<P> Courage the Cowardly Dog is an American animated horror comedy television series created by John R. Dilworth for Cartoon Network's Cartoon Cartoons block . The main character is the eponymous pink, anthropomorphic dog named Courage, who lives with a married elderly couple in the middle of Nowhere . The trio are frequently thrown into bizarre misadventures, often involving the paranormal or supernatural . The series is known for its dark, surreal humor and atmosphere . </P> <P> Dilworth pitched the series to Hanna - Barbera's animated shorts showcase What a Cartoon!, and a pilot (titled "The Chicken from Outer Space") aired on Cartoon Network in early 1996 . The segment was nominated for an Academy Award, but lost to Wallace and Gromit's A Close Shave . Cartoon Network greenlit a series from the short, which premiered on November 12, 1999 and ended on November 22, 2002, with four seasons of 13 episodes each produced . During its run, the series was nominated for 3 Golden Reel Awards and 1 Annie Award . The series received critical acclaim from critics and audiences and has developed a strong cult following . Spin - off media include home video releases and collectible toys . </P> <P> Courage the Cowardly Dog follows Courage (Marty Grabstein), a pink and easily frightened dog . He was abandoned while a puppy after his parents were forcibly sent into outer space by a crazed veterinarian . He lives in a house with a connected garage near the fictional town of Nowhere, Kansas with Muriel Bagge (Thea White), a friendly, sweet - natured Scottish woman, and her husband Eustace Bagge (Lionel G. Wilson episodes 1--33, Arthur Anderson episodes 34--52), a grumpy, greedy farmer who regularly mistreats Courage and refers to him as "stupid dog ." Muriel found Courage in an alleyway and took him in as her own . </P> <P> Courage, Muriel, and Eustace frequently encounter monsters, aliens, demons, mad scientists, zombies and other such perils from myths and legends . The plot generally uses conventions common to horror films . Although most of the creatures that the three face are hostile, some turn out to be friendly and are simply suffering from distress and acting in desperation . </P>

Who does the voice of courage the cowardly dog