"Avatar: The Last Airbender", or "Avatar: The Legend of Aang", is an American animated fantasy action series created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, the show follows the adventures of Aang, the Avatar who can control all four elements, as he trains to defeat the Fire Nation and bring peace to the world.
2001: The Birth of Avatar: The Last Airbender
The initial concept for "Avatar: The Last Airbender" emerged in 2001 when co-creator Bryan Konietzko sketched a bald-headed, middle-aged man who he later envisioned as a young boy riding a flying bison.
2003: The Unaired Pilot of Avatar: The Last Airbender
In 2003, a pilot episode for "Avatar: The Last Airbender" was produced, featuring Mitchel Musso as the voice of Aang. This pilot, with some differences from the aired series, was later included as a bonus feature on the Season 1 DVD.
2004: Avatar: The Last Airbender Debuts at Comic-Con
The world got its first glimpse of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" in 2004 when a teaser reel for the show was presented at Comic-Con, generating excitement for its upcoming premiere.
February 2005: Avatar: The Last Airbender Premieres
In February 2005, the beloved animated series "Avatar: The Last Airbender" premiered on Nickelodeon, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action, adventure, and Eastern-inspired fantasy.
February 21, 2005: Avatar: The Last Airbender Premieres with an Hour-Long Special
On February 21, 2005, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" made its grand debut with an hour-long premiere episode, introducing the world to Aang and his quest to bring peace to the Four Nations.
September 15, 2006: Avatar: The Last Airbender's "The Secret of the Fire Nation" Special Airs
On September 15, 2006, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" aired a special one-hour episode titled "The Secret of the Fire Nation," which combined the episodes "The Serpent's Pass" and "The Drill." This special attracted a massive audience and became one of the highest-rated cable programs that week.
October 10, 2006: "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Video Game Released
The first video game based on the animated series, "Avatar: The Last Airbender," was released on October 10, 2006.
July 2007: Avatar: The Last Airbender's "Sozin's Comet" Finale Breaks Records
The four-part series finale of "Avatar: The Last Airbender," titled "Sozin's Comet," aired in July 2007 and shattered viewership records. It became the most-watched program among the under-14 demographic that week and solidified the show's place as a cultural phenomenon.
October 16, 2007: "Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Burning Earth" Video Game Released
The second game in the "Avatar: The Last Airbender" video game trilogy, "Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Burning Earth," was released on October 16, 2007.
2007: Avatar: The Last Airbender Goes Global
By 2007, the popularity of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" had reached international levels, with the show being syndicated to over 105 countries and becoming a top-rated program for Nickelodeon worldwide.
July 2008: Avatar: The Last Airbender Concludes
After three successful seasons, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" aired its final episode in July 2008, leaving a lasting legacy on the world of animation.
July 19, 2008: Avatar: The Last Airbender Concludes with a Two-Hour Movie
The epic saga of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" reached its conclusion on July 19, 2008, with a special two-hour television movie that brought the story to a satisfying close.
September 15, 2008: "Avatar: Legends of the Arena" MMORPG Launched
"Avatar: Legends of the Arena," a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for Microsoft Windows based on the animated series, was released on September 15, 2008.
October 13, 2008: "Avatar: The Last Airbender – Into the Inferno" Video Game Released
The third game in the "Avatar: The Last Airbender" video game trilogy, "Avatar: The Last Airbender – Into the Inferno," was released on October 13, 2008.
June 2, 2010: Release of The Art of the Animated Series
On June 2, 2010, Dark Horse Comics published Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Art of the Animated Series, an art book featuring 184 pages of original art from the series.
June 14, 2010: Avatar: The Last Airbender Pilot Released on iTunes
On June 14, 2010, the unaired pilot episode of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" became available for purchase on the iTunes Store, giving fans a chance to see the show's origins.
2010: The Last Airbender Film Release
The live-action film The Last Airbender, based on the first season of Avatar: The Last Airbender, was released in 2010. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the film received widespread criticism for its writing, acting, and casting, earning a 5% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and five Razzies at the 31st Golden Raspberry Awards.
June 15, 2011: Release of The Lost Adventures
On June 15, 2011, Dark Horse published Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Lost Adventures, a collection of comic-book short stories originally published in Nickelodeon Magazine along with new comics.
April 14, 2012: The Legend of Korra Premieres
The Legend of Korra, a sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender, premiered on Nickelodeon on April 14, 2012. The show, created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, is set seventy years after the original series and follows Korra, a 17-year-old girl from the Southern Water Tribe who is the new Avatar after Aang's death.
2013: Avatar: The Last Airbender Makes TV Guide's Greatest Cartoons List
In 2013, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" received further recognition for its impact on animation when TV Guide included it in their list of the 60 greatest cartoons of all time.
December 19, 2014: The Legend of Korra Series Finale
The Legend of Korra concluded its run after 52 episodes on December 19, 2014. The series, which followed the adventures of Korra, the new Avatar, ended after four seasons.
2016: Translation of The Promise into Hebrew
In 2016, the graphic novel Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Promise was translated into Hebrew, marking its international reach.
2017: Translation of The Promise into Hebrew
In 2017, the graphic novel Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Promise continued to be translated into Hebrew, furthering its global readership.
June 2018: Avatar: The Last Airbender 10th Anniversary Blu-ray Release
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the finale, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" was released in its entirety on Blu-ray in June 2018, allowing fans to relive the adventure in high definition.
September 2018: Netflix Announces Live-Action Remake
In September 2018, Netflix announced a live-action remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender, with original creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko set to serve as executive producers and showrunners. The remake aimed to have a culturally appropriate cast.
October 2018: Release of Imbalance
In October 2018, Dark Horse published Avatar: The Last Airbender – Imbalance, a graphic novel exploring the emerging conflict between benders and non-benders, a central theme in the sequel series The Legend of Korra.
2018: Avatar: The Last Airbender Ranked Among Best Animated Shows
The legacy of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" continued to grow in 2018 as it was ranked among the best animated television shows by multiple publications, including Vanity Fair and IndieWire, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
2019: Production Start for Netflix Remake
Production for the Netflix live-action remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender was scheduled to start in 2019, with original creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko involved as executive producers and showrunners.
2019: Translation of The Search into Hebrew
In 2019, the second set of graphic novels, Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Search, which focuses on Zuko and Azula, was translated into Hebrew.
February 2020: Netflix Debuts Top Series List
In February 2020, Netflix introduced its official list of top series, a move that would later highlight the remarkable popularity of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" upon its addition to the platform.
May 2020: Avatar: The Last Airbender Dominates Netflix
Upon its release on Netflix in May 2020, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" quickly soared to the top of the platform's charts, becoming the most popular show and breaking records for its consecutive days in the top ten.
May 2020: Avatar: The Last Airbender Hits Netflix
In May 2020, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" arrived on Netflix in the United States and Canada, introducing the series to a new generation of viewers and sparking a resurgence in its popularity.
May 15, 2020: Avatar: The Last Airbender Returns to the Spotlight on Netflix
On May 15, 2020, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" experienced a resurgence in popularity following its addition to Netflix. It quickly claimed the number-one spot on the platform's trending list, captivating both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
June 2020: Paramount+ Welcomes Avatar: The Last Airbender
June 2020 saw "Avatar: The Last Airbender" expand its streaming presence to Paramount+, providing another platform for fans to access and enjoy the acclaimed series.
June 2020: Avatar: The Last Airbender Available on Paramount+
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" expanded its streaming reach in June 2020 by becoming available on Paramount+, further solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon.
July 2020: Avatar: The Last Airbender Sets Netflix Record
By July 2020, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" had secured its place in Netflix history by achieving a record-breaking 60 consecutive days on the platform's daily top ten list, a testament to its enduring popularity.
July 2020: Avatar: The Last Airbender Earns Critical Acclaim
By July 2020, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" had garnered universal acclaim from both critics and audiences, solidifying its legacy as one of the greatest animated television series of all time. Its critical score on Rotten Tomatoes reached a perfect 100%, reflecting the widespread praise for its storytelling, characters, and themes.
July 21, 2020: "The Shadow of Kyoshi" Released
On July 21, 2020, "The Shadow of Kyoshi," the second book in the "Chronicles of the Avatar" series focusing on Avatar Kyoshi, was released.
August 12, 2020: Creators Depart Netflix Remake
On August 12, 2020, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the original creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, announced their departure from the Netflix live-action remake due to creative differences.
October 13, 2020: Release of Katara and the Pirate's Silver
On October 13, 2020, Dark Horse published Katara and the Pirate's Silver, a standalone comic written by Faith Erin Hicks and Tim Hedrick, which follows Katara as she aligns herself with a group of pirates after being separated from Team Avatar.
November 25, 2020: Second Edition of The Art of the Animated Series Released
A second edition of Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Art of the Animated Series was released on November 25, 2020, featuring a new cover and eight additional pages.
2020: Avatar: The Last Airbender Pilot Streams on Twitch
In 2020, the unaired pilot episode of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" found a new audience when it was streamed on Twitch, offering another opportunity for fans to experience this early version of the show.
January 2021: Avatar: The Last Airbender Streams on Amazon Prime Video
In January 2021, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" continued its streaming dominance by becoming available on Amazon Prime Video, offering another avenue for fans to enjoy the show.
January 2021: Amazon Prime Video Adds Avatar: The Last Airbender
In January 2021, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" joined the extensive library of Amazon Prime Video, further solidifying its availability and appeal to a wide audience.
February 2021: Albert Kim Appointed Showrunner
In February 2021, Albert Kim was announced as the showrunner for the Netflix live-action remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Later that year, casting news revealed Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio Tarbell, Ian Ousley, and Dallas Liu in the roles of Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Zuko respectively.
February 2021: Formation of Avatar Studios
In February 2021, ViacomCBS announced the creation of Avatar Studios, a new division within Nickelodeon dedicated to developing animated series and films set in the Avatar universe. The studio is set to produce content for various platforms including Paramount+ and theatres.
February 17, 2021: Release of Toph Beifong's Metalbending Academy
On February 17, 2021, Dark Horse published Toph Beifong's Metalbending Academy, a standalone comic that follows Toph's adventures between The Rift and Smoke and Shadow.
June 27, 2021: Release of Suki, Alone
On June 27, 2021, Dark Horse published Suki, Alone, a standalone comic that explores Suki's time in prison following the events of the episode 'Appa's Lost Days'.
November 2021: Release of Team Avatar Treasury
In November 2021, Dark Horse released Team Avatar Treasury, a boxed set containing the standalone comics Katara and the Pirate's Silver, Toph Beifong's Metalbending Academy, and Suki, Alone.
June 2022: Lauren Montgomery Appointed Director
In June 2022, Lauren Montgomery, a former storyboard artist on Avatar and a supervising producer for Korra, was announced as the director for an upcoming animated film by Avatar Studios.
July 19, 2022: "The Dawn of Yangchen" Released
"The Dawn of Yangchen," the third novel in the "Chronicles of the Avatar" series and the first to feature Avatar Yangchen, was released on July 19, 2022.
July 18, 2023: "The Legacy of Yangchen" Released
F.C. Yee's fourth novel in the "Chronicles of the Avatar" series and the second to feature Avatar Yangchen, "The Legacy of Yangchen," was released on July 18, 2023.
September 2023: "Avatar: The Last Airbender - Quest for Balance" Video Game Released
GameMill Entertainment released "Avatar: The Last Airbender - Quest for Balance," a video game loosely adapting the events of the animated series, in September 2023.
2023: Release of Azula in the Spirit Temple
In 2023, Dark Horse published Azula in the Spirit Temple, a standalone comic focusing on Azula's journey.
February 22, 2024: Netflix Series First Season Release
The first season of the Netflix live-action remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender was released on February 22, 2024. The season received mixed reviews from both critics and fans.
March 6, 2024: Netflix Series Renewed for Second and Third Seasons
On March 6, 2024, Netflix announced the renewal of its live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series for a second and third season, following the mixed reception of the first season.
April 2024: Aang: The Last Airbender Tentative Title and Casting Announced
In April 2024, the tentative title Aang: The Last Airbender was revealed by Paramount, along with the casting of Eric Nam as Aang, Dionne Quan as Toph, Jessica Matten as Katara, Román Zaragoza as Sokka, and Dave Bautista as an antagonist.
July 23, 2024: "The Reckoning of Roku" to be Released
"The Reckoning of Roku," the fifth book in the "Chronicles of the Avatar" series, will focus on Avatar Roku. It is set to be released on July 23, 2024.
2024: Release of The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer
In 2024, Dark Horse published The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer, a standalone comic that follows Iroh and June the Bounty Hunter.
January 20, 2026: Aang: The Last Airbender Film Release
The animated film Aang: The Last Airbender is set to be released theatrically on January 20, 2026 by Paramount Pictures. The film features Eric Nam as Aang, Dionne Quan as Toph, Jessica Matten as Katara, Román Zaragoza as Sokka, and Dave Bautista as an antagonist.