Phineas and Ferb is arguably one of the most beloved children’s cartoons. The series was created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh and ran for four seasons before concluding in 2017. After a few years of absence, the dynamic behind-the-scenes duo is once again back together to bring the titular stepbrother duo back to our screens.
A fifth installment of the series is slated to premiere later this year, making it an opportune moment to go back in time and reflect on the classic cartoon’s creation. During an interview, Povenmire revealed that the series originated from a doodle he made during a visit to a restaurant. What followed is one of the strangest origin stories for an animated series and here is how it all went down.
Phineas and Ferb co-creator revealed how the series was born as a diner doodle
Phineas and Ferb premiered in 2007 and became an instant hit for Disney Channel. However, co-creator Dan Povenmire first conceptualized the series back in the mid-90s. Povenmire drew a doodle of a triangle-headed boy with a pair of round bubble eyes on the butcher paper covering his table at a diner.
During an interview with Slate, Povenmire recalled doodling the concept for one of the show’s two titular characters at a diner in Pasadena.
I tore that piece off and told my wife, ‘This is the show I’m going to sell.’
Povenmire made the above statement, revealing that he was convinced he would be able to sell the concept solely based on a doodle he had made.
Meanwhile, the co-creator explained that while he was excited by the concept, it took him nearly sixteen years to sell the series to a network. Povenmire also explained that the pitch was rejected numerous times primarily because of its multiple ongoing storylines in each episode.
Phineas and Ferb creators always hoped they would sell the series
After doodling the original concept for Phineas, Povenmire, and co-creator Jeff “Swampy” Marsh spent several years developing the idea into a full-fledged series with subplots following the brothers’ elder sister trying to expose them and their pet going on adventures as a secret agent.
Despite pitching the concept to several networks, the duo’s early attempts to sell the series failed. As a result, the creative partners parted ways with Povenmire taking a job on Fox’s adult-animated series Family Guy. Meanwhile, Marsh moved to England where he continued his career
However, Povenmire did not give up on the idea and kept a portfolio of his ideas for the story around never losing the hope of eventually selling it. Ultimately, Povenmire managed to secure a pilot order at Disney after almost thirteen years.
As soon as Povenmire received the greenlit to make a pilot, he immediately called up Marsh, and they created what is arguably the most beloved animated show of all time.
Phineas and Ferb is streaming on Disney+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
