Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999 — 2002)

Created by John R. Dilworth for Cartoon Network, Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999–2002) is an animated comedy horror series that follows the story of Courage, a kind but easily scared dog who was abandoned as a puppy. His parents were sent into outer space by a deranged veterinarian. He was rescued by Muriel Bagge, a friendly Scottish woman who took him in and gave him his name after their chance meeting in an alleyway. Currently, Courage lives with Muriel and her husband Eustace Bagge at an isolated farmhouse near the town of Nowhere. Eustace is a grumpy and greedy man who constantly belittles Courage with insults like ‘stupid dog’ and scares him with an ‘Ooga Booga’ mask. The town of Nowhere is known for its frequent encounters with monsters, aliens, zombies, and other supernatural beings that are drawn to it.

The horror film conventions are commonly used in the plot. Although many of the creatures encountered by the trio are hostile, some only appear that way due to distress, anger, or desperation, and may actually be friendly. It is up to Courage to protect Muriel and Eustace from these dangers. He must either defeat or make peace with the ‘monster of the week’ and fix any damage caused. While he sometimes receives help in this task, his actions often go unnoticed by his owners. Ironically, despite his name, Courage displays both heroic qualities as he goes above and beyond to keep his owners safe, as well as cowardly tendencies shown through his dramatic screams of distress.