Originally a black-and-white publication, "Video Watchdog" was founded in 1990. The magazine added full-color covers with its 13th issue, and celebrated its 100th issue in 2003 by adopting a permanent, full-color format. Los Angeles-based artist Charlie Largent was responsible for most of the cover art from 2002 to the penultimate issue in 2016, beginning with #84. Two "Video Watchdog Special Editions" were also published, as well as two "Video Watchdog Signature Editions", the latter featuring unique covers individually signed by child stars Donnie Dunagan and Ann Carter.