Dilworth pitched the series to Hanna-Barbera's animated shorts showcase "What a Cartoon!" and a pilot titled "The Chicken from Outer Space" aired on Cartoon Network on February 18, 1996. The segment was nominated for an Academy Award, but lost to Wallace and Gromit's "A Close Shave". The short was greenlit to become a series, which premiered on November 12, 1999, and ended on November 22, 2002, with four seasons each consisting of thirteen episodes. During its run, the series was nominated for three Golden Reel Awards and one Annie Award. Merchandise based on the series has also been produced, such as home media releases, toys, and clothing.