History of Clifford the Big Red Dog in Timeline

Clifford the Big Red Dog is the main character in a children's book series created by Norman Bridwell, first published in 1963. The stories center around Clifford, a giant red dog, and his owner, Emily Elizabeth, and their various adventures. Clifford has become Scholastic's official mascot and a popular figure in children's literature.

1962: Inspiration and Drawings

In 1962, Norman Bridwell's drawings of a large red dog, initially named 'Tiny,' were included in a children's literature portfolio. Susan Hirschman suggested turning these drawings into a children's story.

1963: First Publication

In 1963, Clifford the Big Red Dog, an American children's book series by Norman Bridwell, was first published. The series revolves around Emily Elizabeth and her large red dog, Clifford.

Clifford the Big Red Dog

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1986: Clifford's Sing Along Adventure Video Release

In 1986, Karl-Lorimar Home Video released the video Clifford's Sing Along Adventure.

July 1988: Clifford's Fun with... Videotape Release

In July 1988, Scholastic Studios, Nelvana Limited, and Family Home Entertainment released Clifford's Fun with..., a videotape series featuring six episodes with music by Phillip Namanworth and Benjamin Goldstein. Brent Titcomb voiced Clifford, and Alyson Court voiced Emily Elizabeth.

September 2000: PBS Kids Adaptation Airs

In September 2000, a 65-episode adaptation of Clifford the Big Red Dog, produced by Scholastic Media, began airing on PBS Kids. John Ritter voiced Clifford, and Grey DeLisle voiced Emily Elizabeth.

2000: Book series

In 2000, the Clifford the Big Red Dog book series was still ongoing.

Clifford the Big Red Dog

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February 2003: End of PBS Kids Adaptation

In February 2003, the 65-episode adaptation of Clifford the Big Red Dog on PBS Kids concluded. The show featured John Ritter as the voice of Clifford and Grey DeLisle as Emily Elizabeth.

September 2003: Prequel Series Airs

In September 2003, a 39-episode prequel series depicting Clifford's puppyhood began airing. Lara Jill Miller provided the voice for young Clifford.

February 2004: Theatrical Film Release

In February 2004, a Clifford the Big Red Dog theatrical film was released, serving as the series finale following John Ritter's death.

February 2006: End of Prequel Series

In February 2006, the 39-episode prequel series about Clifford's puppyhood, with Lara Jill Miller as the voice of young Clifford, concluded.

May 2012: Universal Pictures Plans Live-Action/CGI Film

In May 2012, it was reported that Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment were planning to produce a live-action/CGI animated film based on Clifford the Big Red Dog. Matt Lopez was hired to write the script, with Chris Meledandri and Deborah Forte as producers.

July 2013: Illumination Drops the Project

In July 2013, it was reported that Illumination Entertainment had dropped the Clifford the Big Red Dog film project.

August 1, 2014: Universal Sets Release Date

On August 1, 2014, Universal scheduled the Clifford the Big Red Dog film for release on April 8, 2016.

April 8, 2016: Release Date Taken Over by Another Film

In the beginning of 2015, another Universal film, The Boss, took over the Clifford the Big Red Dog film's release date of April 8, 2016.

June 30, 2016: Paramount Pictures Picks Up Rights

On June 30, 2016, it was reported that Paramount Pictures acquired the rights for the Clifford the Big Red Dog film after Universal's option lapsed. Justin Malen was hired to write the screenplay.

September 25, 2017: Walt Becker to Direct

On September 25, 2017, it was announced that Walt Becker would direct the Clifford the Big Red Dog film, replacing David Bowers. Scholastic Entertainment and Paramount Animation were set to produce the film.

February 27, 2019: Release Date Set for November 13, 2020

On February 27, 2019, Paramount scheduled the Clifford the Big Red Dog film for a November 13, 2020 release, taking over the slot for the cancelled live-action/CGI Rugrats film. Darby Camp and Jack Whitehall were announced to star.

December 6, 2019: New Series Release on Amazon Prime Video

On December 6, 2019, a new Clifford the Big Red Dog series was released on Amazon Prime Video, featuring Adam Sanders as the voice of Clifford and Hannah Levinson as Emily Elizabeth.

December 7, 2019: New Series Release on PBS Kids

On December 7, 2019, a new Clifford the Big Red Dog series was released on PBS Kids, featuring Adam Sanders as the voice of Clifford and Hannah Levinson as Emily Elizabeth.