Bob's Burgers
Encyclopedia
Bob's Burgers is an American animated television sitcom, which premiered on January 9, 2011 on the Fox Broadcasting Company
. The series was created by Loren Bouchard
and focuses on the Belcher family, who runs a hamburger restaurant. On April 7, 2011, Bob's Burgers was renewed for a second season. The first season ranked 59th in ratings share, tied with 60 Minutes
, The Middle
and Outsourced
.
, which Bob's Burgers executive producer Jim Dauterive
worked on for nearly its entire run.
and American Dad!
, the show has a changing element in the show's opening credits; the store (on the other side of Bob's from Mort's funeral home) changes from one episode to the next. However, during the show itself, it is almost always vacant.
The opening sequence shows a burger, after which the Belcher family gradually appears with their restaurant in the background. A 'Grand Opening' banner appears on the building; the restaurant then catches fire in rapidly shown incidents, with the store re-opening with a 'Grand Re-opening' banner three times, before the "camera" zooms into building's sign (the show's logo) and fades into the episode.
However, the Washington Post described the show as "pointlessly vulgar and derivatively dull" while Reuters
stated that "It's unwise -- and unnecessary -- to launch an animated sitcom on Fox that appears intent to ape the vulgarity quotient of Family Guy
." USA Today
stated that "Bob's Burgers isn't very tasty" describing the comedy as just "lop[ing] along, stumbling from one tasteless moment to the next" The New York Times described the show as having "a lackadaisical vibe; its humor, no matter how anarchic, slides by in a deadpan monotone."
calling it a "toss up" for renewal before the series was renewed for a second season.
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
. The series was created by Loren Bouchard
Loren Bouchard
Loren Hal Bouchard is a writer, director, producer, composer, and voice actor for several animated TV shows and a co-creator of Home Movies . He is also the creator of Bob's Burgers-Biography:...
and focuses on the Belcher family, who runs a hamburger restaurant. On April 7, 2011, Bob's Burgers was renewed for a second season. The first season ranked 59th in ratings share, tied with 60 Minutes
60 Minutes
60 Minutes is an American television news magazine, which has run on CBS since 1968. The program was created by producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation....
, The Middle
The Middle (TV series)
The Middle is an American situation comedy television series that premiered on ABC on September 30, 2009. The show features Frances "Frankie" Heck , a working-class, Midwestern woman married to Mike Heck who resides in the small fictional town of Orson, Indiana. They are the parents of three...
and Outsourced
Outsourced (TV series)
Outsourced is an American television sitcom set in an Indian workplace. It was based on the John Jeffcoat film of the same name and adapted by Ken Kwapis and Universal Media Studios for NBC. The series originally ran from September 23, 2010 to May 12, 2011...
.
Plot
The show centers on the Belcher family, who run a hamburger restaurant. Creator Loren Bouchard said Bob's Burgers came about because Fox's animation brand centers mostly on family, but he also wanted to dabble in workplace comedy. The show is said to fill the void created by the cancellation of King of the HillKing of the Hill
King of the Hill is an American animated dramedy series created by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, that ran from January 12, 1997, to May 6, 2010, on Fox network. It centers on the Hills, a working-class Methodist family in the fictional small town of Arlen, Texas...
, which Bob's Burgers executive producer Jim Dauterive
Jim Dauterive
James Thomas "Jim" Dauterive is an American animation producer and writer. Dauterive is most notably known for executive producing and writing several episodes of the animated series King of the Hill, and developing and writing for the new Fox series Bob's Burgers.-King of the Hill:Dauterive joined...
worked on for nearly its entire run.
Opening sequence
As with two other Fox animated series, The SimpsonsThe Simpsons
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
and American Dad!
American Dad!
American Dad! is an American animated television series created by Seth MacFarlane and owned by Underdog Productions and Fuzzy Door Productions. It is produced in association with 20th Century Fox Television...
, the show has a changing element in the show's opening credits; the store (on the other side of Bob's from Mort's funeral home) changes from one episode to the next. However, during the show itself, it is almost always vacant.
The opening sequence shows a burger, after which the Belcher family gradually appears with their restaurant in the background. A 'Grand Opening' banner appears on the building; the restaurant then catches fire in rapidly shown incidents, with the store re-opening with a 'Grand Re-opening' banner three times, before the "camera" zooms into building's sign (the show's logo) and fades into the episode.
Belcher family
- Bob Belcher (voiced by H. Jon BenjaminH. Jon BenjaminHenry Jon Benjamin , known professionally as H. Jon Benjamin and Jon Benjamin, is an American actor, comedian and writer best known for his voice-over roles as Jason and Coach McGuirk on Home Movies, Ben on Dr...
) – The husband of Linda, the father of Tina, Gene, and Louise, and the main character of the series. He is the proprietor of a burger restaurant which he enjoys almost more than anything else. - Linda Belcher (voiced by John RobertsJohn Roberts (actor)John Roberts is an American actor, writer and comedian. He has appeared on Good Day New York and MTV's It's On with Alexa Chung, and has played Jimmy's mom on NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon....
) – Bob's wife and the mother of Tina, Gene, and Louise. She stands by Bob's side through thick and thin. She is always trying to try new things, even if she has no idea how exactly to go about it or hasn't the support of anybody else. - Tina Belcher (voiced by Dan MintzDan MintzDan Mintz is an American comedian, writer, and actor. He is known for his extremely deadpan delivery, keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead and never looking toward the camera or audience...
) – The eldest Belcher child and the "goof" of the family. She generally speaks in a monotone voice, works part-time at the restaurant and is often the voice of reason among the Belcher children. She is trying to come to grips with her entry into adulthood, and claims to have a complicated relationship with zombies. Tina was aged 12 in early episodes and now 13 since the episode "Sheesh! Cab, Bob?Sheesh! Cab, Bob?"Sheesh! Cab, Bob?" is the sixth episode of the first season of the animated television series Bob's Burgers. "Sheesh! Cab, Bob?" originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on March 6, 2011....
". - Gene Belcher (voiced by Eugene MirmanEugene MirmanEugene Boris Mirman is a Russian-born American comedian, writer, and filmmaker. Mirman currently plays Yvgeny Mirminsky on Delocated, and voices Gene Belcher for the animated comedy Bob's Burgers.-Early life:Mirman was born in Russia to Jewish parents...
) – The only son of the family. He is very enthusiastic about almost everything and enjoys playing his keyboardKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
. He often promotes the restaurant by wearing a burger costume, and dreams of one day being a famous musician. Gene is likely to be 10 or 11 years old as he is the middle child. - Louise Belcher (voiced by Kristen SchaalKristen SchaalKristen Schaal is an American actress, writer and comedienne, best known for her role as Mel in the HBO series Flight of the Conchords, as Louise in Bob's Burgers and as a contributor on The Daily Show.-Early life:...
) – The youngest of the Belcher siblings. She enjoys pulling pranks on people she deems stupid, and is more than willing to exploit people if there is anything to be gained. She has an offbeat sense of humor and picks locks as a hobby. In the episode "TorpedoTorpedo (Bob's Burgers)"Torpedo" is the thirteenth episode and the season finale of the first season of the animated television series Bob's Burgers. The episode originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on May 22, 2011....
", she mentions that her age is 9. Louise always wears a hat with pink rabbit ears.
Pesto family
- Jimmy Pesto (voiced by Jay JohnstonJay JohnstonJay Johnston is an American actor and comedian best known for his work as a writer and cast member on the HBO sketch comedy series Mr...
) – The owner of the Italian restaurant across the street from Bob's and Bob's personal nemesis. Their rivalry often seems to border on stalking each other, even though their families get along well. - Ollie and Andy Pesto (voiced by Sarah SilvermanSarah SilvermanSarah Kate Silverman is a Jewish American comedian, writer, actress, singer and musician. Her satirical comedy addresses social taboos and controversial topics such as racism, sexism, and religion....
and Laura SilvermanLaura Silverman-External links:...
) – Jimmy Pesto's twin sons. They are very childish and care for each other a lot. They are good friends and classmates with Louise despite the rivalry between their fathers. - Jimmy Pesto Jr. (voiced by H. Jon BenjaminH. Jon BenjaminHenry Jon Benjamin , known professionally as H. Jon Benjamin and Jon Benjamin, is an American actor, comedian and writer best known for his voice-over roles as Jason and Coach McGuirk on Home Movies, Ben on Dr...
) – Jimmy Pesto's son and Ollie and Andy's older brother. Unlike his father, Jimmy Jr. is not against the Belcher family as he is classmates with Tina, who has a crush on him and tries her best getting his attention (slow dancing with him, sharing a pasta string with him, etc).
Recurring characters
- Mort (voiced by Andy KindlerAndy KindlerAndy Kindler is an American stand-up comedian from New York City who now resides in Los Angeles.-Stand up:His material often covers the comedy industry itself, criticizing other comedians for being too predictable. One of his more notable criticisms was that of Dane Cook where he compared the...
) – The owner of the funeral homeFuneral homeA funeral home, funeral parlor or mortuary, is a business that provides burial and funeral services for the deceased and their families. These services may include aprepared wake and funeral, and the provision of a chapel for the funeral....
next to the restaurant. A little odd, he is good friends with Bob and Teddy. - Teddy (voiced by Larry MurphyLarry Murphy (actor)Lawrence Murphy Jr. is an American actor, voice actor, and comedian based in New York City.-Life and career:...
) – A regular customer and friend of the family. He tells many stories about his life which annoys Bob mostly. - Mr. Frond (voiced by David HermanDavid HermanDavid Herman is an American actor, comedian and voice actor best known as an original cast member of MADtv and for his role as Michael Bolton in Office Space. He is also known for his voice roles on television programs such as Futurama and King of the Hill.- Biography :David Herman was born in New...
) – The School Counselor of Wagstaff School where Louise, Gene and Tina attend. Bob describes him as a "tall drink of annoying" and he has stuffed animals that he talks to as if they were real. - Hugo (voiced by Sam SederSam SederSamuel Lincoln "Sam" Seder is a comedian, writer, actor, film director, television producer-director, and talk radio host...
) – A health inspector who used to date Linda but got jilted by her for Bob, a fact that causes him no end of frustration, which he takes out on Bob any chance he gets. - Ron (voiced by Ron Lynch) – Hugo's assistant for health inspecting. Often quiet, he is more than willing to point out Hugo's malpractices.
- Mr. Calvin Fischoeder (voiced by Kevin KlineKevin KlineKevin Delaney Kline is an American theatre, voice, film actor and comedian. He has won an Academy Award and two Tony Awards, and has been nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, two BAFTA Awards and an Emmy Award.- Early life :...
) – Calvin Fischoeder is an eccentric local businessman (who dresses in a white suit with a white eye-patch) and Bob's landlord. He owns or has a stake in just about everything down on the harbor (and many things in town). He likes Bob despite Bob always being late with his rent (partially because Bob knows a legendary burger recipe that he greatly enjoys). Louise describes him as being "one white cat away from being a supervillainSupervillainA supervillain or supervillainess is a variant of the villain character type, commonly found in comic books, action movies and science fiction in various media.They are sometimes used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes...
". - Officer Julia (voiced by Jerry MinorJerry MinorJerry C. Minor is an American actor, comedian and writer known for his comedic roles in numerous television programs such as Mr. Show, Saturday Night Live, Delocated, Crossballs, Carpoolers and Lucky Louie....
) – a local African-American officer. She acts tough with people she arrests. She appears mostly with Officer Cliffany. - Officer Cliffany (voiced by Sam SederSam SederSamuel Lincoln "Sam" Seder is a comedian, writer, actor, film director, television producer-director, and talk radio host...
) – A local tall and overweight officer. She works frequently with Officer Julia whenever there is a case in town.
| Main cast members | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H. Jon Benjamin H. Jon Benjamin Henry Jon Benjamin , known professionally as H. Jon Benjamin and Jon Benjamin, is an American actor, comedian and writer best known for his voice-over roles as Jason and Coach McGuirk on Home Movies, Ben on Dr... (Bob Belcher) |
John Roberts John Roberts (actor) John Roberts is an American actor, writer and comedian. He has appeared on Good Day New York and MTV's It's On with Alexa Chung, and has played Jimmy's mom on NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.... (Linda Belcher) |
Dan Mintz Dan Mintz Dan Mintz is an American comedian, writer, and actor. He is known for his extremely deadpan delivery, keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead and never looking toward the camera or audience... (Tina Belcher) |
Eugene Mirman Eugene Mirman Eugene Boris Mirman is a Russian-born American comedian, writer, and filmmaker. Mirman currently plays Yvgeny Mirminsky on Delocated, and voices Gene Belcher for the animated comedy Bob's Burgers.-Early life:Mirman was born in Russia to Jewish parents... (Gene Belcher) |
Kristen Schaal Kristen Schaal Kristen Schaal is an American actress, writer and comedienne, best known for her role as Mel in the HBO series Flight of the Conchords, as Louise in Bob's Burgers and as a contributor on The Daily Show.-Early life:... (Louise Belcher) |
Critical
The series has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Metacritic.com gave an aggregate score of 53 out of 100 or "mixed or average reviews." Entertainment Weekly gave the show an A- grade in its review, remarking that "a comedy this well done is very rare indeed." Ain't It Cool News called Bob's Burgers "perhaps the funniest half-hour currently airing on broadcast TV." In its review, CNN called the show "wickedly funny" and said there are "too many highlights to list here." On blogcritics.org, JeromeWetzelTV commented that "[w]hile not preachy, Bob's Burgers is certainly the most wholesome of the Sunday night cartoons. The series is not all about the heart, though. There are plenty of great jokes. For instance, when Gene wins a gold medal in the race, his mother, Linda (John Roberts), wants to have it bronzed. This is just one example of the off-beat brand of humor that Bob's Burgers brings to a night full of the same type of show, setting it apart."However, the Washington Post described the show as "pointlessly vulgar and derivatively dull" while Reuters
Reuters
Reuters is a news agency headquartered in New York City. Until 2008 the Reuters news agency formed part of a British independent company, Reuters Group plc, which was also a provider of financial market data...
stated that "It's unwise -- and unnecessary -- to launch an animated sitcom on Fox that appears intent to ape the vulgarity quotient of Family Guy
Family Guy
Family Guy is an American animated television series created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a dysfunctional family consisting of parents Peter and Lois; their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie; and their anthropomorphic pet dog Brian...
." USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
stated that "Bob's Burgers isn't very tasty" describing the comedy as just "lop[ing] along, stumbling from one tasteless moment to the next" The New York Times described the show as having "a lackadaisical vibe; its humor, no matter how anarchic, slides by in a deadpan monotone."
Ratings
After airing, the show became the highest-rated series premiere of the season and also finished 9th in the ratings for the week it aired. Despite this, the ratings went on a slide with Bill Gorman of TV by the NumbersTV by the Numbers
TV by the Numbers is a website devoted to collecting and analyzing television ratings data in the United States. It is run by Bill Gorman and Robert Seidman, both of whom founded the website in 2007.-History:...
calling it a "toss up" for renewal before the series was renewed for a second season.
| Season | Season Premiere | Season Finale | TV Season | Ranking | Viewers (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | January 9, 2011 | May 22, 2011 | 2010–2011 | #117 | 5.07 |
Worldwide release
| Country | Network | Premiere Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Fox Broadcasting Company Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the... |
January 2011 - present | |
| Global TV | January 2011 - present | |
| Eleven Eleven (TV channel) Eleven is an Australian free-to-air standard definition digital television channel, which was launched by ElevenCo, on 11 January 2011.-Joint venture:... |
January 26, 2011 - present | |
| E4 | April 2011 – present | |
| Four Four (New Zealand TV channel) Four is a television station operating in New Zealand and owned by MediaWorks New Zealand. The channel launched 6 February 2011 at 6pm. The channel broadcasts on channel frequencies previously used by C4 with some shows previously screened on TV3 and C4 now screening on... |
June 2011 - present | |
| 3e 3E 3E or 3-E may refer to:*3e, general entertainment channel operated in Ireland*3rd meridian east*Third edition in the Editions of Dungeons & Dragons*NY 3E, alternate name for New York State Route 104*OK-3E, abbreviation for Oklahoma State Highway 3... |
August 2011 – present | |
| FX Brasil | August 2011 – present | |
| Fox Fox Fox is a common name for many species of omnivorous mammals belonging to the Canidae family. Foxes are small to medium-sized canids , characterized by possessing a long narrow snout, and a bushy tail .Members of about 37 species are referred to as foxes, of which only 12 species actually belong to... |
September 2011 – present | |
 Norway |
TV2 Zebra TV2 Zebra TV 2 Zebra is a Norwegian television channel showing entertainment programmes, interactive programmes and live sport. The channel started as TV 2 Xtra in 2004. TV 2 Zebra is the sixth largest television channel in Norway.... |
September 21, 2011 - present |
 Hungary |
Comedy Central Comedy Central Hungary Comedy Central Hungary is the Hungarian version of Comedy Central. The channel broadcasts comedy oriented shows.- Programming :Shows in this channel include:*According to Jim *My Name Is Earl... |
October 4, 2011 – present |
| 2+2 2+2 2+2 may refer to:* 2+2 road, a high-capacity four-lane road with at-grade intersections* 2+2 , a car configuration with two rear seats rather than three, for a total of four seats... |
October 2011 – present | |
 Estonia |
TV6 TV6 TV6 may refer to:*TV-6 , defunct Russian television channel, closed by Russian authorities in 2002*TV6 , defunct French television channel broadcasting in 1986 and 1987, predecessor to M6... |
October 13, 2011 – present |