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Craig of the Creek

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Craig of the Creek
Genre
Created byMatt Burnett
Ben Levin
Voices of
ComposerJeff Rosenstock
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons6
No. of episodes176 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Curtis Lelash (seasons 1–2)
  • Jennifer Pelphrey (seasons 1–3)
  • Tramm Wigzell (seasons 1–3)
  • Rob Sorcher (seasons 1–3)
  • Brian A. Miller (seasons 1–3)
  • Matt Burnett
  • Ben Levin
  • Sam Register (season 3–present)
Producers
  • Susy Campos (season 3–present)
  • Shauna McGarry (season 1)
Running time11 minutes
Production companyCartoon Network Studios
Original release
NetworkCartoon Network
ReleaseMarch 30, 2018 (2018-03-30) –
present
Related

Craig of the Creek is an American animated television series created by Matt Burnett and Ben Levin for Cartoon Network. The show's pilot episode debuted directly on the TV on December 1, 2017.[1] The series premiered online on February 19, 2018, with a double-premiere event airing on March 30, 2018.[2]

On February 17, 2021, the series was renewed for a fourth season which premiered on October 25, 2021.[3] On January 19, 2022, the series was renewed for a fifth season, which premiered on July 10, 2023.[4] Additionally, a spin-off Jessica's Big Little World,[5] and an origin film titled Craig Before the Creek,[4] have been released.

In October 2022, it was announced that the fifth season of the series would be cut in half by Warner Bros. Discovery.[6] In December 2022, it was announced the show's final episode had been written, and that seven episodes were cut from the fifth season;[7] however, it was announced that the second half of the fifth season will become the sixth and final season of the series, which started airing on June 1, 2024.[8]

The series has received positive reviews from critics. Its themes of friendship, diversity, and LGBT representation have attracted a broad fanbase.

Synopsis

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In the fictional suburban Baltimore-DC area town of Herkleton, Maryland, a boy named Craig Williams and his two friends, Kelsey Pokoly and "J.P." Mercer, have their many adventures in the titular creek, described as a kid utopia of untamed wilderness in which tribes of children reign over tree forts and dirt bike ramps.[9]

Characters

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Main article: List of Craig of the Creek characters

Main

[edit]
  • Craig Williams (voiced by Philip Solomon) – A 10-year-old boy who enjoys playing at the creek with his friends, Kelsey and J.P. He is a natural leader and always tries to help other kids when they need it the most. He has a colorful family that has been the focus of several episodes (such as "King of Camping"). Craig typically carries a homemade staff and a purse, each holding sentimental value. In "Escape From Family Dinner", it is shown that Craig takes advanced math and admits that he likes the class. He also takes on the role of a cartographer as he is constantly making additions to his detailed map of the Creek.
  • Kelsey Pokoly (voiced by Georgie Kidder (pilot; season 1, episodes 1–3), Noël Wells (season 1, episode 4–present) – A ginger-haired, 9-year-old girl who is one of Craig's close friends. She is always seen wearing a purple cape and has a pet budgerigar (which she identifies as a falcon) named Mortimor who is usually perched on top of her head. She typically carries a homemade PVC pipe sword which she proudly made herself partly with the help of a blacksmith. She and her family are implied to be Hungarian in "The Invitation" and "The Last Kid in the Creek" due to her knowledge of Hungarian cuisine; Pokoly, her family name, is likely derived from the Hungarian word "pokoli", meaning "hellish". She is adventurous, loves books, and tends to be overly dramatic. She often internally narrates her life, for which others are completely aware. She is raised by her single widower father. In "Doorway to Helen", it is revealed that Kelsey is Jewish, and in "Fire & Ice" it is revealed that she is a lesbian.
  • J.P. Mercer (voiced by H. Michael Croner) – A tall 11-year-old boy who is another one of Craig's close friends. He wears an oversized red hockey jersey. While not shown to be very bright, he is imaginative and kind to those around him. He is prone to getting very dirty and injuring himself. "J.P." is short for John Paul, as revealed in "You're It". In "Under the Overpass", Craig stated that he and Kelsey "found" J.P. in a previous adventure.

Craig's family

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  • Jessica Williams (voiced by Dharma Brown (pilot) and Lucia Cunningham (series)) – Craig's 6-year-old younger sister who typically likes to keep everything in check by describing her actions out loud. She is very smart for her age, detail-oriented, and already shows an interest in the stock market.
  • Bernard Williams (voiced by Phil LaMarr) – Craig's smart, no-nonsense, and sometimes snobby, teenage older brother. He looks down on Craig and his misadventures at the creek. He is obsessed with getting good grades and getting into an Ivy League school. He values love and the importance of homework.
  • Duane Williams (voiced by Terry Crews) — Craig's understanding father who works as a computer programmer. He sometimes plays retro video games with Craig. He loves dad jokes.
  • Nicole Williams (voiced by Kimberly Hébert Gregory) – Craig's loving mother who works as a school counselor and cares deeply for her children. She is a graduate of Howard University.
  • Earl Williams (voiced by LaMarr (pilot) and Phil Morris (series) – Craig's grandfather and Duane's father. Craig looks up to him and has inherited his adventurous spirit.
  • Jojo Williams (voiced by Saundra McClain) – Craig's grandmother and Duane's mother who is a city councilwoman and was a civil rights activist back in the 1960s.

Episodes

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Main article: List of Craig of the Creek episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
PilotDecember 1, 2017 (2017-12-01)
140March 30, 2018 (2018-03-30)March 11, 2019 (2019-03-11)
240March 18, 2019 (2019-03-18)June 11, 2020 (2020-06-11)
340June 21, 2020 (2020-06-21)July 2, 2021 (2021-07-02)
440October 25, 2021 (2021-10-25)May 29, 2023 (2023-05-29)
510July 10, 2023 (2023-07-10)July 14, 2023 (2023-07-14)
FilmDecember 11, 2023 (2023-12-11)
610June 1, 2024 (2024-06-01)2025 (2025)[10]


Production

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Development

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The greenlit announcement was made public on March 30, 2017, alongside other shows such as Apple & Onion and Summer Camp Island.[11] Matt Burnett also stated on his Twitter account that he and his team had recently begun production around that time.[12]

In August 2021, Trammell told Insider that the show's writing room is full of more than 40 people "all with different backgrounds and different experiences, who are willing to share those experiences."[13] He also said the show is different from shows where there is only one person of color in the writing room, stating that since their writing room is open "it never feels like you're the one representative."

Music

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The show's music is composed by Jeff Rosenstock, who specializes in the ska genre.[14] Ben Levin and Matt Burnett are both fans of ska, which is why they wanted Rosenstock for the job.

LGBT representation

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See also: Cartoon Network and LGBT representation

In April 2018, two lesbian characters were confirmed. In their debut episode, "The Curse", Tabitha refuses to go to college and wants to spend time with Courtney. Courtney blushes, and they are holding hands in the end.[15] In "The Haunted Dollhouse", they have feelings for each other, which is confirmed, and they kiss.

In December 2019, it was confirmed that the show had a non-binary character, named Angel José. Their voice actor, Angel Lorenzana, who also uses they/them pronouns, an agender storyboard artist for the show, confirmed this.[16] In later tweets, they added that their "cartoon self" used they/them before themselves, gave a shout out to the show's crew, and said that while this was a small contribution to LGBTQ+ representation, they hoped "fans can take comfort knowing that there's also non-binary people working behind the scenes" on every of the show's episodes. Some praised the show for the number of non-binary characters, comparing it to the apparent number of “non-binary characters” in Steven Universe, where every Gem is “non-binary” (Though the Gems are biologically sexless and all use female pronouns).[17]

Other LGBTQ characters appear in the show like J.P.'s openly lesbian older sister, Laura. In the episode "Jextra Perrestrial", She is shown to be in a same-sex relationship with a girl named Kat.[18] Laura is voiced by openly lesbian comedian Fortune Feimster. Raj and Shawn, Honeysuckle Rangers from a neighborhood nearby,[19] are implied to have feelings for each other in several episodes.[20] Raj is voiced by openly gay actor Parvesh Cheena. Also, the episode "Cousin of the Creek", Jasmine tells her cousin "I'm texting my girlfriend, mind your business."[21]

The season 4 episode "Fire & Ice" focuses on Kelsey and Stacks' relationship as they confessed their love to each other.[22] At the end of another season 4 episode, "Silver Fist Returns", Cat Burglar (Secret Keeper) is revealed to be gay and has a crush on George of The Tea Timers. George blushes and asks him out and he accepts, making them officially a couple. Secret Keeper is voiced by non-binary actor Cole Escola.

Broadcast

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Release

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On July 15, 2019, it was announced that the series was renewed for a third season which premiered on June 21, 2020.[23] It was later renewed for a fourth season on February 17, 2021, which premiered on October 25, 2021,[3] and a fifth season on January 19, 2022, which premiered on July 10, 2023.[4] In October 2022, it was announced that the fifth season will be cut in half by Warner Bros. Discovery.[24] In December 2022, it was announced the series finished production and seven episodes were cut from the fifth season.[7]

On May 2, 2022, the show also began airing reruns on Cartoon Network's sister channel, Boomerang.[25]

The show left Boomerang on October 28, 2022, along with Teen Titans Go!, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Total Dramarama, as those shows still air on Cartoon Network.

International broadcast

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The series made its international debut on Teletoon in Canada on May 3, 2018.[26] In most countries in Europe and Latin America, it airs on Cartoon Network.

Home media

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Craig of the Creek home video releases
Seasons Episodes Release dates
United States
1 2019 13 March 19, 2019
Episodes: "Itch To Explore" – "Lost in the Sewers"
Australia
1 – 3 2021 120 Seasons 1 - 3 DVD:[27] October 6, 2021
Episodes: "Itch To Explore" – "Capture the Flag Part 5: The Game"

Reception

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Critical reception

[edit]

The series was received positively from critics. Doug Wallen of The Guardian wrote "series slots in comfortably alongside current animated shows like Hilda and Bluey. It becomes all the more endearing as one keeps watching, thanks in part to savvy pop-culture references and repeated callbacks to past episodes. The setting may be a fictionalised version of the Baltimore/Washington DC area, but the thickly forested, adventure-rich backdrop could be anywhere. No matter who you are or what you’re going through, escape is always just as close as the creek."[28]

Omar Holmon of Blacknerdproblems.com said that show "Re-examines what it’s like for kids using their imaginations. Who knew you could still use one of those without an internet connection? I’m putting my faith in Craig of The Creek in these trying times."[29]

Emily Ashby of Common Sense Media described the series as "appealing" with its "affirming messages." She also argued that the series had recurring themes of "creativity, joy, adventure, individuality, and self-discovery".[30]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2018 Common Sense Media Common Sense Seal Entire series Won[31]
2019 Annie Award Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production Episode: "Escape From Family Dinner" (Matt Burnett, Ben Levin, Shauna McGarry, Jeff Trammell, Tiffany Ford)[32] Nominated
2020 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Children's Animated Series Nominated[33][34]
2021 GLAAD Media Award Outstanding Kids & Family Programming Nominated[35]
Daytime Emmy Awards Outstanding Children's Animated Series Nominated
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Children's Program Nominated[36]
2023 GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Kids and Family Programming - Animated Nominated
2024 GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Kids and Family Programming - Animated Nominated

Other media

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Spin-off

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Main article: Jessica's Big Little World

On February 17, 2021, it was announced that a preschool spin-off series centered on Craig's little sister Jessica was in development. Titled Jessica's Big Little World, the new series was set to air as part of Cartoon Network's Cartoonito preschool block.[5] On January 19, 2022, it was announced that the series would premiere in 2023.[4][37]

In October 2022, it was announced that the first season of the spin-off would be cut in half by Warner Bros. Discovery.[24] In July 2023, it was announced the series would air as part of the regular Cartoon Network schedule, in addition to Cartoonito.[37] A sneak peek of the series aired on September 20, 2023, and officially premiered on October 2, 2023.[38]

In November 2023, it was reported that the series would end after its first season.[39]

Film

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Main article: Craig Before the Creek

An origin film, Craig Before the Creek, was announced on January 19, 2022, and was released on digital on December 11, 2023, and released on DVD on March 26, 2024.[4][40] The film aired on Cartoon Network on January 13, 2024.[40] The events of the film take place before the first episode of the series.

References

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  1. ^ Levin, Ben (December 1, 2017). "Ben Levin on Twitter: "The pilot for CRAIG OF THE CREEK is officially out! It's the new show I co-created with @Matt___Burnett and am currently working on with a bunch of amazingly talented people! To watch it, get the CN app and check out New In 2018."". Twitter. Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  2. ^ "Head to the Creek for Endless Adventure with "Craig of the Creek" Beginning Monday, Feb. 19 on Cartoon Network" (Press release). Cartoon Network. February 15, 2018. Archived from the original on May 2, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2018 – via The Futon Critic.
  3. ^ a b "WarnerMedia Expands Kids & Family Offerings on Cartoon Network and HBO Max Under New Tagline Redraw Your World" (Press release). WarnerMedia. February 17, 2021. Archived from the original on February 17, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e Alexandra Del Rosario (January 19, 2022). "Craig Of The Creek Renewed For Season 5, WarnerMedia Kids & Family Greenlights Spinoff Series & Original Movie". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
  5. ^ a b "WarnerMedia Kids & Family to Debut Cartoonito, New Preschool Programming Block Based on Humancentric Learning to Launch this Fall on Cartoon Network and HBO Max" (Press release). WarnerMedia. February 17, 2021. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  6. ^ Jackson, Gita (October 27, 2022). "Why Layoffs and Cancellations Have Sparked Industry-wide Worry Among Animators". IGN. Archived from the original on November 3, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Flook, Ray (December 2, 2022). "Craig of the Creek Co-Creator Confirms Final Episode Has Been Written". Bleeding Cool. Archived from the original on December 2, 2022. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  8. ^ ben_levin (June 1, 2024). "After this there are only 4 episodes left of Craig of the Creek, which will be coming out in September. So I hope you enjoy this last batch before the finale episodes begin". Instagram. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  9. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (March 30, 2017). "Cartoon Network Greenlights Two New Series as Part of "Holistic" Multiplatform Slate". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 3, 2017. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  10. ^ ben_levin (July 5, 2024). "After this there are only FOUR episodes left of Craig of the Creek. They'll be airing 9/7-9/28. I'll be posting more up until then, but all I say now is that we've got some really special final episodes to say farewell to the show". Instagram. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
  11. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (March 30, 2017). "Cartoon Network Greenlights Two New Series as Part of "Holistic" Multiplatform Slate". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
  12. ^ Burnett, Matt [@Matt___Burnett] (March 30, 2017). "Specifically, a TV show we created! CRAIG OF THE CREEK! Coming eventually. Because we just started working on it and animation takes a while" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  13. ^ White, Abbey; Chik, Kalai (August 31, 2021). "LGBTQ characters of color are making animation history — but creatives of color can't escape the industry's discriminatory past". Insider. Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  14. ^ Yoo, Noah (March 31, 2018). "Jeff Rosenstock Soundtracks New Cartoon Network Show "Craig of the Creek"". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on May 16, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  15. ^ Brafman, Joshua (March 20, 2021). "Craig of the Creek: A Modern Classic of Diverse Representation". RGN 99. Archived from the original on February 21, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  16. ^ Lorenzana, Angel [@glamdoodle] (December 16, 2019). "Wasn't sure whether to speak on this until it aired on TV but yeah! Hi, hello, that's me! I voiced..myself? I'm agender (they/them) and my creeksona is Literally Me so I want it to be clear that they are too, lol" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 17, 2019. Retrieved May 2, 2020 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ Rebecca Sun (September 11, 2021). "'Hollywood Remixed': 'Billions' Star Asia Kate Dillon on How Non-Binary Representation Changes Lives". The Hollywood Reporter (Podcast). The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Archived from the original on September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  18. ^ Hysen, Dylan (November 2, 2018). "November Eps Recap – Craig of the Creek". Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  19. ^ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (May 8, 2019). "Craig of the Creek's World of Summertime Wonder Is Getting More Intense". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  20. ^ Lorenzana, Angel [@glamdoodle] (July 1, 2019). "A quick piece to finish off Pride Month! It didn't feel right to have Raj and Shawn hanging with our crew until after The Other Side aired, so here are my favorite boys now! Here's to having solidarity and good times with your Pals well after Pride is over! @CraigoftheCreek" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ "Meet Craig's Family". Cartoon Network. YouTube. October 25, 2019. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021. See 6:35-6:37 in the video
  22. ^ GLAAD [@GLAAD] (January 15, 2022). "We have an exclusive clip from the season premiere of @cartoonnetwork's @CraigoftheCreek. The new season premieres Monday January 17th starting at 1pm ET/PT" (Tweet). Retrieved January 14, 2021 – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (July 15, 2019). "Cartoon Network Greenlights 'The Fungies!', 'Craig' S3 & 'Victor and Valentino' S2". Archived from the original on October 3, 2019. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  24. ^ a b Jackson, Gita (October 27, 2022). "Why Layoffs and Cancellations Have Sparked Industry-wide Worry Among Animators". IGN. Archived from the original on November 3, 2022. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  25. ^ "Boomerang TV Schedule (BOOM) - Movies, Shows, and Sports on Boomerang | Flixed". Archived from the original on April 27, 2022.
  26. ^ "Craig Of The Creek Premieres On Teletoon Canada On Thursday 3rd May". regularcapital.toonsphere.com. April 17, 2018. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  27. ^ "Craig of the Creek - Season 1-3". Amazon. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  28. ^ Wallen, Doug (March 1, 2022), Craig of the Creek: an endearing, funny and imaginative kids show for fans of Hilda and Bluey, ISSN 0261-3077, retrieved August 16, 2024
  29. ^ Holmon, Omar (April 5, 2018). "'Craig of the Creek' May Be the Cutest Shit I've Ever Seen". Black Nerd Problems. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  30. ^ Ashby, Emily (December 21, 2021). "Craig of the Creek Review". Common Sense Media. Archived from the original on January 21, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  31. ^ "Cartoon Network's Craig Of The Creek Awarded A Common Sense Seal - RegularCapital". May 9, 2018. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  32. ^ "46th Annual Annie Awards". annieawards.org. Archived from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved February 4, 2019.
  33. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (May 21, 2020). "Daytime Emmy Nominees: 'Elena of Avalor,' 'Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure' Lead Toon Contenders". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on June 4, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  34. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (July 26, 2020). "Daytime Emmy Awards: 'Dragon Prince,' 'Ask the Storybots' & 'Last Kids on Earth' Win Key Animation Categories for Netflix". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on September 8, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  35. ^ "The Nominees for the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards". glaad.org. January 28, 2021. Archived from the original on June 17, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  36. ^ Bosselman, Haley (March 28, 2021). "NAACP Image Awards 2021: The Complete Televised Winners List". Variety. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
  37. ^ a b Zahed, Ramin (July 13, 2023). "Exclusive: Check Out a Sneak Peek of CN's 'Craig of the Creek' Spinoff, 'Jessica's Big Little World'". Animation Magazine. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  38. ^ ""Craig of the Creek" Preschool Spinoff Series "Jessica's Big Little World" Premieres October 2 on Cartoon Network". Warner Bros. Discovery Pressroom (Press release). September 19, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  39. ^ Hein, Michael (November 9, 2023). "Another Major Cartoon Network Show Is Canceled". PopCulture.com. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  40. ^ a b Milligan, Mercedes (November 28, 2023). "'Craig Before the Creek' Movie Sets Digital, DVD & Air Dates". Animation Magazine. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
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