Rocko's Modern Life
Series, 1993, The '90s, Set in O-Town
Rocko's Modern Life is #3 of 21 in release order and #3 of 21 in chronological order in the Nickelodeon Classics.
The story
Rocko is a wallaby who has emigrated to America from Australia. He lives in O-Town and tries to get through life but, of course, comes across a multitude of dilemmas and misadventures he must get through. Other characters include Rocko's best friend, Heffer, a steer who has been raised by wolves, Filbert, a paranoid hypochondriac turtle, Rocko's faithful (but none-too-bright) dog Spunky, and Ed Bighead who detests Rocko and hates having him for a next door neighbor. On this show, Rocko has such adventures as trying to adapt to a new vacuum cleaner, having Heffer move in temporarily after his parents kick him out, and going to a movie theater.
Rocko's Modern Life recap
Rocko, a polite wallaby who has moved from Australia to O-Town, tries to handle ordinary adult life: rent, jobs, laundry, shopping and bureaucracy. His friends are Heffer Wolfe, a big, cheerful steer raised by a family of wolves, and Filburt, a nervous turtle. His dog Spunky eats anything, and his next-door neighbours are the Bigheads, the bitter toad Ed and his warm wife Bev. Rocko works at a comic book shop, and much of O-Town is owned by the Conglom-O Corporation. The humour leans on satire of consumer culture and on jokes aimed over children's heads. Over four seasons, from 1993 to 1996, Filburt marries Dr. Paula Hutchison and they have children, and the Bigheads' son Ralph becomes a cartoonist with a hit show of his own.
Rocko's Modern Life ending explained
The last episode to air on Nickelodeon is the Thanksgiving story "Turkey Time" in November 1996, but creator Joe Murray counts "Future Schlock" as the real finale: years later, Filburt's grown children find a banana in the fridge and ask their father what it is. The 2019 Netflix special Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling picks up the story. Rocko, Heffer and Filburt return after 20 years lost in space, Rocko works to bring back his favourite cartoon, and its creator, Ralph Bighead, is now Rachel, which her father Ed comes to accept.
Where to watch Rocko's Modern Life
Rocko's Modern Life is streaming on Paramount+ in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.9/10
Where it fits
- Release order: after Rugrats, before Aaahh!!! Real Monsters.
- Chronological order: after Rugrats, before Aaahh!!! Real Monsters.
Cast
- Carlos Alazraqui as Rocko (voice)
- Tom Kenny as Heffer (voice)
- Mr. Lawrence as Filburt (voice)
- Charlie Adler as Ed Bighead / Bev Bighead (voice)
- Linda Wallem
- Jennifer L. Hughes as Singer (voice)
- Kelly Sheridan
- Joe Murray as Ralph Bighead
- Gilbert Gottfried
- Chantal Strand
- Charlotte Booker as Announcer (voice)
- Dom Irrera as Slippy (voice)
Created by Joe Murray.