Inspector Gadget (1983 TV series)
A bumbling cyborg inspector foils crime with secret help.
Inspector Gadget is an animated children's science fiction comedy series created by Andy Heyward, Jean Chalopin and Bruno Bianchi. It originally aired from 1983 to 1985, produced by DIC Audiovisuel and Lexington Broadcast Services Company. The show follows the clumsy, dim-witted police inspector Gadget, who is equipped with bionic gadgets and unknowingly assisted by his niece Penny and dog Brain in thwarting the schemes of Dr. Claw and his criminal organization M.A.D.
- field
- Animated television series
- genre
- Science fiction comedy
- original_run
- 1983–1985
- episodes
- 86
- seasons
- 2
- network
- Syndicated by DIC Audiovisuel and Lexington Broadcast Services Company
- notable_voice
- Don Adams as Inspector Gadget
Lore & Background
The series debuted on December 4, 1982, as an exclusive pilot. It was the first cartoon show syndicated by DIC, created to help the company expand into the North American market, and the first animated series presented in stereo sound. The show remained in syndication into the late 1990s. In January 2009, IGN named it the 54th best in the Top 100 Best Animated TV Shows.
The premise revolves around Inspector Gadget, a cyborg police officer who works for a secret police organization. Despite his many built-in gadgets, he is incompetent and clueless, often mistaking M.A.D. agents for friendly locals. His niece Penny, a highly intelligent girl, secretly conducts the real investigations using a computer disguised as a book and a utility wristwatch, while the family dog Brain assists in disguises. Dr. Claw, leader of M.A.D., frequently orders his agents to eliminate Gadget, but Gadget escapes through luck or the help of Penny and Brain.
Each episode ended with a public service announcement advising how to handle situations such as the danger of dealing with strangers. The series launched the Inspector Gadget franchise, including a 2015 sequel series and two live-action films, and encouraged DIC to produce additional programs such as Heathcliff.
Reader's Guide
Inspector Gadget was a significant success for DIC, establishing the company in the North American market and launching a multimedia franchise. The show's formula—a bumbling hero who succeeds through luck and the hidden efforts of his niece and dog—became a hallmark of 1980s children's animation. Its stereo sound was a technical first for an animated series. The character of Inspector Gadget, voiced by Don Adams, became iconic, with catchphrases like 'Go-Go-Gadget' and 'Wowsers!' entering popular culture. The series' legacy includes continued syndication, a 2015 sequel series, and live-action films. Since 2012, the rights have been owned by WildBrain through Cookie Jar Entertainment, which had purchased DIC in 2008.
Did You Know?
- Inspector Gadget was the first cartoon show syndicated by DIC and the first animated series presented in stereo sound.
- The series originally ran 86 episodes over two seasons from 1983 to 1985.
- In January 2009, IGN ranked Inspector Gadget as the 54th best animated TV show.
- Since 2012, the rights to Inspector Gadget have been owned by WildBrain through Cookie Jar Entertainment.
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