Frozen moana veggietales dragontales go diego go

Rugrats and Chuck E. Cheese: Difference between pages From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Difference between pages) Jump to navigationJump to search Revision as of 21:23, 19 August 2007 (view source) 68.44.92.82 (talk) Revision as of 03:45, 14 August 2007 (edit) Showbizpage (talk | contribs) (→‎Walk Around Character: This statement seems unneccesary an unencylopedic.) Line 1:	Line 1: +	−	 	+

−

+	Chuck E. Cheese's is a chain of family entertainment centers. The concept centers around a basic sit-down pizza restaurant, complemented by arcade games, small rides, animatronic characters, and other popular diversions for young children such as climbing equipment, tubes and giant slides. Its logo and mascot, Chuck E. Cheese, is an anthropomorphic mouse (before a 1995 "facelift", the Chuck E. Cheese character was identified as a rat). The "E" in Chuck E. Cheese stands for entertainment. −	Rugrats is an animated television series that ran on Nickelodeon and it was one of the first three Nicktoons: after Doug and before Ren & Stimpy. −

Premise
−	The show revolves around four toddlers, Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster and the twins Phillip (Phil) and Lillian (Lil) DeVille, who are able to communicate to each other in baby speak (although viewers can understand them, because it is supposedly 'translated'). Often, they mispronounce words or use poor grammar. Despite the toddlers' inability and lack of desire to communicate with adults, they can understand their parents' speaking, although they often misunderstand what they hear, usually by taking metaphors literally and speaking in malapropisms. Angelica Pickles, at age three, is able to communicate and understand language from both the toddlers and the adults, which she often uses as an advantage when she wants to manipulate either party. +	The parent company, CEC Entertainment, Inc. (nyse: CEC), is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and as of November 2006, they operate over 524 restaurants in the United States, Canada, Guatemala and other countries. Chuck E. Cheese initially franchised their restaurants, but are currently not offering any new franchise opportunities, instead concentrating on adding new company-owned stores, as well as acquiring existing franchises. −

Production
−	It was the network's second Nicktoon. The series was in production from 1991 to 1994, and again from 1996 to 2004. It aired in Nickelodeon's Snick block from 1997-2000 and it also aired on Nick Jr's block. It is the longest lasting Nicktoon to date at thirteen years of longevity. Rugrats received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony on June 28, 2001. +	Chuck E. Cheese's is one of the few growing companies in America that no longer franchises their stores. A large number of franchise-run stores still exist, however, and like any franchise system, the guest experience can vary wildly from store to store because of this. −	The show airs in the UK on CITV and Nickelodeon UK as well as in Canada on YTV. In Australia, it can be seen on Nickelodeon Australia. −	−	After the introduction of SpongeBob SquarePants, popularity for Rugrats declined. The Rugrats never had a rival this strong in popularity (many shows were produced during the Rugrats lifetime, but none were as successful as SpongeBob SquarePants). In order to keep its popularity, the studios released several movies and specials, such as the introduction of Dil Pickles and Kimi Finster. Ironically, after these introductions, fans determined that Rugrats jumped the shark. +

Company Origin
−	When Nickelodeon declined to renew any more new episodes of Rugrats and All Grown Up, Klasky-Csupo (the studios responsible for Rugrats) closed down most of its operations. At the time of their cancellation, those series were the only Klasky-Csupo series on the Nickelodeon schedule. +	 	+	Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre, designed to introduce video games to a younger audience within a public family setting rather than in a bowling alley or a bar, was launched by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. Bushnell’s experience in the amusement park industry was influential in the conceptualization, as was his fondness for Disney. It was the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade. The first location opened in 1977 in San Jose, California. The name "Chuck E. Cheese" was allegedly intended to make a person’s mouth bend into a smile when spoken. +

Corporate history
−

Characters
−

+	In November, 1978, Bushnell left Atari and bought out the Pizza Time Theatre under the company title “Pizza Time Theatre Inc”. As it became increasingly successful, he started to franchise. In 1979, Robert Brock of Topeka Inn Management signed a co-development agreement with Bushnell, receiving exclusive franchising rights to open Pizza Time Theatres in sixteen states across the southern and midwestern United States. Topeka Inn Management also created a company subdivision; “Pizza Show Biz”, to develop the Pizza Time Theatres. −

Episodes
−

+	In November of 1979, Brock met Aaron Fechter of Creative Engineering Inc. Concerned that Fechter’s animatronics work would be too strong of competition for Bushnell’s work, Brock requested that Bushnell release him from the co-development agreement, citing misrepresentation. In December of 1979, Brock severed his business relationship with Bushnell. −

Films
−

−

−

+	Brock then created “Showbiz Pizza Place Inc”, a joint company with Fechter. It was conceptually identical to Pizza Time Theatre, but would utilize Creative Engineering Inc animatronics. Due to time constraints, the animatronic characters used were previous work of Fechter’s, inspired by the Rocky Horror Picture Show and modified to suit their new venue (for example, the character Queenie became “Mini Mozzarella”). Showbiz Pizza Place opened its first location on March 3, 1980 in Kansas City, MO. −

Spinoffs
−	−

−	 	+	Upon the Showbiz Pizza Place opening, Bushnell sued Brock and Topeka Inn Management over breach of contract. Brock immediately issued a counter-suit against Bushnell for misrepresentation. The court case began in March, 1980, and was eventually settled out of court, with Showbiz Pizza Place agreeing to pay Pizza Time Theatre a portion of its profits over the following decade. Topeka Inn Management also changed its name to Brock Hotel Corporation during this period. −
 * The Carmichaels was a spin-off planned to see Susie move away from California to Atlanta, where she apparently has relatives.

Broadcast history
−	−	−	−	 	+	Both Pizza Time Theatre and Showbiz Pizza Place experienced increased success as the video game industry became more robust. Their lead characters, Chuck E. Cheese and Billy Bob respectively, were promoted heavily. To maintain competition, both franchises continually modified and diversified their animatronics shows. −	−	−	−	−	 	+	Pizza Time Theatre went public in 1981. However, the evolving video game industry resulted in significant losses for Pizza Time Theatre; it lost $15 million in 1983. By 1984, Bushnell’s debts were insurmountable, and Pizza Time Theatre Inc. filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. Showbiz Pizza Place then bought the floundering company, recreating itself as Showbiz Pizza Time Inc. After the merger, both restaurants continued operating under the different titles. −	−	−	−	−	−	 	+	In 1985, Richard M. Frank joined the company as president and began major financial restructuring. During this period, Creative Engineering began discontinuing its work with Showbiz Pizza Time (it officially left Showbiz Pizza Time in September of 1990). Frank currently remains a chairman and CEO of the company. −	−	−	−	−	−	 	+	Showbiz Pizza Time became publicly traded in 1988, and sales increased 8.3%. It began unifying its mixed characters, and in 1992 all restaurants assumed the name of Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza. In 1995, the character of Chuck E. Cheese evolved from a rat to a mouse and the company renamed itself Chuck E. Cheese Entertainment Inc. in 1998. It bought out its competitor, Discovery Zone, in 1999. −	−	−	 	+
 * USA
 * Nickelodeon (1991-2005) (Original Run), (2006-2007)
 * Nicktoons Network (2002-present) (Reruns)
 * Boomerang
 * UK
 * Children's BBC (Including Live & Kicking) (1993-2004)
 * Nickelodeon (1994-Present)
 * Nicktoons (2002-Present)
 * CITV (2005-present)
 * Australia
 * Nickelodeon (1995-Present)
 * ABC TV
 * ABC2, a digital rerun channel of ABC TV
 * ABC Kids, a short lived digital channel containing the Kids programming from ABC TV
 * Network Ten
 * Ireland
 * RTÉ Two
 * Nickelodeon (1994-Present)
 * Nicktoons (2002-Present)
 * CITV (2005-present)
 * Children's BBC (Including Live & Kicking) (1993-2004)
 * Canada
 * Treehouse
 * YTV

Entertainment
−	 	+	 	+
 * Malaysia

Animatronic Figures
−	−	 	+	From the time of the company's formation through the mid-1990s, the company's animated characters were a main draw for the stores. More recently, less attention has been placed on animatronics. There are several different styles of animatronic shows in use within the company, depending on when the store opened, whether it was renovated, and other factors. −
 * Netherlands
 * Nickelodeon

Individual Stores
−

+	The quality of animation from one store to the other can vary, due to several variables. One being the fact that there are at least 7 different styles of animatronic shows in use within the company. The other fact being, that each individual store set the budget for maintaining the show. This can lead to a show (even of the same type) in one store being far superior entertainment-wise, than another store's. −

+	−

+

Characters
−

+	−

+	The current iteration of the company's characters is called Munch's Make Believe Band, and includes: −

+	−

+	−
 * Chuck E. Cheese - A mouse (earlier a rat). In the restaurants that have "3-stage" and "2-stage" shows, he is located on a separate stage.

+	−

+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	<!--==Lyrics to Birthday Star== +	 	+	Note: CEC stands for Chuck E. Cheese, HH stands for Helen Henny, MM stands for Mr. Munch, JTJ stands for Jasper T. Jowls, PC stands for Pasqually Chef, and B stands for Background +	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+
 * Helen Henny -A cheerleading hen.
 * Mr. Munch - A purple monster and the leader of the band. He plays a keyboard and loves to eat pizza. He earned the nickname "Purple Pizza Eater" (a parody of Purple People Eater).
 * Jasper T. Jowls - A guitar playing hound dog.
 * Pasqually - An Italian pizza chef and a comedian. Pasqually plays a drumset originally an accordion) and has his own stage in "3-stage" shows.
 * Others - The other characters are singing props, including a skyscraper, the moon, and a video camera. They are only in "3-stage" showrooms.
 * All- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
 * CEC- All right everybody, get on your feet and clap your hands!
 * PC- It's time for cake...
 * MM- ...And it's time to celebrate a birthday Chuck E. Cheese stlye!
 * CEC- I say happy, you say birthday. Happy...
 * HH, MM, JTJ, PC- ...Birthday
 * CEC- Happy...
 * HH, MM, JTJ, PC- ...Birthday
 * CEC- Now clap your hands
 * Audience claps hands
 * CEC- And stomp your feet
 * Audience stomps feet
 * All- You're a birthday star with Chuck E. Cheese
 * All- You're a special guest we all aim to please
 * All- You're a big time big star goin' far
 * All- Here's to you our birthday star
 * CEC- I say happy, you say birthday. Happy...
 * HH, MM, JTJ, PC- ...Birthday
 * CEC- Happy...
 * HH, MM, JTJ, PC- ...Birthday
 * CEC- Now clap your hands
 * Audience claps hands
 * CEC- And stomp your feet
 * Audience stomps feet
 * HH, JTJ- All this fussin' and all these people are here to wish you the best
 * MM- 'Cause you are the best
 * HH,JTJ- Won't be long now till you're all grown up
 * All- But let's not think ahead that far
 * All- Today you are a birthday star!
 * CEC- I say happy, you say birthday. Happy...
 * HH, MM, JTJ, PC- ...Birthday
 * CEC- Happy...
 * HH, MM, JTJ, PC- ...Birthday
 * CEC- Now clap your hands
 * Audience claps hands
 * CEC- And stomp your feet
 * Audience stomps feet
 * CEC- Alright everybody, you all know this part, sing along!
 * All- Happy birthday to you
 * CEC- Yeah!
 * All- Happy birthday to you
 * MM- Alright
 * All- Happy birthday from Chuck E.
 * All- Happy birthday to you
 * All- Get ready to blow out your candles!
 * JTJ- Close those eyes real tight
 * HH- And make a wish with all your heart
 * B- Take a deep breath
 * All- And blow out those candles!
 * Chattering
 * All- You're a birthday star with Chuck E. Cheese
 * All- You're a special guest we all aim to please
 * All- You're a big time big star goin' far
 * All- Here's to you our birthday star
 * All- You're a birthday star with Chuck E. Cheese
 * All- You're a special guest we all aim to please
 * All- You're a big time big star goin' far
 * All- Here's to you our birthday star
 * CEC- One last time, I say happy, you say birthday, happy
 * HH, MM, JTJ, PC- Birthday
 * CEC- Happy
 * B- Happy birthday from Chuck E.
 * CEC- This is Chuck E. Cheese wishing you the very best...
 * CEC, B- Happy birthday to you!
 * Chatter-->

Shows
+	 	+

Road Show
+	A Road Show is a performance by the costumed Chuck E. Cheese character, and is performed outside the normal showroom. Children are gathered via the public announcement system and can dance to win free tickets. This is distinct from the Live! show that is performed in the showroom. +	 	+

Games at Chuck E. Cheese
+	 	+	Skee-Ball +	 	+	Whack-A-Mole +	 	+	Pinball +	 	+	Virtual Reality +	 	+	Hungry Hungry Hippos +	 	+

LIVE! Show
+	The LIVE! Show is performed in front of stage in the showroom. The costumed Chuck E. Cheese dances with the guests and "sings", while being accompanied by the animatronic show, and a few castmembers. At the end of the performance, he throws out tickets for the children to collect. A Live show, for example, might feature a "Happy Birthday" song. +	 	+

Currency
+	 	+	The brass tokens issued by the company for use in their video game arcades exist in numerous varieties and are eagerly collected by exonumia enthusiasts. +	 	+	Chuck E. Cheese's is currently testing a card access method for use with their arcade/skill games. Stores will no longer use tokens, instead using a refillable card to access credits (tokens) and points (tickets). This concept is currently in the testing phase in Irving, Texas where the company is currently headquartered. iT'z, Dave & Buster's, Jillian's, GameWorks, and other arcade themed restaurants, already use this method. +	 	+	Nine other locations in the United States are also testing the token cards, including North Canton Ohio. +	 	+

Kid Check
+	 	+	Chuck E. Cheese's employs security measures to prevent child abduction, these are known as Kid Check. The Kid Check booth is the first thing guests see upon entering the restaurant. Whole families are stamped with a unique identification number (M3 for instance) in invisible ink that reacts only to the blacklight directly over the kid check booth. The kid check booth is monitored at all times by an employee and is never left unattended. Guests stamps are checked on the way out to ensure children belong to the adults to which they are leaving with. Chuck E. Cheese classifies this with the following phrase: +	 	+	"Everyone that comes together, leaves together." +	 	+

Food Service
+	 	+	Chuck E Cheese's has a large selection of food items to choose from, from pizza to buffalo wings and other finger foods. All food served can sit in the window no more than 15 seconds before being delivered by an employee; should the food be left longer, it is generally thrown out and remade at the establishment's expense. There are pictures around the walls in the dining room consisting of music artists' albums and movie poster covers being satired or parodied by the Pizza Time Players cast members. +	 	+

Employees
+	 	+

Dining Room Assistant (DRA)
+	 	+	Responsible for catering to the needs of dining guests. The Dining Room Assistant greets the guests, serves drinks and pizza, dances with children and Chuck E. Cheese during the live show, and serves cake to birthday party guests. They are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the dining and game room areas, as well as periodic rest room checks and upkeep of the beverage bar. +	 	+	 	+

Birthday Coordinator
+	 	+	Oversees the birthday parties for the location. Along with assisting the Dining Room Assistants with birthday parties, they are responsible for training new DRA's on birthday parties and maintaining the overall party experience. +	 	+

Host/Hostess
+	 	+	Responsible for catering to a parties every need. The host/hostess sets the party up, greets the party at the Kid Check booth, serves drinks and pizza, dances with children and Chuck E Cheese during the LIVE! show, sings happy birthday, and then serves cake. +	 	+

Kid Checker
+	 	+	The kid checker mans the front of the house. This is likely the first person seen when entering a Chuck E Cheese's restaurant. A kid checker will greet a family, stamp their hands with a unique number in UV reactive invisible ink, and inform the parents of any special promotions going on. The kid checker will also ask if the family is celebrating anything special, if they are a birthday balloon and crown are issued. Upon leaving the restaurant, a families hands are all checked to verify they are indeed together. If a descrepancy is found, the child is asked to identify the adult with them, and the adult is asked for identification and/or pictures of the child. Chuck E Cheese road shows also occur at kid check. The kid checker is generally the one to perform in the walk around character suit. +	 	+

Cashier
+	 	+	Responsible for ringing up orders and dispensing game tokens. Cashiers are also responsible for re-filling and icing the salad bar and handing out prizes at the merchandise counter. +	 	+

Game Room Attendants
+	 	+	GRA's are responsible for keeping the machines and games in functioning condition. This involves fixing downed machines, stocking machines with tickets, clearing token jams, etc. GRA's also issue tokens for those lost (eaten) by machines. GRA's are responsible for keeping booths in the game room(s) clean. +	 	+

Walk Around Character
+	 	+	This person dons the full body costume of Chuck E. Cheese and is generally seen walking around the gameroom and showroom. Chuck E appears every 45 minutes past the hour to do a LIVE! show (if there are birthday parties) and a Road Show. Chuck E is not allowed to speak and can only imply his intentions with hand gestures. The approximate weight of the costume is about 2 pounds, not including head. The plastic head (complete with inner helmet for protection) weighs approximately 4 pounds and rests on the shoulders of the person inside the suit. In stores that hire or promote a full time walk-around character, this employee has several extra duties that include getting the Chuck E. Cheese costume professional dry-cleaned and washed (depending on the parts of the costume in question), cleaning the Chuck E. room before the end of every shift, and fixing broken parts of the costume (for instance, gluing the teeth back in after being ripped out by a guest). With the company's recent move to abandon the use of curtains with the animatronic shows, it is common to see the walkaround character perform in full view of the animatronic character. This tends to lessen the ability to "suspend disbelief" with the characters. The costume varies from a tuxedo to just a t-shirt. +	 	+

Premise
+

Company origin
+	Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre, designed to introduce video games to a younger audience within a public family setting rather than in a bowling alley or a bar, was launched by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. Bushnell’s experience in the amusement park industry was influential in the conceptualization, as was his fondness for Disney. It was the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade. The first location opened in 1977 in San Jose, California. The name "Chuck E. Cheese" was allegedly intended to make a person’s mouth bend into a smile when spoken. −	The show originally revolved around a group of toddlers, Thomas (Tommy) Pickles, Charles (Chuckie) Finster, and the twins Phillip (Phil) and Lillian (Lil) DeVille. The toddlers are able to communicate with each other through baby speak, although viewers can understand them, because it is 'translated'. Often, they mispronounce words or use poor grammar and their speaking is full of malapropisms. The group is often reluctantly joined by Tommy's cousin, Angelica Pickles. At age three years old, Angelica is able to communicate and understand language from both the toddlers and the adults, which she often uses as an advantage when she wants to manipulate either party. Susie Carmichael, who lives across the street from the Pickles, is also able to communicate on the same level as Angelica, though she isn't manipulative. As a result, Angelica and Susie often clash. +

Corporate history
−	In 1998, a new character was introduced. After The Rugrats Movie, in which Tommy's baby brother Dylan (Dil) Pickles is born, he is soon added as a character on the show. As a three month old baby, Dil is not able to communicate with anyone. Later, after Rugrats in Paris: The Movie is released, Kimi Finster is added as a character as Chuckie's step sister. +	 	+	In November 1978 Nolan Bushnell left Atari and purchased Pizza Time Theater from them. As it became increasingly successful, he started to franchise. In 1979 Robert Brock of Topeka Inn Management signed a co-development agreement with Bushnell, receiving exclusive franchising rights to open Pizza Time Theaters in sixteen states across the southern and midwestern United States. Topeka Inn Management also created a company subdivision; “Pizza Show Biz”, to develop the Pizza Time Theaters. +	In November 1979 Brock met Aaron Fechter of Creative Engineering, Inc. Concerned that Fechter’s animatronics work would be too strong a competition for Bushnell’s work, Brock requested that Bushnell release him from the co-development agreement, citing misrepresentation. In December 1979, Brock severed his business relationship with Bushnell. Brock then created “Showbiz Pizza Place Inc”, a joint company with Fechter. It was conceptually identical to Pizza Time Theater, but would utilize Creative Engineering Inc animatronics. Showbiz Pizza Place opened its first location on March 3, 1980, in Kansas City, MO. −

Characters
−

+	Upon the Showbiz Pizza Place opening, Bushnell sued Brock and Topeka Inn Management over breach of contract. Brock immediately issued a counter-suit against Bushnell for misrepresentation. The court case began in March 1980 and was eventually settled out of court, with Showbiz Pizza Place agreeing to pay Pizza Time Theater a portion of its profits over the following decade. Topeka Inn Management also changed its name to Brock Hotel Corporation during this period. Both Pizza Time Theater and Showbiz Pizza Place experienced increased success as the video game industry became more robust. Their lead characters, Chuck E. Cheese and Billy Bob respectively, were promoted heavily. To maintain competition, both franchises continually modified and diversified their animatronics shows. −

Production
−	Rugrats was Nickelodeon's second Nicktoon. The series was in production from 1991 to 1994, and again from 1996 to 2004. It aired in Nickelodeon's Snick block from 1997-2000. It is the longest lasting Nicktoon to date, at over fourteen years longevity. The Rugrats received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony on June 28, 2001. +	Pizza Time Theater went public in 1981. However, the evolving video game industry resulted in significant losses for Pizza Time Theater; it lost $15 million in 1983. By 1984, Bushnell’s debts were insurmountable, and Pizza Time Theater Inc. filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. Showbiz Pizza Place then bought the floundering company, recreating itself as Showbiz Pizza Time Inc. After the merger, both restaurants continued operating under the different titles. In 1985, Richard M. Frank joined the company as president and began major financial restructuring. During this period, Creative Engineering began discontinuing its work with Showbiz Pizza Time (it officially left Showbiz Pizza Time in September 1990). Frank currently remains a chairman and CEO of the company. Showbiz Pizza Time became publicly traded in 1988, and sales increased 8.3%. It began unifying its mixed characters, and in 1992 all restaurants assumed the name of Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza. In 1995, renamed itself CEC Entertainment, Inc., and in 1999, bought out its competitor Discovery Zone. −	The show airs in the UK on CITV and Nickelodeon UK as well as in Canada on YTV. In Australia, it can be seen on Nickelodeon Australia (and, for a period, ABC Television). +

Entertainment
−	On August 11, 2001, Rugrats celebrated its 10 year anniversary. The special "Rugrats: All Growed Up" was produced for the occasion. After the show, a special retrospective lookback aired, called "Rugrats: Still Babies After All These Years". It was narrated by Amanda Bynes. +	 	+

Animatronic figures
−

Movies
+	From the time of the company's formation through the mid-1990s, the company's animated characters were a main draw for the stores. More recently, less attention has been placed on animatronics. There are several different styles of animatronic shows in use within the company, depending on when the store opened, whether it was renovated, and other factors. −	In 1998, the first Rugrats film was released, entitled "The Rugrats Movie", which introduced baby Dil, Tommy's little brother, onto the show. In 2000 the second movie, "Rugrats in Paris", was released, with two new characters introduced, Kimi and Kira. Kimi would become Chuckie's sister and Kira would become his new mother, after marrying his father. In 2003, the third movie, "Rugrats Go Wild!", was released. It was a crossover between the Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys, characters from another popular Nickelodeon show. A TV movie was also made, in which the babies see the future, into the their young teen years. This spun off into the show All Grown Up, which takes place nine years into the future. +	The company's current three shows that are installed into all new stores, "Studio C" consists of a single animated Chuck E. Cheese character alongside large television monitors, lighting effects, and interactive elements. In some markets, the company has also tried a new store concept that omits the animated show. −

Episodes
−

+	The first version of the animatronic show as found in the San Jose location was referred to as the "Pizza Time Players", and featured Crusty the Cat, Jasper T. Jowls, Pasqually, and the Warblettes performing with Chuck E. Cheese himself in a "theater" where customers could eat their pizza with the characters in picture frames overhead. Later restaurants also added "Cabaret" shows in separate rooms of each restaurant. Cabaret performers began with Dolli Dimples, a blues singing hippo; others included Artie Antlers, The King (Elvis tunes), The Beagles (Beatles), and The Beach Bowsers (Beach Boys). −

Other projects
−	−

+	In its early years, the company frequently changed out the sole female character in the main animatronic show. This involved a cosmetic change to the existing robot as well as change of stage backdrop to match the performer, for example, Harmony Howlette, a country singer received western stage decor. The early recordings were written and produced by Robert "Bob" Black. Mike Hatcher was the original cyberamic robotics animator with James Barnes functioning as second cyberamic robotics animator and audio engineer. −

Broadcast history
−	−	−	 	+
 * USA
 * Nickelodeon (1991-2007)
 * Nicktoons Network (2002-present)

Characters
−	 	+
 * UK

−	 	+	The current iteration of the company's characters is called Munch's Make Believe Band, and includes: −	−	−	−	−	+	 	+	−	 	+	−	 	+	−	 	+	 	+	The characters were also featured in the movie, Chuck E. Cheese in the Galaxy 5000 −	 	+
 * Children's BBC (Including Live & Kicking) (1993-2004)
 * Nickelodeon UK (1994-Present)
 * Nicktoons (2002-2008)
 * CITV (2005-2006)
 * Nicktoonsters (2008-Present)
 * Australia
 * Chuck E. Cheese (mouse)
 * Helen Henny (chicken)
 * Nickelodeon Australia (1995-Present)
 * Mr. Munch (purple monster)
 * ABC Television
 * Jasper T. Jowls (hound dog)
 * Network Ten
 * Pasqually (Italian pizza chef)
 * New Zealand

Road show
−	 	+	A Road Show is a performance by the costumed Chuck E. Cheese character, and is performed outside the normal showroom. Children are gathered via the public announcement system and can dance to win free tickets. This is distinct from the Live! show that is performed in the showroom. −	 	+
 * Nickelodeon NZ (199?-Present)
 * TV3 (199?-Present)

LIVE! show
−	 	+	The LIVE! Show is performed in front of stage in the showroom. The costumed Chuck E. Cheese dances with the guests and "sings", while being accompanied by the animatronic show, and a few castmembers. At the end of the performance, he throws out tickets for the children to collect. A Live show, for example, might feature a "Happy Birthday" song. −	 	+
 * Ireland
 * RTÉ Two

Currency
−	 	+	The brass tokens issued by the company for use in their video game arcades exist in numerous varieties and are eagerly collected by exonumia enthusiasts. Chuck E. Cheese's is currently testing a card access method for use with their arcade/skill games. Stores will no longer use tokens, instead using a refillable card to access credits (tokens) and points (tickets). This concept is currently in the testing phase in Irving, Texas, where the company is currently headquartered. Nine other locations in the United States are also testing the token cards, including North Canton, Ohio. −	−	 	+
 * Canada
 * Treehouse
 * YTV

Kid check
−	 	+	Chuck E. Cheese's employs security measures to prevent child abduction, known as Kid Check. The Kid Check booth is the first thing guests see upon entering the restaurant. Whole families are stamped with a unique identification number (M3 for instance) in invisible ink that reacts only to the blacklight directly over the kid check booth. The kid check booth is monitored at all times by an employee and is never left unattended. Guests stamps are checked on the way out to ensure children belong to the adults with whom they are leaving. Chuck E. Cheese classifies this with the following phrase: "Everyone that comes together, leaves together." −	−	 	+
 * Malaysia
 * Nickelodeon Malaysia
 * TV3 (199?-2006)

Mobile character
−	 	+	−	 	+	A person dons the full body costume of Chuck E. Cheese and is generally seen walking around the gameroom and showroom. Chuck E is not allowed to speak and can only imply his intentions with hand gestures. In stores that hire or promote a full time walk-around character, this employee has several extra duties that include getting the Chuck E. Cheese costume professionally dry-cleaned and washed, cleaning the Chuck E. room before the end of every shift, and fixing broken parts of the costume. +
 * Netherlands
 * Nickelodeon

Slogans
−	 	+	Over the years, the company has had several slogans. Their most successful slogan and jingle is "Where a Kid Can Be a Kid." The slogan and jingle were originally created for Showbiz Pizza but were changed during the concept unification of the two properties. The similarly paced syllables of "Show-biz-Pizza" and "Chuck-E-Cheese's" allowed for easy interchangeability for commercials and is currently used by all current CEC Entertainment promotions. −	 	+
 * Ukraine
 * ICTV (Ukraine)
 * At Chuck E. Cheese you can act like a kid

−	 	+
 * Italy'
 * You can have more fun then you ever did

−	 	+
 * Italia 1
 * You can wiggle, you can giggle, you can flip your lid

+
 * Chuck E. Cheese's, where a kid can be a kid.

+	−
 * In Pizza We Trust (1977–1991)

Awards
+	−
 * You Can Smile America (1979-1986)

Annie
+	−	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	−
 * When You're Hungry For Fun (1984)
 * 1995 - Nominated - Best Individual Achievement for Writing in the Field of Animation
 * Where a Kid Can Be a Kid (1986–present)
 * Cool Chuck's (1998-2000, 2006)
 * The Real Cool Place To Be a Kid (2003-2006)
 * It's Cool, For Real (2006–2007)
 * Uh-Huh! (2007)
 * Where a Kid Can Be a Kid/Star! (2008)

Artios
+

Alcohol
+	Some stores also have liquor licenses, which allow them to sell beer and wine on tap to adults, which has caused some problems for police. In the town of Brookfield, Wisconsin, an outlet was asked to voluntarily give up their liquor license due to a higher-than-usual amount of domestic disturbances from parents in and outside of the store, and lax security. In June 2008, the corporate-owned restaurant gave up their license on the behest of the town's government and police departments. −	−
 * 2000 to 2003 - Nominated - Best Casting for Animated Voice Over, Television

Daytime Emmy
+

Emmy
−	−		 −
 * 1997, 1999 to 2002 - Nominated - Outstanding Children's Program

Genesis
−	−		 −
 * 1999 - Won - Television - Children's Programming

World Animation Celebration
−	−		 −
 * 1999 - Won - Best Director of Animation for a Daytime Series

Kids' Choice Awards
−	−		 −
 * 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 - Won - Favorite Cartoon

Games
−		 −	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−		 −
 * Rugrats: Search for Reptar (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Studio Tour (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Scavenger Hunt (Nintendo 64)
 * Rugrats in Paris - The Movie (Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, PC CD Rom, PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica (PlayStation, Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica Boredom Busters (PC-CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Go Wild (PC-CD Rom, Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: All Growed Up - Older and Bolder (PC-CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Castle Capers (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Royal Ransom (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube)
 * Rugrats: I Gotta Go Party (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: The Movie (Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats: Time Travellers (Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats Activity Challenge (PC-CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Adventure Game (PC-CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Food Fight (Mobile Phone)
 * Rugrats Muchin Land (PC-CD Rom)
 * The Rugrats Mystery Adventures (PC-CD Rom)
 * Nicktoons Racing (Tommy and Angelica playable)
 * Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots (Tommy and Angelica are seen, but are not playable characters.)
 * SpongeBob SquarePants featuring Nicktoons: Globs of Doom (PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, Wii)

Premise
−	The show originally revolved around a group of toddlers, Thomas "Tommy" Pickles (whose family moved from Akron, Ohio to their current location in California ), Charles "Chuckie" Finster, and the twins Phillip "Phil" and Lillian "Lil" DeVille. The toddlers are able to communicate with each other through baby speak, although viewers can understand them, because it is 'translated'. Often, they mispronounce words or use poor grammar and their speaking is full of malapropisms. An example of this is using the word "poopetrator" instead of "perpetrator." The group is often reluctantly joined by Tommy's cousin, Angelica Pickles. At age three years old, Angelica is able to communicate and understand language from both the toddlers and the adults, which she often uses as an advantage when she wants to manipulate either party. She is usually very mean to the babies. Susie Carmichael, who lives across the street from the Pickles, is also able to communicate on the same level as Angelica, though she isn't manipulative. As a result, Angelica and Susie often clash. +

Corporate history
−	In 1998, a new character was introduced. After The Rugrats Movie, in which Tommy's baby brother Dylan "Dil" Pickles is born, he was soon added as a character on the show. As a four month old baby, Dil is not able to communicate with anyone. Later in 2000, after Rugrats in Paris: The Movie was released, Kimi Finster was added as a character. She is Chuckie's stepsister. +	Chuck E. Cheese's, originally referred to as Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre, was founded by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. Bushnell’s experience in the amusement park industry, as well as his fondness of The Walt Disney Company, was influential in the conceptualization of the Pizza Time Theatre concept. The first location opened in San Jose, California in 1977, which was labeled as the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade. In November 1978, Bushnell left Atari to then purchase the Pizza Time Theatre concept from Atari's then-corporate parent, Warner Communications. As the restaurant became increasingly successful, he began to franchise; resulting in a co-development agreement between Bushnell and Robert Brock of Topeka Inn Management in 1979. The agreement handed Brock exclusive franchising rights for opening Pizza Time Theatres in sixteen states across the southern and midwestern United States, while also forming a company subdivision; “Pizza Show Biz”, to develop the Pizza Time Theatres. +	In November 1979, Brock met Aaron Fechter of Creative Engineering, Inc. Concerned that Fechter’s animatronics would be too strong a competition for Bushnell’s work, Brock requested that Bushnell release him from the co-development agreement, citing misrepresentation. In December 1979, Brock and Fechter formed “Showbiz Pizza Place Inc”, severing Brock's business relationship with Bushnell. {{cite press release −

Characters
+	 | title = Rock-afire Explosion Brochure −

+	 | publisher = Creative Engineering, Inc −	 	+	 | date = 1980 −	The Pickles are a mixed Jewish-Christian family. There are two episodes that reflect the Pickles' Jewish heritage, one episode deals with the Passover holiday and the other with Hanukkah (in addition to episodes about Christmas, Easter, Kwanzaa, etc.). These episodes have been praised by Jewish groups and are re-run every year on Nick at the appropriate holiday times and can also be purchased on VHS or DVD. +	 | format = PDF +	 | url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/promo/cei/cei_rockafire.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} Showbiz Pizza Place was conceptually identical to Pizza Time Theatre in all aspects except for animation; which would be provided by Creative Engineering. Showbiz Pizza Place opened its first location on March 3, 1980, in Kansas City, MO. +	 	+	Upon the opening of Showbiz Pizza Place, Bushnell sued Brock and Topeka Inn Management over breach of contract. Brock immediately issued a counter-suit against Bushnell; citing misrepresentation. The court case began in March 1980, eventually settling out of court; with Showbiz agreeing to pay Pizza Time Theatre a portion of its profits over the following decade. During this period, Topeka Inn Management also changes its name to Brock Hotel Corporation. Both restaurants experienced increased success as the video game industry became more robust; and to maintain competition, both franchises continually modified and diversified their animatronic shows. +	In 1981, Pizza Time Theatre went public; however, the evolving video game industry resulted in significant losses for Pizza Time Theatre; losing $15 million in 1983, and by 1984, Bushnell’s debts were insurmountable, resulting in the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy for Pizza Time Theatre Inc. Showbiz then bought the floundering company, recreating itself as Showbiz Pizza Time Inc. After the merger, both restaurants continued operating under the different titles, while major financial restructuring had begun, eventually becoming publicly traded in 1989, with sales increasing by 8.3%. During this period, Creative Engineering began to sever ties with Showbiz Pizza Time (they officially left the company in September 1990), eventually resulting in the unification of its mixed characters. By 1992, all restaurants assumed the name of Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza. However, the name was changed to Chuck E. Cheese's in 1994 during a redesigning of the concept. In 1998, the company renamed itself CEC Entertainment, Inc., and in 1999, bought out competitor Discovery Zone. {{Citation −

Production
+	 | last = Zuber −	Rugrats was Nickelodeon's second Nicktoon. The series was in production from 1991 to 1994, and again from 1996 to 2004. It aired in Nickelodeon's Snick block from 1997-2000. It is the longest lasting Nicktoon to date, at over fourteen years longevity. The Rugrats received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony on June 28, 2001. +	 | first = Amy +	 | title = Chuck E. Cheese's 'traps' Discovery Zone +	 | newspaper = Nation's Restaurant News +	 | publication-date = 1999-07-05 +	 | date = 1999-07-05 +	 | year = 1999 +	 | place = Irving, Texas +	 | volume = 33 +	 | issue = 27 +	 | pages = 1 +	 | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_27_33/ai_55165632 +	 | archiveurl = http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=2&hid=117&sid=fd3e4f57-1896-4378-be1f-18d04e33e1f3%40sessionmgr109&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bsh&AN=2146019 +	 | archivedate = ????-??-?? +	 | issn = 0028-0518 +	 | accessdate = 2009-04-08}} Recently, in 2007, Chuck E. Cheese's celebrated its 30th anniversary. Currently, there are 542 open locations throughout North America, South America, and Africa. +

Products
−	The show airs in the UK on CBBC, CITV, Nicktoons, Nickelodeon UK and Nicktoonsters as well as in Canada on YTV. In Australia, it can be seen on Nickelodeon Australia (and, for a period, ABC Television). +

Menu items
+	While its primary focus is pizza, Chuck E. Cheese's also offers sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, side dishes and desserts. Some stores are also used as "test" locations which feature new Chuck E. Cheese foods. Certain Chuck E. Cheese locations also offer beer. +

Entertainment
−	On August 11, 2001, Rugrats celebrated its 10 year anniversary. The special/TV movie, "Rugrats: All Growed Up" was produced for the occasion. After the show, a special retrospective lookback aired, entitled Rugrats: Still Babies After All These Years. It was narrated by Amanda Bynes. +	 	+

Arcade
+	From the time of the company's formation to today, one of the main draws for the stores is the arcade. The arcade games primarily consist of either redemption games or video arcade games. +

Currency
−	The show ended in 2004 then afterwards, two fairy tale themed direct-to-video films based on the original series under the title, "Rugrats: Tales from the Crib" were planned and then released separately in 2005 and in 2006. +	The brass tokens issued by the company for use in their arcades exist in numerous varieties and are collected by exonumia enthusiasts. The company is currently testing a card access method for use with their arcade/skill games; where locations will no longer use tokens, and instead use a refillable card to access credits (tokens) and points (tickets). This concept is currently in the testing phase in Irving, Texas, along with nine other locations in the United States. +

Animatronic figures
−

Theatrical films
+	Along with the arcade, the other main draw for the stores is its animatronic show. From the time of the company's formation through the mid-1990s, the company's animated characters were a main draw for the stores. More recently, less attention has been placed on animatronics. There are several different styles of animatronic shows in use within the company, depending on when the store opened, whether it was renovated, and other factors. +	The first version of the animatronic show, which was used in the San Jose location, was referred to as the "Pizza Time Players", and featured Crusty the Cat, Jasper T. Jowls, Pasqually, and the Warblettes performing with Chuck E. Cheese in a "theater" where customers could eat their pizza with the characters in picture frames overhead. {{cite press release −

Reception
+	 | title = Pizza Time Theatre Program −	In a 1995 interview Steven Spielberg referred to Rugrats as one of several shows that are the best children's programming at the time. Spielberg described Rugrats as "sort of a TV Peanuts of our time." It was named the 92nd best animated series by IGN. +	 | publisher = ATARI, Inc. +	 | date = 1977 +	 | format = PDF +	 | url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/promo/ptt/ptt_77menu.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} Later restaurants also added "Cabaret" shows in separate rooms of each restaurant. They also frequently changed out the sole female character, named Helen Henny, in the main show, which involved a cosmetic change to the existing robot as well as change of stage backdrop to match the performer. +	The company's current show that is installed into all new stores, referred to as "Studio C", consists of a single animated Chuck E. Cheese character alongside large television monitors, lighting effects, and interactive elements. {{cite press release −

Episodes
+	 | title = Chuck E.'s New Look −

+	 | publisher = Garner Holt Productions +	 | date = 1998 +	 | format = PDF| url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/articles/cec/cec_98studioc.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} In some markets, the company has also tried a new store concept that omits the animated show. −

Other projects
+

Costumed shows
+	−	 	+	The LIVE! show is performed at the front of the stage in the showroom. The costumed Chuck E. Cheese dances with the guests and sings, while being accompanied by the cast members. A LIVE! Show consists of singing Happy Birthday to the birthday kid. +	−
 * LIVE! show
 * Road show

DVD Release
+	The Road show is a performance by a costumed Chuck E. Cheese character, and is performed outside the normal showroom. Children are gathered via the public announcement system and can dance to win free tickets. −	Nickelodeon and Amazon.com have struck a deal to produce DVDs of new and old Nickelodeon shows, through the CreateSpace service. Using a concept similar to print on demand, Amazon will be making the discs, cover art, and disc art itself. The first and second seasons of Rugrats are on sale. +

Broadcast history
+

−	 	+	−	 	+	−	 	+	 	+
 * 🇺🇸 USA
 * List of Chuck E. Cheese's characters
 * Nickelodeon (1991-2007)
 * Showbiz Pizza Place
 * Nicktoons Network (2002-present)
 * The Rock-afire Explosion

Awards
−	−		 −

Video games
−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−		 −
 * Rugrats: Search for Reptar (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Studio Tour (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Scavenger Hunt (Nintendo 64)
 * Rugrats in Paris - The Movie (Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, PC CD Rom, PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica (PlayStation, Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica Boredom Busters (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Go Wild (PC CD Rom, Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: All Growed Up - Older and Bolder (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Castle Capers (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Royal Ransom (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube)
 * Rugrats: I Gotta Go Party (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: The Movie (Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats: Time Travelers (Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats Activity Challenge (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Adventure Game (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Food Fight (Mobile Phone)
 * Rugrats Muchin Land (PC CD Rom)
 * The Rugrats Mystery Adventures (PC CD Rom)
 * Rocket Power: Team Rocket Rescue (PlayStation) (Tommy & Angelica appear as guest characters)
 * Nicktoons Racing (PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows, Arcade) (Tommy and Angelica playable)
 * Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots (Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance) (Tommy and Angelica are seen, but are not playable characters.)
 * Nicktoons: The Videogame (possibly)

Premise
−	The show originally revolved around a group of toddlers, Thomas "Tommy" Pickles (whose family moved from Akron, Ohio to their current location in California ), Charles "Chuckie" Finster, and the twins Phillip "Phil" and Lillian "Lil" DeVille. The toddlers are able to communicate with each other through baby speak, although viewers can understand them, because it is 'translated'. Often, they mispronounce words or use poor grammar and their speaking is full of malapropisms. An example of this is using the word "poopetrator" instead of "perpetrator." The group is often reluctantly joined by Tommy's cousin, Angelica Pickles. At age three years old, Angelica is able to communicate and understand language from both the toddlers and the adults, which she often uses as an advantage when she wants to manipulate either party. She is usually very mean to the babies. Susie Carmichael, who lives across the street from the Pickles, is also able to communicate on the same level as Angelica, though she isn't manipulative. As a result, Angelica and Susie often clash. +

Corporate history
−	In 1998, a new character was introduced. After The Rugrats Movie, in which Tommy's baby brother Dylan "Dil" Pickles is born, he was soon added as a character on the show. As a four month old baby, Dil is not able to communicate with anyone. Later in 2000, after Rugrats in Paris: The Movie was released, Kimi Finster was added as a character. She is Chuckie's stepsister. +	Chuck E. Cheese's, originally referred to as Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre, was founded by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. Bushnell’s experience in the amusement park industry, as well as his fondness of The Walt Disney Company, was influential in the conceptualization of the Pizza Time Theatre concept. The first location opened in San Jose, California in 1977, which was labeled as the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade. In November 1978, Bushnell left Atari to then purchase the Pizza Time Theatre concept from Atari's then-corporate parent, Warner Communications. As the restaurant became increasingly successful, he began to franchise; resulting in a co-development agreement between Bushnell and Robert Brock of Topeka Inn Management in 1979. The agreement handed Brock exclusive franchising rights for opening Pizza Time Theatres in sixteen states across the southern and midwestern United States, while also forming a company subdivision; “Pizza Show Biz”, to develop the Pizza Time Theatres. +	In November 1979, Brock met Aaron Fechter of Creative Engineering, Inc. Concerned that Fechter’s animatronics would be too strong a competition for Bushnell’s work, Brock requested that Bushnell release him from the co-development agreement, citing misrepresentation. In December 1979, Brock and Fechter formed “Showbiz Pizza Place Inc”, severing Brock's business relationship with Bushnell. {{cite press release −

Characters
+	 | title = Rock-afire Explosion Brochure −

+	 | publisher = Creative Engineering, Inc −	 	+	 | date = 1980 −	The Pickles are a mixed Jewish-Christian family. There are two episodes that reflect the Pickles' Jewish heritage, one episode deals with the Passover holiday and the other with Hanukkah (in addition to episodes about Christmas, Easter, Kwanzaa, etc.). These episodes have been praised by Jewish groups and are re-run every year on Nick at the appropriate holiday times and can also be purchased on VHS or DVD. +	 | format = PDF +	 | url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/promo/cei/cei_rockafire.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} Showbiz Pizza Place was conceptually identical to Pizza Time Theatre in all aspects except for animation; which would be provided by Creative Engineering. Showbiz Pizza Place opened its first location on March 3, 1980, in Kansas City, MO. +	 	+	Upon the opening of Showbiz Pizza Place, Bushnell sued Brock and Topeka Inn Management over breach of contract. Brock immediately issued a counter-suit against Bushnell; citing misrepresentation. The court case began in March 1980, eventually settling out of court; with Showbiz agreeing to pay Pizza Time Theatre a portion of its profits over the following decade. During this period, Topeka Inn Management also changes its name to Brock Hotel Corporation. Both restaurants experienced increased success as the video game industry became more robust; and to maintain competition, both franchises continually modified and diversified their animatronic shows. +	In 1981, Pizza Time Theatre went public; however, the evolving video game industry resulted in significant losses for Pizza Time Theatre; losing $15 million in 1983, and by 1984, Bushnell’s debts were insurmountable, resulting in the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy for Pizza Time Theatre Inc. Showbiz then bought the floundering company, recreating itself as Showbiz Pizza Time Inc. After the merger, both restaurants continued operating under the different titles, while major financial restructuring had begun, eventually becoming publicly traded in 1989, with sales increasing by 8.3%. During this period, Creative Engineering began to sever ties with Showbiz Pizza Time (they officially left the company in September 1990), eventually resulting in the unification of its mixed characters. By 1992, all restaurants assumed the name of Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza. However, the name was changed to Chuck E. Cheese's in 1994 during a redesigning of the concept. In 1998, the company renamed itself CEC Entertainment, Inc., and in 1999, bought out competitor Discovery Zone. {{Citation −

Production
+	 | last = Zuber −	Rugrats was Nickelodeon's second Nicktoon. The series was in production from 1991 to 1994, and again from 1996 to 2004. It aired in Nickelodeon's Snick block from 1997-2000. It is the longest lasting Nicktoon to date, at over fourteen years longevity. The Rugrats received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony on June 28, 2001. +	 | first = Amy +	 | title = Chuck E. Cheese's 'traps' Discovery Zone +	 | newspaper = Nation's Restaurant News +	 | publication-date = 1999-07-05 +	 | date = 1999-07-05 +	 | year = 1999 +	 | place = Irving, Texas +	 | volume = 33 +	 | issue = 27 +	 | pages = 1 +	 | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_27_33/ai_55165632 +	 | archiveurl = http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=2&hid=117&sid=fd3e4f57-1896-4378-be1f-18d04e33e1f3%40sessionmgr109&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bsh&AN=2146019 +	 | archivedate = ????-??-?? +	 | issn = 0028-0518 +	 | accessdate = 2009-04-08}} Recently, in 2007, Chuck E. Cheese's celebrated its 30th anniversary. Currently, there are 542 open locations throughout North America, South America, and Africa. +

Products
−	The show airs in the UK on CBBC, CITV, Nicktoons, Nickelodeon UK and Nicktoonsters as well as in Canada on YTV. In Australia, it can be seen on Nickelodeon Australia (and, for a period, ABC Television). +

Menu items
+	While its primary focus is pizza, Chuck E. Cheese's also offers sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, side dishes and desserts. Some stores are also used as "test" locations which feature new Chuck E. Cheese foods. Certain Chuck E. Cheese locations also offer beer. +

Entertainment
−	On August 11, 2001, Rugrats celebrated its 10 year anniversary. The special/TV movie, "Rugrats: All Growed Up" was produced for the occasion. After the show, a special retrospective lookback aired, entitled Rugrats: Still Babies After All These Years. It was narrated by Amanda Bynes. +	 	+

Arcade
+	From the time of the company's formation to today, one of the main draws for the stores is the arcade. The arcade games primarily consist of either redemption games or video arcade games. +

Currency
−	The show ended in 2004 then afterwards, two fairy tale themed direct-to-video films based on the original series under the title, "Rugrats: Tales from the Crib" were planned and then released separately in 2005 and in 2006. +	The brass tokens issued by the company for use in their arcades exist in numerous varieties and are collected by exonumia enthusiasts. The company is currently testing a card access method for use with their arcade/skill games; where locations will no longer use tokens, and instead use a refillable card to access credits (tokens) and points (tickets). This concept is currently in the testing phase in Irving, Texas, along with nine other locations in the United States. +

Animatronic figures
−

Theatrical films
+	Along with the arcade, the other main draw for the stores is its animatronic show. From the time of the company's formation through the mid-1990s, the company's animated characters were a main draw for the stores. More recently, less attention has been placed on animatronics. There are several different styles of animatronic shows in use within the company, depending on when the store opened, whether it was renovated, and other factors. +	The first version of the animatronic show, which was used in the San Jose location, was referred to as the "Pizza Time Players", and featured Crusty the Cat, Jasper T. Jowls, Pasqually, and the Warblettes performing with Chuck E. Cheese in a "theater" where customers could eat their pizza with the characters in picture frames overhead. {{cite press release −

Reception
+	 | title = Pizza Time Theatre Program −	In a 1995 interview Steven Spielberg referred to Rugrats as one of several shows that are the best children's programming at the time. Spielberg described Rugrats as "sort of a TV Peanuts of our time." It was named the 92nd best animated series by IGN. +	 | publisher = ATARI, Inc. +	 | date = 1977 +	 | format = PDF +	 | url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/promo/ptt/ptt_77menu.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} Later restaurants also added "Cabaret" shows in separate rooms of each restaurant. They also frequently changed out the sole female character, named Helen Henny, in the main show, which involved a cosmetic change to the existing robot as well as change of stage backdrop to match the performer. +	The company's current show that is installed into all new stores, referred to as "Studio C", consists of a single animated Chuck E. Cheese character alongside large television monitors, lighting effects, and interactive elements. {{cite press release −

Episodes
+	 | title = Chuck E.'s New Look −

+	 | publisher = Garner Holt Productions +	 | date = 1998 +	 | format = PDF| url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/articles/cec/cec_98studioc.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} In some markets, the company has also tried a new store concept that omits the animated show. −

Other projects
+

Costumed shows
+	−	 	+	The LIVE! show is performed at the front of the stage in the showroom. The costumed Chuck E. Cheese dances with the guests and sings, while being accompanied by the cast members. A LIVE! Show consists of singing Happy Birthday to the birthday kid. +	−
 * LIVE! show
 * Road show

DVD Release
+	The Road show is a performance by a costumed Chuck E. Cheese character, and is performed outside the normal showroom. Children are gathered via the public announcement system and can dance to win free tickets. −	{| class="wikitable" +

Broadcast history
−	−	−	 	+
 * 🇺🇸 USA
 * Nickelodeon (1991-2007)
 * Nicktoons Network (2002-present)

Awards
−	−		 −

Video games
−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−		 −
 * Rugrats: Search for Reptar (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Studio Tour (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Scavenger Hunt (Nintendo 64)
 * Rugrats in Paris - The Movie (Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, PC CD Rom, PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica (PlayStation, Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica Boredom Busters (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Go Wild (PC CD Rom, Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: All Growed Up - Older and Bolder (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Castle Capers (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Royal Ransom (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube)
 * Rugrats: I Gotta Go Party (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: The Movie (Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats: Time Travelers (Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats Activity Challenge (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Adventure Game (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Food Fight (Mobile Phone)
 * Rugrats Muchin Land (PC CD Rom)
 * The Rugrats Mystery Adventures (PC CD Rom)
 * Rocket Power: Team Rocket Rescue (PlayStation) (Tommy & Angelica appear as guest characters)
 * Nicktoons Racing (PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows, Arcade) (Tommy and Angelica playable)
 * Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots (Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance) (Tommy and Angelica are seen, but are not playable characters.)
 * Nicktoons: The Videogame (possibly)

Premise
−	The show originally revolved around a group of children, including infant Thomas "Tommy" Pickles (whose family moved from Akron, Ohio to their current location in California ), toddler Charles "Chuckie" Finster, and the twin-infants Phillip "Phil" and Lillian "Lil" DeVille. The toddlers are able to communicate with each other through baby speak, although viewers can understand them, because it is 'translated'. Often, they mispronounce words or use poor grammar and their speaking is full of malapropisms. An example of this is using the word "poopetrator" instead of "perpetrator." The group is often reluctantly joined by Tommy's cousin, Angelica Pickles. At age three years old, Angelica is able to communicate and understand language from both the toddlers and the adults, which she often uses as an advantage when she wants to manipulate either party. She is usually very mean to the babies. Susie Carmichael, who lives across the street from the Pickles, is also able to communicate on the same level as Angelica, though she isn't manipulative. As a result, Angelica and Susie often clash. +

Corporate history
−	In 1998, a new character was introduced. After The Rugrats Movie, in which Tommy's baby brother Dylan "Dil" Pickles is born, he was soon added as a character on the show. As a four month old baby, Dil is not able to communicate with anyone. Later in 2000, after Rugrats in Paris: The Movie was released, Kimi Finster was added as a character. She is Chuckie's stepsister. +	Chuck E. Cheese's, originally referred to as Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre, was founded by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. Bushnell’s experience in the amusement park industry, as well as his fondness of The Walt Disney Company, was influential in the conceptualization of the Pizza Time Theatre concept. The first location opened in San Jose, California in 1977, which was labeled as the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade. In November 1978, Bushnell left Atari to then purchase the Pizza Time Theatre concept from Atari's then-corporate parent, Warner Communications. As the restaurant became increasingly successful, he began to franchise; resulting in a co-development agreement between Bushnell and Robert Brock of Topeka Inn Management in 1979. The agreement handed Brock exclusive franchising rights for opening Pizza Time Theatres in sixteen states across the southern and midwestern United States, while also forming a company subdivision; “Pizza Show Biz”, to develop the Pizza Time Theatres. +	In November 1979, Brock met Aaron Fechter of Creative Engineering, Inc. Concerned that Fechter’s animatronics would be too strong a competition for Bushnell’s work, Brock requested that Bushnell release him from the co-development agreement, citing misrepresentation. In December 1979, Brock and Fechter formed “Showbiz Pizza Place Inc”, severing Brock's business relationship with Bushnell. {{cite press release −

Characters
+	 | title = Rock-afire Explosion Brochure −

+	 | publisher = Creative Engineering, Inc −	 	+	 | date = 1980 −	The Pickles are a mixed Jewish-Christian family. There are two episodes that reflect the Pickles' Jewish heritage, one episode deals with the Passover holiday and the other with Hanukkah (in addition to episodes about Christmas, Easter, Kwanzaa, etc.). These episodes have been praised by Jewish groups and are re-run every year on Nick at the appropriate holiday times and can also be purchased on VHS or DVD. +	 | format = PDF +	 | url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/promo/cei/cei_rockafire.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} Showbiz Pizza Place was conceptually identical to Pizza Time Theatre in all aspects except for animation; which would be provided by Creative Engineering. Showbiz Pizza Place opened its first location on March 3, 1980, in Kansas City, MO. +	 	+	Upon the opening of Showbiz Pizza Place, Bushnell sued Brock and Topeka Inn Management over breach of contract. Brock immediately issued a counter-suit against Bushnell; citing misrepresentation. The court case began in March 1980, eventually settling out of court; with Showbiz agreeing to pay Pizza Time Theatre a portion of its profits over the following decade. During this period, Topeka Inn Management also changes its name to Brock Hotel Corporation. Both restaurants experienced increased success as the video game industry became more robust; and to maintain competition, both franchises continually modified and diversified their animatronic shows. +	In 1981, Pizza Time Theatre went public; however, the evolving video game industry resulted in significant losses for Pizza Time Theatre; losing $15 million in 1983, and by 1984, Bushnell’s debts were insurmountable, resulting in the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy for Pizza Time Theatre Inc. Showbiz then bought the floundering company, recreating itself as Showbiz Pizza Time Inc. After the merger, both restaurants continued operating under the different titles, while major financial restructuring had begun, eventually becoming publicly traded in 1989, with sales increasing by 8.3%. During this period, Creative Engineering began to sever ties with Showbiz Pizza Time (they officially left the company in September 1990), eventually resulting in the unification of its mixed characters. By 1992, all restaurants assumed the name of Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza. However, the name was changed to Chuck E. Cheese's in 1994 during a redesigning of the concept. In 1998, the company renamed itself CEC Entertainment, Inc., and in 1999, bought out competitor Discovery Zone. {{Citation −

Production
+	 | last = Zuber −	Rugrats was Nickelodeon's second Nicktoon. The series was in production from 1991 to 2004. It aired in Nickelodeon's Snick block from 1997-2000. It is the longest lasting Nicktoon to date, at over fourteen years longevity. The Rugrats received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony on June 28, 2001. +	 | first = Amy +	 | title = Chuck E. Cheese's 'traps' Discovery Zone +	 | newspaper = Nation's Restaurant News +	 | publication-date = 1999-07-05 +	 | date = 1999-07-05 +	 | year = 1999 +	 | place = Irving, Texas +	 | volume = 33 +	 | issue = 27 +	 | pages = 1 +	 | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3190/is_27_33/ai_55165632 +	 | archiveurl = http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=2&hid=117&sid=fd3e4f57-1896-4378-be1f-18d04e33e1f3%40sessionmgr109&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=bsh&AN=2146019 +	 | archivedate = ????-??-?? +	 | issn = 0028-0518 +	 | accessdate = 2009-04-08}} Recently, in 2007, Chuck E. Cheese's celebrated its 30th anniversary. Currently, there are 542 open locations throughout North America, South America, and the Middle East. +

Products
−	The show airs in the UK on CBBC, CITV, Nicktoons, Nickelodeon UK and Nicktoonsters as well as in Canada on YTV. In Australia, it can be seen on Nickelodeon Australia (and, for a period, ABC Television). +

Menu items
+	While its primary focus is pizza, Chuck E. Cheese's also offers sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, side dishes and desserts. Some stores are also used as "test" locations which feature new Chuck E. Cheese foods. Certain Chuck E. Cheese locations also offer beer. +

Entertainment
−	On August 11, 2001, Rugrats celebrated its 10 year anniversary. The special/TV movie, Rugrats: All Growed Up was produced for the occasion. After the show, a special retrospective lookback aired, entitled Rugrats: Still Babies After All These Years. It was narrated by Amanda Bynes. +	 	+

Arcade
+	From the time of the company's formation to today, one of the main draws for the stores is the arcade. The arcade games primarily consist of either redemption games or video arcade games. +

Currency
−	The show ended in 2004. Two fairy-tale themed direct-to-video films based on the original series under the title, Rugrats: Tales from the Crib were planned and then released separately in 2005 and in 2006. On August 11, 2011 the Rugrats will be celebrating its 20 year anniversary to celebrate its 20th birthday. +	The brass tokens issued by the company for use in their arcades exist in numerous varieties and are collected by exonumia enthusiasts. The company is currently testing a card access method for use with their arcade/skill games; where locations will no longer use tokens, and instead use a refillable card to access credits (tokens) and points (tickets). This concept is currently in the testing phase in Irving, Texas, along with nine other locations in the United States. +

Animatronic figures
−

Theatrical films
+	Along with the arcade, the other main draw for the stores is its animatronic show. From the time of the company's formation through the mid-1990s, the company's animated characters were a main draw for the stores. More recently, less attention has been placed on animatronics. There are several different styles of animatronic shows in use within the company, depending on when the store opened, whether it was renovated, and other factors. +	When the first location opened in 1977, the animatronic characters were featured in framed portraits (no longer used) hanging on the walls of the main dining area. The show had Crusty the cat (first character to face retirement), Pasqually the singing chef, Jaspet T. Jowls and the star of the show, Chuck E. Cheese. In 1978, Crusty was retired and soon replaced with Mr.Munch (the purple pizza eater). {{cite web −

Reception
+	 | title = Pizza Time Theatre Program −	In a 1995 interview, Steven Spielberg referred to Rugrats as one of several shows that are the best children's programming at the time. Spielberg described Rugrats as "sort of a TV Peanuts of our time." It was named the 92nd best animated series by IGN. +	 | publisher = ATARI, Inc. +	 | date = 1977 +	 | format = PDF +	 | url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/promo/ptt/ptt_77menu.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} Later restaurants also added "Cabaret" shows in separate rooms of each restaurant. They also frequently changed out the sole female character, named Helen Henny, in the main show, which involved a cosmetic change to the existing robot as well as change of stage backdrop to match the performer. +	The company's current show that is installed into all new stores, referred to as "Studio C", consists of a single animated Chuck E. Cheese character alongside large television monitors, lighting effects, and interactive elements. {{cite press release −

Episodes
+	 | title = Chuck E.'s New Look −

+	 | publisher = Garner Holt Productions +	 | date = 1998 +	 | format = PDF| url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/articles/cec/cec_98studioc.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} In some markets, the company has also tried a new store concept that omits the animated show. −

Other projects
+

Group members
+	Chuck E. Cheese the mouse- vocals −	 	+	Helen Henny the hen(used to be an old hen ,but now a cheer leader.)- vocals −

+	Mr Munch the pizza loving monster(used to have scratchy voice ,but after concept unification got deep voice) – keyboards, band leader, songwriter, vocals +	Jasper T. Jowls the hound dog – guitar, vocals (used to play banjo and dubbed the banjo strummin' hillbilly hound.) +	Pasqually the singing chef- drums vocals(used to play the squeeze box at pizza time theater.) −

DVD release
+

Costumed shows
+	−	{| class="wikitable" +	The LIVE! show is performed at the front of the stage in the showroom. The costumed Chuck E. Cheese dances with the guests and sings, while being accompanied by the cast members. A LIVE! Show consists of singing Happy Birthday to the birthday kid. +	−	Nickelodeon and Amazon.com have struck a deal to produce DVDs of new and old Nickelodeon shows, through the CreateSpace service. Using a concept similar to print on demand, Amazon will be making the discs, cover art, and disc art itself. The first and second seasons of Rugrats are on sale. +	The Road show is a performance by a costumed Chuck E. Cheese character, and is performed outside the normal showroom. Children are gathered via the public announcement system and can dance to win free tickets. −
 * LIVE! show
 * Road show

Broadcast history
+

Awards
−	−	−		 −

Video games
−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−		 −
 * Rugrats: Search for Reptar (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Studio Tour (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Scavenger Hunt (Nintendo 64)
 * Rugrats in Paris - The Movie (Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, PC CD Rom, PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica (PlayStation, Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica Boredom Busters (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Go Wild (PC CD Rom, Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: All Growed Up - Older and Bolder (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Castle Capers (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Royal Ransom (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube)
 * Rugrats: I Gotta Go Party (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: The Movie (Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats: Time Travelers (Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats Activity Challenge (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Adventure Game (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Food Fight (Mobile Phone)
 * Rugrats Muchin Land (PC CD Rom)
 * The Rugrats Mystery Adventures (PC CD Rom)
 * Rocket Power: Team Rocket Rescue (PlayStation) (Tommy & Angelica appear as guest characters)
 * Nicktoons Racing (PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows, Arcade) (Tommy and Angelica playable)
 * Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots (Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance) (Tommy and Angelica are seen, but are not playable characters.)
 * Nicktoons: The Videogame (possibly)

Premise
−	The show originally revolved around a group of children (three boys and one girl), including infant Thomas "Tommy" Pickles, toddler Charles "Chuckie" Finster, and the twin-infants Phillip "Phil" and Lillian "Lil" DeVille. The toddlers are able to communicate with each other through baby speak, although viewers can understand them, because it is 'translated'. Often, they mispronounce words or use poor grammar and their speaking is full of malapropisms. An example of this is using the word "poopetrator" instead of "perpetrator." The group is often reluctantly joined by Tommy's cousin, Angelica Pickles. At three years old, Angelica is able to communicate and understand language from both the toddlers and the adults, which she often uses as an advantage when she wants to manipulate either party. She is usually very mean to the babies. Susie Carmichael, who lives across the street from the Pickles, is also able to communicate on the same level as Angelica, though she isn't manipulative. As a result, Angelica and Susie often clash. +	The company was founded as Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre by Nolan Bushnell in 1977, officially being labeled as the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade. Pizza Time Theatre and Showbiz Pizza Place merged in 1984, bringing both concepts under the wing of Showbiz Pizza Time, Inc.. In 1991/2, Showbiz Pizza Time, Inc. unified the two brands into Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza. In 1994, Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza underwent a redesign, changing to Chuck E. Cheese's by 1995. In 1998, Showbiz Pizza Time, Inc. was renamed to CEC Entertainment, Inc., removing any mention of Showbiz Pizza Place, Inc., the company that CEC Entertainment, Inc. started as. In 2007, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary, and as of May 2009, it operates 542 restaurants. −	In 1998, a new character was introduced. After The Rugrats Movie, in which Tommy's baby brother Dylan "Dil" Pickles is born, he was soon added as a character on the show. As a four month old baby, Dil is not able to communicate with anyone. Later in 2000, after Rugrats in Paris: The Movie was released, Kimi Finster was added as a character. She is Chuckie's stepsister. +

Corporate history
−

Characters
+	Chuck E. Cheese's, originally referred to as Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre, was founded by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. Bushnell’s experience in the amusement park industry, as well as his fondness of The Walt Disney Company, was influential in the conceptualization of the Pizza Time Theatre concept. The first location opened in San Jose, California in 1977, and was labeled as the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade. In November 1978, Bushnell left Atari to purchase the Pizza Time Theatre concept from Atari's then-corporate parent, Warner Communications. As the restaurant became increasingly successful, he began to franchise, resulting in a co-development agreement between Bushnell and Robert Brock of Topeka Inn Management in 1979. The agreement handed Brock exclusive franchising rights for opening Pizza Time Theatres in sixteen states across the southern and midwestern United States, while also forming a company subdivision, "Pizza Show Biz", to develop the Pizza Time Theatres. +	In November 1979, Brock met Aaron Fechter of Creative Engineering, Inc. Concerned that Fechter’s animatronics would be too strong a competition for Bushnell’s work, Brock requested that Bushnell release him from the co-development agreement, citing misrepresentation. In December 1979, Brock and Fechter formed “Showbiz Pizza Place Inc”, severing Brock's business relationship with Bushnell. {{cite press release −

Production
+	 | title = Rock-afire Explosion Brochure −	Rugrats was Nickelodeon's second Nicktoon, debuting on the same day as Doug (which premiered before it) and The Ren and Stimpy Show (which debuted after). The first run of the series was produced from 1991 to 1993 before production went on a hiatus (episodes that had not yet been released at that point continued to be released through 1994). Between 1994 and 1995, only two Jewish-themed specials were produced, and the rest of the series aired in reruns. New episode production resumed in 1997, and the show aired in Nickelodeon's Snick block from 1997-2000. In terms of years on air, it is the longest lasting Nicktoon to date, at over fourteen years longevity, and did not cease production of new episodes until 2004. In terms of number of episodes, it is still in first, but by 2011 it will be surpassed by SpongeBob SquarePants, which will have 178 episodes by the end of its ninth season, barring a Rugrats revival or a SpongeBob cancellation. The Rugrats received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony on June 28, 2001. +	 | publisher = Creative Engineering, Inc +	 | year = 1980 +	 | format = PDF +	 | url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/promo/cei/cei_rockafire.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} Showbiz Pizza Place was conceptually identical to Pizza Time Theatre in all aspects except for animation; which would be provided by Creative Engineering. Showbiz Pizza Place opened its first location on March 3, 1980, in Kansas City, Missouri. +	 	+	Upon the opening of Showbiz Pizza Place, Bushnell sued Brock and Topeka Inn Management over breach of contract. Brock immediately issued a counter-suit against Bushnell; citing misrepresentation. The court case began in March 1980, eventually settling out of court; with Showbiz agreeing to pay Pizza Time Theatre a portion of its profits over the following decade. During this period, Topeka Inn Management also changes its name to Brock Hotel Corporation and moved its headquarters to Irving, Texas. Both restaurants experienced increased success as the video game industry became more robust; and to maintain competition, both franchises continually modified and diversified their animatronic shows. +	In 1981, Pizza Time Theatre went public; however, the evolving video game industry resulted in significant losses for Pizza Time Theatre; losing $15 million in 1983, and by 1984, Bushnell’s debts were insurmountable, resulting in the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy for Pizza Time Theatre Inc. Showbiz then bought the floundering company, recreating itself as Showbiz Pizza Time Inc. After the merger, both restaurants continued operating under the different titles, while major financial restructuring had begun, eventually becoming publicly traded in 1989, with sales increasing by 8.3%. During this period, Creative Engineering began to sever ties with Showbiz Pizza Time (they officially left the company in September 1990), eventually resulting in the unification of its mixed characters. By 1992, all restaurants assumed the name of Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza. However, the name was changed to Chuck E. Cheese's in 1994 during a redesigning of the concept. In 1998, the company renamed itself CEC Entertainment, Inc., and in 1999, bought out competitor Discovery Zone. Recently, in 2007, Chuck E. Cheese's celebrated its 30th anniversary. Currently, there are 542 open locations throughout North America, South America, and the Middle East. +

Products
−	On August 11, 2001, Rugrats celebrated its 10 year anniversary. The special/TV movie, Rugrats: All Growed Up was produced for the occasion. After the show, a special retrospective lookback aired, entitled Rugrats: Still Babies After All These Years. It was narrated by Amanda Bynes. +

Menu items
+	While its primary focus is pizza, Chuck E. Cheese's also offers sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, side dishes and desserts. Some stores are also used as "test" locations which feature new Chuck E. Cheese foods. Certain Chuck E. Cheese locations also offer beer. +

Entertainment
−	The show ended in 2004. Two fairy-tale themed direct-to-video films based on the original series under the title, Rugrats: Tales from the Crib were planned and then released separately in 2005 and in 2006. +	 	+

Arcade
−	Individual episodes are now available for purchase on Amazon Video On Demand for 99 cents per episode and on the PlayStation Store for $1.99 for two episodes. +	From the time of the company's formation to today, one of the main draws for the stores is the arcade. The arcade games primarily consist of either redemption games or video arcade games. +

Currency
−

Theatrical films
+	The brass tokens issued by the company for use in their arcades exist in numerous varieties and are collected by exonumia enthusiasts. +	 | title = Chuck E. Cheese Tokens| work = Forrest's Token Page +	 | url = http://users.pullman.com/fjstevens/tokens/cec/CEC.html +	 | accessdate = 2009-03-03}} The company is currently testing a card access method for use with their arcade/skill games; where locations will no longer use tokens, and instead use a refillable card to access credits (tokens) and points (tickets). This concept is currently in the testing phase in Irving, Texas, along with nine other locations in the United States. +

Animatronic figures
−

Reception
+	Along with the arcade, the other main draw for the stores is its animatronic show. From the time of the company's formation through the mid-1990s, the company's animated characters were a main draw for the stores. More recently, less attention has been placed on animatronics. There are several different styles of animatronic shows in use within the company, depending on when the store opened, whether it was renovated, and other factors. It was named the 92nd best animated series by IGN. Jewish and Christian religion groups have given Rugrats high praises for their special holiday episodes. Rugrats were also considered a strongpoint in Nickelodeon's rise in the 1990s. +	 | last = S. 	+ | first = Travis +	 | title = Pizza Time Theatre: Stage Shows +	 | work = Showbiz Pizza.com +	 | url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/ptp/stages/index.html| format = CSS +	 | accessdate = 2009-03-03}} +	When the first location opened in 1977, the animatronic characters were featured in framed portraits (no longer used) hanging on the walls of the main dining area. The show had Crusty the cat (first character to face retirement), Pasqually the singing chef, Jasper T. Jowls and the star of the show, Chuck E. Cheese. In 1978, Crusty was retired and soon replaced with Mr.Munch (the purple pizza eater). {{cite web −

Episodes
+	 | title = Pizza Time Theatre Program −

+	 | publisher = ATARI, Inc. +	 | year = 1977 +	 | format = PDF +	 | url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/promo/ptt/ptt_77menu.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} Later restaurants also added "Cabaret" shows in separate rooms of each restaurant. They also frequently changed out the sole female character, named Helen Henny, in the main show, which involved a cosmetic change to the existing robot as well as change of stage backdrop to match the performer. +	The company's current show that is installed into all new stores, referred to as "Studio C", consists of a single animated Chuck E. Cheese character alongside large television monitors, lighting effects, and interactive elements. {{cite press release −

Other projects
+	 | title = Chuck E.'s New Look −	 	+	 | publisher = Garner Holt Productions −

+	 | year = 1998 +	 | format = PDF| url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/articles/cec/cec_98studioc.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} In some markets, the company has also tried a new store concept that omits the animated show. +

Group members
−

DVD releases
+	−	 	+
 * Chuck E. Cheese — vocals

Costumed shows
−	Nickelodeon and Amazon.com have struck a deal to produce DVDs of new and old Nickelodeon shows, through the CreateSpace service. Using a concept similar to print on demand, Amazon will be making the discs, cover art, and disc art itself. The complete first and second seasons of Rugrats are on sale. +	 	+	The LIVE! show is performed at the front of the stage in the showroom. The costumed Chuck E. Cheese dances with the guests and sings, while being accompanied by the cast members. A LIVE! Show consists of singing Happy Birthday to the birthday kid. +	−
 * LIVE! show
 * Road show

Broadcast history
+	The Road show is a performance by a costumed Chuck E. Cheese character, and is performed outside the normal showroom. Children are gathered via the public announcement system and can dance to win free tickets. −

−	−	−	−		 −	−	−	−		 −	−	−	−	−	−	−		 −	−	−	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−	−	−		 −	−	−	−	−	−		 −	−	−	−		 −	−	−	−	−		 −	−	−	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−	−	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−		 −	−	−		 −
 * 🇺🇸 USA
 * Nickelodeon (1991–2007)
 * Nicktoons Network (2002–present)
 * 🇨🇦 Canada
 * Nickelodeon (2009–present)
 * YTV (first-run)
 * UK
 * Children's BBC (Including Live & Kicking and Smile) (1993–2004)
 * Nickelodeon (1994–2009)
 * Nicktoons (2002–2008, September 2009–present)
 * CITV (2005–2006)
 * Nicktoonsters (August 2008-July 2009)
 * 🇦🇺 Australia
 * Nickelodeon (January 1995–present)
 * ABC Television (December 1991–present)
 * Network Ten (1999–2002)
 * 🇪🇸 Spain
 * La 2
 * 🇹🇷 Turkey
 * CNBC-E
 * Nickelodeon Turkey
 * TRT
 * 🇦🇷 Argentina
 * The Big Channel
 * Magic Kids
 * Nickelodeon
 * Canal 9
 * New Zealand
 * Nickelodeon NZ (199?-present)
 * TV2 (2003–present)
 * 🇵🇭 Philippines
 * TV5
 * Nickelodeon South East Asia
 * Studio 23
 * 🇮🇱 Israel
 * Channel 1 (1995)
 * Channel 2 (2000)
 * Nickelodeon Israel (2003–2008)
 * 🇮🇪 Ireland
 * RTÉ Two (199?-present)
 * 🇲🇾 Malaysia
 * Nickelodeon South East Asia
 * TV3 (1992–1994)
 * MetroVision (1996–1998)
 * NTV7 (2001–2004)
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * Nickelodeon
 * 🇺🇦 Ukraine
 * ICTV (Ukraine)
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * Italia 1
 * 🇲🇽, 🇨🇴, 🇻🇪, 🇦🇷, Latin America
 * Nickelodeon Latin America 1996 - 2006
 * XHGC-TV Canal 5 (1997–2001), repeats episodes sometimes.
 * 🇵🇰 Pakistan
 * Nickelodeon (Pakistan) (2006–present)
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden
 * Nickelodeon (Sweden)
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * Nickelodeon (Japan) (1998–2008)
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * Channel 9
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * Nickelodeon (France) (2005–2008)
 * Nicktoons (France) (2003–2005)
 * 🇭🇷 Croatia
 * Nickelodeon (Croatia) (1997–2008)
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * Nickelodeon (China)
 * 🇷🇺 Russia
 * Nickelodeon (CIS)
 * Nickelodeon on TNT
 * 🇿🇦 South Africa
 * Nickelodeon (Africa) (1999–present)
 * 🇦🇪 Arabia
 * Nickelodeon (Arab World) (2008–2010)
 * 🇧🇷 Brazil
 * Nickelodeon (Brazil)
 * 🇮🇳 India
 * Nick (India)

Awards
−	−	−		 −

Video games
−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−
 * Rugrats: Search for Reptar (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Studio Tour (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Scavenger Hunt (Nintendo 64)
 * Rugrats in Paris - The Movie (Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, PC CD Rom, PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica (PlayStation, Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica Boredom Busters (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Go Wild (PC CD Rom, Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: All Growed Up - Older and Bolder (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Castle Capers (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Royal Ransom (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube)
 * Rugrats: I Gotta Go Party (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: The Movie (Game Boy, Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats: Time Travelers (Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats Activity Challenge (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Adventure Game (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Food Fight (Mobile Phone)
 * Rugrats Muchin Land (PC CD Rom)
 * The Rugrats Mystery Adventures (PC CD Rom)
 * Rocket Power: Team Rocket Rescue (PlayStation) (Tommy & Angelica appear as guest characters)
 * Nicktoons Racing (PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows, Arcade) (Tommy and Angelica playable)
 * Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots (Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance) (Tommy and Angelica are seen, but are not playable characters.)

Characters
−

−	−	The show originally revolved around four children (three boys and one girl) and a dog. The fearless brave leader Thomas "Tommy" Pickles (whose family moved from Akron, Ohio to their current location in California), the cautious toddler Charles "Chuckie" Finster who reluctantly agreed to venture out into the open, unsafe areas of the house, the twin-infants Phillip "Phil" and Lillian "Lil" DeVille who were ready for a new challenge, and Spike, Tommy's dog. The toddlers are able to communicate with each other through baby speak, although viewers can understand them, because it is 'translated'. A running gag in the show is that they mispronounce words or use poor grammar and their speaking is full of malapropisms. An example of this is using the word "poopetrator" instead of "perpetrator" in "The Trial" episode. The group is often reluctantly joined by Tommy's cousin, Angelica Pickles. At three years old, Angelica is able to communicate and understand language from both the toddlers and the adults, which she often uses as an advantage when she wants to manipulate either party. She is usually very mean to the babies. Susie Carmichael, who lives across the street from the Pickles, is also able to communicate on the same level as Angelica, though she is not manipulative. As a result of this, as well as being favored by the babies, she often clashes with Angelica. +

Corporate history
−	After The Rugrats Movie (1998), in which Tommy's baby brother Dylan "Dil" Pickles is born, he was soon added as a character on the show. As a 1 year old baby, Dil is not able to communicate with anyone. Later after Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000) was released, Kimi Finster was added as a character. She is Chuckie's stepsister. +	Chuck E. Cheese's, originally referred to as Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre, was founded by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. Bushnell’s experience in the amusement park industry, as well as his fondness of The Walt Disney Company, was influential in the conceptualization of the Pizza Time Theatre concept. The first location opened in San Jose, California in 1977, and was labeled as the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade. In November 1978, Bushnell left Atari to purchase the Pizza Time Theatre concept from Atari's then-corporate parent, Warner Communications. +

Franchising
+	As the restaurant became increasingly successful, he began to franchise, resulting in a co-development agreement between Bushnell and Robert Brock of Topeka Inn Management in 1979. The agreement handed Brock exclusive franchising rights for opening Pizza Time Theatres in sixteen states across the southern and midwestern United States, while also forming a company subdivision, "Pizza Show Biz", to develop the Pizza Time Theatres. +

Showbiz Pizza Place Inc.
−	Leaving the safety of their own playpen, the children would explore their surroundings and try to make sense out of what the adults are doing. The babies often manage to get away with meandering off and going on escapades, for the reason that Tommy’s daddy, Stu, is more often than not trying to create toys downstairs in the basement. Tommy's mother, Didi, is normally reading the most modern good-parenting guide too actively to take any kind of notice, and his paternal grandfather, Lou, is customarily sleeping in front of the television, oblivious to their antics. While most of the time, the babies are in their playpen, they always manage to get out using a plastic screwdriver Tommy keeps in his diaper (unbeknownst to any of the adults). When they create any kind of mess or visible damage, they are almost never seen as the instigators, due to them being babies. If an older person is in the vicinity of the mess (usually Angelica), that individual is held accountable. The most treacherous escapade the babies embarked occured in The Rugrats Movie where they got lost in the forest going against a man-eating wolf and a pack of circus monkeys determined to steal their baby food. +	In November 1979, Brock met Aaron Fechter of Creative Engineering, Inc. Concerned that Fechter’s animatronics would be too strong a competition for Bushnell’s work, Brock requested that Bushnell release him from the co-development agreement, citing misrepresentation. In December 1979, Brock and Fechter formed “Showbiz Pizza Place Inc”, severing Brock's business relationship with Bushnell. Showbiz Pizza Place was conceptually identical to Pizza Time Theatre in all aspects except for animation; which would be provided by Creative Engineering. Showbiz Pizza Place opened its first location on March 3, 1980, in Kansas City, Missouri. +	 	+	Upon the opening of Showbiz Pizza Place, Bushnell sued Brock and Topeka Inn Management over breach of contract. Brock immediately issued a counter-suit against Bushnell, citing misrepresentation. The court case began in March 1980, eventually settling out of court; with Showbiz agreeing to pay Pizza Time Theatre a portion of its profits over the following decade. During this period, Topeka Inn Management also changes its name to Brock Hotel Corporation and moved its headquarters to Irving, Texas. Both restaurants experienced increased success as the video game industry became more robust; and to maintain competition, both franchises continually modified and diversified their animatronic shows. +

Merger
−	The Pickles are a mixed Jewish-Christian family. There are two episodes that reflect the Pickles' Jewish heritage, one episode deals with the Passover holiday and the other with Hanukkah (in addition to episodes about Christmas, Easter, Kwanzaa, etc.). +	In 1981, Pizza Time Theatre went public; however, the evolving video game industry resulted in significant losses for Pizza Time Theatre; losing $15 million in 1983, and by 1984, Bushnell’s debts were insurmountable, resulting in the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy for Pizza Time Theatre Inc. Showbiz then bought the floundering company, recreating itself as Showbiz Pizza Time Inc. −

Origins
+

Restructuring
+	After the merger, both restaurants continued operating under the different titles, while major financial restructuring had begun, eventually becoming publicly traded in 1989, with sales increasing by 8.3%. During this period, Creative Engineering began to sever ties with Showbiz Pizza Time (they officially left the company in September 1990), eventually resulting in the unification of its mixed characters. By 1992, all restaurants assumed the name of Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza. However, the name was changed to Chuck E. Cheese's in 1994 during a redesigning of the concept. In 1998, the company renamed itself CEC Entertainment, Inc., and in 1999, bought out competitor Discovery Zone. Recently, in 2007, Chuck E. Cheese's celebrated its 30th anniversary. Currently, there are 542 open locations throughout North America, South America, and the Middle East. +

Products
−	Peter Chung, along with Klasky and Csupo, co-designed the characters and directed the series pilot, "Tommy Pickles And The Great White Thing," as well as the opening sequence. The production was completed in 1990 and they submitted it to Nickelodeon, who tested it with an audience of children. The feedback for the pilot episode was primarily positive. With that, the series went into production. Chuckie and Angelica were added as characters. +

Menu items
+	While its primary focus is pizza, Chuck E. Cheese's also offers sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, side dishes and desserts. Some stores are also used as "test" locations which feature new Chuck E. Cheese foods. Certain Chuck E. Cheese locations also offer beer. +

Entertainment
−	Paul Germain felt that the series needed a bully. Angelica was based on a bully in Germain's childhood, who was a girl. In addition to that, it was Germain who decided that Angelica would be a spoiled brat. Arlene Klasky, one of the show's creators initially did not like Angelica Pickles. Klasky also protested Angelica's actions in episodes like "Barbecue Story" (where she threw Tommy's ball over the fence). +

+

Arcade
−	In a New Yorker article, Klasky said, "I think she's a bully. I never liked Angelica." Klasky never fully approved of her character development. Her bullying caused Arlene to disdain her. Angelica started to become a problem for the some of the Rugrats staff. In some instances, her voice, Cheryl Chase, had trouble portraying a mean Angelica. To help Chase out, Steve Viksen, one of the writers, would mention that Angelica was the series's J.R. Ewing. +	From the time of the company's formation to today, one of the main draws for the stores is the arcade. The arcade games primarily consist of either redemption games or video arcade games. +

Currency
−	After the episode "The Trial," Klasky complained that the Rugrats were starting to act too old for their age. Csupo often acted as a mediator in arguments between Klasky and the writers, with the writers often winning. Some of the offscreen tensions ultimately found their way into the scripts and, naturally, into the show. In 1993, shortly before Nick premiered the last of the original 65, production of new episodes ceased, and most of the Rugrats writing team left Klasky-Csupo. After the first run days were over, Nick had enough episodes to show every day, and did just that in 1994, scheduling the show in the early evening, when both kids and parents will be watching. After 3 years of repeats, the show went back into production. However, the tensions between Klasky-Csupo and their former writers still existed. +	The brass tokens issued by the company for use in their arcades exist in numerous varieties and are collected by exonumia enthusiasts. The company is currently testing a card access method for use with their arcade/skill games; where locations will no longer use tokens, and instead use a refillable card to access credits (tokens) and points (tickets). This concept is currently in the testing phase in Irving, Texas, along with nine other locations in the United States. +

Animatronic figures
−	After The Rugrats Movie and seeing the "new" Angelica in the film, Klasky changed her tune: "I think she's great for the show; I love Angelica." +	Along with the arcade, the other main draw for the stores is its animatronic show. From the time of the company's formation through the mid-1990s, the company's animated characters were a main draw for the stores. More recently, less attention has been placed on animatronics. There are several different styles of animatronic shows in use within the company, depending on when the store opened, whether it was renovated, and other factors. +	When the first location opened in 1977, the animatronic characters were featured in framed portraits (no longer used) hanging on the walls of the main dining area. The show had Crusty the cat (first character to face retirement), Pasqually the singing chef, Jasper T. Jowls and the star of the show, Chuck E. Cheese. In 1978, Crusty was retired and soon replaced with Mr. Munch (the purple pizza eater). {{cite web −

Production
+	 | title = Pizza Time Theatre Program −	Rugrats was Nickelodeon's second Nicktoon, debuting on the same day as Doug (which premiered before it) and The Ren and Stimpy Show (which debuted after). The first run of the series was produced from 1991 to 1993 before production went on a hiatus (episodes that had not yet been released at that point continued to be released through 1994). Between 1995 and 1996, only two Jewish-themed specials were aired, and the rest of the series aired in reruns. Production on new episodes began 1997, and the show aired in Nickelodeon's Snick block from 1997 to 2000. As of 2011, it is the longest-lasting Nicktoon to date, at over fourteen years longevity, and did not cease production of new episodes until 2004. In terms of number of episodes, it is still in first, but by 2011 it will be surpassed by SpongeBob SquarePants, which will have 178 episodes by the end of its eighth season, barring a Rugrats revival or a SpongeBob cancellation; SpongeBob will reach Rugrats in terms of years on air in 2013. +	 | publisher = ATARI, Inc. +	 | year = 1977 +	 | format = PDF +	 | url = http://www.showbizpizza.com/info/promo/ptt/ptt_77menu.pdf| accessdate = 2009-03-03}} Later restaurants also added "Cabaret" shows in separate rooms of each restaurant. They also frequently changed out the sole female character, named Helen Henny, in the main show, which involved a cosmetic change to the existing robot as well as change of stage backdrop to match the performer. +	Beginning in 1998, the company's show installed into new stores, referred to as "Studio C", consists of a single animated Chuck E. Cheese character alongside large television monitors, lighting effects, and interactive elements. In some markets, the company has also tried a new store concept that omits the animated show. +

Group members
−	Rugrats ended on June 8, 2004, along with fellow Nicktoon, Hey Arnold. After the run, two fairy-tale themed direct-to-video films based on the original series under the title, Rugrats: Tales from the Crib were produced and then released separately in 2005 and in 2006. +	 	+	 	+	 	+	 	+	−
 * Chuck E. Cheese — vocals
 * Helen Henny — vocals
 * Mr. Munch — vocals, keyboards
 * Jasper T. Jowls — vocals, guitar
 * Pasqually — vocals, percussion, accordion

Voice actors
+

Costumed shows
+	 	+	The LIVE! show is performed at the front of the stage in the showroom. The costumed Chuck E. Cheese dances with the guests and sings, while being accompanied by the cast members. A LIVE! Show consists of singing Happy Birthday to the birthday kid. +	−	Through its full run, Rugrats, occupied several main voice actors. E.G. Daily provided the voice of Tommy Pickles, except in the unaired pilot where Tami Holbrook provided the voice; Christine Cavanaugh was the original voice of Chuckie Finster, but left after 2001 for personal reasons and was subsequently replaced by Nancy Cartwright in 2002. The fraternal twins, Phil and Lil (as well as their mother, Betty) were voiced by Kath Soucie; Dil Pickles (and Timmy McNulty) were voiced by Tara Strong. Cheryl Chase initially auditioned for the role of Tommy, but was passed up. When the show came to series, she was brought on board to be cast as the voice of Angelica Pickles. Dionne Quan was the voice of Kimi Finster, however as she is legally blind, in order to do the voice, the producers had to interpret the scripts into Braille, so she could read them by sensing the bumps with her fingers. Susie was primarily voiced by Cree Summer, though in two episodes where she could not be in attendance E.G. Daily filled in. Other regular voice actors included Melanie Chartoff as Didi Pickles, Jack Riley as Stu Pickles, Tress MacNeille as Charlotte Pickles, and Michael Bell as Drew Pickles and Chaz Finster. David Doyle provided the voice of Grandpa Lou Pickles until his death in 1997, where Joe Alaskey took over till the end of the series. In 2000, Debbie Reynolds joined the cast as Lulu Pickles, Lou's second wife, and remained until the series' end. +	The Road show is a performance by a costumed Chuck E. Cheese character, and is performed outside the normal showroom. Children are gathered via the public announcement system and can dance to win free tickets. −		 −
 * LIVE! show
 * Road show

Writing style
−	With Rugrats it usually took a few months to make an episode, for the story has to get written, and then approved. The next process consisted of voice recording, storyboarding, pre-eliminating animation, overseas production & delivery, editing and polishing. All of that had to happen even before Klasky-Csupo sent the master tapes to Nick. In addition, fine animation took time to make. During the first six seasons of Rugrats it was, primarily divided into two eleven-minute episodes. After the second movie, during season 7, Rugrats made a change with a different format that consisted of three episodes per show, though it returned to its original two-episode-per-show format in the final two seasons. −		 −

Episodes
−

−		 −

Other projects
−

−

−		 −

DVD releases
−	−		 −	Nickelodeon and Amazon.com have struck a deal to produce DVDs of new and old Nickelodeon shows, through the CreateSpace service. Using a concept similar to print on demand, Amazon made the discs, cover art, and disc art itself. The complete first and second seasons of Rugrats were released on June 2, 2009 along with The Fairly OddParents first and second seasons. −		 −

Nick Picks DVDs
−	These 2 Rugrats episodes were released on the Nick Picks DVDs. −		 −	−	−		 −
 * Nick Picks Volume 1: Finsterella
 * Nick Picks Volume 2: All Growed Up

Reception and achievements
−

Critical reception
−		 −	Since its debut in 1991, Rugrats generally received positive reviews from critics and fans. In a 1995 interview, Steven Spielberg referred to the show as one of several shows that are the best children's programming at the time. Spielberg described Rugrats as "sort of a TV Peanuts of our time." It was named the 92nd-best animated series by IGN. Rugrats was also considered a strong point in Nickelodeon's rise in the 1990s. In a press release celebrating the show's 10th anniversary, Cyma Zarghami stated, "During the past decade, 'Rugrats' has evolved from a ratings powerhouse, being the number one children's show on TV, to pop icon status. It has secured a place in the hearts of both kids and adults, who see it from their own point of view". According to Nickelodeon producers, this show made them the number-one channel in the 1990s. Jeff Jarvis reviewed Rugrats and stated, "When the Simpsons was a segment on The Tracey Ullman Show, it was just a belch joke with hip pretensions. As a series, it grew flesh and guts. It was my favorite cartoon...until I discovered Nickelodeon's Rugrats, a sardonic, sly, kid's eye view of the world that skewers thirty-something parents and (The) Cosby (Show) kids." −		 −

Popularity, appeal, and controversy
−

−		 −	When Rugrats débuted in 1991, it was not as hugely popular as it would later become. When production went on a hiatus from 1994, Nick began showing Rugrats repeats everyday. More and more people began to take notice of the show, with ratings and popularity for Rugrats and Nick rising. From 1995 to 2000, it was the highest-rated show on Nickelodeon and the highest rated kids' show. The show experienced a wide diverse audience consisting of kids, teenagers and adults alike. Rugrats was successful in receiving an average of 26.7 million viewers every week: 14.7 million kids (2-11), 3.2 million teens (12-17), and 8.8 million adults (18 and over). In addition, Rugrats was seen internationally in over 76 countries. It was the only one of the three original Nicktoons that continued in the 2000s, and had its own spin-off. It is the most successful of the three original Nicktoons. While the other Nicktoons were popular during their run, Doug would later slip out of Nick's hands and into Disney's; and Ren and Stimpy would crash and burn in a creative rights dispute (only to return several years later in a much raunchier version on another network). During its run, Rugrats was enjoyed by a number of famous stars including Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, Amanda Bynes, Aaron Carter, Ray Romano, Nivea and Bow Wow. −		 −	With 172 episodes produced over the course of nearly 13 years, Rugrats remains the longest-running Nicktoon to date. SpongeBob SquarePants will surpass both benchmarks when it airs its 173rd episode on February 27, 2012. −		 −	Rugrats was one of very few shows that pictured observant, identifiably Jewish families. Jewish and Christian religion groups gave the show high praises for their special holiday episodes. Nonetheless, at one point the Anti-Defamation League and the Washington Post editorial page castigated the series for its depiction of the Pickles grandparents, who purportedly looked like Nazi caricatures. −		 −

Awards and nominations
−	−		 −

Honors
−	−	On June 28, 2001, in commemoration of their tenth anniversary, Rugrats received a star on the fabled Hollywood Walk of Fame, making it Nickelodeon’s first (and to date, only) series to receive a star. It was placed at 6600 W. Hollywood Bl., near Cherokee Ave. outside a toy and costume shop. −		 −	In the October 2001 issue of Wizard Magazine, a leading magazine for comic book fans, they released the results of the 100 Greatest Toons ever, as selected by their readers, Rugrats ranked at #35. Three other Nicktoons—SpongeBob SquarePants, Invader Zim, and Ren and Stimpy—also placed on the list. −		 −	In a list of TV Land’s The 2000 Best Things About Television, ranking the all-time TV shows, channels, commercials, people, catch phrases, etc., Rugrats is ranked #699. −		 −	Angelica Pickles placed 7th in TV Guide's list of “Top 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time” in 2002. −		 −

Rugrats in other media
−

Films
−	In 1998, The Rugrats Movie was released, which introduced baby Dil, Tommy's little brother, onto the show. It grossed in worldwide results, $140,894,675, making it a very large box office success, considering its modest $24 million budget. Not only was the movie a commercial success, the film earned mixed to positive reviews from critics. As of 2011, it remains the highest grossing Rugrats film to date. In 2000 a sequel, Rugrats in Paris: The Movie, was released, with two new characters introduced, Kimi and Kira. Kimi would become Chuckie's sister and Kira would become his new mother, after marrying his father. While it received a positive reception, it did not gross as high as the first film. −	In 2003, Rugrats Go Wild was released. It was a crossover between the Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys. It is the lowest grossing Rugrats film to date. −		 −

Comics
−	From 1998 to 2003, Nick produced a Rugrats comic strip, which was distributed through Creator's Syndicate. Initially written by show-writer Scott Gray and drawn by comic book artist Steve Crespo, with Rob Armstrong as editor. Will Blyberg came on board shortly after as inker. By the end of '98, Lee Nordling, who had joined as a contributing gag writer, took over as editor. Nordling hired extra writers, including Gordon Kent, Scott Roberts, Chuck Kim, J. Torres, Marc Bilgrey, and John Zakour, as well new artists including Gary Fields, Tim Harkins, Vince Giaranno, and Scott Roberts. Stu Chaifetz colored the Sunday strips. The Rugrats strip started out in many papers, but as often happens with spin-off strips, soon slowed down. It's still seen in some papers in re-runs. Two paperback collections were published by Andrews McMeel It's A Jungle-Gym Out There and A Baby's Work Is Never Done. −		 −	During this time, Nickelodeon also published 30 issues of an all Rugrats comic magazine. Most of these were edited by Frank Pittarese and Dave Roman, and featured stories and art by the comic strip creators and others. The last nine issues featured cover art by Scott Roberts, who wrote and drew many of the stories. Other writers included Roman, Chris Duffy, Patrick M. O'Connell & Joyce Mann, and Jim Spivey. Other artists included Joe Staton and Ernie Colón. The magazine also included short stories, many by Pittarese, and games, as well as reprints from an earlier, UK produced Rugrats comic. −		 −	Finally, Nick produced a special, 50 page comic magazine retelling of the film Rugrats In Paris, edited by Pittarese and Roman, with script by Scott Gray, pencils by Scott Roberts, and inks by Adam DeKraker. −		 −

Video games
−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−		 −
 * Rugrats: Search for Reptar (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Studio Tour (PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Scavenger Hunt (Nintendo 64)
 * Rugrats in Paris - The Movie (Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, PC CD Rom, PlayStation)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica (PlayStation, Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats: Totally Angelica Boredom Busters (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Go Wild (PC CD Rom, Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: All Growed Up - Older and Bolder (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats: Castle Capers (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Royal Ransom (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube)
 * Rugrats: I Gotta Go Party (Game Boy Advance)
 * Rugrats: Time Travelers (Game Boy Color)
 * Rugrats Activity Challenge (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Adventure Game (PC CD Rom)
 * Rugrats Food Fight (Mobile Phone)
 * Rugrats Munchin Land (PC CD Rom)
 * The Rugrats Movie (Game Boy Color)
 * The Rugrats Mystery Adventures (PC CD Rom)
 * Rocket Power: Team Rocket Rescue (PlayStation) (Tommy & Angelica appear as guest characters)
 * Nickelodeon Party Blast (Gamecube), Xbox (Tommy and Angelica are playable)
 * Nicktoons Racing (PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows, Arcade) (Tommy and Angelica playable)
 * Nicktoons Basketball (PC CD Rom) (Tommy appears in All Grown Up! appearance)
 * Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots (Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance) (Tommy and Angelica are seen, but are not playable characters.)

Live performances
−		 −	Rugrats—A Live Adventure was a show about Angelica's constant attempts to scare Chuckie. To help Chuckie combat his wide range of fears, Tommy invents a magic wand called the "People-ator" to make Chuckie brave. Angelica, however, wants Chuckie to stay scared, so she steals Tommy's wand. The Rugrats try to get it back, but to no avail. Angelica becomes Princess of the World. Eventually, Chuckie becomes brave thanks to the help of Susie, Mr. Flashlight and the audience. Many songs were included in the play, including the theme song. The music was met with a rather mixed reception, which applause was tepid at best. However, the dancing was much better received. In addition, as soon as a character approached the stage to engage the crowd, the response from the kids was wild. Chuckie's pleas help from the audience to stop Angelica's megalomaniacal march toward world domination elicited much excitement and response. Overall, despite the criticism, the show was well received. The show had two 40-minute acts, with a 20-minute intermission (or a commercial break). −		 −

Merchandise
−		 −	Merchandise that was based on Rugrats varied from video games toothpaste, Kellogg’s cereal to slippers, puzzles, pajamas, jewelry, wrapping paper, Fruit Snacks, Inflatable balls, watches,  pens, pencils, markers, cookie jars, key rings,  action figures,  and bubblegum. −	The show also managed to spawn a popular merchandise line at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, EBay, Hot Topic, JCPenney, Toys "R" Us, Mattel, Barnes & Noble and Basic Fun, just to name a few. −		 −	The Rugrats had their own cereal made by Post called Reptar Crunch Cereal. The Rugrats and Reptar were predominantly featured on the front, there's a board game on the back, and a special $3 rebate for Runaway Reptar on the side. This cereal was released for a limited time only, sold at US supermarkets 8/1/99 to 9/15/99 only, and not all supermarkets carried the cereal. To memorialize the movie, Rugrats in Paris, another Rugrats-based cereal came out in October 2000. Simply called the Rugrats in Paris Cereal, it has a similar appearance to Trix; it's a sweetened, multi-grain cereal with small-round bits in plain, red, purple and green. Small Eiffel Towers could also be seen. −	Rugrats made fast-food appearances as well with the most appearances being on − Burger King. Their first fast food appearance was in 1994, when the Hardee's fast food chain offered a collection of Nicktoons toys as premiums that were included with kids' meals at Hardee's. All 4 Nicktoons at that time were featured—Ren & Stimpy, Rocko’s Modern Life, Doug and Rugrats. Other food items that feature Rugrats were Fruit Snacks, Macaroni and Cheese, Bubble Gum and Campbell's Rugrats Pasta with Chicken and Broth. −		 −	In their first tie-in with Burger King, 5 Rugrats toys were offered with their Kids Club meals, a different one with each meal. Each toy came with a 12-page (including covers) miniature version of Nickelodeon Magazine, which featured the toy's instructions, word search, picture puzzle, "Say What?”,a scrambled word puzzle, a coupon for Oral-B Rugrats toothpaste & toothbrush, and entry blanks to subscribe to Rugrats Comic Adventures, Nick Magazine and the Kids Club. From 1998 till 2003, "Rugrats" based-products included watches and various toys.