Invader Zim, branded as Invader ZIM, is an American animated television series aired on Nickelodeon. The series premiered on March 30, 2001 and ended on August 19, 2006. The show centers around the eponymous alien from the planet Irk, who inhabitants participate in an event called "Operation Impending Doom 2". After failing it, Zim is determined to prove himself to his leaders, the almighty tallest and conquer Earth. However, the tallest only sent him to his planet as a "secret mission" only to get rid of him. The series has high cost to air and the age demographic was aimed toward children. Nickelodeon cancelled the series on January 17, 2002, before the second season was completed. The rest of the completed episodes were first made available on DVD on October 12, 2004.