The late 1990s and early 2000s were a remarkable time for cartoons, with shows like Hey Arnold! pushing boundaries by exploring diversity and adult themes. The show, which ran on Nickelodeon for five seasons, left a lasting impression on its audience and continues to be remembered fondly. However, amidst the chaos of show cancellations, rumors of a Hey Arnold! spin-off series have long been circulating. One such project, The Patakis, has recently resurfaced, and its intriguing concept is worth revisiting.
The Patakis was a proposed spin-off that would have focused on Helga Pataki, a main character from the original show, as she navigated her teenage years and adulthood. The project, which was first conceptualized in 2000, was meant to be a show for teens and adults, not children. Unlike Hey Arnold!, The Patakis would have delved into more mature themes, making it unsuitable for the Nickelodeon audience. Instead, the producers aimed to launch the show into the “late-night arena,” targeting networks like Nick at Nite and MTV.
The show’s bible, which has recently been released online, provides a Look into what The Patakis would have looked like. The concept follows Helga, now 15 years old, as she struggles to find her place in the world. She ismoody and in love with Arnold, but he has moved away, exacerbating her angst. Each episode would open with Helga writing a letter to her lost soulmate before flashing back to share the narrative. At the end of each episode, Helga would file the letter away with the rest, never mailing a single one.
Throughout the series, Helga would be seeking acceptance from within and without. She would be pining for her parents’ attention, but her newfound role as the golden child at a new school would create unforeseen conflicts and struggles. The show would have also revisited familiar characters like Phoebe, Olga, and Big Bob, showcasing how they had developed since the original series.
A Still From Hey Arnold (Photo: Hey Arnold)
Despite its intriguing concept, The Patakis never made it to air due to the networks rejecting the project. The bible’s cover page notes its intention to launch Helga “into the late night arena,” and the show’s creator, Craig Bartlett, compared it to family-focused shows like The Wonder Years, Malcolm in the Middle, All In The Family, and The Simpsons.
In an interview, Bartlett referred to the recovered bible as “an ancient antique” and admitted to feeling somewhat embarrassed about its “crudeness.” However, he also expressed enthusiasm for the idea, stating that if he had the chance to revisit The Patakis today, he would look at his past notes as “interesting inspiration from long ago” and then “start from scratch again.”
The Patakis may not have seen the light of day back in 2000, but its resurrection now raises hopes for a potential revival. With adult animation becoming mainstream and Hey Arnold!’s original audience being more than old enough to appreciate a mature spin-off, the time may be ripe for The Patakis to finally enter its long overdue development.
