of season 4, Johnny Test underwent a notable shift in its animation production, transitioning to a more simplified Adobe Flash style handled by WildBrain Vancouver (then part of Starz Media). This change resulted in flatter character designs, reduced fluidity in movements, and a less detailed visual aesthetic compared to the earlier Flash work in seasons 2 and 3 by Collideascope Digital Productions.[15] The stylistic evolution impacted the series' storytelling, enabling faster pacing and more rapid action sequences typical of Flash animation efficiencies, but it was widely perceived as diminishing the original charm and expressiveness of the characters. Fans expressed significant backlash, criticizing the "flat" look for making the show feel cheaper and less engaging, with complaints focusing on the loss of dynamic hair animations and expressive poses from prior seasons.[16][17] The original run concluded amid declining viewership on Cartoon Network, where ratings had steadily dropped by the mid-2010s due to shifting audience preferences toward edgier or more innovative programming. Contributing factors included rising production costs from ongoing Canadian outsourcing and the network's strategic pivot away from acquired Canadian imports toward original content, leading to non-renewal after six seasons. The final episode aired on Cartoon Network on December 25, 2014, marking the end of the initial series.[18][19][20] Following cancellation, efforts to sustain the intellectual property included syndication deals for reruns on various networks and limited web-based shorts or digital content to maintain fan interest, though these initiatives were modest and did not lead to new episodes at the time.[21]Revival Production
In May 2020, WildBrain announced a revival of the series in partnership with Netflix, commissioning two seasons along with an interactive special. The interactive special, titled Johnny Test's Ultimate Meatloaf Quest, was released on Netflix on November 16, 2021, but removed on December 1, 2024.[22] The project was developed by original creator Scott Fellows and aimed at children aged 6-11, continuing the story of Johnny and his family in high-stakes scientific adventures.[23] Production began that year, with the first season premiering exclusively on Netflix on July 16, 2021.[24] The revival featured an updated 2D animation style, produced in 4K resolution for a cleaner, high-resolution appearance with smoother motion compared to the original series' Flash-based look.[25][26] Each season consisted of 20 episodes, totaling 40 segments of approximately 11 minutes each.[25] The voice cast largely returned from the original, including Trevor Devall as Dukey, Maryke Hendrikse as Susan Test, Emily Tennant as Mary Test, with James Arnold Taylor reprising his role as Johnny Test.[27] Creative decisions emphasized continuity with the original premise while refining elements for contemporary viewers, such as reducing repetitive sound effects like whip cracks—a common criticism of the later original seasons—and developing more nuanced character interactions and humor.[26] The second and final season released on January 7, 2022, after which Netflix did not renew the series, concluding production amid broader streaming content evaluations.[26] As of 2025, no additional seasons have been announced.[5]Episodes
Original Series Seasons
The original Johnny Test series spanned six seasons from 2005 to 2014, comprising 117 half-hour episodes that generally featured two back-to-back 11-minute stories, with occasional longer specials integrated into the format.[28] This structure allowed for quick-paced adventures centered on Johnny's escapades, often resolved through his sisters' scientific gadgets and his dog Dukey's assistance. Season 1, airing in 2005, consisted of 13 episodes that established the show's foundational formula, emphasizing the Test family's inventive dynamics and Johnny's initial forays into superpowered mishaps driven by Susan and Mary's experiments.[29] Key themes revolved around everyday boyhood challenges amplified by household inventions, such as turbo backpacks and genetic enhancements, while introducing initial villains like Bling-Bling Boy, setting the tone for the blend of humor and action. Season 2, broadcast from 2006 to 2007, consisted of 13 episodes, building on the established setup by developing Johnny's superhuman abilities through more elaborate sisterly experiments.[30] The season deepened the lore around Porkbelly's quirky threats, incorporating themes of rivalry and empowerment while maintaining the episodic structure focused on quick resolutions. Season 3, airing from 2007 to 2008, consisted of 13 episodes and introduced subtle serialized elements, such as ongoing rivalries and multi-episode hints at larger conflicts, prior to major production shifts in animation style.[31] The season heightened the stakes with evolving villain plots and family interactions, balancing standalone stories with arcs that explored consequences of unchecked inventions, all while adhering to the 11-minute format. Season 4, airing from 2009 to 2011, consisted of 26 episodes and continued these developments with more pronounced action and character growth.[32] Season 5, produced from 2011 to 2012 with 26 episodes, shifted emphasis toward intensified action sequences and included crossover elements with other animated properties, reflecting post-production changes in visual style and narrative pacing.[28][33] Themes prioritized high-energy confrontations and collaborative heroics. Season 6, airing from 2013 to 2014 with 26 episodes, concluded the original run by escalating stakes with final major villain confrontations and resolutions to ongoing arcs, while further evolving the superhero elements and family dynamics.[34]Revival Seasons
The revival of Johnny Test on Netflix consists of two seasons released in 2021 and 2022, each comprising 20 episodes of approximately 11 minutes each.[5] This format marks a shift from the original series' broadcast style, incorporating smoother animation and contemporary elements like mobile gaming and digital assistants to refresh the core premise of Johnny's science-fueled adventures with his sisters Susan and Mary, and his dog Dukey.[26][24] Season 1, which premiered on July 16, 2021, features 20 episodes that reintroduce the main characters and their dynamics while updating stakes through high-energy escapades involving familiar antagonists like Bling-Bling Boy. Episodes explore themes of family collaboration and inventive problem-solving, such as Johnny and Dukey navigating a real-life battle royale inspired by video games or dealing with a rampaging robot baby created by the sisters. Notable arcs highlight Johnny's impulsive heroism clashing with scientific mishaps, emphasizing adventure and humor in everyday suburban settings amplified by gadgets.[5][35][36] Season 2, released on January 7, 2022, continues with another 20 episodes, building on the first season's foundation by delving into character growth through escalating challenges and returns of legacy villains. Story developments include sequels to prior escapades, like an intensified "Battle Royale 2" and "The Revenge of the Snowman," where Johnny matures slightly in handling responsibilities amid chaos, such as fairy tale-inspired threats or good-luck charm experiments gone awry. The season's arcs focus on balancing fun with consequences, culminating in episodes that reinforce family bonds and inventive resilience without resolving overarching plots.[37][26]Release
Broadcast History
The original Johnny Test series premiered in the United States on September 17, 2005, as part of the Kids' WB! programming block on The WB Television Network, airing its first three seasons through 2008.[1] Following the merger of The WB and UPN into The CW, the series transitioned to Cartoon Network, debuting there on January 7, 2008, at 4 p.m. ET/PT, and continuing with seasons four through six until its conclusion on December 25, 2014.[38][1] In Canada, the show first aired on Teletoon starting September 8, 2006, where it achieved significant popularity, including celebrating its 100th episode in 2008.[39] The revival series, produced by WildBrain, launched exclusively on Netflix worldwide on July 16, 2021, with the first season consisting of 20 episodes, followed by the second and final season on January 7, 2022.[24][8] Although Netflix does not publicly disclose detailed viewership metrics, the revival's run was limited to two seasons, after which no further episodes were produced.[24] As of 2025, new broadcasts have ceased, but reruns of both the original and revival series continue on various children's programming blocks, including WildBrain-owned channels such as Family Channel in Canada.[4]Home Media Releases
The original Johnny Test series saw limited physical home media releases in North America, primarily through themed compilation DVDs and partial season sets rather than a complete series box. NCircle Entertainment issued several individual DVDs featuring select episodes from the early seasons between 2008 and 2011, such as Johnny Test: Johnny & Dukey and Johnny vs. Bling Bling Boy (released December 23, 2008), Extreme Johnny (December 1, 2009), Game Time (May 4, 2010), Super Smarty Pants (February 15, 2011), and Johnny Test Saves the World (September 13, 2011). These collections covered portions of Seasons 1 and 2 but were incomplete overall. Mill Creek Entertainment later distributed a more comprehensive set, Johnny Test: The Complete First and Second Seasons (February 15, 2011, 3 discs), followed by Johnny Test: Seasons 1-5 (September 1, 2015, 9 discs containing 91 episodes), though no full series release encompassing all six seasons has been produced. In Canada, Alliance Atlantis, through its Coliseum Entertainment division, handled early DVD distributions, including a release of Season 1 episodes around 2006-2008 prior to the company's closure in 2008. Subsequent Canadian releases included Johnny Test: The Complete Seasons 3 and 4 (distributed via Phase 4 Films, available on Amazon.ca since 2011). These lines were discontinued after 2014, with no further physical media updates for the original series in the region. The 2021 revival series, produced as a Netflix original, has no physical media releases such as DVDs or Blu-rays as of 2025, focusing instead on digital distribution. Episodes are available for streaming exclusively on Netflix worldwide, with options for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Video and Fandango at Home in the United States. As of November 2025, the full original series is accessible for streaming on Netflix in the U.S., alongside digital purchase options on iTunes and Amazon. The revival remains a Netflix exclusive for streaming. Additionally, select episodes from both runs are available for free on the official WildBrain YouTube channel, providing partial on-demand access without subscription.Reception
Critical Reviews
The original Johnny Test series (2005–2014) received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its energetic action and inventive premises while critiquing its repetitive storytelling and lack of character depth. Common Sense Media awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, noting that the show is "surprisingly inventive and not as violent as other cartoons in this genre," making it an age-appropriate choice for kids despite its chaotic humor.[40] However, user-driven aggregators like Metacritic reflected a similar ambivalence, with one prominent review describing the first three seasons as "pretty good" at 7/10 but the later seasons as "mediocre" due to declining quality.[41] On Rotten Tomatoes, the original series lacks a Tomatometer critic score but holds a 41% audience score, underscoring criticisms of unoriginal plots and obnoxious characters that alienated some viewers over time.[42] The 2021 Netflix revival also garnered mixed critical feedback, with reviewers appreciating its fidelity to the original's fast-paced chaos but faulting its formulaic structure and limited innovation. Common Sense Media gave it another 3 out of 5 stars, calling it a "really fun, enjoyable, and faithful reboot that manages to appeal to fans, newcomers, and maybe even haters of the original" through its blend of science-fiction gags and sibling dynamics.[26] Plugged In described the revival as "brainless, but mostly harmless," highlighting its lack of educational value while acknowledging its harmless entertainment for young audiences.[43] Rotten Tomatoes reports no Tomatometer for the revival either, but its audience score stands at 57%, suggesting slightly improved reception for the updated animation and kid-relatable antics, though persistent complaints about shallow character development lingered.[44] Overall, critics across both eras emphasized Johnny Test's strengths in delivering high-energy, relatable chaos for children, often comparing it favorably to other action-comedy cartoons for its accessibility, but consistently pointed to weaknesses in narrative depth and originality as barriers to broader appeal. In a 2025 update to its review, Common Sense Media reiterated the series' enduring suitability for ages 7+, crediting its nostalgic factor in retrospectives amid the revival's short run.[40] Aggregator scores like IMDb's 5.4/10 for the original and 6.2/10 for the revival further illustrate this balanced but unremarkable critical legacy.[1][8]Awards and Nominations
The original run of Johnny Test (2005–2014) received recognition primarily through nominations in technical categories such as sound editing and direction, reflecting its production quality in children's animation. These accolades came from major industry bodies like the Daytime Emmys and the Gemini Awards, which preceded the Canadian Screen Awards. The series earned one win and six nominations overall, with no major honors for the 2021 Netflix revival as of 2025.[45][46] In 2006, the first season was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Sound Editing - Live Action and Animation category, highlighting the work of sound editors Mark Keatts, Otis Van Osten, and their team.[45] That same year, it also received a nomination from the Motion Picture Sound Editors for a Golden Reel Award in Best Sound Editing in Television Animation, for episodes "Deep Sea Johnny" and "Johnny and the Amazing Franken-Freak."[45] The series achieved its sole win in 2007 at the Gemini Awards for Best Direction in a Children's or Youth Program or Series, awarded to director Joseph Sherman for the episode pair "Saturday Night's Alright for Johnny/Johnny's Mint Chip."[45] In 2008, Johnny Test secured two Gemini nominations: one for Best Original Music Score for an Animated Program or Series (Ari Posner and Ian LeFeuvre), and another for Best Sound in an Animated Program or Series (Ian LeFeuvre, for "Johnny vs. Bling-Bling 3/Stinkin' Johnny").[45] These honors underscored the show's strengths in Canadian-produced animation elements.[41] Later recognitions included a 2011 nomination from the Canadian Cinema Editors for Best Editing in Animation, given to Mike Goodings for the episode "Sunshine Malibu Johnny."[45] Additionally, in 2014, writer Ethan Banville was nominated for a Writers Guild of Canada Screenwriting Award for the episode "Stop in the Name of Johnny." The 2021 revival series, produced by WildBrain Studios for Netflix, has not received any reported nominations or wins from major awards bodies.[46]| Year | Award | Category | Outcome | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Sound Editing - Live Action and Animation | Nomination | First season sound team (Mark Keatts, Otis Van Osten et al.)[45] |
| 2006 | Golden Reel Awards (MPSE) | Best Sound Editing in Television Animation | Nomination | Episodes "Deep Sea Johnny" and "Johnny and the Amazing Franken-Freak"[45] |
| 2007 | Gemini Awards | Best Direction in a Children's or Youth Program or Series | Win | Joseph Sherman, episodes "Saturday Night's Alright for Johnny/Johnny's Mint Chip"[45] |
| 2008 | Gemini Awards | Best Original Music Score for an Animated Program or Series | Nomination | Ari Posner, Ian LeFeuvre[45] |
| 2008 | Gemini Awards | Best Sound in an Animated Program or Series | Nomination | Ian LeFeuvre, episode "Johnny vs. Bling-Bling 3/Stinkin' Johnny"[45] |
| 2011 | Canadian Cinema Editors Awards | Best Editing in Animation | Nomination | Mike Goodings, episode "Sunshine Malibu Johnny"[45] |
| 2014 | Writers Guild of Canada Screenwriting Award | Best Children's Script | Nomination | Ethan Banville, episode "Stop in the Name of Johnny" |