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Entertainment • Television

ReBoot

ReBoot is a Canadian animated television series set inside a computer system called Mainframe.

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

ReBoot is a Canadian animated television series set inside a computer system called Mainframe. Created by Gavin Blair, Ian Pearson, Phil Mitchell, and John Grace, it originally aired on YTV from 1994 to 2001. The series is widely recognized as one of the first made-for-television CGI series.

Premise

The series takes place inside a computer system, with the city of Mainframe representing the digital world. Its story follows characters such as Bob as they protect the system from viruses, games, and other dangers.

Production and broadcast

ReBoot was created by Gavin Blair, Ian Pearson, Phil Mitchell, and John Grace, with visuals designed by Brendan McCarthy. It was produced in Vancouver by Mainframe Entertainment with Alliance Entertainment and BLT Productions, and first broadcast on YTV from 1994 to 2001.

Significance

The series is notable for its early use of computer-generated imagery in television. It has been described as a pioneering CGI animated series and an influential example of early computer animation.

Legacy and availability

ReBoot developed a cult following and later became available on streaming platforms such as Pluto TV. The franchise was later revisited with ReBoot: The Guardian Code, a separate revival series.

Key facts

  • ReBoot is a Canadian CGI animated series set in the fictional computer city of Mainframe.
  • It was one of the first made-for-television CGI series, originally airing on YTV from 1994 to 2001.
  • The series had 47 episodes across four seasons and was produced in Vancouver by Mainframe Entertainment.
  • It follows characters defending the system from viruses and threats, and is considered influential in early computer animation.
  • ReBoot has a cult following and was later revived with a separate series, ReBoot: The Guardian Code.
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Canadian context

ReBoot is a Canadian production and an important part of Canada’s television animation history, especially for Vancouver-based CGI production.

Frequently asked questions

What is ReBoot?
ReBoot is a Canadian CGI animated television series set inside a computer system called Mainframe.
Who created ReBoot?
It was created by Gavin Blair, Ian Pearson, Phil Mitchell, and John Grace.
When did ReBoot first air?
It originally aired in 1994 on YTV in Canada.
How many seasons or episodes did ReBoot have?
The series ran for four seasons and 47 episodes.
Why is ReBoot historically important?
It is widely recognized as one of the first made-for-television CGI series.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ReBoot
    Supports: Canadian origin, creators, production companies, original network, original run, genre, CGI significance
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108903/
    Supports: Premise set inside a computer, main characters and general series description
  3. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/reboot/1030082805/
    Supports: Original run, number of seasons, descriptive series overview
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/reboot/s01
    Supports: Series title, episode/season information, genre, creative credits