ReBoot: The First Fully CGI-Animated Series Premiered 30 Years Ago Today – A Look Back at the Iconic 1994 Show

Noah Silverbrook

Updated Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

ReBoot, the groundbreaking series that holds the title of the first fully CGI-animated show, premiered 30 years ago today, way back in 1994. This iconic series brought a unique blend of technology and storytelling to screens worldwide and has left an indelible mark on animation history.

The series kicks off with a mysterious and engaging narrative: "I come from the net, through systems, peoples, and cities, to this place, mainframe. My format, Guardian, to mend and defend. To defend my newfound friends, their hopes and dreams. To defend them from their enemies. They say the user lives outside the net, and inputs games for pleasure. No one knows for sure, but I intend to find out."

Initially, the early episodes of ReBoot received mixed reactions, but as the series progressed and received updates, it became incredibly engaging. One user mentioned, "The early episodes of the show are okay, but once the story starts coming together and the series gets its update, it becomes very engaging."

One of the standout elements of ReBoot is its memorable characters. Hexadecimal, for instance, has been highlighted as having a fantastic villain name. Another fan reminisced about the show's dark turn after the first two seasons, noting that it became much more intense and dramatic, culminating in a cliffhanger that left audiences wanting more.

Interestingly, the show is currently being remastered, which can be found at this link: [ReBoot Remastered](https://youtu.be/inKdUICLmXY?si=2BMgL1kz2rQcaxgx). This remastering effort is a testament to the show's lasting impact and the dedication of its fanbase.

ReBoot was a co-production between American ABC TV and Canadian YTV. The first two seasons were relatively mild due to ABC's strict censorship rules. However, once ABC dropped the show after Season 2, the writers took the opportunity to explore darker themes, much to the delight of fans. One user commented, "Seasons 1-2 were fine. Genuinely loved seasons 3 and 4 though. Crazy how the show ended on such a dramatic cliffhanger."

Despite its age, ReBoot still holds up today. Many fans fondly recall the show's unique graphics and memorable storylines. One comment reads, "Still holds up today, despite the graphics. Hexadecimal is one of the reasons I love dominant women, and anyone who grew up with this show remembers Matrix punching Megabyte."

ReBoot's influence extends beyond just the show. It has been a part of significant Canadian contributions to film, TV, and animation, alongside The Tragically Hip and the Royal Canadian Air Farce. Tony Jay, one of the notable voice actors, is remembered for his incredibly memorable voice.

The show also left a lasting impression on those who grew up watching it. Comments like "I used to love that show" and "I loved this show as a child. 30 years ago huh ... Yeah, that tracks" reflect the nostalgic value it holds.

ReBoot's legacy continues as a fan club is painstakingly rescanning the original episodes at 1:1 copy speed, although they have stated that they don't have the rights for a public release.

ReBoot's debut 30 years ago marked a significant milestone in the world of animation. Its unique CGI animation, compelling storyline, and memorable characters have ensured its place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Whether reminiscing about the past or looking forward to the remastered version, ReBoot remains a beloved classic.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

vacillating

The early episodes of the show are okay, but once the story starts coming together and the series gets its update, it becomes very engaging. Also, Hexadecimal is such a good villain name, somehow.

Alkuam2

The show is being remastered. https://youtu.be/inKdUICLmXY?si=2BMgL1kz2rQcaxgx

Ilikestyx

Canada has made some great contributions to film/TV/animation.

MajjieStar

I remember reading that it took 6 hours to render each frame on average.

TheOnlyPtylerdactyl

Seasons 1-2 were fine. Genuinely loved seasons 3 and 4 though. Crazy how the show ended on such a dramatic cliffhanger

FoolishMortal

The show was initially a co-production of American ABC TV and Canadian YTV. ABC had very strict censorship rules so the first two seasons were pretty mild. ABC dropped the show after S2, and the writers took the chance to make the show much "darker" ( see comment from user Mxlespxles as an example)

Badgerbadgerson3

Still holds up today, despite the graphics. Hexadecimal is one of the reasons I love dominant women, and anyone who grew up with this show remembers Matrix punching Megabyte.

theyallwenttoMexico

Thanks for the upload. This came out about the same time I got my first PC. Loved this show.

TheLiteraryMachine

This was a fantastic show. Tony Jay was another voice actor with an incredibly memorable voice.

theyallwenttoMexico

Pretty good story line and writing too. "... no one knows for sure, but I intend to find out. REBOOT!" :)

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