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Clone High

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Clone High
Also known asClone High USA
Genre
Created by
Voices of
Theme music composerTommy Walter
Opening theme"Master (Clone High Theme)" (written by Tommy Walter, mixed by John Spiker, and performed by Abandoned Pools)
Composers
  • Jamie Dunlap (season 1)
  • Scott Nickoley (season 1)
  • Tommy Walter (season 2-)
Country of origin
  • United States
  • Canada (season 1 only)
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes23
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Kim Cleary (season 1)
  • Jessica Lamour (season 2−)
  • Matt Marshall (season 2−)
  • Aubrey Lee (season 2−)
Editors
  • Michael T. Elias
  • Ron Babcock (season 2−)
  • Molly Yahr (season 2−)
Running time22–26 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network
  • MTV (United States, season 1)
  • Teletoon (Canada, season 1)[1]
  • Max (United States, season 2−present)
ReleaseNovember 2, 2002 (2002-11-02) –
present (present)

Clone High is an adult animated science fiction sitcom created by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Bill Lawrence that premiered on Canadian cable channel Teletoon's late-night programming block The Detour On Teletoon on November 2, 2002. Set at a high school populated by the clones of well-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 and Beverly Hills, 90210; every episode is introduced as a "very special episode".[2]

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 at US network Fox Broadcasting Company, who ultimately decided to pass on the program. It was later purchased by cable channel MTV, and was produced between 2002 and 2003. The show's design is heavily stylized and its animation style limited, emphasizing humor and story over visuals. The Clone High theme song was written by Tommy Walter and performed by his alternative rock band Abandoned Pools, who also provided much of the series' background music.

It was first aired in its entirety on Teletoon between 2002 and 2003, later premiering on MTV 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 cancelled the series, which had been receiving low ratings; the last episodes were seen in 2016 on MTV Classic in the United States. Clone High attracted 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 the works at MTV Entertainment Studios with the original creators Lord, Miller, and Lawrence returning.[3] On February 10, 2021, it was announced that HBO Max (later Max) had ordered two seasons of the revival, which premiered on May 23, 2023, with season 2 releasing two new episodes on Tuesdays until June 22. On April 5, 2023, a teaser for the revival was uploaded on Max's official YouTube channel.[4][5] The final trailer was released on May 8.[6]

Premise

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. The school is entirely populated by the clones of famous historical figures that were created in the 1980s and raised with the intent of having their various strengths and abilities harnessed by the United States military. The principal of the high school, Cinnamon J. Scudworth, has his own plans for the clones, and secretly tries to undermine the wishes of the Board (Scudworth wants to use the clones to create a clone-themed amusement park, dubbed "Cloney Island", a decidedly less evil intention than that of the Board). He is assisted by his robot butler/vice principal/dehumidifier, Mr. Butlertron (a parody of Mr. Belvedere), who is programmed to call everyone "Wesley" and speak in three distinct intonations.

The main protagonists of Clone High are the clones of Abe Lincoln, Joan of Arc, and Gandhi. Much of the plot of the show revolves around the attempts of Abe to woo the vain and promiscuous clone of Cleopatra, while being oblivious to the fact that his friend Joan of Arc is attracted to him. Meanwhile, JFK's clone, a macho, narcissistic womanizer, is also attempting to win over Cleopatra and has a long-standing rivalry with Abe. Gandhi acts in many of the episodes as the comic relief. Also on a few occasions, the characters that we see learn most of "Life's Lessons" the hard way.

Characters

See also: List of Clone High characters

Main

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) 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 and has a very naïve and awkward personality. Abe does not notice that Joan has feelings for him and unintentionally mistreats her by reinterpreting it as a sign of friendship.
  • Joan of Arc (voiced by Nicole Sullivan) is a clone of Joan of Arc and Abe's closest friend and confidante. She is an intelligent, cynical and angsty goth. She loves Abe and hates how he ignores her in order to hook up with Cleopatra. She holds progressive political views, and "somewhat naively support[s] every special-interest cause."[7]
  • Cleopatra "Cleo" Smith (voiced by Christa Miller in season 1, Mitra Jouhari in season 2−present) is a clone of Cleopatra VII and a self-absorbed, vain, and often mean-spirited popular cheerleader. 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 is inspired by the depiction of people in Ancient Egyptian wall painting, drawn in profile with eyes highlighted by eyeliner.
  • JFK (voiced by Christopher Miller) is a clone of John F. Kennedy and a handsome, popular, arrogant, and horny jock as well as Abe's on-and-off rival for Cleo's affections.
  • Gandhi (season 1, voiced by Michael McDonald) is a clone of Mahatma Gandhi and Abe's other best friend. He, like Abe, is struggling to live up to his "clonefather" Mahatma Gandhi. As a result, he reinvents himself as a wild party animal, and serves as the show's comic relief. 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 still be 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).[8]
  • Principal Scudworth (Dr. Cinnamon J. Scudworth) (voiced by Phil Lord) is a mad scientist and the principal of Clone High, who initially secretly plans to use the clones as attractions for his hypothetical amusement park, dubbed "Cloney Island", 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.
  • Mr. Besley Butlertron (voiced by Christopher Miller) is Scudworth's Mr. Belvedere-esque sane robotic butler and reluctant sidekick in his schemes. His first name was originally given as "Lynn".
  • Candide Sampson (season 2, voiced by Christa Miller) is Principal Scudworth's strict, cold-hearted superior in season 2, 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 (season 2, voiced by Vicci Martinez) is a clone of 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 (season 2, voiced by Ayo Edebiri) is a clone of Harriet Tubman, who is very preppy and Frida's best friend. She is a separate clone from the Harriet Tubman clone voiced by Debra Wilson in the first season, who remains present in the second season as a background character.
  • Confucius (season 2, voiced by Kelvin Yu) is a clone of Confucius, who is obsessed with the Internet and various social media trends.
  • Topher Bus (season 2, voiced by Neil Casey) is a clone of Christopher Columbus, who tries to distance himself from his "clonefather" by appearing to be supportive of social movements and trends. This appears to be a facade, as he is shown to troll people online through anonymous, hurtful comments.

Also starring

Special guest stars

Production

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

Miller initially developed the show's premise while in college, initially imagining the clones would be at a university rather than high school.[9] The series was originally developed in 2000 under the title Clone High School, USA!.[10] The production was overseen by Touchstone Television. It was originally pitched to the Fox Broadcasting Company, who purchased the show immediately but ultimately decided not to order it to series. Miller deemed it the "easiest pitch ever," considering the show's use of famous figures.[9] Following Fox's rejection, MTV purchased the program in May 2001.[11][12] All the original character designs were much different from what they would become even though the characters kept the same physical attributes and appearance. Each episode was budgeted at approximately $750,000.[13]

Despite being a US/Canadian co-production, the show was co-produced with Touchstone Television, marking it as Disney's third adult animated series after The PJs and Clerks: The Animated Series.

In forming the series' central cast, 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 or Marilyn Monroe) and keeping in mind the viewership of MTV.[9] The show also parodies teen dramas, such as Dawson's Creek, which Lord and Miller watched in preparation to create the series.[9] The show's art design has been described as angular and "evocative of UPA at its best."[7] It is characterized by a flat and very stylized appearance resembling the animation used in Cartoon Network's animated series from the 1990s and early 2000s, such as Dexter's Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls and Time Squad. Lord and Miller specifically cited Samurai Jack as an influence.[citation needed] The character designs and art direction were all done by Carey Yost, known for his work on Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack, The Powerpuff Girls, The Ren & Stimpy Show, and Timon & Pumbaa, and Dexter Smith, known for his character designs in Samurai Jack and the second and third seasons of Johnny Bravo. The characters and backgrounds were traditionally drawn, and frames and cels were frequently recycled. Co-creator Chris Miller explained, "We like the snappy pose-to-pose animation, more for reasons of comic timing than anything else. Things that aren't expected are funnier: If an anvil's going to fall on your head, it had better not take more than three seconds. That's why we like the quick pose-to-pose stuff. For scenes with more emotional content, the characters move a little slower and more fluidly". Phil Lord added, "But we never want the viewer to be paying attention to the animation, because it's there to serve the jokes and the story. We strip out extraneous movements, because we don't want to draw your eye to anything that's not part of a joke."[14] Gandhi is the most animated character on the show; he requires twice as many storyboard poses as any other character.[15] Total Drama character designer Todd Kauffman did designs for the show's intro.[16] Kauffman later used Clone High as an influence to design the Total Drama characters as requested by the producers.[17]

The series was produced by 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. The first season was animated by Rough Draft Studios. Touchstone Television (a division of Disney) and Nelvana only produced the first season, while the revival would be produced by ShadowMachine, who previously did BoJack Horseman, Greatest Party Story Ever, Tuca & Bertie and the first five seasons of Robot Chicken, would produce the second season. The animation would now be produced by Jam Filled Entertainment, who previously animated The Loud House.

Clone High was notable for subtle jokes hidden in the animation. There is an image of a dolphin hidden in almost every episode. The use of dolphins (sounds or images) would be featured in Lord and Miller's later work. In the episode "Raisin the Stakes", there were numerous hidden messages, which appeared to be a parody of subliminal messaging.

Themes and style

While the clones derive many character qualities from their ancestors,[7] much of the humor in the show comes from the large contrast between the personality of the clones and the actual values and legacy of the historical figures they are descended from. For instance, Gandhi is portrayed as a hyperactive jerk-with-a-heart-of-gold whose biggest dream is to be accepted by those around him, in contrast to his historical legacy of calm nonviolence. Abe Lincoln is similarly portrayed as weak and indecisive, completely lacking the resolve of the President whose DNA he shares. All of the clones are also given mismatched foster parents who have little in common with them. Gandhi's parents are a stereotypical Jewish-American couple, while JFK is raised by a homosexual, interracial couple; Joan's "foster grandpa" is an elderly blind musician similar to Ray Charles named Toots.

The series also includes humor based on the historical figures themselves. For example, the diner the clones frequent is called The Grassy Knoll, a reference to the JFK assassination conspiracy theory about a second shooter, dubbed "The Man on the Grassy Knoll". Other references seen are the flag at The Grassy Knoll being permanently at half staff and the car on the roof of the diner containing the original JFK's body leaning over the edge. There are pictures of assassinations hanging on the walls of the restaurant, such as the famous Currier and Ives print of the Lincoln assassination (though this version is in color and considerably more graphic than the original print). The genetic ancestors of all of the five main clones died of similarly irregular causes: three assassinations, one execution and one suicide. Other historical figure-based humor includes offhand coincidental remarks to other students, such as Abe mentioning that the clone of Napoleon is so annoying because of "some kind of complex", or Gandhi telling Catherine the Great to "get off her high horse".

The series is also a parody of "issue" episodes of high-school themed comedies. Each episode is introduced as a "very special episode."[7] Episodes center on various social issues, including Gandhi being shunned by his school for having ADD (because of misinformation about the disorder), parodying shows which tackle AIDS awareness (it even included a special guest celebrity who tries to educate the students). Other episodes tackle drugs (smoking raisins), the environment, and underage drinking in a similarly ridiculous manner. In a clear sign that it is parodying the high school genre, it even ends at prom: a stereotypical "high school show" ending. Even the prom is a joke, however, because it ends up only being the Winter Prom.

There was a running gag that creators Phil Lord and Christopher Miller wanted to include in the show "where Clone High – being an exaggeration of typical high schools in teen dramas – would have many proms throughout the year".[citation needed] Planned proms included "an Early Winter Prom, a Late Winter/Early Spring Prom, a Mid-Semester Prom, a Post-Prom Clean Up Prom, etc".[citation needed] The only surviving references to this joke are the Homecoming Prom in episode 6, "Homecoming: A Shot in D'Arc", and the winter prom in episode 13, "Changes: The Big Prom: The Sex Romp: The Season Finale".[18] Another reference to the gag was deleted from episode 8, "A Room of One's Clone: Pie of the Storm".[18]

Episodes

SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast airedNetwork
113November 2, 2002 (2002-11-02)March 2, 2003 (2003-03-02)Teletoon (Canada)
MTV (United States)
210May 23, 2023 (2023-05-23)June 22, 2023 (2023-06-22)Max

Season 1 (2002–03)

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

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byCanadian air date[19]U.S. air date[20]
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 KentoffNovember 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?"[21]
"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)

Starting with this season, the series is currently used in flash animation by Jam Filled Entertainment.

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 Grass 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 Grass 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. Guest stars: Michael Bolton as himself

Soundtrack

The previous animated MTV series Daria, Celebrity Deathmatch, and Beavis and Butt-Head had used then-current popular music as a soundtrack, but, in contrast, 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; a previous MTV animated series, Undergrads, had also done this. Of these include 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.[22][23] The series' other background music and original score was written and produced by Scott Nickoley and Jamie Dunlap of Mad City Productions. Nickoley and Dunlap went on to score other shows such as South Park, The Osbournes, and Newlyweds.

Broadcast and home media

Clone High was first aired in its entirety on the Canadian cable network Teletoon between 2002 and 2003, later premiering on MTV in January 2003. Reruns of the series were formerly aired on Teletoon's now-defunct Teletoon at Night (formerly known as "Teletoon Detour") block. Also, it briefly aired on MTV, Razer (now MTV2), and Much and currently airs on Adult Swim in Canada. The series aired on MTV Classic in 2016 for a short time.

DVD and streaming

The series was released as "The Complete First Season" in Canada by Kaboom! Entertainment and Nelvana. The DVD contains every episode from the original first season, including the five episodes which did not originally air in the U.S.

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 Skates: 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)

As of 2023, the series is available to be streamed on Paramount+ in the United States.[24] The first season was added to HBO Max on April 14, ahead of the revival's premiere.

Reception

Initial reviews

Television critics gave Clone High mixed reviews upon its 2002 premiere. On Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 based on reviews from critics, the show has a score of 60, based on seven reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[25] David Bianculli of the New York Daily News praised the series, commenting, "In a year of variations and ripoffs of established themes and genres, it's a true original. It's also a cartoon, and is truly, outrageously bizarre."[26] The 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."[27] 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."[28] Scott Sandell of the Los Angeles Times felt the show's debut episode lacking: "The problem is that the first episode, which focuses on crushes and beer, doesn't quite live up to the obvious comedic potential behind the killer premise."[1] 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."[29]

Gandhi controversy

In early 2003, an article in Maxim magazine depicting Mahatma Gandhi being beaten up by a muscular man sparked outrage in India.[30][31] Clone High was caught in a 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.[30] 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.[32] Tom Freston, the head of Viacom (owner of MTV), was visiting the network's India branch and was "trapped in the building", according to Miller. 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".[9]

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".[33] 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, in fact, a clone of actor Gary Coleman all along, and the show continued as normal. "We pitched that, and it went up to the top at Viacom again and it got a big no," he remembered.[9] This idea has since been scrapped as Gandhi will not return in the revival, however, Lord hinted at a possible return if the show gets renewed for a fourth season.[5][34]

Retrospective reviews

Due to the series' early cancellation in 2003, it quickly fell into obscurity, especially in the U.S. However, it has garnered a large fanbase and cult following throughout the Internet. Heather Marulli, of the website Television Without Pity, called the series "a mini-masterpiece of the animated genre; an opus to the primetime cartoon".[35]

David Broermann, from 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.[36]

In 2009, the show was listed as #5 on IGN's "Reader Choice: Top Animated Series".[37]

Jesse David Fox of Vulture, in a 2014 retrospective piece on the series, wrote that "Clone High still holds up more than a decade later as a brilliantly funny, completely nuts, surprisingly heartfelt, tonally inventive masterpiece."[38]

Revival

Lord and Miller have stated that they have "considered" a film adaptation of the series. 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.[39] 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).[9] In a 2014 Grantland article, the two joked that "our entire career has just been about getting Clone High back on the air".[9] In the 2018 film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, produced by Lord and Miller, a billboard appears promoting a movie titled "Clone College", starring Abe and JFK.[40]

On July 2, 2020, it was announced that a revival of the series was in the works 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.[41] On February 10, 2021, the series was ordered for two seasons by HBO Max.[4][42][43] On June 23, 2021, Christopher Miller revealed the title of the revival's first episode as "Let's Try This Again".[44] On September 16, 2021, Tara Billinger, who is known for Mickey Mouse's Paul Rudish reboot era and Long Gone Gulch, announced that she would be serving as art director.[45] On October 29, 2022, Miller announced via Twitter, that the revival would premiere in the first half of 2023.[46] On November 2, 2022, Lord, Miller and Billinger posted teasers of the show on their Twitter pages.[47][48][49]

On January 28, 2023, the unfinished first episode of the revival was leaked.[50]

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. The character of Gandhi will not be returning due to the controversy the original series faced over his portrayal.[51] 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.[52][53]

On April 5, 2023, an official teaser trailer was uploaded on the official channel for HBO Max.[5] The final trailer was later released on May 8, 2023. The revival premiered on May 23, 2023.[6]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Originally MTV Networks for season 1.

References

  1. ^ a b Sandell, Scott (January 20, 2003). "Peer pressure of historic proportions". Los Angeles Times. pp. C-24. Archived from the original on August 20, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2010.
  2. ^ Perlmutter, David (2018). The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 129. ISBN 978-1538103739.
  3. ^ Chitwood, Adam (July 2, 2020). "'Clone High' continuation Coming to MTV from Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Bill Lawrence". Collider. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  4. ^ a b White, Peter (February 10, 2021). "'Clone High' Reboot, Mindy Kaling 'Scooby Doo' Spinoff Velma & Pete Davidson Mars Comedy Set At HBO Max As Streamer Ramps Up Adult Animation". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 10, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c Zahed, Ramin (March 24, 2023). "New 'Clone High' Images and New Cast Revealed at WonderCon". Animation Magazine. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Clark, Anne Victoria (May 8, 2023). "A Very Special Trailer for Clone High Has Finally Arrived". Vulture. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 204–205. ISBN 978-1476665993.
  8. ^ Sharma, Ashok (January 31, 2003). "MTV's Gandhi 'insult' outrages Indian MPs". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h Barshad, Amos (February 7, 2014). "Phil Lord and Chris Miller of 'The Lego Movie' Look Back on 'Clone High,' Their Cult Classic MTV Cartoon". Grantland. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  10. ^ "Original Concept Art", 2001
  11. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (May 3, 2001). "MTV set to attend 'Clone High'". The Hollywood Reporter.
  12. ^ "Episode_seven". CloneHighUSA.com. February 25, 2004. Archived from the original on February 15, 2004. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  13. ^ Solomon, Charles (February 27, 2003). "Freshman animators". articles.latimes.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved July 27, 2011.
  14. ^ Solomon, Charles (February 17, 2003). "Freshmen animators". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  15. ^ "Clone High Fun Facts". Archived from the original on June 2, 2008. Retrieved July 28, 2011.
  16. ^ "~K@uF~: Unearthed drawings". November 15, 2006.
  17. ^ @kauf13 (October 20, 2019). "@itsnicktendo @NolanTrashZone It's true" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  18. ^ a b Pava, Adam. "Episode Six: 'Homecoming: A Shot in the D'Arc' Notes". CloneHighUSA.com. Archived from the original on April 27, 2003.
  19. ^ "Television Program Logs". Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. March 2, 2016. [dead link‍] Alt URL
  20. ^ "Clone High | MTV". MTV.
  21. ^ @DailyCloneHigh (May 21, 2021). "The final episode of Clone High has two different names circulating around the internet. "Changes: You Got A Prom Wit Dat?" "Changes: The Big Prom: The Sex Romp: The Season Finale"" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  22. ^ "MTV.com - Onair - Clone High". MTV. January 19, 2003. Archived from the original on January 19, 2003. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
  23. ^ "CloneHighUSA.com". January 4, 2003. Archived from the original on April 9, 2003. Retrieved July 3, 2011.
  24. ^ "Clone High". Paramount+. November 2, 2002. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  25. ^ "Clone High, USA Reviews". Metacritic (CBS Interactive). Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  26. ^ Gates, Anita (January 20, 2003). "This Class Is One For The History Books". New York Daily News: 85. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  27. ^ Owen, Rob (January 12, 2003). "Historical figures sent back to the drawing board". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: D-3. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  28. ^ Gates, Anita (January 20, 2003). "Kennedy and Lincoln, Wooing Cleopatra". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  29. ^ Farkash, Michael (January 10, 2003). "Clone High, U.S.A. (TV Brief)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  30. ^ a b Clone High NEW Behind the Scenes Discussion. YouTube. Archived from the original on September 14, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
  31. ^ Croland, Michael (February 17, 2003). "Maxim Apologizes for Gandhi-Bashing". The Sikh Times. Archived from the original on April 24, 2003. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  32. ^ Sharma, Ashok (January 31, 2003). "MTV's Gandhi 'insult' outrages Indian MPs". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  33. ^ Grossberg, Josh (January 31, 2003). "MTV Apologizes for Gandhi Goofing". E! Online. Archived from the original on January 21, 2008.
  34. ^ Dominguez, Noah (May 24, 2023). "Why Clone High's Revival Series Didn't Bring Back Gandhi". CBR.com.
  35. ^ Marulli, Heather. "Tonight, On A Very Special Clone High..." televisionwithoutpity.com. Archived from the original on December 5, 2009. Retrieved December 1, 2009.
  36. ^ Broermann, David (September 10, 2011). "Dave the Dave's Review: Oh Wesley (Clone High)". Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved May 29, 2012.
  37. ^ Fowler, Matt (March 19, 2009). "Readers' Choice: IGN's Top Animated Series - TV Feature at IGN". Tv.ign.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2010. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
  38. ^ Fox, Jesse David (February 13, 2014). "Remembering The LEGO Movie Directors' Superb TV Show, Clone High". Vulture. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  39. ^ Chitwood, Adam (June 12, 2014). "Phil Lord and Chris Miller Say They're Discussing the Possibility of a CLONE HIGH Movie; Talk Potential Rating and More". Collider.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  40. ^ Barsanti, Sam (December 13, 2018). "In the Spider-Verse, there's a Shaun Of The Dead sequel and a Clone High movie". The A.V. Club. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  41. ^ Chitwood, Adam (July 2, 2020). "'Clone High' Reboot Coming to MTV from Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Bill Lawrence". Collider. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  42. ^ Baysinger, Tim (February 10, 2021). "HBO Max Lands 'Clone High' Reboot, Animated 'Scooby Doo' Spinoff". TheWrap. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  43. ^ "HBO Max Orders Three Adult Animated Series, "Clone High," "Velma" and "Fired on Mars," Picks Up Two More Seasons of "Close Enough"" (Press release). WarnerMedia. February 10, 2021. Retrieved February 10, 2021 – via The Futon Critic.
  44. ^ @chrizmillr (June 23, 2021). "About to do a table read" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  45. ^ @TaraBillinger (September 16, 2021). "I'm very excited to announce I'll be the Art Director on the new Clone High.🧬I'm incredibly grateful for the oppo…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  46. ^ Christopher Miller [@chrizmillr] (October 29, 2022). "The first half of 2023 is going to be chock full of Lord Miller stuff. Cocaine Bear Clone High The Afterparty Season 2 Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Strays It's going to be crazy. Buckle up" (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  47. ^ Christopher Miller [@chrizmillr] (November 2, 2022). "20 years ago today our first show, CLONE HIGH, debuted. Seems about time to unfreeze the clones. They'll be fully thawed out in 2023 on HBOMax" (Tweet). Retrieved November 2, 2022 – via Twitter.
  48. ^ Phil Lord [@philiplord] (November 2, 2022). "To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Clone High… @hbomax gifted us some industrial strength hair dryers! Thawing out in 2023…" (Tweet). Retrieved November 2, 2022 – via Twitter.
  49. ^ Tara Billinger [@TaraBillinger] (November 4, 2022). "The continuation of @chrizmillr @philiplord's CLONE HIGH is thawing out and coming to @hbomax in 2023! Get ready for Season 2! 🥶❄️🧬 #clonehigh" (Tweet). Retrieved January 24, 2023 – via Twitter.
  50. ^ Schwarz, John (January 30, 2023). "Clone High: Some Asshole Leaked The Unfinished Reboot Episode Premiere And Even More Assholes Are Advertising Spoilers". Bubbleblabber. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  51. ^ Swift, Andy (May 23, 2023). "Clone High Creators Explain Gandhi's Absence in Max Revival, Tease Whether He'll Remain on Ice Forever — Grade It!". TVLine. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  52. ^ Swift, Andy (March 24, 2023). "Clone High Revival Sets Spring Premiere — But Who's Missing? And Which Character Has Been Recast?". TVLine. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  53. ^ Clarendon, Dan (March 25, 2023). "'Clone High' First Look: See Who's Joining the Cast and Which Character Is Gone". TV Insider. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
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