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Entertainment • TV Series

Hey Arnold!

Hey Arnold! is an American animated television series created by Craig Bartlett for Nickelodeon.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hey Arnold! is an American animated television series created by Craig Bartlett for Nickelodeon. It originally aired from 1996 to 2004 and follows fourth-grader Arnold Shortman, who lives with his grandparents in the fictional city of Hillwood, Washington. The series is known for its urban setting and stories that often focus on both Arnold and the supporting characters around him.

Premise

Hey Arnold! centers on Arnold Shortman, a thoughtful fourth-grader whose everyday experiences are shaped by life in a crowded boarding house and a diverse urban neighbourhood. Many episodes explore the lives of friends, neighbours, and classmates as well as Arnold’s own adventures.

Production and broadcast

The series was created by Craig Bartlett and aired on Nickelodeon in the United States from 1996 to 2004. Available sources describe it as a five-season series with 100 episodes.

Setting and style

The show is set in the fictional city of Hillwood, Washington, and is recognised for its city-based setting rather than a suburban or fantasy world. Its stories are often described as more grounded and character-focused than many children’s cartoons of its era.

Franchise

The Hey Arnold! franchise includes a 2002 television film, Hey Arnold!: The Movie, and the 2017 TV film Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie. These titles extend the story beyond the original series.

Key facts

  • The series was created by Craig Bartlett for Nickelodeon.
  • It first aired on October 7, 1996, and ended its original run on June 8, 2004.
  • The story follows Arnold Shortman, a fourth-grader living with his grandparents.
  • Most episodes take place in the fictional city of Hillwood, Washington.
  • The show often gives attention to supporting characters and their personal stories.
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Canadian context

Hey Arnold! aired widely in North America and has been familiar to Canadian viewers through Nickelodeon-era children’s television and later reruns, though the core production and setting are American.[1][2]

Frequently asked questions

What is Hey Arnold!?
Hey Arnold! is an American animated television series created by Craig Bartlett for Nickelodeon.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Arnold Shortman, a fourth-grader who lives with his grandparents.
When did it air?
Its original U.S. run was from October 7, 1996, to June 8, 2004.
Where is it set?
It is set in the fictional city of Hillwood, Washington.
How many episodes are there?
Sources cited here describe the series as having 100 episodes across five seasons.
Was there a movie?
Yes. The franchise includes Hey Arnold!: The Movie and Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Arnold!
    Supports: Creator, original run, premise, setting, rerun information
  2. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Arnold!
    Supports: Creator, original run, premise, main character, movie mention
  3. Portuguese Wikipediahttps://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Arnold!
    Supports: Episode count, season count, original run, production end
  4. German Wikipediahttps://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hey_Arnold!
    Supports: Episode count, genre, original run, creator, German broadcast note
  5. Hey Arnold Wikihttps://heyarnold.fandom.com/wiki/Hey_Arnold!_Wiki
    Supports: Franchise overview and series description
  6. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115200/
    Supports: Series dates, premise, runtime