Pinky and the Brain began as a recurring segment on Animaniacs before becoming their own Warner Bros. animated series in 1995, following two genetically enhanced laboratory mice. Brain, the scheming genius, and Pinky, his cheerful and dim-witted partner, spent each episode hatching a new plan to take over the world. Reruns, streaming and nostalgic clips kept the theme familiar to new audiences, and creators now reuse the short intro as shorthand for any elaborate, overconfident scheme that is almost certain to unravel.