Hubbry Logo
Clone HighClone HighMain
Open search
Clone High
Community hub
Clone High
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Clone High
Clone High
from Wikipedia

Clone High
Genre
Created by
Voices of
Theme music composerTommy Walter
Opening theme"Master (Clone High Theme)"
Composers
  • Jamie Dunlap
  • Scott Nickoley
  • Tommy Walter
Country of originUnited States
Canada (season 1)
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes33
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Kim Cleary
  • Jessica Lamour
  • Matt Marshal
  • Aubrey Lee
Editors
  • Michael T. Elias
  • Ron Babcock
  • Molly Yahr
Running time22−27 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network
ReleaseNovember 2, 2002 (2002-11-02) –
April 13, 2003 (2003-04-13)
NetworkMax
ReleaseMay 23, 2023 (2023-05-23) –
February 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)

Clone High is an animated sci-fi sitcom created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence for MTV. It premiered on November 2, 2002 in Canada, and January 20, 2003 in the United States. Set in a fictional high school populated by the clones of best-known historical figures, the series follows its central cast which includes adolescent depictions of Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Gandhi, Cleopatra and JFK. The series also serves as a parody of teen dramas such as Dawson's Creek, Degrassi, and Beverly Hills, 90210; every episode is humorously introduced as a "very special episode" with narration provided by Will Forte.

Lord and Miller first developed the series' concept, originally titled Clone High School, USA!, while at Dartmouth College in the 1990s, later pitching it to executives of the Fox Broadcasting Company during their tenure at Disney, who ultimately decided to pass on the program. The rights were purchased by Viacom International to air on their cable channel MTV, producing the series between 2002 and 2003; Disney's television arm Touchstone Television retains a production credit. The show's design is heavily stylized and its animation style is limited, emphasizing humor and story over visuals. The Clone High theme song, "Master (Clone High Theme)", was written by Tommy Walter and performed by his alternative rock band Abandoned Pools. The series was produced by its co-creator Bill Lawrence, who also produced Scrubs, Spin City and Cougar Town. Many Scrubs alumni, such as Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke, John C. McGinley, Neil Flynn, and Christa Miller, provided the voices of characters in Clone High for free, with Flynn also reprising his role from Scrubs as the Janitor (Glenn) in a recurring role. Writing and voice work were done at North Hollywood Medical Center, where Scrubs was filmed.[citation needed]

The first season premiered on now-defunct Canadian cable channel Teletoon's late-night programming block The Detour on Teletoon on November 2, 2002, and MTV in the United States on January 20, 2003. It became embroiled in controversy regarding its depiction of Gandhi soon afterward, which prompted over 100 people in India to mount a hunger strike in response. Shortly after, MTV canceled the series, which had been receiving low ratings; the last episodes of the first season were seen in 2016 on the rebranded MTV Classic in the United States. Clone High received mixed reviews from television critics upon its premiere, but it has since received critical acclaim and a cult following.

On July 2, 2020, it was announced that a revival of the series was in development at MTV Entertainment Studios with the creators Lord, Miller, and Lawrence returning. On February 10, 2021, it was announced that HBO Max had ordered two seasons of the revival, which premiered on May 23, 2023. The second season of the revival (third season overall) premiered with all ten episodes on February 1, 2024. On July 26, 2024, the revival of the series was canceled after two seasons, leaving the series on another cliffhanger.

Premise

[edit]

Clone High is set in a high school in the fictional town of Exclamation, USA, that is secretly being run as an elaborate military experiment orchestrated by a government office called the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures.[1] The school is entirely populated by the clones of famous historical figures who were created in the 1980s[2][3][4] and raised with the intent of having their different strengths and abilities harnessed by the United States military.[1] The principal of the high school, Cinnamon J. Scudworth, who wants to use the clones to create a clone-themed amusement park, dubbed "Cloney Island",[5] has his plans for the clones and secretly tries to undermine the wishes of the Board. He is assisted by his robot butler/vice principal/dehumidifier, Mr. Butlertron,[5] who is programmed to call everyone "Wesley"[5][6] and speak in three distinct intonations.

The show centers on the clones of five famous figures: Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Cleopatra, JFK, and Gandhi.[6][7][8][9] The central plot of the show revolves around the clones going through day-to-day struggles and navigating boundaries.[8] The show also involves Abe having to either realize and reciprocate the feelings of Joan of Arc, who is attracted to him, or stay with the vain and promiscuous clone of Cleopatra.[1] Meanwhile, JFK's clone, a macho, narcissistic womanizer,[6][10] is also attempting to win over Cleopatra and has a long-standing rivalry with Abe.

Characters

[edit]

Season 1

[edit]
The original main characters of Clone High: Mr. Butlertron, JFK, Cleopatra, Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Gandhi and Cinnamon J. Scudworth (reclining).
  • Abe Lincoln (voiced by Will Forte)[1][11] is a clone of Abraham Lincoln and the main protagonist. He admires his "clonefather" Abraham Lincoln and feels that he is struggling to live up to him. He is in love with Cleopatra,[3][12] and has an awkward and honest personality.[6] Abe does not notice that Joan has feelings for him and unintentionally mistreats her by reinterpreting her advances as a sign of friendship.
  • Joan of Arc (voiced by Nicole Sullivan)[1][3] is a clone of Joan of Arc and Abe's closest friend and confidante. She is an intelligent, cynical, and angsty goth.[7][11][13][14] She secretly has a crush on Abe[5] and resents how he ignores her advances in favor of hooking up with Cleopatra.[7] She holds progressive political views, and "somewhat naively support[s] every special-interest cause".[15]
  • Cleopatra "Cleo" Smith (voiced by Christa Miller in season 1,[1][3] Mitra Jouhari in seasons 2-3)[16] is a clone of Cleopatra VII and a self-absorbed, vain, and often mean-spirited popular cheerleader.[17] Cleo exerts power over everyone using her appearance and intelligence.[6] She has relationships with both JFK and Abe. She becomes Joan of Arc's foster sister when Cleopatra's foster mother begins dating Joan's foster grandfather. Her animation and character design are inspired by the depiction of people in Ancient Egyptian wall painting, drawn in profile with eyes highlighted by eyeliner.
  • JFK (voiced by Christopher Miller)[3] is a clone of John F. Kennedy and a handsome, popular, arrogant, and horny jock[7][17][14][18], as well as Abe's on-and-off rival for Cleo's affections. He speaks with a Boston accent[19] and pursues women, whom he calls "broads".[20]
  • Gandhi (season 1, voiced by Michael McDonald)[3] is a clone of Mahatma Gandhi and Abe's other best friend.[2] He, like Abe, is struggling to live up to his "clonefather" Mahatma Gandhi. As a result, he rebelled against his "clonefather" and reinvents himself as a wild party animal[6] and serves as the show's comic relief. Gandhi sees himself as a music artist and calls himself the "G-Man".[2] He did not return in the revival series after members of India's parliament protested Clone High's depiction of Gandhi in 2003, shown to be still frozen in 2023 (with Abe not noticing his absence, and Joan not remembering him at all due to the memory wipe machine used on all clones).
  • Principal Cinnamon J. Scudworth (voiced by Phil Lord)[1][3] is a mad scientist and the principal of Clone High,[2] who initially secretly plans to use the clones as attractions for his hypothetical amusement park, dubbed "Cloney Island",[5] and many of the series' subplots surround him trying to find ways to accelerate his plans. After these plans are thwarted, he freezes his original batch of clones for twenty years, immediately resuming Clone High in the adjoining years with new clones. Scudworth is usually the focus of the subplots of the show.[1]
  • Mr. Besley Lynn Butlertron (voiced by Christopher Miller)[1] is Principal Scudworth's Mr. Belvedere-esque sane robotic butler and reluctant sidekick.

Seasons 2-3

[edit]
  • Candide Sampson (voiced by Christa Miller)[16] is Principal Scudworth's strict, cold-hearted superior in the second and third season, put in charge by the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures as running Operation Spread Eagle. Principal Scudworth is shown to have a romantic interest in her. She is revealed to be Joan's new foster mother in "Sleepover".
  • Frida Kahlo (voiced by Vicci Martinez)[21][22] is a clone of Latin artist Frida Kahlo, who is the most popular of the second generation of clones. She is shown to be a fan of skateboarding. She is a separate clone from the Frida Kahlo clone in the first season who appeared as a background character.
  • Harriet Tubman (voiced by Ayo Edebiri)[21][22] is a clone of Black American abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who is very preppy and Frida's best friend with dyed hair. She is a separate clone from the Harriet Tubman clone voiced by Debra Wilson in the first season.
  • Confucius (voiced by Kelvin Yu)[21][22] is a clone of Asian philosopher Confucius, who is infatuated with online and many social media trends. He is a separate clone from the Confucius clone in the first season who appeared as a background character.[13]
  • Topher Bus (voiced by Neil Casey)[21][22] is a clone of Christopher Columbus, who tries to distance himself from his "clone-father" by shortening his name and appearing to be supportive of social movements and trends. This appears to be a façade, as he is shown to troll people online through anonymous, offensive comments.

Episodes

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast releasedNetwork
113November 2, 2002 (2002-11-02)April 13, 2003 (2003-04-13)Teletoon (Canada)
MTV (United States)
210May 23, 2023 (2023-05-23)June 22, 2023 (2023-06-22)Max
310February 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)

Season 1 (2002–03)

[edit]

This was the only season to be created in traditional digital ink-and-paint animation by Rough Draft Studios.

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byCanadian air date[23]U.S. air date[24]
11"Escape to Beer Mountain: A Rope of Sand"Ted CollyerPhil Lord, Christopher Miller & Bill LawrenceNovember 2, 2002 (2002-11-02)January 20, 2003
In desperation to get with the beautiful and popular Cleopatra, Abe Lincoln is hoping to make a move on her at JFK's party. JFK, however, also has the hots for her and will only let Abe come on the condition that he brings the beer. Meanwhile, Joan of Arc, who is trying to win Abe's heart, starts up a Teen Crisis Hotline in an attempt to impress him with her commitment to community service; their mutual friend, Gandhi, who accidentally agrees to help with the hotline, forwards the calls to his cell phone so he can go to the party. All the while, Principal Scudworth and Mr. Butlertron attempt to crash the party so as to better understand the students.
Guest stars: Michael J. Fox as Gandhi's remaining kidney, Andy Dick as van Gogh and Donald Faison as George Washington Carver
22"Episode Two: Election Blu-Galoo"Bud HarrisPhil Lord & Christopher MillerNovember 3, 2002 (2002-11-03)January 27, 2003
Cleo discovers she cannot continue to run for Student Body President because of term limits, so she convinces JFK to run on her behalf, and when Abe sees that Cleo appreciates leaders, he decides to run as well. But students of Clone High do not care about real issues, and many are infatuated with JFK; Abe employs a corporate sponsor, "X-Stream Blu," to jazz up his campaign. The only problem is that Gandhi becomes horribly addicted to this mysterious food product.
Guest stars: Marilyn Manson as himself, Sarah Chalke as X-stream Erin, Donald Faison as X-stream Bob and Zach Braff as X-stream Mike
33"A.D.D.: The Last 'D' is for Disorder"Bud HarrisTom MartinNovember 10, 2002 (2002-11-10)February 3, 2003
When Gandhi is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.), the students of Clone High begin to ostracize him. Abe must decide whether to please Cleo by doing the same, or to stand up for his "best dude 4 ever" and lose any chance of being with Cleo. Meanwhile, Joan struggles with living up to the legacy of her 15th century clone mother, and begins hearing strange religious voices in her head. Also, Principal Scudworth starts wearing Mr. Butlertron's sweater vest, in the belief that it gives him the power to relate to the students of Clone High.
Guest stars: Zach Braff as Paul Revere, Donald Faison as Toots and Tom Green as himself
44"Film Fest: Tears of a Clone"Ted CollyerErica RivinojaNovember 17, 2002 (2002-11-17)February 10, 2003
When Abe decides to organize a Clone High Student Film Festival, he spends much time working on a movie about a misunderstood football-playing giraffe; Cleo stars in an autobiographical epic about how difficult it is to be as perfect and glamorous as her; Joan directs an avant-garde film which expresses her love for Abe through psychoanalytic dream imagery; and Gandhi and George Washington Carver work together to make a comedic mixed-race buddy cop action comedy called Black and Tan. Meanwhile, JFK plans a film but never manages to leave the casting couch with his various wouldbe female co-stars, and Principal Scudworth starts to panic when his bosses on the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures invite themselves to his house for dinner, but thankfully for him, Mr. Butlertron is there to save the day.
Guest stars: Donald Faison as George Washington Carver and Neil Flynn as Boy auditioning for Abe's film
55"Sleep of Faith: La Rue D'Awakening"Ted CollyerMurray Miller & Judah MillerDecember 1, 2002 (2002-12-01)February 17, 2003
The PXJTs (a parody of the SATs or PSATs) are right around the corner, but Abe is losing sleep running errands for his beloved Cleo. When Joan keeps trying to warn Abe about his sleep deprivation, a secret of hers is uncovered. Also, Gandhi, overwhelmed by the pressure of studying, decides to not take the test and become a trucker instead. Mr. Butlertron and an old foe battle it out for the last time.
Guest star: John C. McGinley as Doug Prepcourse
66"Homecoming: A Shot in D'Arc"Bud HarrisEric Kentoff[1]November 24, 2002 (2002-11-24)February 24, 2003
Since the CHHS basketball team refuses to allow girls or animals to play, the athletic Joan decides to cleverly disguise herself as "John D'Arc", becoming the star player. Cleo then falls for D'Arc, making team-captain Abe "Weakest"-Lincoln jealous. But Cleo's not the only one falling for D'Arc, as fellow athlete JFK finds himself having confusingly sexual feelings about the whole affair. Meanwhile, Gandhi and Genghis Khan kidnap the mascot of Clone High's rival school, Genetically Engineered Superhuman High.
Guest stars: Chris Berman as himself, Dan Patrick as himself and Neil Flynn as Julius Caesar
77"Plane Crazy: Gate Expectations"Bud HarrisTom MartinDecember 8, 2002 (2002-12-08)March 3, 2003
Abe and Cleo's new relationship is threatened when she is picked to be on a Canadian Spring Break Dance show, hosted by Ashley Angel from O-Town. Meanwhile, Gandhi becomes an international rap sensation with the help of JFK as his manager. Also, Principal Scudworth is constantly being tricked by a pesky skunk.
Guest stars: Ashley Angel as himself and Neil Flynn as Buddy Holly
88"A Room of One's Clone: The Pie of the Storm"Ted CollyerAdam PavaDecember 15, 2002 (2002-12-15)2016 (MTV Classic)
Storm's-a-brewin' when Joan's house burns down and her family has no choice but to move in with Cleo's, where conflict ensues; Abe attends a Conflict Mediation Seminar to learn how to more effectively resolve disputes between the two. Gandhi and JFK find themselves in escalating arguments. Meanwhile, Mr. Butlertron becomes jealous when Principal Scudworth forms a relationship with a robotic toy dog.
Guest stars: Donald Faison as Martin Luther King Jr. and Toots and Neil Flynn as Moses
99"Raisin the Stakes: A Rock Opera in Three Acts"Ted CollyerPhil Lord & Christopher MillerJanuary 12, 2003 (2003-01-12)March 10, 2003
After an anti-drugs assembly at the school, a rumor goes around that one can get high smoking raisins, leading the clones to embark on a musical, mystical journey of intoxication and irresponsibly long hair. Sober Joan is trying to keep Abe from turning into a drugged-out hippie, while Principal Scudworth and the PTA build a giant wall in an attempt to fence the students in. Meanwhile, Gandhi goes on a raisined-out subconscious mindtrip where he encounters a hummingbird-unicorn-donkey creature, a two-headed Olsen Twins monster, a talking Italian pencil, and a stereotypically Australian dragon, on his quest to rescue a princess whom he believes will have sex with him.
Guest star: Jack Black as Larry Hardcore/the Pusher
1010"Litter Kills: Litterally"Bud HarrisMurray Miller & Judah MillerJanuary 19, 2003 (2003-01-19)2016 (MTV Classic)
JFK's long time best friend, Ponce de León, literally dies, causing JFK to sink into a spiral of depression. This causes tension between Abe and Cleo, who dutifully attempts to comfort JFK, her former boyfriend, during his grief. Meanwhile, Gandhi is mistakenly sent to death row where he has trouble getting high fives, but makes new friends in the showers.
Guest stars: Luke Perry as Ponce and Neil Flynn as Glenn the Janitor and Julius Caesar
1111"Snowflake Day: A Very Special Clone High Holiday Special"
"Snowflake Day: A Very Special Holiday Episode"
Bud HarrisErica RivinojaApril 13, 2003 (2003-04-13)2016 (MTV Classic)
It's the politically correct Snowflake Day season, and everyone is in the holiday spirit, except for Joan, who is against the commercialism of the made-up holiday. But a homeless urchin who "may or may not be" pop sensation Mandy Moore teaches Joan an important lesson. Meanwhile, Abe and Gandhi attempt to invent and market an interesting device, so that Abe will have money to buy Cleo an expensive Snowflake Day gift.
Guest star: Mandy Moore as herself
Note: This episode did not air during the original run of the series, as Teletoon normally did not air holiday themed episodes outside of the holiday time period. However, they made an exception after multiple viewer requests, and released the episode as part of the second airing.
1212"Makeover, Makeover, Makeover: The Makeover Episode"Ted CollyerEric KentoffJanuary 26, 2003 (2003-01-26)2016 (MTV Classic)
With prom not too far away, Abe wants to ask his girlfriend, Cleo, but cannot stop thinking about Joan's prom date situation. Meanwhile, Gandhi goes on a desperate search for a date. So, Abe and Cleo each have a go at making over Joan for prom, JFK gives Gandhi a makeover, and Mr. B gives Scudworth a makeover to help him execute a sinister, evil plan to "win" the prom king vote.
1313"Changes: You Got a Prom Wit Dat?"[25]
"Changes: The Big Prom: The Sex Romp: The Season Finale"
Harold HarrisPhil Lord & Christopher MillerMarch 2, 2003 (2003-03-02)2016 (MTV Classic)
As all the clones are preparing for the winter prom, Abe decides whether to ask Cleo or Joan; Gandhi concocts a brilliant plan to get dates for all the school geeks; and Principal Scudworth attempts to execute his sinister, evil plan, while the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures prepares to abduct the clones on prom night to advance their own evil plan.
Guest stars: John Stamos as himself and Tommy Walter as himself

Season 2 (2023)

[edit]

Seasons 2 and 3 were created by ShadowMachine Animation studio.

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
141"Let's Try This Again"Mark AcklandPhil Lord, Christopher Miller & Erica RivinojaMay 23, 2023 (2023-05-23)
Twenty years after the Homecoming Prom, the clones are unfrozen by the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures as part of their plan: Operation Spread Eagle. Abe, Joan, JFK, Cleo, and the rest of the 2002 clones (minus Gandhi who remains frozen) head back to Clone High and meet newer clones that were secretly created by Scudworth during the 20 years that they were frozen. The clones attempt to adapt to the new norms, such as Abe grappling with cancel culture, though Joan enjoys her newfound friendship with Frida Kahlo and Harriet Tubman. Meanwhile, Scudworth has to deal with his new supervisor: Candide Sampson.
152"Sleepover"Mark AcklandMarlena RodriguezMay 23, 2023 (2023-05-23)
After having an embarrassing wet dream in class involving Abe, Joan is invited to a sleepover by Frida and Harriet who are trying to figure out what secret Joan is hiding, ultimately leading to the reveal that Frida and Harriet accidentally murdered someone as kids. Meanwhile, JFK is taught about social media and internet trolling by Confucius and has an internet argument with Topher.
163"Anxious Times at Clone High"Jack ShihDannah Phirman & Danielle SchneiderJune 1, 2023 (2023-06-01)
Sampson and Scudworth enact Phase Two of Operation Spread Eagle with "Pre-Midterms," in an attempt to hypercharge the clones stress levels to see who will break first, culminating in the "Mandatory Broad Daylight Swimsuit Dance". JFK gets Joan a giant gold necklace, making her question if she'll be trapped forever in her new relationship. Abe also feels stress over seeing Joan and JFK getting serious, Harriet is stressed with the possibility she will grow up into a wine mom, and everyone is stressed by Sampson's latest hire: the Clone High mental health mascot, the Heebie-Jeebie.
Guest star: Ian Ziering as himself
174"The Crown: Joancoming: It's a Cleo Cleo Cleo Cleo World"Kristen MorrisonJudah MillerJune 1, 2023 (2023-06-01)
When homecoming comes around and Joan becomes furious with Cleo's ego and spreads a rumor about Cleo's latte. To Cleo's shock, Joan is rewarded homecoming queen. Joan not wanting the role and feeling bad, gives the crown to Cleo, but when she gains the crown, Cleo becomes dangerously overpowered bending the clones to be her zombies.
185"Some Talking but Mostly Songs"Mark AcklandMatt MarshallJune 8, 2023 (2023-06-08)
Learning of a chance to get hired on for the show Tropical Hospital, Harriet stages her play "Twister: The Game: The Musical", starring Joan and JFK, only to find Joan is a terrible actress. Sampson wants Scudworth to start showing more discipline over the students, fearing the musical will cause chaos to reign over the school. Soon Joan wants to make massive changes to the musical, leading to Harriet firing Joan from the play, and Scudworth to ban all performances from the school. Only a last minute staging of the musical at the Grassy Knoll can save the show.
Guest star: Steve Kerr as himself
196"Saved by the Knoll"Jack ShihJessica LamourJune 8, 2023 (2023-06-08)
After the musical ends up accidentally burning down the Grassy Knoll, it is revealed the diner is to be bulldozed to build a new condo, triggering Joan's long dormant nostalgia triggered illness, "Psylly Legs". Joan only trusts Abe with knowing about her condition, and the two launch a campaign to save and rebuild the Grassy Knoll (against the former owner's wishes). Meanwhile, JFK and Harriet are torn about their new found feelings after their kiss in the musical stirs feelings between the two.
Guest stars: Stephen Root as Mr Big Corporation, Danny Pudi as Doctor Neelankavil, David Tennant as himself and Mandy Moore as herself
207"Spring Broken"Kristen MorrisonKyle LauJune 15, 2023 (2023-06-15)
After the clones find themselves stranded in the desert, JFK experiences a heat-induced intellectual breakthrough, Abe faces a zombie horde, and Scudworth and Mr. B hit the big time in Vegas.
218"Sexy Ed"Jack ShihSiena EastJune 15, 2023 (2023-06-15)
While Clone High mourns a power couple breakup, Candide and Scudworth hatch a plan to reunite the pair with sex education and sensual sax solos.
229"For Your Consideration"Kristen MorrisonErica Rivinoja, Dannah Phirman & Danielle SchneiderJune 22, 2023 (2023-06-22)
After a fight with Scudworth, Mr. B prepares to leave Clone High for good - but not before telling Joan his epic backstory. Guest stars: Sam Richardson as Wesley
2310"Clone Alone"Mark AcklandJudah Miller & Mickey JacobsJune 22, 2023 (2023-06-22)
As Operation Spread Eagle ends, the students of Clone High are offered the opportunity to attend Clone High College. In the end Joan manages to restore the Clones' memories, but Candide gets revenge on her by revealing she is the one who made them fall in the holes. While all of this wasn't really a life and death test, it doesn't change the fact that Joan tried to kill them. Guest stars: Michael Bolton as himself

Season 3 (2024)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
241"Blinded With Pseudoscience: Magnetic Distractions"Jack ShihJudah MillerFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)
During a new year at Clone High, a new teacher begins teaching the students in a non-educational manner, much to the suspicion of Harriet. When Joan is snubbed due to her actions in the last season finale, she reluctantly finds a new clique in a group of troublemaking outcasts.
252"Don't You Get It? Sports Are Huge in This Town"Kristen MorrisonErica Rivinoja & Matthew KerrFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)
Scudworth encourages Frida to take up a hobby in competitive snorkeling, mostly to project his tragic past as a failed snorkeler. Joan plans to infiltrate the cheer squad and sabotage them in revenge for how she’s been treated, but her conscience soon gets the best of her when Harriet begins second-guessing her bitterness towards Joan.
263"Bible Humpers: A Much Needed Praycation"Mark AcklandSiena EastFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)
To be free from paying taxes ever again, Scudworth begins converting Clone High into a religious school, a change that puts Abe and JFK’s friendship to the test due to the latter showing a more celibate side and makes Harriet worry that Confucius will find out about her feelings for Toussaint Louverture due to having an “eye-affair” with him at the start of the season.
274"The Principal Principle: Sub Zero to Sub Hero"Mark AcklandMatt MarshallFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)
After Scudworth assigns Joan and Abe to be the new Principal and Vice-Principal for the day, Joan seizes the opportunity to throw a get together to make everyone forgive her for her actions during the Death Maze. Scudworth and Mr. Butlertron plan to stock the school with burritos and try to hide this from Candide.
285"Money Can Buy Me Love: Stupid Is as Cupid Does"Jack ShihDannah Phirman & Danielle SchneiderFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)
During a Valentines Day dance, Confucius and Joan hatch a scheme to get the former and Harriet back together when she begins dating Toussaint. Abe attempts to ask a new girl named Mary to join him at the dance. Scudworth’s attempts to score a date himself results in him trying to help an old flame of his cure a destructive habit.
296"Go Yell It on the Mountain: Snow Way Out"Kristen MorrisonJessica LamourFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)
A field trip to a ski lodge ends up with everyone caught in an avalanche on account of various problems the group are facing and they must find a way out while avoiding a cabin fever-crazed Mr. Butlertron.
307"Grave Mistakes: The Virgin Homicides"Mark AcklandKyle LauFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)
The group discovers that Mary is really Bloody Mary from Joan, Harriet and Frida’s sleepover and try to stop Abe from having intercourse with her. Scudworth and Butlertron are tasked with making new clones of historical figures.
318"Cyranos: A Portmant-opus"Jack ShihMickey JacobsFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)
During parent-teacher’s night, Confucius convinces Abe and Joan to fill in as his foster parents, but Abe and Joan are at each other's throats with Scudworth scheming to extort Confucius’ wealth from his alleged foster Mom and Dad. Frida plans to introduce Cleopatra to her foster dad since they’re an item, but her insecurities about the whole ordeal cause her to ask Harriet for help.
Guest star: Randall Park as Frida's foster dad
329"Cloney Island: Twist!"Kristen MorrisonMarlena RodriguezFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)
The clones learn of Scudworth’s plan to make them theme park attractions from his journal and also learn about how his plan came to be.
3310"The Cloniest Place on Earth: Missile While You Work"Mark AcklandJudah Miller, Dannah Phirman & Danielle SchneiderFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)
Scudworth manages to bring the clones to his theme park island via submarine in order for his Cloney Island dream to become a reality, which Candide plots to end by sending a missile to destroy it and the Clones have to get everyone off the island before the missile arrives.
Guest star: Richard Kind as Nostradamus

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]
The show was created by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, seen here at San Diego Comic-Con in 2013.

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller first met together while they were attending Dartmouth College.[12][26] The profiles of Lord and Miller on the college's newspaper caught the attention to former Disney chairman Michael Eisner.[citation needed] Lord and Miller attended a two-minute interview with animation executives at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.[26] The next day, they signed a development deal at Walt Disney Television Animation to create Saturday-morning cartoons.[7][11][26] They spent a year trying to create a Saturday morning show but felt that they were not "Disney brand" enough to pitch it.[26] They were later hired by Touchstone Television to create primetime programming,[11][26] and they wrote a few episodes of Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane and Go Fish.[11] The show was originally pitched to the Fox Broadcasting Company, who purchased the show but decided not to order it to series due to a "regime change".[26][27] Miller deemed it the "easiest pitch ever," considering the show's use of famous figures.[27] Following Fox's rejection, MTV purchased the program in May 2001.[28] Lord and Miller met and pitched the idea to their godfather Bill Lawrence, who started working on the first season of Scrubs at the time.[1] Having difficulty affording an office, Lawrence helped Lord and Miller to have their offices at an empty part of North Hollywood Medical Center, where Scrubs was filmed.[1] The show was at a low, limited budget,[1] costing approximately $750,000 per episode.[7] According to Miller during an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2017, Clone High helped Lord and Miller learn about filmmaking, including editing and execution of timing.[9]

The series started development after they graduated in college and landed a deal at Walt Disney Television Animation.[11] While attempting to develop a Saturday-morning cartoon,[1] Miller developed the show's premise with the clones attending at a university on a notebook.[1][27] Lord later changed the show's setting to a high school, attempting to lean into the tropes of teen dramas, a popular genre at the time.[1] While making lists of people "everybody [had] heard of", they found themselves limited in the number of historical figures they could depict, in consideration with avoiding "litigious estates" (such as the families of Albert Einstein and Marilyn Monroe) and "keeping in mind" with the viewership of MTV.[27] The show's depiction of Gandhi was based on people in high school and college Lord and Miller knew, who were of Indian descent that had a lot of boundaries and expectations by their families.[11][27] His "party guy" persona was borrowed from their research, through which Lord and Miller found out that he was a party guy when he was young and in law enforcement school.[27]

Voice cast and recording

[edit]

"There are shows that I've worked on where you're really trying to figure out how to do these voices and how to navigate the character and it's a bit of a trudge. This is not one of those shows. It's all on the page. These guys have figured out the stuff for you and so it's not hard at all to do this. And because it's so well-written, it gives you space to improvise because it's so well set up that you get room to sort of play, which I love to do."

Nicole Sullivan during an interview with Animation World Network (2024)[29]

Lord and Miller cast actors that had backgrounds on improv and comedy.[8] Will Forte was cast as Abe Lincoln during production of the first season.[29] His first voice-acting role,[29][30] Forte was asked by Lord and Miller, who were friends with him, to voice Abe for the show.[29] Forte had a positive feeling about the show, but felt nervous.[29][30] When Forte first voiced the character, he thought that his voice performance for the role was boring, though he admitted that the emotions, the screams, and the singing of the character were "fun to do".[1] In 2024, Forte recalled on Animation World Network that he was "terrified and overthinking it", thinking he was not good as the other voice actors in the show.[29]

Nicole Sullivan, who was a friend of Christa Miller in her mid-20s, was convinced to visit the booth by Christopher and Christa Miller during a phone call.[1] Sullivan had mixed thoughts due to her level of success in Mad TV, Kim Possible, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, and The King of Queens.[1] When Sullivan read the lines for Joan of Arc,[1] Sullivan did not understand the show,[1][29] feeling that the show was for a young audience.[30] She recalled on Animation World Network that for the first five episodes of the first season, she did not "know what [she] was doing" with the character.[29] By production of the second season, Sullivan felt more comfortable with the character, commenting that she was "just as easy to play".[29] Phil Lord provided the voice of Cinnamon Scudworth.[1][3] In The Gazette article from 2003, Lord described the experience of voicing the character as "fun", stating "It's just me screaming and pouting and being especially whiny."[8] Lord also felt emotional when voicing the character.[9] Allowing the voice actors to improvise while recording the lines, they occasionally make little additions in the lines, such as in the middle of a monologue.[29]

The series also featured guest stars. Several of them were well-known celebrities, including Marilyn Manson,[8][10][11][14] Michael J. Fox,[11][12] Mandy Moore,[1][11] Tom Green,[8][11] Luke Perry,[1][11] and Jack Black.[8][11] Prior to the show's premiere, Marilyn Manson received the script to record his lines for the show.[8]

Writing

[edit]

The writing staff of the show were picked by the creators for their specific sense of humor.[1] The team included Judah Miller, Tom Martin, Murray Miller, Eric Kentoff, and Erica Rivinoja.[1] The writing staff of Scrubs were also involved in the writing process, giving them "jokes and thoughts".[1] Several plotlines were based on Lord and Miller's experiences.[8] During an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2017, Bill Lawrence stated that the writers would sometimes "stay in the psych ward [in North Hollywood Medical Center]" and make the creators laugh, which was cited as one of the reasons why many cast members of Scrubs appeared in the show.[9]

Animation and design

[edit]

The art design was characterized by a flat appearance with a limited animation technique known as "pose-to-pose" animation, which was used as an influence to Samurai Jack.[7] According to Jack Coleman of Collider, the characters were bordered with thick outlines and usually made up of "strange evocative shapes" and "hard angles", a style similar to old UPA animated shows and other animated series at the time.[31] The characters have little movements when they speak, and several assets of the animation were reused.[31] The animation generally had a quick pace for comic timing, but the scenes with more emotional content had slower and more fluid movements.[7] According to Lord, they never wanted the viewers to pay attention to the animation, but it was there to serve the show's sense of humor and its stories.[7] Gandhi is the most animated character on the show; he requires twice as many storyboard poses as any other character.[32] The characters and backgrounds were traditionally drawn, and frames and cels were frequently recycled.[citation needed]

Lord and Miller drew several concept drawings of JFK and Joan of Arc during development.[9] Total Drama character designer Todd Kauffman did designs for the show's intro.[33] Kauffman later used Clone High as an influence to design the Total Drama characters as requested by the producers.[34] The first season was animated by Rough Draft Studios. The second and third seasons were animated by Jam Filled Entertainment.

Music

[edit]

Clone High featured a wide variety of music, usually exclusive to alternative rock, indie rock, Midwest emo, hardcore punk, pop rock, metalcore, from mostly unknown and underground bands and musicians.[citation needed] The soundtrack included songs by Alkaline Trio, American Football, Ritalin, Catch 22, Ilya, The Gentleman, Drex, Taking Back Sunday, The Gloria Record, The Stereo, Jo Davidson, Saves the Day, Hot Rod Circuit, Thursday, Helicopter Helicopter, Owen, Dashboard Confessional, Elf Power, Abandoned Pools, The Get Up Kids, Mink Lungs, Mates of State, Snapcase, The Mooney Suzuki, Jon DeRosa, Ephemera, Jinnrall, Avoid One Thing, DJ Cellulitis, DJ Piccolo, Whippersnapper, Matt Pond PA, Mad City and Bumblefoot.[35][36] The series' other background music and original score was written and produced by Scott Nickoley and Jamie Dunlap of Mad City Productions.[citation needed]

Humor

[edit]

Clone High uses two main sources of comedy: teen drama parodies and historical references.[31] Clone High experimented long storylines with romances and running gags,[31] constructed with adult jokes, conspiracy theories, and melodrama.[1] With each episode is introduced as a "very special episode",[3][12][31][37] the show uses satire to appeal to MTV's male targeted demographic, aged 17 to 25.[38] The show parodied dramas that appeared on U.S. television in the 1990s that dealt with themes such as drug abuse, AIDS, alternative lifestyles, racism, ostracism, and consequences of prom.[2] The show also parodied aspects of teenagers on television,[1] centering on school narratives,[2] including presidential elections,[1][2] standardized testing,[1] makeovers,[1] school musicals,[1] celebrities,[1] the prom,[2] school athletics,[2] and fundraisers.[2] A lot of the show's humor were references cited from common knowledge of the historical figures, including JFK yelling "Nothing bad ever happens to the Kennedys!" before crashing his car in the fifth episode of the first season.[39]

Several aspects of the show parodied teen dramas. Part of the humor for this trope was that it mocked the misery of high school, tackling the issues with wit and absurdity.[39] Themes of Dawson's Creek were used to parody the themes of homosexuality, eating disorders, sex, diseases, and morality.[37] Plots, themes, and scenes of teen series and films were referenced: The love triangle of Abe, Joan, and Cleo parodied Dawson's Creek,[1] the "parents-are-away" parties paid homage to Freaks and Geeks,[1] the makeover plotline was reminiscent of teen films at the time (including Clueless),[40] and a teen-suicide hotline subplot referenced Heathers.[1] The idea of the characters having to live up to their expectations, an aspect common in teen dramas, was also used to style the show's humor.[31] While Clone High includes a sexually and diverse society,[2] other themes satirize American racial and gendered norms,[2] including the transformation of Gandhi from a geek into "a shorter, browner Kennedy" in the twelfth episode of the first season.[41] There is an image of a dolphin hidden in almost every episode.[citation needed]

Release

[edit]

Clone High was originally slated to premiere at the same time in Canada and the United States.[8] The first episode debuted on November 2, 2002, on the Canadian cable network Teletoon.[23] Reruns of the series were formerly aired on Teletoon's now-defunct Teletoon at Night (formerly known as "Teletoon Detour") block.[citation needed] Also, it briefly aired on MTV Canada, Razer (now MTV2), and Much and currently airs on Adult Swim in Canada. In the United States, the series premiered on January 20, 2003, on MTV.[7] Clone High was a commercial failure, and it suffered low ratings during the run.[1] After MTV publicists finished an apology to India on the show's depiction of Gandhi on its press, Lord and Miller were forced to cancel the show.[1] The remaining episodes can be viewed on unauthorized websites in the United States.[1] In 2016, the entire first season aired in the United States for the first time on MTV Classic.[1][42]

Initial reviews

[edit]

Upon the first season's premiere, Clone High initially received mixed reviews from television critics. On Metacritic, the show has a score of 60 out of 100 based on seven reviews from critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[43] Several critics likened the "enjoyably nervy" humor to that of Curb Your Enthusiasm.[1] In a positive review, Dakota Loomis of Flak Magazine stated that "Clone High is original, quirky and worthwhile television, head and shoulders above the endlessly replicating reality show rabble."[37] David Bianculli of the New York Daily News gave the series three stars, praising the vocal talents as "entertaining" and listed the show's depictions of Joan of Arc and Cleopatra as the show's best central characters. He concluded, "Clone High is the highest of high concepts, a weird idea even for a season that brings us Joe Millionaire."[10] Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Rob Owen complimented the show: "Yes, Clone High has the MTV-requisite sexual innuendo, but it's more clever than much of what passes for humor in prime time today. And like Scrubs, it has heart, particularly when it comes to Abe and Joan."[3]

Anita Gates of The New York Times opined that "the dialogue isn't always exactly funny, but it's smile worthy," observing, "the characters are intriguing in a lightweight way but could lose their appeal fast."[12] Scott Sandell of the Los Angeles Times felt that the show's debut episode "doesn't quite live up to the obvious comedic potential behind the killer premise."[6] The Hollywood Reporter's Michael Farkash felt similarly, writing, "The premise sounds intriguing, but what hatches in the first episode is a disappointing, weak strain of comic material, lacking the cunning, subversive quality of, say, South Park."[44]

Home video and streaming

[edit]

On January 24, 2005, Nelvana announced on Corus Entertainment's website that Clone High, along with several others, would be released on home video with the retail initiative Teletoon Presents.[45] The series was released as "The Complete First Season" in Canada by Kaboom! Entertainment and Nelvana.[citation needed] The DVD contains every episode from the original first season, including the five episodes which did not originally air in the United States. As of 2023, the series is available to be streamed on Paramount+ in the United States.[46] On April 14, 2023, the first season was added to Max, ahead of the revival's premiere.[47] The revival, alongside the first season of the original show, was added to Hulu in October 2024.[48]

Clone High: The Complete First Season
Set details Special features
  • Video clips of:
    • Christopher Miller performing as "Mr. B"
    • Phil Lord performing as "Principal Scudworth"
    • Bill Lawrence, an executive producer, in a hot tub
    • Tom Martin describing the writing process
  • Video footage of live-action cat depicted in "Raisin the Stakes: A Rock Opera in 3 Acts"
DVD release dates
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
September 20, 2005 (2005-09-20) June 20, 2005 (2005-06-20) Unknown (separate, currently out of print)

Gandhi controversy

[edit]
The show's depiction of Gandhi as a party animal received negative backlash from India.

In early 2003, an article in Maxim magazine depicting Mahatma Gandhi being beaten up by a muscular man sparked outrage in India.[49] Clone High was caught in the crossfire when citizens in the country conducted internet searches on the Maxim article but also found out about the show's Gandhi character on MTV's website. This sparked an outrage in India over the show's depiction of Gandhi.[50] On January 30, 2003, the 55th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, approximately 150 protesters (including members of parliament) gathered in New Delhi and vowed to fast in response to Clone High, including Gandhi's great-grandson Tushar Gandhi.[51] Tom Freston, the head of Viacom (owner of MTV), was visiting the network's India branch and was "trapped in the building". In 2014, he recalled that protestors "basically threatened that they'd revoke MTV's broadcasting license in India if they didn't take the show off the air".[27]

MTV offered a quick apology, stating that "Clone High was created and intended for an American audience", and "we recognize and respect that various cultures may view this programming differently, and we regret any offense taken by the content in the show".[52] Miller would later recall that executives at MTV enjoyed the show, and asked for the duo to pitch a second season without Gandhi. Lord and Miller's two potential versions of a second season included one that made no mention of Gandhi's absence, and another that revealed that the character was a clone of actor Gary Coleman. "We pitched that, and it went up to the top at Viacom again and it got a big no," he remembered.[27] This idea has since been scrapped as Gandhi did not return in the revival.[16]

Cult following and legacy

[edit]

Retrospective reviews

[edit]

The first season of Clone High garnered wide reappraisal and praise from television critics. Heather Marulli of Television Without Pity called the series "a mini-masterpiece of the animated genre; an opus to the primetime cartoon".[5] David Broermann of the website Freakin' Awesome Network gave the series an "A+", saying it has "some really really good character development and depth" and an "amazing soundtrack". He notes the fantastic use of multiple running gags keeping viewers on their toes.[53] In 2009, the show was listed as number five on IGN's "Reader Choice: Top Animated Series".[54] In a 2014 retrospective piece on the series, Jesse David Fox of Vulture praised the premise, characters, and voice-acting, writing that "Clone High still holds up more than a decade later as a brilliantly funny, completely nuts, surprisingly heartfelt, tonally inventive masterpiece."[17]

Popularity

[edit]

After its initial cancelation in 2003, Clone High fell into obscurity in the United States.[9] However, it survived on the internet and gained a fanbase throughout the years.[9] A clip of Gandhi and George Washington Carver going "Say what?" inspired parody and remix videos on YouTube.[9] After the show was announced to have a revival in 2020, the first season of the show gained popularity, with several memes posted on Instagram.[20] Clone High also gained popularity on TikTok,[1][20] which drew new audiences to the show.[20] In late August 2020, a tweet that included a clip of JFK went viral on Twitter, spreading memes of JFK by September.[20] Several memes included audio clips of JFK and videos of fans cosplaying as JFK on TikTok.[20] Several fans also cosplayed other characters, such as Joan of Arc, for TikTok.[20]

Revival

[edit]

Lord and Miller have stated that they have "considered" a live-action film adaptation of the series.[1] In 2014, they explained that as they at that time were under contract with Fox, Lawrence had a television deal at Warner Bros. Television and the rights to Clone High were owned by MTV/Viacom, it would be difficult to resurrect the show.[55] References to Clone High are present in their later productions: the duo admitted many jokes in 22 Jump Street were "ripped off straight from Clone High", while Forte also voices a Lego version of Lincoln in The Lego Movie (2014), and the original version of Lincoln in America: The Motion Picture (2021).[27] In a Grantland article from 2014, the two joked that "our entire career has just been about getting Clone High back on the air".[27] In the 2018 film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, produced by Lord and Miller, a billboard, designed in parody to the original poster for 22 Jump Street, appears promoting a movie titled Clone College, starring Abe and JFK.[56]

In March 2020, Lord and Miller brought the first pitch of the revival to HBO Max (currently Max) on Zoom, along with others.[1] On July 2, 2020, it was announced that a revival of the series was in development at MTV Entertainment Studios, with creators Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Bill Lawrence returning; it was also revealed that original series writer Erica Rivinoja would serve as showrunner of the series, while also co-writing the pilot with Lord and Miller.[57] On February 10, 2021, the series was ordered for two seasons by HBO Max.[58][59][60] On June 23, 2021, Christopher Miller revealed the title of the revival's first episode as "Let's Try This Again".[61] On September 16, 2021, Tara Billinger, who is known for Paul Rudish's Mickey Mouse universe and created Long Gone Gulch, announced that she would be serving as art director.[62] On October 29, 2022, Miller announced via Twitter, that the revival would premiere in the first half of 2023.[63] On November 2, 2022, Lord, Miller, and Billinger posted teasers of the show on their Twitter pages.[64][65][66] On January 28, 2023, the unfinished first episode of the revival was leaked.[67]

On March 24, 2023, it was announced that a majority of the original cast would be returning, but the role of Cleopatra, who was originally voiced by Christa Miller, will now be voiced by Mitra Jouhari, while Christa Miller will now be playing Candide Simpson.[16] Lord and Miller revealed that the character of Gandhi will not be returning in the first two seasons of the revival due to the controversy the original series faced over his portrayal, with the former stating that he may return in a potential fourth season.[16][68] Joining the cast were Ayo Edebiri as Harriet Tubman (replacing Debra Wilson), Vicci Martinez as Frida Kahlo, Kelvin Yu as Confucius, Neil Casey as Topher Bus, Jana Schmieding as Sacagawea, Sam Richardson as Wesley, Mo Gaffney as Ms. Grumbles, Al Madrigal as Frederico, Danny Pudi as Dr. Neelankavil, Emily Maya Mills as Ethel Merman, and Michael Bolton, Ian Ziering, Steve Kerr, and a returning Mandy Moore as fictionalized versions of themselves.[21][22] On April 5, 2023, an official teaser trailer was uploaded on the official channel for HBO Max.[16] The final trailer was later released on May 8, 2023. The revival premiered on May 23, 2023.[69]

In January 2024, the second season of the revival (third season overall) announced several new cast members joining the series. Consisting of Jermaine Fowler as Toussaint Louverture, Paul F. Tompkins as Professor Hirsute, Stephen Root as Schneider Snorkelle, Jackée Harry as a fictionalized version of herself based on Jack the Ripper, Hannah Simone as Lady Godiva, D'Arcy Carden as Bloody Mary, Randall Park as Mr. Kim, Jameela Jamil as Mrs. C, Renee Elise Goldsberry as Sandra Sandria and Richard Kind as Nostradamus (replacing Andy Dick).[70] The trailer was uploaded the following week, confirming the entirety of the season airing on February 1.[71] On July 26, 2024, it was announced that the revival would not be returning for a third season (fourth season overall), once again ending the series on a cliffhanger.[72]

See also

[edit]

Fictional works with a similar premise

[edit]
[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Clone High is an American adult created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence that originally aired on from November 2002 to March 2003. The series centers on teenage clones of historical figures, such as , , and , navigating high school life, romance, and cliques in the secretive military-operated town of Exclave. Featuring by talents including as Abe Lincoln and Phil Lord as Principal Scudworth, the show ran for one season of 13 episodes before its abrupt cancellation amid backlash over the depiction of Gandhi's clone as an energetic, prank-loving "party dude," which prompted hunger strikes and protests in that pressured to end the series. The program's satirical take on teen drama tropes blended with historical garnered a for its sharp humor and character dynamics, particularly the involving Abe, Joan, and JFK, though its short run limited mainstream impact at the time. Lord and , who voiced multiple roles and infused the series with their comedic style, later achieved greater success in film with projects like The Lego Movie and , crediting Clone High as an early experiment in animation that honed their collaborative approach. A revival, reimagined for contemporary audiences while excluding Gandhi to preempt similar controversies, premiered on Max in May 2023 with returning creators and voices alongside new cast members like as . The expanded the clone roster and addressed modern social themes but concluded after two seasons in February 2024, with Max canceling it in July 2024 amid broader content cuts, underscoring challenges in reviving niche 2000s for streaming.

Premise and Concept

Core Premise

Clone High depicts a high school environment populated exclusively by adolescent clones of renowned historical figures, who navigate everyday teenage dilemmas such as dating, peer pressure, and extracurricular activities, often amplified by the exaggerated personalities inherited from their genetic originals. The series frames this setup as the outcome of a covert government cloning program initiated in the 1980s, where scientists exhumed and replicated DNA from famous individuals to engineer potentially superior future leaders. This experimental high school, Clone High High School, serves as both an educational institution and a testing ground for the clones' development, under the supervision of faculty and administrators who manage the project's objectives. Central to the narrative is the interplay between the clones' historical legacies and modern adolescent experiences, leading to satirical explorations of identity, ambition, and social dynamics; for instance, the clone of contends with leadership expectations amid personal insecurities, while others like embody manipulative charisma in social cliques. The premise underscores a sci-fi structure, blending anachronistic humor with commentary on how genetic predispositions influence behavior in contemporary settings. Overarching plot elements involve interference from shadowy government overseers, known as the Secret Board of Shadowy Government Guys, who monitor the clones for military and leadership potential, occasionally deploying directives that disrupt school life. This foundational concept persists across the original 2002–2003 run and the 2023 revival, maintaining the core satirical lens on reimagined through youthful .

Historical Satire and Themes

Clone High satirizes historical figures by reimagining them as flawed teenage clones navigating high school dynamics, exaggerating or subverting their real-life legacies to underscore the gap between mythologized history and human imperfection. For instance, Abraham Lincoln's clone embodies excessive honesty to the point of social maladroitness, parodying the iconic integrity associated with the 16th U.S. president while critiquing how such traits might hinder adolescent relationships. Similarly, appears as a brooding, goth romantic, inverting her historical role as a fervent warrior-saint into introspective teen angst, which allows the series to lampoon romantic triangles akin to those in 1990s teen dramas like . This approach extends to figures like , depicted as superficial and manipulative, contrasting her renowned strategic acumen in ancient politics with vapid high school scheming. A prominent example of the show's provocative historical is the portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi's clone as a hedonistic party enthusiast, directly challenging the global reverence for the Indian independence leader's principles of non-violence and established during his campaigns from 1915 to 1947. This inversion drew sharp criticism, including protests by dozens of Indian lawmakers in January 2003, who condemned the as disrespectful and demanded MTV's withdrawal from , contributing to the original series' cancellation after its 10th episode aired on January 13, 2003, despite 13 episodes being produced. The controversy highlighted tensions between satirical intent—aimed at demystifying historical icons—and cultural sensitivities, with creators later noting the portrayal sought to humanize figures beyond sanitized narratives. Central themes revolve around under the burden of inherited legacies, as clones grapple with expectations tied to their originals' achievements, mirroring real psychological pressures of amplified by historical weight. Episodes often explore , romantic disillusionment, and institutional through these lenses, such as in storylines where clones rebel against or conform to stereotypical traits, satirizing how history textbooks idealize leaders while ignoring their youthful flaws. The revival seasons (2023–2024) extend this to contemporary issues like influence and performative , introducing clones like to critique artistic commodification, though some observers argued it occasionally mimicked the sanitized teen media it once parodied. Overall, the series uses causal links between historical reverence and modern to argue that uncritical hero-worship distorts self-perception, privileging irreverent humor over deference.

Characters

Main Clone Students

The main clone students in Clone High consist of genetic duplicates of prominent historical figures reimagined as teenagers attending a secretive high school, driving the show's satirical exploration of adolescence and history. These characters, central to plotlines involving romance, rivalry, and absurdity, include Abe Lincoln, , , and JFK across both the original 2002–2003 series and the 2023–2024 revival on Max. Abe Lincoln, cloned from U.S. President , functions as the series protagonist: a tall, lanky, morally upright yet naive and socially awkward individual often manipulated by peers and fixated on winning Cleopatra's affection. Voiced by in 13 episodes of the original run and the revival's 20 episodes. , derived from the 15th-century French heroine and , appears as a tough, cynical rebel masking deep insecurities, with a longstanding, unreciprocated crush on Abe that fuels much interpersonal drama. Voiced consistently by across all seasons. Cleopatra (Cleo), based on the ancient Egyptian , embodies confidence, popularity, and assertiveness, frequently engaging in romantic triangles while displaying manipulative tendencies rooted in her historical counterpart's cunning. Voiced by in the original series and recast with for the revival. John F. Kennedy (JFK), cloned from the 35th U.S. President, is characterized by charisma, impulsivity, and self-absorption, often pursuing and clashing with Abe in competitive scenarios. Voiced by throughout the series. The original series featured , modeled after Indian independence leader , as a core character: a hyperactive, party-loving slacker and Abe's best friend, whose irreverent depiction sparked outrage in over perceived disrespect to the figure's pacifist legacy, prompting protests and the show's cancellation after 13 episodes on December 10, 2003. Voiced by Michael McDonald, the character does not appear in the revival, remaining cryogenically frozen as creators cited indecision on reimagining him amid cultural shifts. The revival elevates supporting clones like (voiced by ) to more prominent roles, reflecting an expanded while retaining the core dynamics among the original quartet.

Supporting Clones and Staff

Principal Cinnamon J. Scudworth functions as the head administrator of Clone High, tasked with managing the cloned students under directives from a shadowy board while secretly pursuing plans to establish a clone-themed known as Cloneywood. Voiced by Phil Lord across the original 2002–2003 series and the 2023–2024 revival, Scudworth exhibits erratic ambition and paternalistic attachment to the clones. Vice Principal Besley Lynn "Mr. B" Butlertron, a robotic butler reprogrammed for administrative duties, serves as Scudworth's loyal aide, dehumidifier, and occasional voice of restraint, frequently addressing others as "Wesley" due to a programming revealed in the revival. Voiced by in both iterations, Butlertron provides mechanical humor through his literal interpretations and durability in chaotic scenarios. Other faculty in the original series encompass , a hybrid human-sheep biology teacher voiced by , who delivers lessons with barnyard mannerisms, and , the stern gym instructor clone portrayed by , enforcing with unyielding rigor. Glen, the affable janitor voiced by , handles maintenance and briefly fosters a clone. The revival expands staff roles with Candide Sampson, the overseeing superintendent and Joan's foster parent, voiced by , and figures like the no-nonsense Ms. Grumbles () and charming Dr. Neelankavil (). Supporting clone students augment the high school's roster beyond the core group, often embodying exaggerated traits of their historical counterparts for satirical effect. In the original series, recurring examples include , an eloquent "dudebro" and close ally to JFK voiced initially by and later ; , a hulking yet intellectually dim figure voiced by Phil Lord; , a socially prominent empress clone associating with elite students; and , an inventive mad scientist fixated on s, accompanied by a sentient peanut sidekick, voiced by . Episodic appearances feature clones like the depressed artist Van Gogh (Andy Dick, recast to in revival cameos due to actor issues), the radiation-afflicted dancer (), and the phony psychic . The revival recasts and expands this ensemble, emphasizing diversity in portrayals. emerges as a brave, energetic abolitionist clone and 's best friend, voiced by after Debra Wilson's original tenure; serves as the artistic, popular class president, voiced by ; appears as a philosophically inclined yet internet-obsessed hipster, voiced by ; and embodies resourcefulness as an explorer clone, voiced by . Additional clones like the ashamed derivative Topher Bus (), streaking (), and bloodthirsty Jackée the Ripper () contribute to ensemble dynamics, with some muting or backgrounding less central figures from the original run.

Character Development Across Seasons

In the original 2002–2003 season, character development centered on satirical exaggerations of historical figures as high school archetypes, with arcs driven by teen romance and rivalry rather than profound growth. Abe Lincoln, voiced by series co-creator , grappled with indecisiveness in his relationship with , while pining harbored unrequited feelings for him, forming a persistent that dominated episodes like "Rage Against the Clone Machine." Gandhi's clone, depicted as an immature slacker prone to pranks and poor decisions, contributed to comedic relief but sparked international backlash from Indian officials and media for disrespecting the historical figure's legacy, ultimately contributing to the show's cancellation after 13 episodes. Supporting clones like JFK embodied cocky jock stereotypes, with minimal evolution beyond episodic conflicts, reflecting the era's edgier animation style unburdened by later cultural sensitivities. The 2023 revival, comprising seasons 2 and 3 on Max, reintroduced core clones with inverted dynamics and expanded depth to align with contemporary sensibilities, explicitly addressing past controversies. The love triangle reversed: Joan, now voiced by , dates JFK (voiced by ), forcing Abe (voiced by Ian Hamilton) into the pursuer role, a deliberate shift from the original's structure to refresh relationships and avoid repetitive pining. Gandhi's absence is narratively explained as cryogenic freezing post-season 1, a meta-nod to the 2003 protests that deemed his portrayal culturally insensitive, with creators Phil Lord and confirming no return to prevent similar backlash. New clones—, , , and —joined the cast, enabling fresh alliances and conflicts, such as Tubman's leadership arcs and Kahlo's artistic introspection, which built interpersonal growth absent in the original's tighter ensemble. Across revival seasons, characters transitioned from parody-driven gags to serialized development, with season 3 tightening plots around emotional maturity and . Cleopatra (voiced by ) evolved from manipulative to more vulnerable figure amid , while Principal Scudworth's paternal obsessions gained through callbacks to his failed clone experiments. Updated visual designs—brighter palettes, contemporary attire, and less caricatured features—signaled a modernized tone, prioritizing relatable teen experiences over unfiltered historical mockery. This progression reflected production adjustments by new showrunners and Erik Durbin, who emphasized avoiding original pitfalls like one-note stereotypes, fostering arcs that critiqued both history and revival-era media trends.

Episodes

Original Season (2002–2003)

The original season of Clone High comprised 13 episodes, produced as a Canadian-American co-production between and , with animation handled by . It premiered on November 2, 2002, in on , with the U.S. debut following on January 20, 2003, on . The series aired weekly in both markets, concluding its run on April 13, 2003, with the episode "Snowflake Day: A Very Special Holiday Episode." Episodes centered on the cloned teenage historical figures navigating high school dynamics, including romantic tensions between clones of and Abe Lincoln, social cliques, and satirical takes on teen drama tropes. Key installments included the pilot "Escape to Beer Mountain: A ," which introduced the clones' quest for alcohol and highlighted Gandhi's portrayal as a , party-obsessed ; "Episode Two: Election Blu-Galoo," focusing on a race; and "Rage Against the Clone Machine," addressing labor issues through clone protests. The season built recurring gags around historical inaccuracies for humor, such as Cleopatra's manipulative schemes and JFK's philandering, while escalating Principal Scudworth's mad science experiments.
Episode #TitleOriginal Air Date (Canada/U.S.)
1Escape to Beer Mountain: A November 2, 2002 / January 20, 2003
2Episode Two: Election Blu-GalooNovember 3, 2002 / January 27, 2003
3A.D.D.: The Last 'D' Is for DisorderNovember 10, 2002 / February 3, 2003
4Film Fest: The MovieNovember 17, 2002 / February 10, 2003
5Sleepover Sabotage: A Parody on November 24, 2002 / February 17, 2003
6: A Loss of Innocence EpisodeDecember 1, 2002 / February 24, 2003
7Extra Credit: A Krista Muchow StoryDecember 8, 2002 / March 3, 2003
8Clone Low: Publisher's FlingDecember 15, 2002 / March 10, 2003
9Clone Alone: What I Learned from Watching December 22, 2002 / March 17, 2003
10Escape from Clone High: The PrincipleJanuary 5, 2003 / March 24, 2003
11 & Clone High Present: The SubstituteJanuary 12, 2003 / March 31, 2003
12Make New Friends But Keep the Old: An Experimental EpisodeJanuary 19, 2003 / N/A (aired out of sequence)
13Snowflake Day: A Very Special Holiday EpisodeN/A / April 13, 2003
The season received mixed initial reviews for its irreverent humor and animation style, which drew comparisons to UPA influences, though some critics noted uneven pacing in early episodes. Audience reception improved over time, fostering a cult following evidenced by an 8.1/10 IMDb rating from over 9,500 users, who praised the sharp historical satire and voice performances. MTV cancelled the series after one season primarily due to international backlash over Gandhi's depiction as a dim-witted, binge-drinking womanizer, which clashed with his revered status in India as a symbol of non-violence and asceticism. Protests in India included hunger strikes and diplomatic complaints to the U.S. embassy, amplified by a Maxim magazine article highlighting the character's antics, leading to petitions with thousands of signatures demanding removal. Creators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller later noted MTV's decision to halt production despite pitching alternatives, such as sidelining Gandhi, viewing the cancellation as premature given the show's growing domestic traction. This event predated broader "cancel culture" discussions but illustrated early sensitivities around cultural portrayals in Western media.

Revival Seasons (2023–2024)

The revival of Clone High consisted of two ten-episode seasons, totaling 20 episodes, produced for the Max streaming service. The first revival season premiered on May 23, 2023, with its initial two episodes released simultaneously, followed by two episodes each subsequent Thursday starting June 1, 2023, concluding the season on July 20, 2023. The second revival season released all ten episodes on February 1, 2024.
No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal release date
141Let's AgainMay 23, 2023
152May 23, 2023
163Anxious Times at Clone HighJune 1, 2023
174The : Joancoming: It's a Cleo Cleo Cleo Cleo WorldJune 1, 2023
185For Who's For Vagina?June 8, 2023
196 or the Feng WayJune 8, 2023
207: June 15, 2023
218Cloniest Place on : Let the Games BeginJune 15, 2023
229Clone Gun: Together ForeverJune 22, 2023
2310The Clone BluesJuly 20, 2023
No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal release date
241Blinded With : Magnetic DistractionsFebruary 1, 2024
252Clone Sweet Clone: The Roast of February 1, 2024
263The Gland Plan: ShenanigansFebruary 1, 2024
274: JFK in the Belly of the BeastFebruary 1, 2024
285Meanwhile, in the Future: The Principal PrincipleFebruary 1, 2024
296Cloney Island: Twist!February 1, 2024
307Cyranos: A Portmant-You?February 1, 2024
318Film Fest: The Director's CutFebruary 1, 2024
329Memory Lane: The Day the Clones Came BackFebruary 1, 2024
3310The Cloniest Place on : Missile While You WorkFebruary 1, 2024
The series concluded after these seasons, with Max announcing the cancellation on July 26, 2024, preventing further episodes.

Production History

Original Development and Creation

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, classmates at Dartmouth College from the class of 1997, first developed the core concept for Clone High during the 1990s while in college. Miller initially envisioned a scenario where genetic clones of historical figures attended university together, drawing on the emerging cultural fascination with cloning following Dolly the sheep's birth in 1996. Lord refined the premise by proposing a high school setting, which allowed for parody of contemporary teen dramas like Beverly Hills, 90210 and Dawson's Creek, amplifying satirical potential through adolescent archetypes imposed on historical personas. The creators pitched the project to around 2000, securing an initial commitment, but network executive turnover led to its lapse, prompting a subsequent pitch to that resulted in a greenlight for production as their debut series. Bill Lawrence, known for creating Scrubs, mentored the novice duo after meeting them amid Scrubs' early run; he provided production support, including office space in an abandoned hospital wing previously used for Scrubs filming, and joined as co-creator to leverage his experience in ensemble comedy. Developed as an American-Canadian co-production involving MTV Studios and Teletoon, the series employed a limited animation technique influenced by The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, Dexter's Laboratory, and The Powerpuff Girls to accommodate budgetary constraints while emphasizing character design and expressive stills over fluid motion. Lord and Miller handled much of the voice work themselves—Lord as Principal Scudworth and the shadowy Mr. B, Miller as Abraham Lincoln—supplemented by guest actors from Scrubs such as Zach Braff and Donald Faison, fostering a tight-knit, improvisational recording process. The show premiered on Teletoon in Canada on November 2, 2002, followed by its U.S. debut on MTV on January 20, 2003, comprising 13 episodes produced over approximately 18 months.

Voice Acting and Animation Process

The voice acting for Clone High followed conventional practices in production, with performers recording their lines in isolation within a sound booth, reading from scripts while directors provided feedback on delivery and timing. Principal cast members, including as and as , employed variations of their natural speaking voices—Forte with heightened energy for comedic effect and Sullivan with a subdued tone—to suit the characters' personalities, allowing for efficient solo sessions where actors anticipated co-star rhythms based on familiarity with the ensemble. In the revival seasons, returning voice actors drew on prior experience to refine performances, maintaining consistency while adapting to script revisions, such as Phil Lord's portrayal of Principal Scudworth incorporating exaggerated physical cues like "veins popping" during intense scenes. Animation production emphasized a limited style to prioritize character design, bold colors, and distinct silhouettes over fluid motion, drawing inspiration from mid-20th-century techniques seen in shows like Rocky and Bullwinkle and 1990s productions, as this approach minimized expenses in an outsourced workflow. For the original 2002–2003 season, Korea handled the traditional digital ink-and-paint process, integrating voice tracks via animatics that aligned lip-sync and visual gags with recorded , followed by iterations incorporating feedback from the writing team. The revival shifted to digital tools including Toon Boom Harmony for animation and for compositing, with in Canada managing overseas execution after demonstrating fidelity to the original aesthetic through test scenes like walk cycles; in-house teams of three story groups (each with four members) and dedicated retake animators facilitated rapid adjustments to changes without disrupting the pipeline. This evolution reflected technological advances enabling higher-quality while preserving the series' "trashy, garbagey" visual identity, as described by creators .

Writing Style and Humor Techniques

The writing style of Clone High centers on satirical narratives that transplant cloned historical figures into contemporary high school settings, exaggerating their personalities to parody adolescent drama and social dynamics. Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the show's co-creators, emphasized an affectionate approach to characters, blending bold comedic risks with sympathetic development to avoid mean-spiritedness, resulting in humor that balances silliness and emotional depth. This style draws from conventions, such as love triangles involving clones like , , , and , while incorporating sci-fi elements like the experiment for ironic commentary on identity and history. Humor techniques rely on , where historical traits are distorted for modern incongruities—such as a party-obsessed Gandhi clone or a scheming Mr. Scudworth—and layered with dense, referential "winky" jokes that wink at pop culture and historical ironies. Visual gags leverage the limited animation style, prioritizing exaggerated character silhouettes and designs over fluid motion, akin to Rocky and Bullwinkle, to heighten comedic timing through static poses and sudden shifts. Character interactions drive much of the comedy, with dilemmas like romantic rivalries or ethical quandaries amplifying on tropes from shows like . In the revival seasons, the writing evolved under co-showrunners and Erik Durbin, incorporating timely satire on social media, politics, and cultural sensitivities, while introducing new clones like and to refresh dynamics and replace controversial elements. Techniques expanded to include variations—such as rubber-hose or Ralph Bakshi-inspired styles in episodes—for gag enhancement, alongside sillier, more adult-oriented scenarios drawn from influences like Yellowjackets. A diversified , including more women and varied experience levels, supported this shift toward character-focused arcs with heightened emotional stakes amid absurdity.

Revival Development and Changes


Phil Lord and Chris Miller, original co-creators of Clone High, spearheaded the revival's development alongside Bill Lawrence, with announcements of its progression occurring in mid-2020 through MTV Entertainment Studios. In February 2021, HBO Max (later rebranded as Max) greenlit two seasons of the updated series, positioning it for streaming release under executive production by Lord, Miller, Lawrence, and original writer Erica Rivinoja as showrunner. The revival aimed to thaw the original clones after 20 years of cryogenic stasis, integrating them into a modern high school setting while introducing new historical figure clones to expand the narrative.
The series premiered on Max on , 2023, with the first revival consisting of 10 episodes, followed by a second on February 1, . Production emphasized modernization for contemporary teen audiences, including updated humor that addressed evolving cultural sensitivities without diluting the original's satirical edge. Voice casting retained core performers such as as , as , Phil Lord as Principal Scudworth, and as and Mr. B, preserving continuity in character portrayals. Notable alterations included recasting from to , an Egyptian-American comedian, to align the role with the character's historical ethnicity and avoid a white actress voicing an ancient Egyptian figure. shifted to voicing Candide Sampson, the guidance counselor. The most significant omission was Mahatma Gandhi's clone, who remained frozen; creators cited indecision on respectfully reimagining the character amid the original series' 2003 cancellation triggered by Indian community backlash over his depicted party-animal persona, contrasting historical . Lord and Miller explained this choice facilitated narrative evolution akin to teen dramas where characters exit for growth, though they left open the possibility of Gandhi's return if handled appropriately. These adjustments reflected broader efforts to adapt the show's irreverent premise to post-2020 cultural dynamics while honoring its foundational absurdity.

Release and Distribution

Original Broadcast and International Rollout

Clone High first aired on Canada's network, debuting with the episode "Hooray for Cleo" on November 2, 2002. The series ran weekly on , completing its full 13-episode first season by April 13, 2003, with the holiday-themed finale "Snowflake Day: A Very Special Holiday Special". This Canadian broadcast occurred under Teletoon's adult-oriented "" block, targeting older audiences despite the network's family-friendly daytime programming. In the United States, the show premiered on on January 20, 2003, airing Monday nights at 10:30 p.m. as part of "The 10 Spot" lineup. broadcast only a portion of the season before pulling it from the schedule in March 2003, citing insufficient ratings; the remaining episodes did not air on the network until a brief rerun block on in 2016. The original rollout remained largely confined to North America, with no widespread international syndication during the 2002–2003 production window; subsequent global availability emerged primarily through later home media releases rather than contemporaneous broadcasts in other regions. Production delays had originally planned simultaneous Canada-U.S. launches, but the Canadian premiere preceded the American one by over two months. The series' abrupt U.S. halt contributed to its single-season status, though Teletoon's completion of the run ensured the full content reached initial viewers in Canada.

Home Media and Early Streaming

The original Clone High series received limited home media distribution following its cancellation after one season. A 2-disc DVD set titled Clone High: The Complete First Season was released exclusively in Canada by Alliance Atlantis on December 18, 2007, containing all 13 episodes, including the five that MTV declined to air in the United States due to controversy over the portrayal of Gandhi. The set featured Dolby Digital audio in English and French, totaling 286 minutes of runtime, along with bonus video clips of creators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller performing character voices. No VHS releases were produced, and the DVD remained out-of-print with no official United States home video edition ever issued, reflecting the show's abrupt end and restricted market appeal. Early streaming options for the original series were virtually nonexistent during the and , as major platforms prioritized more commercially viable content amid the show's niche status and backlash-related obscurity. Unofficial uploads of episodes surfaced on and similar sites, often shared by fans via channels like Retro Rewind, but these lacked official licensing and quality control. Official digital availability did not emerge until the late 2010s or early 2020s on select services, though consistent access remained limited until the 2023 revival prompted retroactive licensing; for instance, the series appeared on platforms like and HBO Max by 2022, but prior to that, viewers relied on or pirated sources due to the absence of broad digital rights agreements. This scarcity contributed to the show's developing primarily through word-of-mouth and secondary markets rather than mainstream on-demand accessibility.

Revival Platform and Accessibility

The revival seasons of Clone High were released exclusively on the streaming service Max , with the first premiering on May 23, 2023, consisting of 10 episodes released in batches. The second and final followed on February 1, 2024, also comprising 10 episodes. Access required a Max subscription, with ad-supported plans starting at $9.99 per month and ad-free options at higher tiers up to $19.99, though pricing has varied; a seven-day free trial was available for new subscribers via platforms like Channels. Internationally, the series aired on Crave in and Fox8 in for the second season, but primary global accessibility remained limited to Max or add-on channels on services like Prime Video, where episodes could be purchased or streamed with the Max add-on. In some regions, such as via Hulu bundles requiring a Max subscription, the content became available post-release, but no free ad-supported streaming options existed independently. The series carried a TV-MA rating, restricting accessibility to adult audiences due to , language, and content. Following the cancellation announcement on , , after two seasons, all episodes remained available on Max for subscribers, ensuring ongoing without removal, though the platform's merger from Max in 2023 consolidated content under Discovery's service. No releases or broadcasts were reported for the revival, emphasizing its digital-only distribution model.

Controversies

Gandhi Portrayal and Indian Community Backlash

In the original Clone High series, the clone of was depicted as a hyperactive, optimistic slacker and self-proclaimed "party animal with a heart of gold," characterized by behaviors such as excessive partying, womanizing, and consumption, starkly contrasting the historical Gandhi's image as a pacifist and ascetic leader. This portrayal appeared prominently in the premiere episode "Escape to Beer Mountain," where Gandhi's clone rebels against expectations by embracing a hedonistic lifestyle. The depiction sparked immediate outrage in India upon reports reaching the public via a Maxim magazine article and Indian media coverage, despite the series not being broadcast there. Indian Members of Parliament condemned the characterization as an insult to the "Father of the Nation," with protests erupting in New Delhi and calls for MTV to be banned from operating in India. Over 100 protesters, including politicians, initiated hunger strikes on January 28, 2003, demanding an apology and the removal of the Gandhi clone from the show. responded on January 30, 2003, issuing a public apology for offending Indian sentiments while defending the satirical intent, stating the portrayal was not meant to disrespect the historical figure. The backlash contributed to the series' short run, with Canadian broadcaster airing only the first episode before pulling it amid complaints from the Indian community and diplomatic pressure. In the 2023 revival on Max, Gandhi's clone was explained as remaining frozen and excluded, citing the prior as a factor.

Broader Cultural Sensitivity Debates

The portrayal of historical figures in Clone High extended beyond to include other characterizations that prompted discussions on the limits of satirical , particularly regarding religious reverence, gender dynamics, and physical . Jesús Cristo, for instance, was depicted with a glowing halo and in poses for comedic effect, which some viewers interpreted as mocking Christian central to the . Similarly, Curie was shown with exaggerated physical deformities stemming from , leading to jokes about that critics argued trivialized real historical suffering without substantive satirical commentary. These elements fueled debates on whether such inversions of historical traits—transforming revered or tragic figures into punchlines—constituted clever of teen tropes or crossed into gratuitous insensitivity toward religious and disabled communities. Critics and commentators questioned the show's reinforcement of , such as Cleopatra's depiction as a vapid, aggressive "mean girl," which some linked to broader media portrayals associating ambition with toxicity, potentially undermining positive representations of powerful women. JFK's as a hyper-sexualized frat boy amplified his real-life infidelities into , though this drew less backlash, highlighting inconsistencies in public tolerance for targeting Western versus non-Western icons. Background gags, like fleeting references to , and implied same-sex moments (e.g., between Gandhi and Abe Lincoln) were cited as invoking outdated tropes without deeper critique, sparking arguments over whether the humor punched down on marginalized identities under the guise of boundary-pushing. These portrayals contributed to broader discourse on cultural appropriation in , where inverting traits of figures from diverse backgrounds risked alienating diasporic communities without equivalent scrutiny of majority-culture icons. The original series' voice casting practices, including white actors voicing characters of color like and Gandhi, amplified sensitivity concerns in retrospective analyses, as they echoed Hollywood's historical underrepresentation of diverse talent. Creators Phil Lord and reflected on this in later interviews, acknowledging a lack of foresight in 2002 but defending the intent as satirical exploration rather than malice. The 2023 revival addressed such issues by recasting with actors matching ethnic backgrounds (e.g., as ) and excluding Gandhi entirely, while introducing figures like and with updated designs to align with contemporary standards. This shift prompted meta-debates within the show itself, parodying "" and chronological disconnects, yet some observers argued it diluted the original's unfiltered edge, illustrating tensions between artistic freedom and evolving audience expectations for respectful representation.

Creator Responses and Satire Defense

, co-creators of Clone High, responded to the 2003 backlash over Gandhi's portrayal by emphasizing that the character's depiction drew from historical accounts of Mohandas Gandhi's early life, during which he engaged in youthful excesses like partying before adopting ascetic principles. They intended the clone to satirize the psychological burden of inheriting a historical figure's saintly legacy, mirroring real adolescent struggles with parental or societal expectations, rather than to diminish Gandhi's real achievements. In reflections years later, Lord and Miller described the controversy as an instance where the series successfully tested satirical limits, stating, "We were always trying to push the boundaries and find the line of what you can satirize — and we found it." The original cancellation, prompted by protests including a by Indian politicians and Gandhi's grandson at MTV's offices in , led MTV to demand revisions excluding the character, which the creators rejected, resulting in the show's abrupt end after 13 episodes. They initially viewed the uproar as potential publicity but were shocked when it derailed the series, having invested fully in production. During the 2023 revival on Max, the creators opted not to thaw Gandhi's clone, redistributing his comedic traits—such as social awkwardness and party enthusiasm—into new characters like and to avoid reigniting the issue. explained, "The reason the show was canceled in the first place was because of Gandhi, so we didn’t want to have it canceled again before it even started," while added, "We’re stupid, but not that stupid." Co-showrunner , involved in the revival, acknowledged past missteps in representation, stating the team "heard what people said about misrepresenting Gandhi" and aimed to evolve the for contemporary audiences without repeating the original's pitfalls. Lord and Miller have consistently defended the show's core satirical framework as an affectionate parody of teen dramas, using historical clones to exaggerate interpersonal dynamics and legacy pressures rather than to mock the figures themselves. They rejected broader critiques limiting comedy's scope, with reflections indicating a belief that effective requires boundary-pushing, even if it risks offense, as evidenced by the original series' despite the fallout. This approach informed the revival's updates, balancing retained irreverence with lessons from the events to sustain the humor's edge.

Reception and Critical Analysis

Initial Reviews and Ratings

Upon its premiere in late 2002 on Teletoon in Canada and early 2003 on MTV in the United States, Clone High garnered mixed reviews from television critics, who highlighted its sharp satirical humor alongside criticisms of its reliance on innuendo and edgier elements. Metacritic assigned a score of 60 out of 100 based on seven critic reviews, classifying the reception as mixed or average. Some reviewers praised the series for its "enjoyably nervy" comedy, likening it to Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm and appreciating the clever parody of high school tropes through historical clones. Others, such as Common Sense Media, rated it 3 out of 5 stars, acknowledging its smart irreverence but noting strong sexual content and stereotypical portrayals that could limit broader appeal. Initial audience reception aligned more positively with the show's comedic style, contributing to user scores on platforms like reaching 7.7 out of 10 from early viewers, though viewership ratings remained modest on , averaging below 1 million households per episode in its U.S. run. Critics from outlets like the observed that while the animation and voice acting—featuring talents like Phil Lord and —elevated the premise, the series' MTV-style edginess sometimes overshadowed its subversive potential, leading to uneven episode quality in early assessments. These reviews preceded the more significant backlash over specific character portrayals, focusing instead on the pilot and initial episodes' balance of absurdity and teen drama.

Retrospective Evaluations

Upon its cancellation in 2003 after one season, Clone High received mixed critical reception, with some reviewers praising its sharp satire of teen dramas and historical figures while others criticized its uneven humor and reliance on shock value. In subsequent years, the series garnered a cult following, with retrospective analyses highlighting its prescience as an early showcase for creators Phil Lord and Chris Miller's blend of irreverent comedy and cultural commentary, influencing their later works like 21 Jump Street. By the late 2010s, outlets noted its improved standing, attributing this to audiences appreciating its unfiltered approach amid evolving cultural norms that later series often self-censor. The 2023 revival on Max prompted reevaluations of the original's boldness, as new episodes introduced modern clones and addressed past controversies like the portrayal of Gandhi, which had led to the show's initial cancellation in due to backlash from Indian communities. Critics lauded the revival's self-awareness and silly energy, with aggregating 100% approval for season 1 based on eight reviews, though audience scores lagged at 54%, reflecting divides over whether the update diluted the original's edge or successfully adapted to contemporary sensitivities. Some evaluations argued the revival prioritized teen drama tropes over , marking a shift from the original's of such elements, while others praised isolated episodes for matching the originals' wit through fresh concepts like Cleo-focused arcs. Post-revival discourse, including user reviews averaging 6.2/10 from over 1,800 ratings, often contrasts the original's raw —unconstrained by today's institutional biases toward caution—with the reboot's more ensemble-driven, character-focused structure, which some view as an evolution and others as a loss of the series' foundational irreverence. This reevaluation underscores Clone High's enduring appeal as a benchmark for animated , where the original's willingness to provoke endures as a strength in hindsight, even as the revival navigates a landscape demanding greater cultural alignment.

Viewer Metrics and Cult Status

The original Clone High series, airing 13 episodes on from November 2002 to May 2003, achieved modest initial viewership insufficient to prevent cancellation, exacerbated by backlash over its portrayal of Gandhi. Specific Nielsen ratings for the broadcast run remain undocumented in , but the abrupt end after one season reflects limited mainstream appeal on U.S. cable at the time. The 2023 revival on Max premiered its first season on , producing two seasons totaling 20 episodes before cancellation in 2024, despite a 100% score from critics. Streaming metrics indicate niche performance, with the series ranking as the #22 most popular TV show on Max and #999 overall online as of August 2025, alongside a low engagement score of 0.53. This suggests sustained but not blockbuster viewership, aligning with Max's decision to end the show amid broader content cuts. Despite underwhelming broadcast and streaming numbers, Clone High attained status, initially through torrent distribution and later via DVD releases and platforms like in 2012, fostering dedicated fan communities. The original series garnered an 8.1/10 IMDb rating from over 9,500 users, while the revival holds 6.2/10 from 1,855, reflecting enduring appeal among animation enthusiasts and satire fans unwilling to accept its cancellations. Active forums and retrospective praise highlight its influence, with creators Phil Lord and crediting the grassroots following for the revival opportunity.

Legacy and Impact

Influence on Animation and Satire

Clone High employed a satirical framework that transplanted cloned historical figures into a high school environment, parodying teen dramas such as and by exaggerating stereotypes through historical personas, thereby critiquing both adolescent archetypes and idealized historical narratives. This format enabled layered humor, where figures like embodied the "nice guy" trope while subverting their real-life legacies for comedic effect. In animation technique, the series adopted a limited style reminiscent of mid-20th-century works like Rocky and Bullwinkle, prioritizing bold, iconic character designs with distinct silhouettes over extensive motion to emphasize personality and visual punch. Creators Phil Lord and cited influences from 1990s productions such as , blending economical animation with sharp wit to facilitate rapid satirical delivery. The show's legacy manifests primarily through Lord and Miller's subsequent projects, where Clone High served as a foundational "storytelling workshop" honing their fusion of Simpsons-like precision in jokes with Adult Swim-inspired chaos, evident in films like (2014) and (2018). This irreverent approach to blending history, , and emotional depth influenced their reputation for innovative, genre-subverting . Despite its single-season run from November 2002 to 2003, Clone High's cult status and 2023 revival on Max highlight its role in demonstrating the viability of boundary-pushing historical in adult-oriented , paving conceptual ground for later series experimenting with anachronistic figure placements.

Career Effects on Creators

The abrupt cancellation of Clone High in January 2003, prompted by international backlash against the portrayal of as a partying , created immediate professional turmoil for co-creators . The controversy, which included protests and a by Indian politicians and Gandhi's grandson, pressured MTV and Teletoon to halt airing and distribution, ending the series after 13 episodes. This fallout led to short-term pitching difficulties, as Viacom rejected proposals for a second season without the offending character, despite alternative pitches involving wormholes or flashbacks. Lord and Miller described the episode as nearly derailing their careers entirely, with the stress inducing severe for Lord, who required psychiatric intervention. Post-cancellation, they struggled to develop new television projects independently, marking a period of uncertainty before pivoting to live-action and animation features. Around this time, they secured meetings with , leading to early writing assignments that evolved into directing and producing roles. Despite the setback, the duo's careers flourished in subsequent years, with credits including the films (2012–2014), (2014), and (2018), the latter earning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature on February 24, 2019. Their success in blending , , and —hallmarks of Clone High—demonstrated resilience, as the show's status persisted without long-term stigma impeding Hollywood opportunities. The enduring fanbase facilitated a revival on Max, executive produced by Lord and Miller, premiering May 24, 2023, though it concluded after two seasons on July 26, 2024.

Cultural and Societal Reflections

The Clone High employs as a narrative device to interrogate the interplay between genetic inheritance and environmental influence, portraying historical figures' teenage clones as diverging markedly from their originals' legacies, thereby challenging deterministic views of . For instance, the clone of is depicted not as a pacifist but as an energetic party enthusiast, illustrating how upbringing in a contrived high school setting overrides purported innate traits. This setup satirizes debates in and prevalent in the early 2000s, reflecting societal anxieties over emerging genetic technologies like , which had gained prominence following Dolly the sheep's creation in 1996. The program's portrayal of historical icons navigating adolescent —such as romantic rivalries and peer hierarchies—mirrors real-world high school experiences while critiquing the idolization of public figures, suggesting that reverence often stems from selective historical narratives rather than inherent virtue. Clones like grapple with integrity amid popularity pressures, underscoring how societal expectations can corrupt or amplify personal flaws. This framework highlights causal factors in , prioritizing nurture over nature, as evidenced by the clones' behaviors aligning more with teen stereotypes than their progenitors' documented actions. The Gandhi episode, aired on January 20, 2003, provoked significant backlash from Indian officials and communities, who viewed the character's hyperactivity and disregard for non-violence as a disrespectful of a , prompting parliamentary protests and calls for . issued an apology on January 30, 2003, and ceased U.S. reruns, while Canadian broadcaster canceled the series entirely, illustrating the leverage of international cultural pressures on production. This incident reflects broader societal tensions between satirical liberty in democratic societies and the protection of collective cultural identities, particularly for figures from postcolonial contexts where amplifies sensitivities to . Ultimately, Clone High's abrupt end and subsequent underscore evolving norms around offense in entertainment, prefiguring debates on expressive freedoms versus in a globalized media landscape, where audience demographics increasingly include diverse stakeholders capable of mobilizing boycotts. The 2023 revival on Max omits Gandhi and adapts to contemporary social dynamics, such as influence, signaling how cultural reflections in must navigate shifting thresholds of acceptability to persist.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.