Check out all the characters to cosplay from Nickelodeon’s animated television series, Hey Arnold. Premiering in 1996, Nickelodeon introduced the iconic football-shaped head character, Arnold, who navigates elementary school in a big city. Even though he’s only nine-years-old, Arnold takes on the responsibility of helping his friends get out of sticky situations. Now, you can bring your favorite Hey Arnold characters to life and find looks for the looks for each of these characters. From the main protagonist, Arnold, to his biggest bully, Helga, who secretly loves Arnold and keeps a shrine of him in her closet. With each easy-to-follow costume guide, you can see how to dress like your favorite character and bring the streets of Hillwood to your city!
While Helga is undoubtedly known for her blonde pigtails, pink dress, and unibrow, she is perhaps best known for being a bully to Arnold. However, Helga is only a bully to hide her genuine love for Arnold. She even hides a shrine of him made entirely out of bubblegum in her closet. Though known for her typical pink dress, Helga is a tomboy in nature who enjoys playing sports with the boys. She despises any girly stereotypes that people throw her way. Helga, who resorts to cynicism and violence, often takes advantage of her best friend, Phoebe. Despite this behavior, she is still known to show her softer, caring side when she finds herself alone.
Best known for his hi-top fade hairstyle, Gerald is Arnold’s best friend. He is also known for being one of the cool kids at school. As P.S. 118’s class president, Gerald prides himself on being well-known and liked around the school. He enjoys the attention of friends, especially since he suffers from middle-child syndrome at home, where he is often ignored. While Arnold is incredibly optimistic and enjoys helping others, Gerald provides some balance by assuming the worst in people being initially distrustful. This viewpoint causes some conflict between their friendship, but the pair always ends up staying best friends appreciating one another for their differences.
Nickelodeon premiered Hey Arnold and introduced audiences to the iconic football-head shaped character known for his optimism and always doing the right thing. Set in a big city similar to that of Seattle or Portland, Hillwood offers an abundance of adventure for the P.S. 118 students. The main character, Arnold, lives with his grandparents and struggles, not knowing where his parents are. Despite having these internal struggles, Arnold is friendly and enjoys hanging out with friends like Gerald. He consistently finds himself helping out his friends.
The students of P.S. 118 might only be grader schoolers, but they do far more than go to school and play games. The show teaches viewers some valuable life lessons like family is what you make it and trying to understand what bullies are going through at home. Hey Arnold has allowed audiences to be entertained while learning valuable lessons along the way.