Napkin Lad originated in Space Ghost Coast to Coast's episode Baffler Meal. He ended up being killed at the end by getting water poured on him. However, he was scrapped. Todd Hanson pitched this character during the development of Baffler Meal. They said in the commentary they kept politely saying "I don't know if we want to go that way with it." He was meant to have a cheery attitude and was to promote cleanliness.