Although I am a fan of “Spongebob Squarepants” it’s tough to watch “Rocko’s Modern Life” today without thinking that Nickelodeon might have lifted some of the formula from this classic 1993 series. Tom Kenny plays a well meaning dingo who approaches life with optimism and humilty, much like Spongebob.
He has a wacky and loyal pet, a goofy puffy best friend who is lacking in the sense department, and a foil with a perpetual scowl who often makes sure the main protagonist is miserable for no reason. The only exception is that “Rocko’s Modern Life” has better writing in its favor and a rather better following of cartoon lovers and nineties kids whom fondly remember soaking in this surreal but fun cartoon series about the misadventures of the lovable Rocko.
“Rocko’s Modern Life” gets a royal treatment on DVD finally thanks to the masters at Shout! Factory with a two disc presentation of season one featuring some of the banner episodes of “Rocko’s Modern Life” that will spark nostalgia for many collector’s around the world who adore what Nickelodeon had to offer as an alternative to game shows. This is definitely a show with the Nickelodeon stamp on it.
Thankfully almost twenty years later, “Rocko’s Modern Life” hasn’t lost its luster or appeal a single bit, with writing that’s often bold and unique along with humor that often dared to be risque offering puns and gags that adult animation buffs continue to recall with fondness and respect. Back before America enforced the humdrum animation fad, animated series took chances and tried for double entendres and suggestive humor for the sake of adults in the audience as well as acknowledging children who wanted to see all sorts of wacky and inventive segments. What I find particularly charming about “Rocko’s Modern Life” is that the animation style stills holds up with some wonderful character designs and as an animated sitcom it’s still in its own league as a show that didn’t mind being different when it was okay for animation to be different and challenging.
The DVD features fifteen original episodes of the first season with twenty six adventures of Rocko and pals. For parents looking to break free from the monotony of anime and kids shows, this is worth a watch. Here’s hoping Shout! or another amazing company is able to get the rights to distribute episodes of long overdue Nick shows like “Salute Your Shorts!”, “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and many other overdue Nick programs from the nineties. These are collections fans have been asking for and Shout! has made it a reality.