View source for Craig McCracken

{{short description|American cartoonist and animator}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| image        = Craig McCracken 1.jpg
| alt          =
| caption      = McCracken in January 2012
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1971|3|31|mf=yes}} <!-- {{Birth date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} for living people supply only the year with {{Birth year and age|YYYY}} unless the exact date is already widely published, as per [[WP:DOB]]. For people who have died, use {{Birth date|YYYY|MM|DD}}. -->
| birth_place  = [[Charleroi, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| years_active = 1990–present
| known_for    = {{plainlist|
* ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]''
* ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]''
* ''[[Wander Over Yonder]]''
* ''[[Kid Cosmic]]''}}
| occupation   = {{hlist|Cartoonist|animator|director|writer|producer}}
| spouse       = {{marriage|[[Lauren Faust]]|2004}}
| children     = 1
}}
'''Craig McCracken'''<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1778148570560143561 |user=CrackMcCraigen |title=My middle name's not Douglas, I'll tell you that. |first=Craig |last=McCracken |author-link=Craig McCracken |date=April 10, 2024}}</ref> (born March 31, 1971) is an American cartoonist, animator, director, writer, and producer known for creating [[Cartoon Network]]'s ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]'' and ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'', [[Disney Channel]] and [[Disney XD]]'s ''[[Wander Over Yonder]]'', and [[Netflix]]'s ''[[Kid Cosmic]]''.

Regarded as "one of the most successful creators of episodic comedy cartoons",<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Baron |first=Reuben |date=January 20, 2021 |title=The Powerpuff Girls' Craig McCracken Talks Entering the Streaming Age with Kid Cosmic |url=https://www.cbr.com/craig-mccracken-kid-cosmic-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120183234/https://www.cbr.com/craig-mccracken-kid-cosmic-interview/ |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |access-date=January 25, 2021 |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR.com]]}}</ref> his style was "at the forefront of a second wave of innovative, creator-driven television animation" in the 1990s, along with that of other animators such as [[Genndy Tartakovsky]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lloyd |first=Robert |date=February 2, 2020 |title=At Netflix, 'Powerpuff Girls' Creator Savors Freedom: 'We Can Do This Now?' |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-02-02/powerpuff-girls-craig-mccracken-kid-cosmic-netfix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203010144/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-02-02/powerpuff-girls-craig-mccracken-kid-cosmic-netfix |archive-date=February 3, 2021 |access-date=February 22, 2021 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> and has been credited as "a staple of American modern animated television".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maher |first=John |date=February 2, 2021 |title=Two Decades After The Powerpuff Girls, a New Superpowered Kid Learns Some Big Lessons |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/kid-cosmic-craig-mccracken-interview.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202232821/https://www.vulture.com/article/kid-cosmic-craig-mccracken-interview.html |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=February 22, 2021 |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]}}</ref>

==Early life and education==
McCracken was born March 31, 1971,<ref name="base">{{Cite tweet |number=1774551258864452005 |user=TheCartoonBase |title=Happy 53rd Birthday to the talented Craig McCracken. What's your favorite series from the creator? |date=March 31, 2024}}</ref><ref name="wish">{{Cite tweet |number=1642036573821898753 |user=CrackMcCraigen |title=Thank you for all the happy birthday well wishes. Winding the evening down watching classic CN cartoons, like Chowder which was recently discovered by our daughter. Her mom, @Fyre_flye are so proud! |first=Craig |last=McCracken |author-link=Craig McCracken |access-date=June 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612062809/https://twitter.com/CrackMcCraigen/status/1642036573821898753 |archive-date=June 12, 2023}}</ref> in [[Charleroi, Pennsylvania]]. He began drawing at an early age. He attended [[California High School (Whittier, California)|California High School]] in [[Whittier, California]] and the [[California Institute of the Arts]] (CalArts), where he met his friend and future collaborator, [[Genndy Tartakovsky]]. During his first year, he created a series of short cartoons featuring a character named No Neck Joe, which were picked up by [[Spike and Mike's Festival of Animation|Spike and Mike's Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation]].<ref name="ppgdocumentary">{{Cite AV media |title=The Powerpuff Girls: Who, What, Where, How, Why... Who Cares? |year=2009}}</ref><ref name="lenburg" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2011 |title=Spike and Mike's&nbsp;– A Brief History |url=http://spikeandmike.com/sitepages/press.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703084323/http://spikeandmike.com/sitepages/press.php |archive-date=July 3, 2011 |access-date=January 14, 2014 |website=SpikeandMike.com}}</ref> While at CalArts, he also created a short entitled ''[[List of The Powerpuff Girls episodes#Whoopass Stew|Whoopass Stew!]]'', which would later become the basis for ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]''.<ref name="ppgdocumentary" /><ref name="lenburg">{{Cite book |last=Lenburg |first=Jeff |url=https://archive.org/details/whoswhoinanimate0000lenb |title=Who's Who in Animated Cartoons: An International Guide to Film & Television's Award-Winning and Legendary Animators |publisher=[[Hal Leonard]] |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-55783-671-7 |page=[https://archive.org/details/whoswhoinanimate0000lenb/page/231 231] |quote=tartakovsky calarts. |access-date=May 31, 2011 |url-access=registration}}</ref>

==Career==
In 1993, McCracken was hired by [[Hanna-Barbera]] Cartoons as an art director on the [[Turner Broadcasting System]] series ''[[2 Stupid Dogs]]'', alongside Tartakovsky. As his first job in the animation industry, he was "never really happy with how that [show] worked".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plume |first=Ken |date=June 26, 2002 |title=10 Questions: Craig McCracken |url=http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/363/363366p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020804022912/http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/363/363366p1.html |archive-date=August 4, 2002 |access-date=March 10, 2022 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref> While McCracken was at Hanna-Barbera, studio president [[Fred Seibert]] began a new project: an animation incubator consisting of 48 new cartoons running approximately seven minutes each. Dubbed ''[[What a Cartoon!]]'', it motivated McCracken to further develop his ''Whoopass Girls!'' creation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Animator Profile: 'Craig McCracken' |url=http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/ap/cmccracken.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310030357/http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/ap/cmccracken.html |archive-date=2007-03-10 |access-date=2007-03-26 |website=[[CartoonNetwork.com]]}}</ref> He recalled that the network could not market a show with the word "ass" in it, so two of his friends came up with ''The Powerpuff Girls'' as a replacement for the original title.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rawson |first=Christopher |date=November 14, 1998 |title=Three Tough Sisters |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94622924/three-tough-sisters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304132233/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94622924/three-tough-sisters/ |archive-date=March 4, 2022 |access-date=March 4, 2022 |work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |page=60 |publication-place=[[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> His new pilot, "''The Powerpuff Girls in: Meat Fuzzy Lumkins''", premiered on February 20, 1995, on [[Cartoon Network]]'s ''World Premiere Toons-In'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Winfrey |first=Lee |date=December 27, 1994 |title=From Hanna-Barbera, 8 New Cartoons for Cable the Cartoon Network's New Stable of Stars Includes Two Ducks, Two Bears, and Even Dino of "Flintstones" Fame. |url=http://articles.philly.com/1994-12-27/entertainment/25853819_1_world-premiere-toons-johnny-bravo-famous-cartoon-characters |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002247/http://articles.philly.com/1994-12-27/entertainment/25853819_1_world-premiere-toons-johnny-bravo-famous-cartoon-characters |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=2013-05-12 |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |publisher=[[Philadelphia Media Network]]}}</ref> and a second short, "''Crime 101''", followed on January 28, 1996. The first short to be picked up by the network was Tartakovsky's ''[[Dexter's Laboratory]]'', which McCracken would contribute to in early seasons. McCracken's ''Powerpuff Girls'' was the fourth cartoon to be greenlit a full series, which premiered on November 18, 1998, with the final episode airing on March 25, 2005. The show has won [[Emmy Awards|Emmy]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Powerpuff Girls {{!}} Emmys.com |url=http://www.emmys.com/node/22291 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017031414/https://www.emmys.com/404-search?search_api_views_fulltext=node%2022291 |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=November 4, 2011 |website=[[Emmys.com]]}}</ref> and [[Annie Awards|Annie]] awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=29th Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (2001) |url=http://annieawards.org/29thwinners.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509071145/http://annieawards.org/29thwinners.html |archive-date=May 9, 2008 |access-date=November 4, 2011 |website=[[AnnieAwards.org]] |publisher=[[ASIFA-Hollywood]]}}</ref> In 2002, McCracken directed ''[[The Powerpuff Girls Movie]]'', a prequel to his series. The film received generally positive reviews but was a box office failure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Longino |first=Bob |title=The Powerpuff Girls Movie |url=http://mo.accessatlanta.com/movies/content/shared/movies/reviews/P/thepowerpuffgirlsmovie.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116094053/http://mo.accessatlanta.com/movies/content/shared/movies/reviews/P/thepowerpuffgirlsmovie.html |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |access-date=March 15, 2018 |work=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gray |first=Brandon |date=July 8, 2002 |title=Same Weekend. New Record. 'Men in Black 2' Bags $87 Million over Fourth of July Weekend |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed628360196/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213543/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed628360196/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref>
[[File:Craig McCracken & Lauren Faust.png|thumb|McCracken and [[Lauren Faust]] at the [[Emmy Awards]] in 2008]]
McCracken left ''The Powerpuff Girls'' after four seasons, focusing on his next project, ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]''.<ref name="ppgdocumentary" /> It premiered with the 90-minute television special "House of Bloo's" on August 13, 2004, on Cartoon Network. He developed the series with wife [[Lauren Faust]] and Mike Moon. The show ran for six seasons, all directed by McCracken, and concluded on May 3, 2009. It also won Emmy<ref>{{Cite web |title=Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends {{!}} Emmys.com |url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/fosters-home-imaginary-friends |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606215058/http://www.emmys.com/shows/fosters-home-imaginary-friends |archive-date=June 6, 2012 |access-date=November 4, 2011 |website=[[Emmys.com]]}}</ref> and Annie awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=34th Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (2006) |url=http://annieawards.org/34thwinners.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129175920/http://annieawards.org/34thwinners.html |archive-date=January 29, 2009 |access-date=November 4, 2011 |website=[[AnnieAwards.org]] |publisher=[[ASIFA-Hollywood]]}}</ref>

In April 2008, he became executive producer of a new Cartoon Network showcase project called ''[[The Cartoonstitute]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 8, 2008 |title=Cartoon Network Bows the Cartoonstitute: A 'Think Tank' for Animators |url=https://variety.com/2008/tv/news/cartoon-network-2-20919/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404175928/https://variety.com/2008/tv/news/cartoon-network-2-20919/ |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |access-date=April 4, 2022 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> After 17 years of employment, he resigned from Cartoon Network in 2009, after it shifted focus to live-action and reality shows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flint |first=Joe |date=August 17, 2009 |title=Gambling on Live Action |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-aug-17-fi-ct-cartoon17-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404130947/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-aug-17-fi-ct-cartoon17-story.html |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |access-date=April 4, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> He created ''[[Wander Over Yonder]]'' for [[Disney Television Animation]] and [[Disney Channel]] in August 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Connelley |first=Brendon |date=March 13, 2012 |title=''Wander Over Yonder'' Coming to TV&nbsp;– The New Project from ''Powerpuff'' Creator Craig McCracken |url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/03/13/wander-over-yonder-coming-to-tv-the-new-project-from-powerpuff-creator-craig-mccracken/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101013308/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/03/13/wander-over-yonder-coming-to-tv-the-new-project-from-powerpuff-creator-craig-mccracken/ |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |access-date=August 27, 2013 |website=Bleeding Cool}}</ref> After ''Wander Over Yonder'' was cancelled, McCracken pitched a new show to Disney, based on his 2009 comic strip ''The Kid from Planet Earth''.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1489340668333858817 |user=CrackMcCraigen |title=2015- After Wander Over Yonder was cancelled @FrankAngones @Fyre_flye @andybeanmusic @ownerofwendys @skulptduggery Justin Nichols & I started working on what was then called "The Kid from Planet Earth" for Disney TVA. https://t.co/6vkrtAq1FT |first=Craig |last=McCracken |author-link=Craig McCracken |date=February 3, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203205206/https://twitter.com/CrackMcCraigen/status/1489340668333858817 |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnnhm1gBy7s |title=Craig McCracken: Creating Kid Cosmic! (Teaser) |date=September 4, 2021 |publisher=What's In My Head Podcast |access-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502225311/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnnhm1gBy7s |archive-date=May 2, 2022 |url-status=live |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Disney ultimately passed on the project,<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1489340671466954752 |user=CrackMcCraigen |title=After two years of development & a final pilot animatic Disney said no & passed on the project. |first=Craig |last=McCracken |author-link=Craig McCracken |date=February 3, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203205612/https://twitter.com/CrackMcCraigen/status/1489340671466954752 |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> and he eventually left the company in 2017.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1059982912974536704 |user=CrackMcCraigen |title=@angelleivaa @nickandmore Nope, I left Disney about a year ago. |first=Craig |last=McCracken |author-link=Craig McCracken |date=November 6, 2018 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508221709/https://twitter.com/CrackMcCraigen/status/1059982912974536704 |archive-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> He then pitched his idea to [[Netflix]] and it was greenlight under the name of  ''[[Kid Cosmic]]''. The show premiered on February 2, 2021, and ended on February 3, 2022.<ref name="AWN">{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2021 |title=Craig McCracken's 'Kid Cosmic' Premieres February 2 on Netflix |url=https://www.awn.com/news/craig-mccrackens-kid-cosmic-premieres-february-2-netflix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108064440/https://www.awn.com/news/craig-mccrackens-kid-cosmic-premieres-february-2-netflix |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=[[Animation World Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1482064513058807808 |user=CrackMcCraigen |title=#KidCosmic Season 3 premieres Feb 3rd on @netflix. These last 6 episodes are the final chapter in Kid's story of finally becoming the Global Hero he always dreamed he could be! https://t.co/S58EkrA3Pw |first=Craig |last=McCracken |author-link=Craig McCracken |date=January 14, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114185831/https://twitter.com/CrackMcCraigen/status/1482064513058807808 |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> It is the first of McCracken's original works to have a serialized format and his return to the [[Superhero fiction|superhero genre]] since ''The Powerpuff Girls''.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=January 5, 2021 |title=Close Encounters of the Retro Kind: Craig McCracken Discusses His New Show 'Kid Cosmic' |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/close-encounters-of-the-retro-kind-craig-mccracken-talks-kid-cosmic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104185220/https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/close-encounters-of-the-retro-kind-craig-mccracken-talks-kid-cosmic/ |archive-date=January 4, 2021 |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref> He pitched 10 projects to Netflix in August 2021,<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1425251948555505666 |user=CrackMcCraigen |title=@FrankAngones @bibbymoynihan Then you'll really like one of the 10 new projects I'm pitching to Netflix tomorrow! |first=Craig |last=McCracken |author-link=Craig McCracken |date=August 10, 2021 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811002526/https://twitter.com/CrackMcCraigen/status/1425251948555505666 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> but eventually left by April 2022 due to mass layoffs at [[Netflix Animation]].<ref name="NetflixAnimationProjectUpdates">{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=April 20, 2022 |title=Netflix Animation Erased: Executives Fired, Shows Canceled and Accusations of 'Staged Data' (Exclusive) |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/netflix-animation-erased-executives-fired-220251819.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017031413/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/netflix-animation-erased-executives-fired-220251819.html |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=April 25, 2022 |website=Yahoo!}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1518377445140811776 |user=CrackMcCraigen |title=@mexopolis @kikutowne Incredibly well said. This is a great sentiment to take with me as I wrap my last official week there. |first=Craig |last=McCracken |author-link=Craig McCracken |date=April 24, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424235317/https://twitter.com/CrackMcCraigen/status/1518377445140811776 |archive-date=April 24, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 18, 2022, it was announced that McCracken began developing reboots of ''The Powerpuff Girls'' and ''Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'' at [[Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe]]. ''Foster's Home'' will take form in a pre-school show focused on new characters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2022-07-18 |title='Powerpuff Girls' & 'Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends' Animated Series Reboots from Craig McCracken in Works at Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe |url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/powerpuff-girls-fosters-home-for-imaginary-friends-animated-series-reboots-craig-mccracken-hanna-barbera-studios-europe-1235071571/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718190549/https://deadline.com/2022/07/powerpuff-girls-fosters-home-for-imaginary-friends-animated-series-reboots-craig-mccracken-hanna-barbera-studios-europe-1235071571/ |archive-date=July 18, 2022 |access-date=2022-07-18 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> In 2023, McCracken received the [[Winsor McCay Award]] at the Annie Awards ceremony for his "unparalleled achievement and exceptional contributions to animation".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Annie Awards - Nominations |url=https://annieawards.org/nominations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229200458/https://annieawards.org/nominations |archive-date=December 29, 2021 |access-date=January 18, 2023 |website=[[AnnieAwards.org]] |publisher=[[ASIFA-Hollywood]]}}</ref> ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]''  also named him one of the most powerful people in kids entertainment, in pair with Lauren Faust.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 8, 2023 |editor-last=Sancton |editor-first=Julian |title=The 75 Most Powerful People in Kids' Entertainment |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/powerful-people-kids-entertainment-1235507904/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808073647/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/powerful-people-kids-entertainment-1235507904/ |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=December 9, 2023 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

==Style and influences==
Since his early years of career, McCracken has chosen to design characters in a simplistic way (as opposed to the realism of [[Warner Bros.]] or [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] feature films) because it is more practical for television production, as money and time limits what the animators can do.<ref name=":murray">{{Cite book |last=Murray |first=Joe |url=https://joemurraystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Creating-Animated-Cartoons-with-Character.pdf |title=Creating Animated Cartoons with Character: A Guide to Developing and Producing Your Own Series for TV, the Web, and Short Film |publisher=Watson-Guptill Publications |year=2010 |isbn=9780823033072 |pages=106–109 |chapter=Q&A with Craig McCracken}}</ref> In addition to this, he claimed that the crew at Hanna-Barbera wanted their shows "to be different than what was on [[Nickelodeon|Nick]] and Disney".<ref name=":murray" /> Some of his main inspirations were comic book artists such as [[Charles M. Schulz]], [[Bill Watterson]] and [[Hergé]].<ref name=":obsessive">{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2023 |title=Craig McCracken on Creativity |url=https://animationobsessive.substack.com/p/craig-mccracken-on-creativity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607190641/https://animationobsessive.substack.com/p/craig-mccracken-on-creativity |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |website=Animation Obsessive}}</ref> All of his series have had diverse influences in terms of design, comedy and storytelling. To mention some: [[Batman (TV series)|1960s ''Batman'']], ''[[Underdog (TV series)|Underdog]]'' and [[The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends|''Rocky and Bullwinkle'']] in ''The Powerpuff Girls'',<ref name=":mcdonough">{{Cite news |last=McDonough |first=Kevin |date=June 30, 2002 |title=Powerpuff Girls |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/94554371/powerpuff-girls-market-muscle-d18/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905142915/https://www.newspapers.com/article/94554371/powerpuff-girls-market-muscle-d18/ |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=[[Newsday]] |page=D18 (141) |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> ''[[The Muppet Show]]'' and ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'' in ''Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'' (which also has a visual style inspired by 60s psychedelia),<ref name="press">{{Cite web |last=Press |first=Joy |date=August 15, 2004 |title=Television; The Retirement Home for Imaginary Friends |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/15/arts/television-the-retirement-home-for-imaginary-friends.html?_r=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515151140/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/15/arts/television-the-retirement-home-for-imaginary-friends.html?_r=1 |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Renata |first=Gonzáles |date=September 13, 2004 |title=Cambia a las Chicas por un 'Amigo' |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A126118026/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-STND&xid=e3a18da5 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |work=Reforma |publisher=[[Grupo Reforma]] |page=1 |language=es}}</ref> [[Yellow Submarine (film)|''Yellow Submarine'']] and ''[[Looney Tunes]]'' in ''Wander Over Yonder'',<ref name="zahed">{{Cite web |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=September 13, 2013 |title=McCracken's 'Wander Over Yonder' Premieres Tonight |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2013/09/a-walk-on-the-bright-side/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212142753/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2013/09/a-walk-on-the-bright-side/ |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |website=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref> and [[Dennis the Menace (U.S. comics)|''Dennis the Menace'']] and ''[[The Adventures of Tintin]]'' in ''Kid Cosmic''.<ref name="fay">{{Cite web |last=Fay |first=Kim |date=March 1, 2021 |title=Cosmic Cartooning |url=https://keyframemagazine.org/2021/03/01/cosmic-cartooning/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905135911/https://keyframemagazine.org/2021/03/01/cosmic-cartooning/ |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |website=Keyframe}}</ref>

During his time at CalArts, he discovered the cartoons of [[United Productions of America]] (UPA), which also heavily influenced the visual style of his creations.<ref name=":obsessive" /> His shows often present the underdog as the main focus.<ref name=":obsessive" /> For example, ''Kid Cosmic'' is about a group of "punk rock" characters who "may not have the skill or the talent, but they have the determination and conviction" to create a superhero team.<ref name="fay" /> ''Foster's'' also revolves around a group of misfit creatures that have been abandoned by their original owners.<ref name="press" /><ref name="lloyd">{{Cite web |last=Lloyd |first=Robert |date=February 2, 2021 |title='Powerpuff Girls' Creator Breaks Down 'Kid Cosmic' on Netflix |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-02-02/powerpuff-girls-craig-mccracken-kid-cosmic-netfix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905160842/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-02-02/powerpuff-girls-craig-mccracken-kid-cosmic-netfix |archive-date=September 5, 2021 |access-date=September 5, 2023 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Although the Powerpuff Girls are not typical underdogs, the fact that they are little girls might make people underestimate them as superheroes.<ref name=":obsessive" /> He also liked to present "the contrast of cute characters being strong and tough".<ref name=":rosenfeld">{{Cite news |last=Rosenfeld |first=Megan |date=December 26, 2000 |title=Powerpuff Girls: Good Guise, Bad Guys |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2000/12/26/powerpuff-girls-good-guise-bad-guys/79a54733-9e40-4633-a5c4-46c040bff6c2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620012839/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/2000/12/26/powerpuff-girls-good-guise-bad-guys/79a54733-9e40-4633-a5c4-46c040bff6c2/ |archive-date=June 20, 2020 |access-date=December 9, 2023 |work=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> Although the Powerpuff Girls have been widely regarded as feminist icons, McCracken has claimed that the real background for their creation was finding "a fun idea" or "a cool concept".<ref name=":rosenfeld" />

==Awards and nominations==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="margin-right: 0;"
|-
! Date
! Award
! Category
! Work
! Shared with
! Result
! Ref
|-
| {{dts|1996}}
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour or Less)]]
| ''[[Dexter's Laboratory]]'' (for "The Big Sister")
| [[Larry Huber]], [[Genndy Tartakovsky]], and [[Paul Rudish]]
| {{nom}}
| <ref name="DexterEmmys">{{Cite web |title=Dexter's Laboratory |url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/dexters-laboratory |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629025629/http://www.emmys.com/shows/dexters-laboratory |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |website=[[Emmys.com]] |publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]}}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|1997}}
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming One Hour or Less)]]
| ''[[Dexter's Laboratory]]'' (for "Star Spangled Sidekicks", "TV Super Pals", and "Game Over")
| [[Sherry Gunther]], [[Larry Huber]], [[Genndy Tartakovsky]], and [[Jason Butler Rote]]
| {{nom}}
| <ref name="DexterEmmys" />
|-
| {{dts|1999}}
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or Less)]]
| ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]'' (for "Bubblevicious" and "The Bare Facts")
| John McIntyre, [[Amy Keating Rogers]], [[Jason Butler Rote]], and [[Genndy Tartakovsky]]
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite news |date=July 22, 1999 |title=Primetime Emmy Noms&nbsp;– List 1 |url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/primetime-emmy-noms-list-1-1117744103/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116145625/http://variety.com/1999/tv/news/primetime-emmy-noms-list-1-1117744103/ |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |access-date=May 27, 2011 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |at=Section: Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or Less.)}}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|2000}}
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or Less)]]
| ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]'' (for "Beat Your Greens" and "Down 'N Dirty")
| [[Robert Alvarez]], John McIntyre, [[Randy Myers (animator)|Randy Myers]], [[Amy Keating Rogers]], and [[Genndy Tartakovsky]]
| {{nom}}
| <ref name="PPGEmmys">{{Cite web |title=52nd Annual Primetime Emmy Award Nominations |url=https://www.digitalhit.com/emmy/52/52noms.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927021405/http://www.digitalhit.com/emmy/52/52noms.shtml |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |access-date=May 27, 2011 |website=DigitalHit.com}}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|2001}}
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour)]]
| ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]'' (for "Moral Decay" and "Meet the Beat Alls")
| [[Robert Alvarez]], [[Lauren Faust]], John McIntyre, [[Amy Keating Rogers]], and [[Genndy Tartakovsky]]
| {{nom}}
| <ref name="PPGEmmys" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Variety Staff |date=July 12, 2001 |title=Emmy 2001 Nomination List |url=https://variety.com/2001/tv/news/emmy-2001-nomination-list-2-1117802665/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111203305/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117802665?refCatId=14 |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |access-date=May 27, 2011 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |page=Section: Animated Program (For Programming Less Than One Hour)}}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|2004}}
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or More)]]
| ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]'' (for "'Twas the Fight Before Christmas")
| [[Robert Alvarez]], [[Lauren Faust]], Juli Hashiguchi, Craig Lewis, John McIntyre, [[Brian A. Miller]], [[Randy Myers (animator)|Randy Myers]], [[Amy Keating Rogers]], [[Chris Savino]], James Tim Walker
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |title=The Powerpuff Girls: Twas The Fight Before Christmas |url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/powerpuff-girls-twas-fight-christm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013011902/http://www.emmys.com/shows/powerpuff-girls-twas-fight-christm |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |website=[[Emmys.com]] |publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3"| {{dts|2005}}
| [[Annie Awards]]
| Best Production Design in an Animated Television Production
| ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' (for "A Lost Claus")
| Mike Moon, Dave Dunnet, and Martin Ansolabehere
| {{won}}
| <ref name="an05">{{Cite web |last=International Animated Film Society |title=Legacy: 33rd Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (2005) |url=http://annieawards.org/33rdwinners.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629092520/http://annieawards.org/33rdwinners.html |archive-date=2012-06-29 |access-date=2009-03-04 |website=[[Annie Awards|AnnieAwards.org]]}}</ref>
|-
| [[Annie Awards]]
| Best Directing in an Animated Television Production
| ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' (for "Duchess of Wails")
| {{n/a}}
| {{nom}}
| <ref name="an05" />
|-
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation
| ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' (for "House of Bloo's")
| {{n/a}}
| {{won}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |last=Basiley |first=Sarah |date=2005-08-17 |title=TV Academy Announces Individual Achievement in Animation Emmy Award Winners |url=http://www.awn.com/news/awards/tv-academy-announces-individual-achievement-animation-emmy-award-winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115031152/https://www.awn.com/news/tv-academy-announces-individual-achievement-animation-emmy-award-winners |archive-date=2020-11-15 |access-date=2009-10-05 |website=Animation World Network}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Basiley |first=Sarah |date=2005-09-12 |title=South Park, Clone Wars and Lost Win Animation and VFX Primetime Emmy Awards |url=http://www.awn.com/news/awards/south-park-clone-wars-and-lost-win-animation-and-vfx-primetime-emmy-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115031157/https://www.awn.com/news/south-park-clone-wars-and-lost-win-animation-and-vfx-primetime-emmy-awards |archive-date=2020-11-15 |access-date=2009-10-05 |website=Animation World Network}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| {{dts|2006}}
| [[Annie Awards]]
| Best Directing in an Animated Television Production
| ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' (for "Bus the Two of Us")
| {{n/a}}
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |last=International Animated Film Society |title=Legacy: 34th Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (2006) |url=http://annieawards.org/34thwinners.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509064413/http://annieawards.org/34thwinners.html |archive-date=2008-05-09 |access-date=2009-03-04 |website=[[Annie Awards|AnnieAwards.org]]}}</ref>
|-
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (for Programming Less Than One Hour)]]
| ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' (for "Go Goo Go")
| [[Brian A. Miller]], [[Lauren Faust]], Jennifer Pelphrey, Vince Aniceto, [[Robert Alvarez]], Eric Pringle
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends&nbsp;— Awards |url=http://tv.nytimes.com/show/172956/Foster-s-Home-For-Imaginary-Friends/awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302074450/http://tv.nytimes.com/show/172956/Foster-s-Home-For-Imaginary-Friends/awards |archive-date=2012-03-02 |access-date=2009-10-05 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="past">{{Cite web |last=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |author-link=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences |title=Past Winners ("Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends" – 2004–2007) |url=http://cdn.emmys.tv/awards/2007pt/history.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080713090908/http://cdn.emmys.tv/awards/2007pt/history.php |archive-date=2008-07-13 |access-date=2009-10-05 |website=[[Emmy Awards|Emmys.tv]]}}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|2007}}
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or More)]]
| ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' (for "Good Wilt Hunting")
| [[Brian A. Miller]], Jennifer Pelphrey, [[Lauren Faust]], Vince Aniceto, Michelle Papandrew, [[Darrick Bachman]], Craig Lewis, [[Robert Alvarez]], Eric Pringle, Robert Cullen
| {{nom}}
| <ref name="past" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baisley |first=Sarah |date=2007-07-19 |title=Cartoon Network Leads 2007 Primetime Emmy Award Animation Nominations |url=http://www.awn.com/news/awards/cartoon-network-leads-2007-primetime-emmy-award-animation-nominations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115031234/https://www.awn.com/news/cartoon-network-leads-2007-primetime-emmy-award-animation-nominations |archive-date=2020-11-15 |access-date=2009-10-06 |website=Animation World Network}}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|2008}}
| [[Annie Awards]]
| Directing in an Animated Television Production or Short Form
| ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' (for ''[[Destination: Imagination]]'')
| [[Rob Renzetti]]
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |last=International Animated Film Society |title=Legacy: 36th Annual Annie Award Nominees and Winners (2008) |url=http://www.annieawards.org/foryourconsideration.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202192706/http://www.annieawards.org/foryourconsideration.html |archive-date=2008-12-02 |access-date=2009-03-04 |website=[[Annie Awards|AnnieAwards.org]]}}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|2009}}
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program|Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or More)]]
| ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]'' (for ''[[Destination: Imagination]]'')
| Jennifer Pelphrey, Michelle Papandrew, Tim McKeon, Ed Baker, Alex Kirwan, [[Robert Alvarez]], [[Brian A. Miller]], Ryan Slater, [[Lauren Faust]], [[Darrick Bachman]], Vaughn Tada, [[Rob Renzetti]], Eric Pringle
| {{won}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or More) - 2009 |url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2009/outstanding-animated-program |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204061632/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2009/outstanding-animated-program |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=Emmys.com |publisher=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]}}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|2010}}
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program
| ''[[Uncle Grandpa]]'' (for "Pilot")
| [[Peter Browngardt]], Janet Dimon, [[Robert Alvarez]], [[Rob Renzetti]], [[Brian A. Miller]], Jennifer Pelphrey, and [[Rob Sorcher]]
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Uncle Grandpa: Academy of Television Arts & Sciences&nbsp;– Emmy |url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/uncle-grandpa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213032125/http://www.emmys.com/shows/uncle-grandpa |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |access-date=December 9, 2013 |website=Emmys.com}}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|2014}}
| [[Annie Awards]]
| Outstanding Achievement, Character Design in an Animated TV/Broadcast Production
| ''[[Wander Over Yonder]]''
| {{n/a}}
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Annie Awards 2014: Complete List of Winners and Nominees |url=https://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/02/entertainment/la-et-mn-complete-list-of-2013-annie-award-noms-20131202/2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231162534/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/02/entertainment/la-et-mn-complete-list-of-2013-annie-award-noms-20131202/2 |archive-date=December 31, 2013 |access-date=March 5, 2016 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |page=2}}</ref>
|-
| {{dts|2015}}
| [[Primetime Emmy Awards]]
| Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program
| ''[[Wander Over Yonder]]'' (for "The Gift 2: The Giftening")
| Francisco Angones, Amy Higgins, [[Lauren Faust]], Ben Joseph, Johanna Stein, Dave Thomas, Eddie Trigueros
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Wander Over Yonder |url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/wander-over-yonder |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320172138/https://www.emmys.com/shows/wander-over-yonder |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=Emmys.com}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3"| {{dts|2022}}
| [[Annie Awards]]
| Best Character Design - TV/Media
| ''[[Kid Cosmic]]'' (for "Kid Cosmic and the Rings of Power!")
| {{n/a}}
| {{nom}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarto |first=Dan |date=March 13, 2022 |title='The Mitchells vs. the Machines' and 'Arcane' Big Winners at 49th Annie Awards |url=https://www.awn.com/news/mitchells-vs-machines-and-arcane-big-winners-49th-annie-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702191645/https://www.awn.com/news/mitchells-vs-machines-and-arcane-big-winners-49th-annie-awards |archive-date=July 2, 2023 |access-date=July 8, 2023 |website=[[Animation World Network]]}}</ref>
|-
| [[Annie Awards]]
| [[Winsor McCay Award]]
| {{n/a}}
| {{n/a}}
| {{won}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |title=The Winsor McCay Award |url=https://staging.annieawards.org/juried-awards/winsor-mccay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808073657/https://staging.annieawards.org/juried-awards/winsor-mccay |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=AnnieAwards.org |publisher=[[ASIFA-Hollywood]]}}</ref>
|-
| [[Children's and Family Emmy Awards]]
| Individual Achievement in Animation
| ''[[Kid Cosmic]]''
| {{n/a}}
| {{won}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |date=December 11, 2022 |title=Children's & Family Emmys Final Winners List 2023 |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/childrens-family-emmys-winners-list-2023-1235456208/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212034606/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/childrens-family-emmys-winners-list-2023-1235456208/ |archive-date=December 12, 2022 |access-date=July 8, 2023 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
|}

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Films
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
! Year
! Title
! Role
|-
| 1991
| ''No Neck Joe''
| Creator, director, writer, and animator {{small|(made in 1990, copyright date 1991)}}
|-
|-
| 1992
| ''[[Whoopass Stew!]]''
| Creator, director, writer, and animator
|-
| 1999
| ''[[Dexter's Laboratory: Ego Trip]]''
| Story
|-
| 2002
| ''[[The Powerpuff Girls Movie]]''
| Creator, director, story, writer, executive producer, storyboard artist, character designer, and character layout
|-
| 2009
| ''[[The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!!]]''
| Creator, Writer, Story, director, executive producer, story editor, storyboard artist, and character designer
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Television
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
! Year
! Title
! Role
|-
| 1993–1995
| ''[[2 Stupid Dogs]]''
| Art director
|-
| 1995
| ''[[Space Ghost Coast to Coast]]''
| Himself {{small|(Episode: "President's Day Nightmare")}}
|-
| 1995–1997
| ''[[What a Cartoon!]]''
| Writer, director, and art director
|-
| 1995–1996
| ''[[Dumb and Dumber (TV series)|Dumb and Dumber]]''
| Character designer
|-
| 1996–2003
| ''[[Dexter's Laboratory]]''
| Director,<ref name="times">{{Cite news |title=Dexter's Laboratory Credits |url=https://www.nytimes.com/tv/show/154958/Dexter-s-Laboratory/credits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206114629/https://www.nytimes.com/tv/show/154958/Dexter-s-Laboratory/credits |archive-date=February 6, 2015 |access-date=2011-05-31 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> art director, model designer, and storyboard artist
|-
| 1998–2005
| ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]''
| Creator, story, executive producer, writer, storyboard artist, recording director, and director (1998-2002; 2008)
|-
| 2004–2009
| ''[[Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends]]''
| Creator, executive producer, art director, character designer, developer, story, writer, storyboard artist, director, and story editor
|-
| rowspan="2 | 2007
|''Diggs Tailwagger: Galactic Rover''
| rowspan="2"|Executive creative consultant
|-
|''Enter Mode 5''
|-
| 2008
|''[[Uncle Grandpa]]''
| rowspan="1"|Executive producer {{small|(Episode: "Pilot")}}
|-
| rowspan="2 | 2009
|''[[Chowder (TV series)|Chowder]]''
| Story and storyboard artist {{small|(Episode: "The Birthday Suits")}}
|-
|''[[Regular Show]]''
| rowspan="1"|Executive producer {{small|(Episode: "Pilot")}}
|-
| 2013–2016
|''[[Wander Over Yonder]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney's 2012–13 TV Schedule Presented to Advertisers |url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/biz/disneys-2012-13-tv-schedule-presented-to-advertisers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314100013/http://www.cartoonbrew.com/biz/disneys-2012-13-tv-schedule-presented-to-advertisers.html |archive-date=March 14, 2012 |access-date=March 13, 2012 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| Creator, writer, storyboard artist (2013), director (2013), story, character designer, executive producer, and additional voices
|-
| 2021–2022
|''[[Kid Cosmic]]''
| Creator, executive producer, story, writer, storyboard artist, character designer, director
|-
|}

==Personal life==
McCracken married animator [[Lauren Faust]] on March 13, 2004. Faust took maternity leave in mid-2016 to take care of their newborn daughter, Quinn.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fs6R8XtUGU |title=Episode 18: Lauren Faust |date=September 9, 2016 |last=Nicktoons |access-date=September 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/1Fs6R8XtUGU |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live |quote=My daughter's only three months old, so I'm still on my leave, so I'm... just... usually... all day, taking care of the baby. I kinda love it. |via=[[YouTube]] |work=Nick Animation Podcast}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Craig McCracken}}
* {{IMDb name|0566833}}
* [http://cmcc.deviantart.com/ Craig McCracken's deviantART account]
* {{Twitter}}
* {{Tumblr|crackmccraigen}}
* {{Instagram|cmcccartoons}}
* [https://m.ign.com/articles/2002/06/26/10-questions-craig-mccracken 10 Questions: Craig McCracken]

{{Craig McCracken}}
{{Winsor McCay Award 2020s}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:McCracken, Craig}}
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century American male writers]]
[[Category:21st-century American male writers]]
[[Category:20th-century American screenwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century American screenwriters]]
[[Category:Animators from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:American art directors]]
[[Category:American animated film directors]]
[[Category:American animated film producers]]
[[Category:American storyboard artists]]
[[Category:American television directors]]
[[Category:American television writers]]
[[Category:American male screenwriters]]
[[Category:American male television writers]]
[[Category:American voice directors]]
[[Category:Television producers from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Annie Award winners]]
[[Category:California Institute of the Arts alumni]]
[[Category:Cartoon Network Studios people]]
[[Category:Disney Television Animation people]]
[[Category:Hanna-Barbera people]]
[[Category:Netflix people]]
[[Category:Showrunners of animated series]]
[[Category:Film directors from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:People from Charleroi, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Pennsylvania]]