Bob's Burgers

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Bob's Burgers
Bob's Burgers logo.png
Bob's Burgers promo.png
From left to right: Tina, Gene, Bob, Linda and Louise Belcher
Genre Sitcom
Created by Loren Bouchard
Developed by Loren Bouchard
Jim Dauterive
Voices of H. Jon Benjamin
Dan Mintz
Eugene Mirman
John Roberts
Kristen Schaal
Larry Murphy
Theme music composer Loren Bouchard
Opening theme "Bob's Burgers Theme"
Composer(s) John Dylan Keith
Loren Bouchard
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 3
No. of episodes 45 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Loren Bouchard
Jim Dauterive
Running time 22–24 minutes
Production company(s) Wilo Productions
Buck & Millie Productions
20th Century Fox Television
Distributor 20th Television
Broadcast
Original channel Fox
Picture format HD: 720p
Audio format Dolby Digital 5.1
Original run January 9, 2011 (2011-01-09) – present (present)
Chronology
Related shows Home Movies,
Archer
External links
Official website

Bob's Burgers is an American animated sitcom created by Loren Bouchard for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Belchers – parents Bob and Linda, and their children Tina, Gene, and Louise – who run a hamburger restaurant. The family was conceived by Bouchard after developing Home Movies for UPN.

Since its debut on January 9, 2011, the show has broadcast 45 episodes. While reviews for the first season were mixed, subsequent reviews have been positive. The series premiere, "Human Flesh", drew in 9.38 million viewers, making it the highest-rated series premiere of the season and also finished 9th in the ratings for the week it aired.[1][2] The first season received an average of approximately 5 million viewers, and it ranked 59th in ratings share, tied with 60 Minutes, The Middle, and Outsourced.[3]

On October 16, 2012, Fox renewed Bob's Burgers for a fourth season consisting of 22 episodes.[4] On May 1, 2013, Adult Swim acquired the off-network rights to air the series starting in summer 2013.[5]

Contents

Plot [edit]

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.[6] The show is said to fill the void created by the conclusion of King of the Hill, which Bob's Burgers executive producer Jim Dauterive worked on for nearly its entire run.[7]

Characters [edit]

The Belcher family are a typical family and run a hamburger restaurant. Bob is the restaurant's owner, and is a father. Linda is Bob's wife. Tina is the oldest child, who helps around Bob's restaurant along with Gene, the only boy, and Louise, the youngest girl.

There are various recurring characters in the series including Jimmy Pesto, owner of a pizzeria and Bob's rival, and his sons Jimmy Jr. (Tina's love interest), and the twins Andy and Olly, who are hyperactive and are friends of Louise. Other recurring characters include Bob's friend Mort, who owns the mortuary next door, and Teddy Francisco, a regular customer at Bob's Burgers.

Production [edit]

The series initial look of the characters, including scrapped character, Daniel Belcher
The current look of the characters, including Tina Belcher, who replaced Daniel Belcher

Proof of concept [edit]

Before the show was aired, the team created a proof of concept so Fox Broadcasting Company knew what to expect if they bought the show. Jay Howell had his art featured in a test animation based on Bob forgetting about his and Linda's wedding anniversary. In this demo Bob uses the word "shit" without it being censored. The actual show has never used a word that needed to be censored by the network.[8] The proof of concept eventually turned into the pilot episode. It had the same synopsis as the official pilot (aired in 2011) but had both cosmetic and substantial differences. These included:

  • Cruder animation
  • Character models having longer noses
  • Bob wears a white tank top (in the series he wears a white shirt)
  • The eldest child is male, and called Daniel
  • The intro had slower animation due to budget cuts
  • Extra lines
  • In the proof of concept Gene drops the hamburger samples when the elderly mourning lady leaves and comes back to kick him onto the ground, in the actual episode, she flips the pan of samples out of his hand.

The original pilot can be seen on the DVD release of the first season, released on April 17, 2012.

Development [edit]

Loren Bouchard created the series

Bob's Burgers first appeared on the development slate at Fox on August 6, 2009.[9] On December 1, 2009, Fox ordered 13 episodes for the first season.[10] On May 17, 2010, Fox placed the series on the primetime slate for the 2010–11 television season.[11] A special preview aired on Thanksgiving on November 25, 2010.[12]

Executive producers [edit]

Creator Loren Bouchard serves as the executive producer, alongside developer Jim Dauterive. They have served as executive producers since the first season.

Writing [edit]

The team of writers includes: Loren Bouchard, Jim Dauterive, Scott Jacobson, Lizzie Molyneux, Wendy Molyneux, Holly Schlesinger, Nora Smith, Steven Davis, Kelvin Yu, Dan Fybel, Rich Rinaldi, Kit Boss, Greg Thompson, and Jon Schroeder. After the writing has been completed, the voice actors read the script as intended, but later are allowed to improvise lines on the spot. The editors and director decide what improvised lines make the final cut.

Voice cast [edit]

Bob's Burgers has five main cast members: H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, and Kristen Schaal.[13] Benjamin voices Bob Belcher, Roberts voices Linda Belcher, Mintz voices Tina Belcher, Mirman voices Gene Belcher, Schaal voices Louise Belcher.[13]

Main cast members
H. Jon Benjamin by Gage Skidmore.jpg John Roberts by Gage Skidmore.jpg Dan Mintz by Gage Skidmore.jpg Eugene Mirman by Gage Skidmore.jpg Kristen Schaal by Gage Skidmore.jpg
H. Jon Benjamin John Roberts Dan Mintz Eugene Mirman Kristen Schaal
Bob Belcher Linda Belcher Tina Belcher Gene Belcher Louise Belcher

Hallmarks [edit]

Opening sequence [edit]

The opening sequence begins with a burger, after which the Belcher family appears, with their restaurant sporting a "Grand Opening" sign in the background. The restaurant is then shown being damaged in a series of incidents (a fire, an encounter with a fallen utility pole, an invasion of vermin), each time returning with a sign announcing the "Grand Re-Opening", "Grand Re-Re-Opening", and so on. Finally, the view zooms in to the "Bob's Burgers" sign/logo and fades into the start of the episode.

As with two other Fox animated series, The Simpsons 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 episodes, it is almost always vacant. Additionally, beginning in Season 2, a different company is named on the pest control truck for each episode's opening credits.

Credits sequence [edit]

The credits sequence of Bob's Burgers features the Belcher family at work. The scene is the kitchen of Bob's Burgers drawn with a black outline over a white background, with the credits off to the right hand side. The background often includes elements from the episode, such as a guest star or visual gag.

Daily special [edit]

Every episode features one or more "Today's Special" burgers on a chalk board on the wall behind the counter. The name of the special is usually a play on words that indicates what comes on the burger (e.g. "It's Fun to Eat at the rYe M C A Burger": Comes with Rye, Mustard, Cheese, and Avocado). Similar "Special" burgers are also mentioned by the characters without being written on the board.

Home media [edit]

The first season of the show is available on the iTunes Store for download and was released on DVD on April 17, 2012. The first two seasons are also available for streaming on Netflix. The first 2 seasons are available from Amazon Instant Video, along with season 3 episodes. Note: Season 3 is in progress, the most recent episodes become available within a few days of their TV airing.

Reception and achievements [edit]

Success [edit]

Initial reviews were mixed, with a Metacritic score of 54 out of 100.[14] 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."[15][16] 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"[17] The New York Times described the show as having "a lackadaisical vibe; its humor, no matter how anarchic, slides by in a deadpan monotone."[18] The Parents Television Council, a conservative media watchdog group, named two of the shows episodes ("Sheesh! Cab, Bob?" and "The Belchies") as the Worst TV Show of the Week.

However, as Season 1 progressed and concluded and Season 2 began, critics began giving the series praise. Rowan Kaiser of The A.V. Club has recalled, "...the show was amusing, yes, and there was certainly potential, but it took half a dozen episodes before it really began to meet that potential."[19] Season 2 has a Metacritic of 78 out 100.[20]

Entertainment Weekly gave the show an A- grade in its review, remarking that "a comedy this well done is very rare indeed."[21] Ain't It Cool News called Bob's Burgers "perhaps the funniest half-hour currently airing on broadcast TV."[22] In its review, CNN called the show "wickedly funny" and said there are "too many highlights to list here."[23] 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."[24] Speaking about the show during its second season, The A.V. Club's Rowan Kaiser said "After an uneven start, Bob’s Burgers is becoming one of television’s best comedies!"[25] Since the debut of season two of the series, the show's positive reception has increased. The AV Club voted Bob's Burgers as the 10th best TV show of 2012.[26]

Accolades [edit]

Bob's Burgers was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 2012 along with fellow FOX shows The Simpsons, American Dad, Comedy Central's Futurama and Nickelodeon's The Penguins of Madagascar.

Year Award Category Recipients and nominees Outcome References
2011 Teen Choice Award Choice TV: Animated Show Bob's Burgers Nominated [27]
2012 Teen Choice Award Choice TV: Animated Show Bob's Burgers Nominated [28]
2012 Critics Choice Award Best Animated Series Bob's Burgers Nominated [29]
2012 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Animated Program Bob's Burgers
for "Burgerboss"
Nominated [30]

Ratings [edit]

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.[31][32] Despite this, the ratings went on a slide with ratings expert Bill Gorman of TV by the Numbers calling it a "toss up" for renewal before the series was renewed for a second season[33] which premiered on March 11, 2012.

Season Timeslot (ET) # Ep. Premiered Ended TV Season Rank Viewers
(in millions)
Date Premiere Viewers
(in millions)
Date Finale Viewers
(in millions)
1 Sunday 8:30 pm 13
January 9, 2011
9.38[34]
May 22, 2011
4.31[35] 2010–11 #117[36] 5.07[36]
2 9
March 11, 2012
4.04[37]
May 20, 2012
3.57[38] 2011–12 #142[39] 4.18[39]
3 23
September 30, 2012
5.46[40]
May 12, 2013[41]
TBA 2012–13 TBA TBA

Syndication [edit]

On May 1, 2013, Adult Swim acquired the rights to air the first three seasons of Bob's Burgers. The series will begin airing Summer 2013.

Broadcast [edit]

Episodes [edit]

Season Episodes Originally aired Production
line
DVD release dates
Season premiere Season finale Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
1 13 January 9, 2011 (2011-01-09) May 22, 2011 (2011-05-22) 1ASAXX April 17, 2012 (2012-04-17)[42] N/A N/A
2 9 March 11, 2012 (2012-03-11) May 20, 2012 (2012-05-20) 2ASAXX May 7, 2013 (2013-05-07)[43] N/A N/A
3 23[44] September 30, 2012 (2012-09-30) May 12, 2013 (2013-05-12)[45] 2ASAXX
3ASAXX
N/A N/A N/A

International broadcast [edit]

Country Network Premiere date
United States Fox January 9, 2011—
Canada Global[46][47] January 9, 2011—
Australia Eleven January 26, 2011—
United Kingdom[48]
E4
4Music
Channel 4
April 2011—
Philippines Jack TV May 5, 2011—
New Zealand Four March 2011—
Ireland 3e August 2011—
Brazil FX Latin America August 2011—
Argentina FX Latin America August 2011—
Mexico FX Latin America August 2011—
Italy Fox September 2011—
Norway TV 2 Zebra September 21, 2011—
Hungary Comedy Central October 4, 2011—
Ukraine 2+2 October 2011—
Estonia TV6 October 13, 2011—
Czech Republic Prima Cool December 25, 2011—
Greece FX
Fox
January 2012—October 2012
February 2013—Present
Poland Fox March 14, 2012—[49]
Russia 2x2 May 7, 2012—[50]
Arab world Fox May 2012—
Netherlands Comedy Central August 2012-
Portugal FX April 10, 2011—[51]

In popular culture [edit]

Actual Bob's Burgers location in La Puente, CA, during 2012

On January 6, 2011, some Fatburger locations were re-branded as Bob's Burgers for the day as a promotion.[52] It also offered limited-time offers, such as a free burger giveaway, and a special, "The Thanks a Brunch Burger", on the menu until February 2011.[52] There were also "Bob's Burgers" coupons offered for a free medium FatBurger special.[52][53] Across the United States, 4 locations were re-branded as Bob's Burgers, in California, New Jersey, Nevada, and Illinois.[52][53] At least one restaurant location in California continues to use the Bob's Burgers appellation into 2012.

In the Family Guy episode "Space Cadet", the principal shows Peter and Lois a picture of Bob Belcher as a sign that Chris is doing poorly in his Advanced Art class. Peter mutters "I'm very embarrassed," and the principal replies "Yeah, well, someone should be."

The season 4 premiere episode of Archer features a crossover where Bob is revealed to be Sterling Archer (also voiced by H. Jon Benjamin) in a fugue state. The menu board plays on once-amnesiac fictional secret agent Thomas Elphinstone Hambledon in a novel series by Manning Coles.

See also [edit]

References [edit]

  1. ^ "TV Ratings Sunday: With Help from NFL, Fox Animations Surge, ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Strong ; ‘The Cape’ Premieres OK; Housewives, Brothers & Sisters Stable". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  2. ^ "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: NFL Wildcard Simpsons, Modern Family, Family Guy and Two and a Half Men Lead Week 16 Viewing". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  3. ^ Andreeva, Nellie. "Full 2010–2011 TV Season Series Rankings". Deadline.com. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  4. ^ "'Bob's Burgers' Renewed by FOX for Season 4". TV By the Numbers. Retrieved October 16, 2012. 
  5. ^ http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/adult-swim-acquires-off-network-rights-to-bobs-burgers/
  6. ^ Schneider, Michael (November 30, 2009). "Fox cooking up 'Bob's Burgers'". Variety. Retrieved 2010-06-30. 
  7. ^ Ayers, Michael (December 1, 2009). "Fox Orders 13 Episodes of 'Bob's Burgers'". TV Squad. Retrieved 2010-06-30. 
  8. ^ "The Demo" (in English). Bob's Burgers. Season 0. Episode 0. Fox Broadcasting Company.
  9. ^ "Breaking News – Development Update: Thursday, August 6". TheFutonCritic.com. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  10. ^ "Breaking News – Development Update: Tuesday, December 1". TheFutonCritic.com. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  11. ^ "Breaking News – FOX Announces Primetime Slate for 2010–2011 Season". TheFutonCritic.com. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  12. ^ "Breaking News – Special 'Bob's Burgers' Sampler Added to FOX's Thanksgiving Menu Thursday, November 25". TheFutonCritic.com. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  13. ^ a b "Bob's Burgers Cast - Zap2it". Tvlistings.zap2it.com. Retrieved 2013-01-25. 
  14. ^ http://www.metacritic.com/tv/bobs-burgers
  15. ^ Stuever, Hank (January 9, 2011). "In 'Bob's Burgers,' plenty to beef about". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 14, 2011. 
  16. ^ Goodman, Tim (9 January 2011). "Bob's Burgers serves up bad first course". Reuters. Retrieved January 14, 2011. 
  17. ^ Bianco, Robert (January 9, 2011). "Critic's Corner Weekend: 'Bob's Burgers' isn't very tasty". USA Today. Retrieved January 14, 2011. 
  18. ^ Hale, Mike (January 7, 2011). "TELEVISION REVIEW | 'BOB'S BURGERS'; This Family Restaurant Is All About the People". The New York Times. p. C10. Retrieved January 19, 2011. 
  19. ^ Kaiser (16 April 2012). first= Rowan "Bob's Burgers: Food Truckin'". The A.V. Club (The Onion). 
  20. ^ http://www.metacritic.com/tv/bobs-burgers/season-2
  21. ^ "Amazon". [dead link]
  22. ^ "Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news". Aintitcool.com. January 6, 2011. Retrieved 2011-01-11. 
  23. ^ "Mega recap Monday: 'Shameless,' 'Bob's Burgers,' 'The Cape' and 'Episodes' – The Marquee Blog – CNN.com Blogs". CNN. Retrieved 2011-01-11. 
  24. ^ JeromeWetzelTV (May 23, 2011). "TV Review: Bob's Burgers – "Torpedo" – Page 2". blogcritics.org. Retrieved 2011-06-18. 
  25. ^ Kaiser, Rowan (May 7, 2012). ""Moody Foodie" | Bob’s Burgers | TV". The A.V. Club. 
  26. ^ The best TV of 2012 (2012-12-26). "The best TV of 2012 | Best Of 2012 | Best of". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 2013-01-25. 
  27. ^ "2012 Teen Choice Awards, Nominees, Winners, TV Schedule". Chiff.com. July 22, 2012. 
  28. ^ "First Wave of ‘Teen Choice 2012′ Nominees Announced; Special Airs Sunday July 22 on FOX". TV by the Numbers. zap2it.com. 
  29. ^ by admin (June 18, 2012). "Critics' Choice Awards | Broadcast Television Journalists Association Announces Winners of the 2nd Annual Critics' Choice Television Awards". Criticschoice.com. 
  30. ^ http://www.emmys.com/sites/emmys.com/files/EmmyNoms64-Press-Release.pdf
  31. ^ Seidman, Robert (January 10, 2011). "TV Ratings Sunday: With Help from NFL Fox Animations Surge, 'Bob's Burgers' Strong ; 'The Cape' Premieres OK; Housewives, Brothers & Sisters Stable". TVbythenumbers.zap2it.com. Retrieved 2011-01-10. 
  32. ^ Seidman, Robert (January 11, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: NFL Wildcard Simpsons, Modern Family, Family Guy and Two and a Half Men Lead Week 16 Viewing". TVbythenumbers.zap2it.com. Retrieved 2011-01-11. 
  33. ^ Gorman, Bill (March 15, 2011). "Fox: ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Back To A "Toss Up"; But Not ‘Lie To Me’ & ‘The Chicago Code’". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. Retrieved 2011-04-07. 
  34. ^ Seidman, Robert (January 11, 2011). "Sunday Final Ratings: Desperate Housewives, Cleveland Adjusted Up; Brothers & Sisters Down; No Change for The Cape or Bob's Burgers". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 11, 2011. 
  35. ^ Gorman, Bill (May 24, 2011). "Sunday Final Ratings: 'Billboard Music Awards,' 'Celebrity Apprentice,' 'Funniest Videos,' 'Family Guy,' 'American Dad,' '60 Minutes' Adjusted Up". TV By the Numbers. Retrieved May 24, 2011. 
  36. ^ a b Gorman, Bill (June 1, 2011). /01/2010-11-season-broadcast-primetime-show-viewership-averages/94407/ "2010–11 Season Broadcast Primetime Show Viewership Averages". TV By the Numbers. Retrieved June 19, 2010. 
  37. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 13, 2012). "Sunday Final Ratings: '60 Minutes', 'America's Funniest Home Videos', 'Once Upon a Time', 'The Amazing Race' & 'Desperate Housewives' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 13, 2012. 
  38. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 22, 2012). "Sunday Final Ratings: 'Family Guy' Adjusted Up; 'Bob's Burgers' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved May 22, 2012. 
  39. ^ a b "Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: ‘Sunday Night Football’ Tops, Followed By ‘American Idol,’ ‘NCIS’ & ‘Dancing With The Stars’ – Ratings | TVbytheNumbers". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. 
  40. ^ "Sunday Final Ratings: ‘Once Upon A Time’, ‘The Simpsons’, ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Adjusted Up; ’666 Park Avenue’, ’60 Minutes’ Adjusted Down & Final Football Numbers – Ratings | TVbytheNumbers". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. 
  41. ^ Kondology, Amanda (February 28, 2013). "FOX Announces Finale Dates for 'Bones', 'The Following', 'New Girl' & More + Summer Premiere Dates Including 'So You Think You Can Dance'". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 1, 2013. 
  42. ^ Bob's Burgers Season 2 DVD. May 06, 2013 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CO8WWS4/ref=cm_sw_su_dp |url= missing title (help). Retrieved May 08, 2013. 
  43. ^ Bob's Burgers Season 2 DVD. May 06, 2013 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CO8WWS4/ref=cm_sw_su_dp |url= missing title (help). Retrieved May 08, 2013. 
  44. ^ "View, Screen, Download". FoxFast.com. Retrieved 2013-01-25. 
  45. ^ Kondology, Amanda (February 28, 2013). "FOX Announces Finale Dates for 'Bones', 'The Following', 'New Girl' & More + Summer Premiere Dates Including 'So You Think You Can Dance'". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 1, 2013. 
  46. ^ "Shaw Media | GLOBAL TELEVISION UNVEILS 2011/12 PRIMETIME LINEUP". Newswire.ca. May 31, 2011. 
  47. ^ "'Bob's Burgers' returns | Sympatico.ca TV Guide". TVGuide.ca. March 9, 2012. 
  48. ^ Next Time. "Bob's Burgers". Channel 4. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  49. ^ "Bob's Burgers". Foxtv.pl. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  50. ^ "Premiere: Bob's Burgers (Закусочная Боба)". Official blog of 2x2. 
  51. ^ "ESTREIA ‘BOB’S BURGERS’". FX Portugal. FX Portugal. Retrieved 29 March 2013. 
  52. ^ a b c d ""Bob’s Burgers" Flips Fatburger Restaurants To Serve Up Free Burger Giveaways In Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago And New Jersey – Ratings | TVbytheNumbers". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. January 4, 2011. Retrieved 2012-05-05. 
  53. ^ a b "Bob's Burgers Fatburger Partnership". Fatburger. 

External links [edit]