User reviews

Rocko's Modern Life, the surrealist, wildly enjoyable 1993 cartoon created by Joe Murray, has what you might call a "bad boy" reputation. The show's indirect (and sometimes direct) shocking, risqué, off-color gags have been talked about for years, elevating it into "how did they get away with this" status, along the lines of Ren And Stimpy and Invader Zim (which also has a made-for-TV movie coming out next week). In one episode, Rocko gets a job as a phone sex-line operator; in another, he and his two best friends are caught playing a board game which requires "spanking" a toy "monkey" (and much has been shared about a certain scene of Heffer being "milked"). However, as much as it's worth looking back on these kinds of jokes with the kind of cynical, eye-opening epiphany one has as an adult, it's fairly disappointing that it seems as if that's all Rocko's Modern Life is remembered for.

In reality, Rocko's Modern Life was an audacious, wild, slice-of-life show that explored the complexity of living as a twentysomething through issues both mundane-like laundry day or credit-card debt-and serious, like adoption or immigration. Rewatching the final four Rocko's Modern Life episodes ahead of Static Cling, you're struck by how blunt it could be when it came to its satirical voice; the last episode aired, "Floundering Fathers," (as opposed to the produced last episode "Future Schlock," on which Static Cling is following up) has a moment where Rocko is excluded from a patriotic parade event because he's "a foreigner." It's that kind of juxtaposition-of frustrating, minor issues butted up against more serious, complicated ones, all while functioning in an absurdist setting-that showcases Static Cling as a smarter and more powerful, more resonant piece of satire than the show's overall reputation.

Don't worry, though-Static Cling maintains the original show's look, sound, and aesthetic perfectly (although Philbert appears a bit off-model at times). It takes a moment to get reacquainted with the show's energy and pacing, which is a bit slower and more easygoing than one might remember, but by the time Rocko, Heffer, and Philbert land back in O-Town, you'll feel right at home. Rocko himself is still the adorable ball of anxiety that graced TV screens years ago, and while over the course of that iteration he had grown into a more assertive version of himself, Static Cling utilizes a solid explanation to revert him somewhat back to his old, nervous self. Being trapped in space watching the same episode of The Fatheads over and over gave the wallaby a certain level of comfort and familiarity, a stable visual to keep his sanity after all these years. To land back in 201X, and to be completely overwhelmed by the significant changes in technology, lifestyles, and social relationships has Rocko desperately clinging to the familiar comforts that The Fatheads provided. But when he learns that show was canceled years ago, he goes off to do what he can to try to bring the show back-to "reboot" it.

Yes, Static Cling pokes delightful fun at itself and its existence, utilizing the "rebooting old property" concept to make some solid, if easy, jabs at the soulless, corporate nature behind most reboots and the idea of pop culture nostalgia as a spurious crutch upon which meaning and purpose can be placed. (One chyron during a newscast reads "90's Cartoon Solves Problem$," the dollar sign adding an extra wink). But it also uses the theme of encountering and embracing change to explore some pretty powerful, relevant modern-day issues. As reported, there is indeed a significant trans storyline that centers on Rachel Bighead, the daughter of Ed and Bev Bighead, who was introduced in the original series as Ralph Bighead in the season-two episode, "I Have No Son." Static Cling doesn't get into the story of her transition, so don't expect a deep exploration of her past; but she still is a real, filled-in character whose return and reveal tests the comfort levels of her father. It's all handled respectfully, and even provides a surprising emotional connection between Rocko and Ed, the two who struggle the most within this setting of change and transition.

Everything else is still intact, from the distinct, stylistic curvatures of the buildings and landscape, to the unique and downright nutty Fleischer-esque randomness that always provide a (slightly disturbing) laugh. Rocko's still has that distinctive purple/orange/off-green color palette and Pat Irwin's smooth, somewhat discordant jazzy score. And yes, it still has its share of blue gags, particularly about a certain dog and his enjoyment of mops. But most importantly, Static Cling brings its trivial-to-thoughtful narrative possibilities fully to the forefront. If there are flaws, they're in the ending, which feels rushed and cluttered in a way that fails to really explore a meaningful way for Rocko to find a more emotional, grounded way to sustain himself in this new O-Town. But perhaps such a direct skewering would be a bit too much for the eager audience champing at the bit to see the familiar, triangle shirt-wearing wallaby again. Besides, that's the mundane stuff. The more genuine storyline that's explored is a much more significant piece worthy of consideration, so much so that it's worth re-evaluating Rocko's Modern Life as a whole.

Rocko's Modern Life is among one of my favorite nicktoons. I watch both the show and the TV movie on rare occasions. Making both a treat to enjoy when I do watch them. What makes Rocko great is that the humor becomes more and more accessible the older you get. Kids can enjoy the surreal and insane sequences and character designs of Rocko, Heffer, Filburt, and his dog, Spunky, but older fans can appreciate subtle details like Filburt's development into marital life, Rocko's struggles to fit in with society, his close bond with his friends Heffer and Filburt, and of course Heffer's lack of self control. It's a very tightly written cartoon that still holds up today. But my favorite characters by far are the Bigheads: Ed, Bev, and their son, Ralph. The family drama surrounding the three of them is entertaining and also heartwarming. I recommend episodes like "I have no son!" "Wacky Deli" and "Magic Meatball" to people who are new to this series like I was. Rocko is one of the best nickelodeon cartoons and is right up there in legendary status as "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron" "My Life as a Teenage Robot" and "Danny Phantom" which are also favorites of mine.

I remember seeing this cartoon when I was younger and now, just by watching it again brings back my childhood. Its a funny disturbing show but surprisingly now, I realize I get the hidden adult humor they tossed in it and thinking back, kinda surprises me I grew up watching this kind of show, as well as Ren and Stimpy an Ahh! Real Monsters. I won't get into that because they are all so similar. But out of all those shows, my opinion, I prefer Rockos Modern life. I think it fits in for anybody in their 20s because it's about a 20 year old guy, Rocko who has his own place, has a job (but low budget), friends (Heffer and Philburt) to party with, and just anything common for a guy in his 20s. But besides the point, I love this show, I own it on DVD, finally and If you are looking for some comedy for kids or teenagers, this show fits right in.

In October 1993, something magical happened: an unassuming little cartoon called "Rocko's Modern Life" debuted on Nickelodeon. Sure, the premise might have sounded a little bizarre; I mean, how many programs do you know that center around an immigrant Australian wallaby trying to live his modern life with the help of his best friends, the gluttonous steer (NOT a cow, mind you) Heffer and the perpetually nervous turtle, Filburt? Throw in his toad neighbors, the Bigheads, his job as a clerk at Kind-of-a-Lot-O-Comics, and a cast of zany secondary characters, you've got yourself a downright offbeat cartoon. But you can't take "Rocko" at face value. You have to look deeper, watch an episode, and really laugh at the clever-yet-simple jokes that pepper the action.

And don't, under any circumstances, write this off as a kids' show. As you might know, "Rocko" came under fire for its "mature" content; in other words, the series harbors many, many, many inside jokes and innuendoes just below the surface. Just take a look at some episode titles ("Schnit-Heads," "Who Gives a Buck?"), some character/establishment names (Doctor Bendova, the Chokey Chicken fast-food restaurants), and countless other little occurrences throughout every episode.

A stark, unique animation style, one that presents everything at a slight angle, provides a great backdrop for Rocko's adventures, and paints a truly different world that sets the cartoon apart from all others.

And through it all, a surreal sense of humor reigns supreme. On what other cartoon could you find a Museum of Pointy Objects, police activities that include arts-and-crafts, a vacuum with a neutering device, or a family of wolves that adopted a steer?

It certainly didn't deserve to be canceled after only three seasons, but in the fickle world of children's programming (especially on Nickelodeon, a network infamous for canning innovative series and renewing the dreck year after year), it just wasn't prepackaged, marketable, and mainstream enough to work out. But that's what I like best about "Rocko"; it's truly different from anything else you could ever find on television, a little outpost of originality in a TV world full of copycats and clones. Rest assured, you can still enjoy Rocko, Heffer, and the whole gang, provided you have digital cable, on Nickelodeon's all-cartoon outlet Nicktoons TV.

Overall, a ten out of ten, but shave a few points off if you don't automatically crack up when you hear this classic "Rocko" line, courtesy of Heffer: "Hey, Rock, do that funny face you make when you're buying eggs."

Rocko's Modern Life is a cartoon classic, and one of the best Nick cartoons along with The Angry Beavers. I do completely agree that Nick are not the same anymore, they started making wonderful cartoons but now it has the occasional good show but mostly of bad shows or good shows that have jumped the shark(Spongebob).

Rocko's Modern Life mayn't be to everybody's tastes, as its humour is very rude and crude. However, it is also very funny, offbeat and witty. On top of that, we have some great animation, catchy music, excellent writing, fun stories and likable characters, that are all very well voiced.

In conclusion, Rocko's Modern Life is to me a cartoon classic. The humour isn't for everyone, but I think if you are willing to look past that and just enjoy it for what it is I think you will like it. 10/10 Bethany Cox

"Rocko's Modern Life" came to Nickelodeon during Nick's golden years. This was back in the days when the classic shows such as the older episodes of "Rugrats" and "Doug" aired. I was six years old when this show began and found it to be hysterical.

"Rocko's Modern Life" told the story of Rocko the adorable wallaby living in O-Town with his friends Heffer, Filbert, and his dog Spunky. There were also his hilarious neighbors the bigheads. My all time favorite episodes are "Carnival of Knowledge" and "Road Rash". Other great episodes include: "Skid Marks", "Popcorn Pandemonium", "Who's For Dinner?", "To Heck and Back", and "Love Spanked". These episodes are Rocko classics!

This show was really funny and it also contained a lot of adult humor that I didn't even notice when I was a kid. I was really sad when Nick canceled it. However I am happy that I can still watch reruns on the Nicktoons station. I give "Rocko's Modern Life" 10/10 stars.

Rocko's Modern Life is show that is just amazing. The story of a Wallaby and his friends is one of the most creative and funny shows in animation. The animation still looks pretty good even nearly 30 years later. And it feels like a show that everyone can enjoy. In my opinion it is the best animated series that Nickelodeon ever made and one of the greatest animated series ever made. Rocko's Modern Life gets a 10/10.

I love what Rocko did for TV. Up until the show and subsequent shows by Nickelodeon debuted, many of the common cartoons marketed to kids were practically unwatchable for adults or people with functioning brains. But, Rocko actually had decent writing and tried to appeal to adults as well as kids. It and Ren and Stimpy were the first cartoons in almost three decades that actually tried to be more than just drivel.

As I mentioned above, there were some dull episodes but some that were so gosh darn funny I'll never forget them--especially the episodes involving Ed Bighead! The three that jump out in my mind right away were the Wacky Deli episode (involving Ed's son), Ed's dog, Earl as well as the Magic Meatball episode. They were hilarious and I still laugh out loud when they occasionally come on TV.

This was a strange yet negotiable cartoon I saw. I still need to see the recently made movie on Netflix. This show has a lot of adult jokes that flew over our head and looking back, I have to say, they were funny. The show centers around a young wallaby name Rocko(Carlos Alazraqui) and his crazy life. Helping him get through it is his best friend, Heffer(Tom Kenny) and Filbert.

He loves with his dog named Spunky. It seems in this show, anything can happen. Furniture and household appliances coming to life, neighbors trying to have affairs with each other(some more than others), and simply the ups and downs of dating. Needless to say there's no shortage of creativity.

This show was funny. It had characters we liked, sometimes outlandish storylines, clever gags, the works. Even if you weren't born around that time, I'd say you'll still enjoy it, I know I did. With that being said check it out.

I liked this show as a kid but rewatching it as an adult I find myself not laughing at any of jokes in this show or even cracking a smile really. I don't see why people love this show as adults as it's incredibly unfunny and would only make small children laugh because their brains aren't fully developed. I mean I like stupid humor I can laugh at a fart joke but this show couldn't tell a funny joke if it's life depended on it.

Rocko's Modern Life is a classic!

The jokes are hilarious!

I loved this when I was a kid but now that I'm a teenager and watching the reruns on the Nicktoons channel I'm noticing jokes that flew over my head when I was little.

Like the devil counting up to 665 but messing up before he got one more, the whole episode Leap Frogs, Bedfellows, they said hell a few times and I think a damn (not sure about that last one though.)

Rocko is a show that people of all ages can enjoy but a lot of the jokes only teens and adults will get.

Rocko needs some DVD love badly! I would love to have this on DVD (in season sets, preferably) I would buy it if it were released out onto DVD!

I've been watching "Rocko's modern life" for over ten years. This is a good show. I liked this show a lot until Nickelodeon acted stupid again and Canceled this show. Nickelodeon is becoming stupid by canceling the good shows like "Rocko's modern life", "Aaahh! Real Monsters", "The Ren and Stimpy show", "Invader Zim", "Hey Arnold", "Angry beavers", and "KABLAM" and relpacing them with stupid shows. The only new show that Nickelodeon has that I think is cool is "Spongebob Squarepants".

Speaking of "Spongebob Squarepants", the guy who voices Spongebob, also voices Heffer off of "Rocko's modern life". This guys' name is Tom Kenny. What is weird about Tom Kenny is when he voices Spongebob, he sounds just like Rocko. And another thing to "Rocko's modern life", the guy who voices Mr. & Mrs. Bighead and Mr. Wolf also voices Ickis (I love that Monster) off of "Aaahh! Real MOnsters" and Professor Spooky off the "Rugrats. You Know the Guy, Charlie Alder.

Any way, I love the old theme to this show. It has a better tune then the new one. "Rocko's Modern life" is one of My favorite nicktoons.

I give this show 10/10

I used to watch this show when I was growing up. When I think about it, I remember it very well. If you ask me, it was a good show. Two things I especially remember very well are the opening sequence and theme song. In addition to that, everyone was ideally cast. Also, the writing was very strong. The performances were top-grade, too. I hope some network brings it back so I can see every episode. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever, even though I'm not sure if I've seen every episode. Now, in conclusion, if some network ever brings it back, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.

When I look at the crap they show on Nickelodeon these days, it seems like the time when all of the good shows were on was all just a dream, a very good dream. Well, believe it or not, there was a time when Nickelodeon showed excellent shows like Rocko's Modern Life, Ren and Stimpy, Doug, The Adventures of Pete and Pete, and plenty of other great shows. When all of these shows were canceled, that was pretty much the end of Nickelodeon, at least the end of the good Nickelodeon.

This show was about a wallaby named Rocko, his cow friend Heffer, and his turtle friend Filburt. The show follows their misadventures that they have all the time, and how they often get into some kind of trouble with their old, and somewhat grouchy neighbor, Mr. Bighead. Mr. Bighead sort of resembles Squidward from the cartoon "Spongebob Square Pants" because he hates his neighbors and tries to avoid them, but always ends up in their business somehow.

A few people thought this show was too gross, but for some reason I never saw anything real gross. I guess the reason that some parents were concerned about their kids watching this was because of the dark, often twisted humor. But that is what made the old Nickelodeon shows so great. Today, all of the Nickelodeon shows are very fluffy and dumbed down.

I loved this show, and I used to watch it all the time. I hope this gets released on DVD some day, because my other favorite cartoons of the early '90's are out on DVD, like Ren and Stimpy and Beavis and Butthead. This show is rarely shown on Nickelodeon anymore, but it is a moment to cherish when it is shown. If you haven't seen it, you should try your hardest to see it on those rare occasions on Nickelodeon. Definitely a classic that should be brought back onto television.

This was one of the cartoons I grew up with next to Real Monsters and Ren & Stimpy.

Rocko's Modern Life is about a wallaby who lives in a random town called O-Town where all the citizens are animals and random like creatures.

Rocko usually doesn't get much luck when it comes to getting into trouble or having bad days doing orients.

His friends are a fat steer named Heffer and a turtle named Filbert.

Has a dog who eats anything he finds on the floor or the kitchen. 2 Toads for neighbors. A job at a comic book store. And an average car to drive everywhere.

The whole series features some plenty of laughs and some sexual in-jokes here and there. Nothing inappropriate but it's perfectly fine for all ages. It's also a nearly forgotten cartoon like the other old Nicktoons.

It is worth checking out. I hope it will be released on DVD someday.

I did not grow up in the 90s so I didn't watch this show when it aired on nickelodeon. I eventually got introduced to this show and I loved it. The show is very entertaining and definitely worth watching. I can't wait to see Static Cling.

The problem with this show it's that it's pretty hit or miss, but more miss, there are few episodes that are actually funny, but a lot other consists in random things happening on screen without any consistency, for example the episode "Kiss me, i'm foreign" it has a few funny scenes but a lot of then it's just random (and not in a funny way), but the episode "Commuted Sentence" it's actually really funny with plenty of laughs, if the show was like the best episodes it would be great but with the bad episodes this show isn't very good, I prefer Spongebob because when it's random it's done in a funny way, but in this show a lot of times isn't.

When I watched the first episode "No Pain, No Gain" I though it was pretty funny, and then the episode "Jet Scream" and it was funnier, some of the humor was pretty random of a lot of it it was actually funny, but then I continue watching and I noticed that some of the episodes focuses on the "random humor" that it isn't funny, if the writers know of to do good comedy, why focus on the unfunny humor? To be upset with the show instead of enjoying it? Like 60-70% of the show it's random unfunny humor and 30-40% it's actually funny.

I've been a fan of the Nick childrens TV channel for a long time. And down the road I have never seen better work from them then the work that is "Rocko's Modern Life".

The show is about aa Australian wallaby who comes to America. This wallaby (Rocko) is a funny looking character who wears the same thing all the time and is voiced by Carlos Alazraqui who now voices the Taco Bell dog. His friends Heffer Wolfe, an overweight steer and Filbert Turtle, a turtle help him through his life. While his neighbohrs, the Bigheads, don't help a bit.

Sounds strange right? Sounds like ANY other cartoon right? I think not.

The show has a different type of humor. With some adult references thrown in as well that are rather shocking for a Nick show. The animal humor (Heffer is a steer, not a cow. Rocko is a wallby, not a rabbit) is used in many kooky and hilarious ways. And although sometimes they can seem stupid, lines are repeated from episode to episode. And every now and then these lines are given a 180 degree twist of humor. While the mucas jokes could be settled down, the humor isn't very slapstick and is cartoonish witty humor at its best. Sure it's offbeat, innappropite and as I said is more of an adult show then a kids show (humor wise, not content wise) it's still very funny.

And when the show isn't funny it shines with charm. The characters are very easy to get behind and it flows like a sitcom. It has its dud episodes with good jokes wrapped into a bad plot, but overall the show is very charming. The characters have their own catch phrases and traditions which all give twists. Even when the show has run out of twists they add even more to thrill the viewing audiance into laughter.

Rockos Modern Life is an excellent example of the beginning of the adult cartoon era. It was made in 1993 and I believe it set the stage for more grown up cartoons like "The PJs", "Futurama" and "South Park". Sure The Simpsons helped much. But Rocko wasn't a stupid move. It shouldn't have gone on any other network. It was a bold move by Nickoloden and the shows director Joe Murray. And that bravery and boldness, led to Rockos Modern Life. One of the best animated series to come around yet.

SERIES GRADE: A-

The Show is about Rocko a Wallabee. He's a sweet guy but he is always a victim of circumstance and is always thrown into crazy situations. He just moved out the house and it basically about adjusting to adult hood through a bizarre and cartoony lense. His best friend is Hefer he is fat and stupid and Filber he is the turtle who is scared of everything.

It truly is the greatest Nick Toon ever, in my mind. Ranks #1 in my book for Nick Toon, closely followed by Invader ZIM and the Angry Beavers. It's genius was in the fact that no other cartoon up to that point had been like it. It's styling, it's humor, it's characters, and it's quirkiness and craziness made it a cult favorite among many, including me. In my mind it's one of the greatest cartoons ever made. I think the only thing that even can be said that is better than it is The Simpsons. You might say that's a strong opinion but It's what I believe. A rare treat for the ages that everyone knows about. It's always at the back of your mind and whenever brought up in a conversation the first response is, "That show was great!" A perfect 10/10. Nothing will ever be quite like this.