Created by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, it is based on twelve-year-old orphaned twins who cause mischief and mayhem in their sickly sweet town, Nod's Limbs.

The twins' names are derived from American author and poet Edgar Allan Poe.

Rare Beasts is the first book, followed by Tourist Trap, Under Town, Pet's Revenge, High Wire and Nod's Limbs, with a sequel series premiering just a year later, currently consisting of Hot Air, Frost Bites and Split Ends.

The animated shorts were co-produced with Canada-based Bardel Entertainment in association with YTV and Nicktoons Network.

Six holiday specials began airing on Nicktoons Network on Labor Day weekend in 2006.

The animated shorts mainly show the pranking activities of Edgar and Ellen, but also include supporting characters like Mayor Knightleigh, Bob the Intern, Pet, Buffy the Muffin lady, and several other entertaining Nod's Limbsians.

Target also sold for Halloween an Edgar & Ellen DVD, which contains the episodes "Trick or Twins" and "Cold Medalists".

For the Halloween season of 2008, Del Taco promoted Edgar & Ellen in over 500 stores throughout the western United States.