Inspector Gadget was a cartoon detective whose 86 episodes were originally syndicated between 1983 and 1985. Gadget works for Chief Quimby. Quimby's missions always explode once Inspector Gadget had received his next mission. Gadget traces the evil agents of M.A.D, which is run by Dr. Claw.

Inspector Gadget has a lot of help with his missions. More help than he actually realizes. Secretly, his niece Penny and her dog Brain end up following Gadget and helping him complete his missions. Most of the time, Gadget doesn't even know that they are there.

Inspector Gadget closely resembled the title character of the secret agent sitcom Get Smart — and was even voiced by Get Smart's star, Don Adams. Inspector Gadget even had a great deal of Gadgets at his disposal. He never quite master them, but Penny usually picks up the slack with her computer.

Inspector Gadget was a very popular cartoon in the 80's. It continued in re-runs for many years. Disney even made into a full-length feature film starring Matthew Broderick.