Infinity Train is an animated television series that initially came out as a miniseries on Cartoon Network in August 2019. The pilot for the series was released in November 2016. Following the first season, the show became an anthology series and its second season debuted in January 2020. After that, HBO Max picked up the show, and its third season aired in August 2020. While it seemed like Infinity Train had been canceled — despite critical acclaim — a fourth (and final) season was announced in February 2021.
The show takes place on an endless train that travels through a barren landscape in nowhere Minnesota. All of the cars have some kind of bizarre, fantastical theme. As for the passengers, they hop from car to car trying to sort out their own psychological trauma and emotional issues but ultimately figure out why they are there and how to get off. Although each season features a unique storyline and set of characters, they all exist in the same universe.
10 It Was Almost Called "Infinity Plane"
The show was created by Owen Dennis, an American director, storyboard artist, writer, animator, musician, and voice actor. Before creating Infinity Train, he worked on Regular Show, another Cartoon Network show.
It was actually conceptualized while he was flying back to the United States from China in 2010. On his flight, he was thinking about what would happen if a girl was trapped on a plane. However, he changed the setting from a plane to a train because he realized there would not be much to explore using the former compared to the latter. So, it was almost "Infinity Plane."
9 "Dungeon Train" From Adventure Time
When people first hear about Infinity Train, especially avid Cartoon Network watchers, they tend to think about the episode "Dungeon Train" from Adventure Time, which also debuted on the network. This episode follows Finn and Jake, the main characters, on a journey through a train where every car is a dungeon containing a new opponent. The ride never stops, though.
Sound familiar? It should. In fact, Dennis has acknowledged the similarities between "Dungeon Train" and Infinity Train. However, this episode and the series were in the process of being created at around the same time.
8 Meet Tulip Betelgeuse Van Helsing
Tulip Olsen is the main protagonist of Infinity Train (Book One) and the most well-known character in the series. She gets her first name from the flower, obviously, which tends to be affiliated with enthusiasm and passion. They are also perennial, which would explain why the first season is called "The Perennial Child."
Originally, Dennis made her last name Betelgeuse Van Helsing. That did not fly, of course. Also, Tulip Olsen is actually an anagram for Lentil Soup. This was not intentional.
7 Tulip's Frog Eraser And Over the Garden Wall
In the pilot of Infinity Train, Tulip is seen writing in her notebook with a pencil that has a frog eraser. This frog is designed after the same frog from Over the Garden Wall, a miniseries that also aired on Cartoon Network. For those familiar, the frog has a name: Jason Funderberker.
Unfortunately, the eraser was replaced with an onion once the show actually came out. This is because Tulip loves onions. So much so, she eats them like apples.
6 This Is Not Like Other Cartoons, This Is Dark
Infinity Train has some pretty dark themes. But Cartoon Network is cool with it. For example, initially, Tulip's parents (Andy and Megan) go from being just separated to divorced.
Dennis believes that darker themes should be present in children's shows because it gives them the tools to sort out their feelings regarding touchy subjects. Dennis looks at cartoons as a safe way for kids to experience real emotions such as fear.
5 Tulip Is Terra, Gwen, Ellie, And Gretchen
The voice actor for Tulip is none other than Ashley Johnson.
Johnson voiced Terra in Teen Titans (another Cartoon Network show), who was a member of the Titans but was revealed to be a villain (sort of). Johnson also voiced Gwen in Ben 10 (yet another Cartoon Network show), cousin of Ben and one of the main members of his team. She even voiced Elle in The Last of Us, the primary character of the entire franchise (but perhaps the deuteragonist). Best of all though, Johnson voiced Gretchen in Recess, member (and brainiac) of the Recess Gang at Third Street.
4 Sad-One + Glad-One = One-One
One-One is the robotic companion of Tulip. It can split into two halves: Sad-One and Glad-One, which were dubbed by the production staff of Infinity Train.
Dennis actually voices Sad-One, the pessimistic yet wise half. The other half, Glad-One, is voiced by Jeremy Crutchley who played Dr. Roman Fell in Hannibal. This half is optimistic but naive.
Also, Sad-One is left-handed while Glad-One is right-handed. This is on purpose. By the way, the doors of the train cars and the logo of the show are based on One-One's design.
3 Corgis, Corgis Everywhere
Atticus is a Cardigan Welsh Corginian Corgi who helps Tulip. He is also the king of Corginia, uniter of the Cardigans and Pembrokes.
The reason Atticus is a Corgi is that Dennis had a pet Corgi as a child. He is voiced by Ernie Hudson, who played Winston in the original Ghostbusters movie. Hudson sought to give Atticus a royal personality and tried to get into the mindset of a dog.
Here's a fun fact. The episode featuring Corginia is the pilot that was initially shown to the public. Almost nothing changed too!
2 Part-Human, Part-Robot, Part-Woman, Part-Man
Amelia Hughes is the main antagonist and the former Conductor in Book One. What many viewers likely missed is that she can be seen in her robotic suit in the background behind a tree in the first episode in the car with the snow.
Also, Hughes is voiced by Lena Headey, who plays Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones. In robot form though, she is voiced by Matthew Rhys (Kevin Walker in Brothers & Sisters and Philip Jennings in The Americans), who also voices Alrick, her late husband.
1 The Office And The Suite Life
In one of the episodes, Tulip screams "I declare bankruptcy!" while in the business chart car. This is a reference to an episode of The Office, an NBC mockumentary sitcom television series. One of the main characters, Michael Scott, screams this same line. It is iconic, truly.
In another episode, the finale, Tulip is reading a book titled "The Sweet Life of Math & Coding." This is a reference to the Disney Channel teen sitcom television series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Get it?