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{{Short description|American animated television series (1993–1996)}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Rocko's Modern Life.svg
| image_size = 250
| runtime
| genre = {{plainlist|
* [[Animated sitcom]]
* [[Black comedy]]
* [[Satire]]
* [[Surreal humour|Surreal humor]]
* [[Slapstick]]
}}
| creator = [[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]]<!--Do not add [[Stephen Hillenburg]], despite always being involved he has only considered creative director-->
| writer = <!--Per [[Template:Infobox television]], we do not use this parameter if there are more than 5 writers.-->
| director =
| theme_music_composer = [[Sarah Frost|Sarah Frost-Goetz]]
| composer = [[Pat Irwin]]
| creative_director = [[Stephen Hillenburg]] (season 4)
| executive_producer = {{plainlist|
* [[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]] (season 4; 2019 special)
* [[Vanessa Coffey]] (season 1)
* Mary Harrington
}}
| producer = {{plainlist|
* [[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]] (seasons 1–3)
* Marty McNamara
* Stephen Hillenburg (season 4)
* Robert Porter (seasons 2–3)
* [[George Maestri]]
}}
| animator =
| company = {{plainlist|
* [[Joe Murray Productions]]
* [[Games Animation]]
}}
| voices = {{plainlist|
* [[Carlos Alazraqui]]
* [[Tom Kenny]]
* [[Mr. Lawrence]]
* [[Charlie Adler]]
}}
| opentheme = "Rocko's Modern Life" performed by Tom Kenny and [[The B-52's]] (seasons 2–4)
| endtheme =
| country = United States
| language = English
| network = [[Nickelodeon]]
| first_aired = {{Start date|1993|9|18}}
| last_aired = {{End date|1996|11|24}}
| num_seasons = 4
| num_episodes = 52 (100 segments)
| list_episodes = List of Rocko's Modern Life episodes
| related = <!-- To be used only for remakes, spin-offs, and adaptations -->
}}
'''''Rocko's Modern Life''''' is an American animated [[comedy]] television series created by [[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]] for [[Nickelodeon]]. The series centers on the surreal life of an [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] Australian immigrant [[wallaby]]<!--Do not change. Rocko is often referred to as a wallaby, despite being frequently called "Kangaroo Boy."--> named [[Rocko]] and his friends: the eccentric steer<!--Do not change, despite the running gag of everyone mistaking Heff for a cow, he always corrects them as "steer."--> [[Heffer Wolfe]], the neurotic turtle [[Filburt Shellbach|Filburt]], and Rocko's faithful dog [[Spunky (Rocko's Modern Life)|Spunky]]. It is set in the fictional town of O-Town. Throughout its run, the series has been controversial for its [[adult humor]], including [[double entendres]], [[innuendos]], and [[satirical]] social commentary, helping pave the way for adult animation and earning a [[cult following]], akin to ''[[The Ren & Stimpy Show]].''
Murray initially created the title character for an unpublished comic book series in the mid-1980s. During work on his short film, ''My Dog Zero'' he reluctantly pitched the series to Nickelodeon, looking for edgier cartoonists for its then-new [[Nicktoons]]. After it was accepted, he wrote and produced the pilot episode, "[[Trash-O-Madness]]". At the start of its production, Murray received significant creative freedom from the network, and its writers targeted both children and adults.
Distinctive from other animated series of the time, Murray sought local performers who had no prior voice acting work, including stand-up comedians [[Carlos Alazraqui]] and [[Tom Kenny]], and hired writers who didn't write for animated series. The production was described as "very loose", and Murray would take his team members on "writing trips" to come up with story premises, preferring concepts that "broke new ground". Some of the crew spoke of the series containing various influences, including ''[[Looney Tunes]]'', ''[[Second City Television|SCTV]]'' and [[underground comics]]. Its animation process has been described as similar to the output of [[Warner Bros.]] Golden Age cartoons, with a focus on humor and high-quality animation, and the animators were given a three-page outline to find gags and dialogue instead of a finished script.
The series premiered on September 18, 1993, and ended on November 24, 1996, totaling four seasons and 52 episodes, and launched the careers of voice actors [[Carlos Alazraqui]], [[Tom Kenny]], and [[Mr. Lawrence]], and animation directors [[Stephen Hillenburg]], creator of ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]''; [[Mitch Schauer]], creator of ''[[The Angry Beavers]]''; [[Dan Povenmire]] and [[Jeff "Swampy" Marsh]], co-creators of ''[[Phineas and Ferb]]''. Much of the staff would regroup to work on Hillenburg's project, ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'', on the same network. A [[Television special|special]], ''[[Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling]]'', was [[Streaming media|digitally released]] on [[Netflix]] on August 9, 2019.
==Premise==
[[File:Classic Scenes from Rocko's Modern Life- Season 1 - NickRewind.webm|thumb|left|A selection of scenes from the first season's episodes highlights typical situations in the series where Rocko tries to complete mundane tasks, only for them to spiral into absurd outcomes.]]
{{Main|List of Rocko's Modern Life characters}}
''Rocko's Modern Life'' follows the life of an easily frightened Australian immigrant [[wallaby]]<!--Do not change. Rocko is referred to as a wallaby, despite constantly being called "Kangaroo Boy."--> named [[Rocko]] who encounters various dilemmas and situations regarding otherwise mundane aspects of life. His best friends are [[Heffer Wolfe]], a fat and enthusiastic steer<!--Do not change, despite the running gag of everyone mistaking Heff for a cow, he always corrects them as "steer."-->; [[Filburt]], a neurotic turtle who often feels awkward or disturbed, and his faithful dog [[Spunky (Rocko's Modern Life)|Spunky]]. Living next door to Rocko is a middle-aged couple, [[Ed Bighead]], a cynical and cantankerous toad<!--Aside from a small few episode titles, they are always referred to as toads on the show, not frogs. Do not change.--> who despises Rocko, and his compassionate and more friendly wife, Bev Bighead.
All of the characters in ''Rocko's Modern Life'' are [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] animals of varying species and sizes. Murray said that he matched the personalities of his characters to the various animals in the series to form a social [[caricature]].<ref name="CNMurrayInterview"/>
===Characters===
{{Gallery
| title = From left to right: Rocko, Spunky, Heffer, Filburt, Ed Bighead, Bev Bighead
| align =
| footer =
| style =
| state =
| height =100
| width =100
| perrow =5
| mode = packed
| whitebg = no
| noborder =yes
| captionstyle =
| File:Rocko's Modern Life - Rocko as seen in season 2.png
|
| class1=
| alt1=Rocko
| File:Spunky.png
|
| class2=
| alt2=Spunky
| File:Rocko's Modern Life Heffer Wolfe.png
|
| class3=
| alt3=Heffer Wolfe
| File:Filburt Shellbach Turtle.png
|
| class4=
| alt4=Filburt Shellbach/Turtle
| File:Ed Bighead character.png
|
| class5=
| alt5= Ed Bighead
| File:Bev Bighead.png
|
| class6=
| alt6= Bev Bighead
}}
<br>
===Setting===
The show is set in a fictional town called O-Town located near the [[Great Lakes]] and most likely based on [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], as the city is located close to the [[Illinois]]–[[Wisconsin]] border. Places in the town include Chokey Chicken (later renamed "Chewy Chicken"), a parody of [[KFC]] and favorite hang-out for Rocko, Heffer, and Filburt; Conglom-O Corporation, a [[megacorporation]] with the slogan "We own you" that owns everything in town; [[Hell|Heck]], a parody of Hell dominated by [[Satan|Peaches]], also a parody of Satan; Holl-o-Wood, a town that resembles [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]]; and Kind of a Lot O' Comics, a [[comic book]] store owned by a toad named Mr. Smitty, where Rocko works.
Many of the locations in ''Rocko's Modern Life'' have the letter "O" in them; for example, O-Town and Conglom-O Corporation. When asked about the use of "O" in his show, Murray responded:
{{blockquote|I always got a big kick out of the businesses that were 'House-O-Paint', or 'Ton-O-Noodles', because their names seemed to homogenize what they sold, and strip the products of true individuality and stress volume... and we all know, the American dream is volume! So what better company to create volume than 'Conglom-O', and since a majority of the town worked at Conglom-O, it should be called 'O' Town. I also wanted the town to be 'anytown' USA, and I used to love sports players with a big ZERO on their back. It was funny to me.<ref name="TrainorMurray"/>}}
==Episodes==
{{Main|List of Rocko's Modern Life episodes}}
{{:List of Rocko's Modern Life episodes}}
==
===Development===
[[File:Joe Murray publicity shot.jpg|thumb|200px|The series' creator, [[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]]]]
The character's debut appearance was in an unpublished comic book titled ''Zak & Travis'' in the mid-1980s. Murray tried selling the comic book in between illustrating jobs, but never went into its production stage.<ref name="lambiek">{{Cite web |last=NickRewind |title=Joe Murray |url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/murray_joe.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531203232/https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/murray_joe.htm |archive-date=2025-05-31 |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=[[Lambiek]] Comiclopedia |language=en}}</ref> Many other characters appeared in various sketchbooks. He described the early 1990s animation atmosphere as "ripe for this kind of project. We took some chances that would be hard to do in these current times (the 1990s)."<ref name="MurrayRockoHome">
"[https://web.archive.org/web/20110206001351/http://www.joemurraystudio.com/tv/rocko.shtml Rocko's Modern Life]," ''[[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]] Studio''
</ref> In the early 1990s, Murray wanted funding for his independent film ''My Dog Zero,'' selecting Nickelodeon to pre-buy television rights for the series. He presented a pencil test to [[Nickelodeon]], which afterward became interested in buying and financing the show despite having no television experience.<ref name="harrington"/> The industry was coming out of a "[[Animation in the United States in the television era#Commercialization and counterculture|rough period]]" and Murray wanted to "shake things up a bit."<ref name="awn"/>
[[Linda Simensky]], a creative executive working for Nickelodeon, described the [[Nicktoons]] lineup and concept to Murray. He originally felt skeptical about creating a Nicktoon as he disliked television cartoons, but Simensky told him that Nicktoons differed from other cartoons. He then told her he believed ''My Dog Zero'' wouldn't work as a cartoon.<ref name="cartoonchronicles">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_URyOdu5UU|title=Meet Joe Murray, Creator of ROCKO'S MODERN LIFE!|access-date=June 6, 2025|author=The Cartoon Chronicles|website=YouTube|date=June 17, 2024}}</ref> He then researched Nickelodeon at the library and found that Nickelodeon's "attitude was different than regular TV" and that the cable network providers were "making their own rules."<ref name="TrainorMurray"/> Murray stated that he "didn't write for children," which the executives were fine with.<ref name="podcast"/>
Murray was unsure at first, but was inspired by independent animation around him, such as ''Animation Celebration'' and [[MTV]]'s ''[[Liquid Television]]'', giving the network a shot.<ref name="podcast"/> During that time, Nickelodeon, despite being a children's entertainment network, appealed to teens and college students with ''The Ren & Stimpy Show''.<ref name="theavclub"/>
Murray developed the Rocko character after visiting to a [[San Francisco Bay Area|Bay Area]] zoo, where he came across a wallaby who seemed to be oblivious to the chaos around him.<ref name="awn"/> He later combed through his sketchbooks, developed the ''Rocko's Modern Life'' concept, and pitched it to Nickelodeon believing that it would be rejected. Murray felt they would not like the pilot, thinking he would collect his sum and begin funding his next independent film.<ref name="podcast"/> According to Murray, around three or four months later, he had "forgotten about" the concept and was working on ''My Dog Zero'' when Simensky informed him that Nickelodeon wanted a pilot episode. Murray said he was glad he would get funding for ''My Dog Zero''.<ref name="TrainorMurray">"[http://www.title14.com/rocko/contributors/murray.html Lisa (Kiczuk) Trainor interviews Joe Murray, creator of Rocko's Modern Life] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150420193919/http://www.title14.com/rocko/contributors/murray.html |date=April 20, 2015 }}," ''The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ''</ref> On his website, he describes ''My Dog Zero'' as "that film that Linda Simensky saw which led me to ''Rocko.''"<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20100309032237/http://www.joemurraystudio.com/indie/indie.shtml Independent Filmwork]," ''[[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]] Studio''</ref> With the beginning of pre-production for a ''Rocko's Modern Life'' pilot, "Sucker for the Suck-O-Matic" was originally written as the pilot; the executives decided that [[Heffer Wolfe]], one of the characters, would be "a little too weird for test audiences." Murray, instead of removing Heffer from "Sucker for the Suck-O-Matic," decided to write "[[Trash-O-Madness]]" as the pilot episode.<ref name="TrainorMurray"/>
[[File:Early concept artwork of Rocko, early 1991.jpg|thumb|left|Murray’s early concept art of Rocko, submitted to Linda Simensky in 1991{{sfn|Murray|2010|p=26}}|200px]]
When the casting call for Trash-O-Madness began, there were fewer voice actors available in [[San Francisco]], leading Murray to seek out performers who had not done voice acting work prior, including stand-up comedians.<ref name="AmberJones">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mizqC7DeZdA|title=In Conversation with ATF - Joe Murray|access-date=May 28, 2025|author=Amber Jones|website=YouTube|date=April 28, 2025}}</ref> He attended a stand-up performance by [[Carlos Alazraqui]] and asked him afterward if he wanted to audition for the roles of Rocko and Spunky.<ref name="AmberJones"/> Being impressed by Alazraqui’s vocalizations of Spunky, Murray eventually hired him for the role.<ref name="AmberJones"/> He would later audition [[Tom Kenny]] from a stand-up performance, and [[Mr. Lawrence]], a layout assistant in Games Animation, for the respective roles of [[Heffer Wolfe]] and [[Filburt]].<ref name="AmberJones"/>
Murray produced the pilot episode, "[[Trash-O-Madness]]" at his studio in Saratoga, animating half of the episode. The production occurred entirely in the United States, with animation in Saratoga and processing in San Francisco.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20100523061442/http://www.joemurraystudio.com/tv/rocko_factoid4.shtml How the Pilot was produced]," ''Joe Murray Studio''</ref> While directing during recording sessions, he preferred to be on the stage with the actors instead of "behind glass" in a control room, which he describes as "the norm" while making animated series.<ref name="RockoArchivesMurray">
"[https://web.archive.org/web/20100513025535/http://www.joemurraystudio.com/tv/rocko_archives.shtml Rocko's Modern Life Archives]," ''[[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]] Studio''</ref> He believes that, due to his lack of experience with children, ''Rocko's Modern Life'' "skewed kind of older."<ref name="CNMurrayInterview">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20080131191907/http://turnerinfo.turner.com/presskititem.aspx?P=CARTOON&CID01=98376fcf-3e6c-44a0-aae0-9e41e16079ef&CID02=a97e4cd3-7a0b-4b0c-b126-1a03a9c9ca06 Q & A with Joe Murray]," ''[[Cartoon Network]] Pressroom''
</ref> Murray noted, "There's a lot of big kids out there. People went to see ''[[Who Framed Roger Rabbit|Roger Rabbit]]'' and saw all these characters they'd grown up with and said, 'yeah, why don't they have something like that anymore?'"<ref>Zimmerman, Kevin. "Not just for uglys anymore." ''[[Daily Variety]].'' March 23, 1995.</ref>
In the original series pilot, Rocko was colored yellow. During shipping of the first episode of ''Rocko's Modern Life'', executives forced Murray to change it when a toy merchandising company informed Nickelodeon they were interested in marketing toys but did not want to market Rocko because "the color was too close to another major cartoon character that they were making a lot of money off of." Murray eventually changed Rocko's color to beige, but after the pilot aired, the company opted out of producing toys for the series, making the color change pointless.<ref name="MurrayRockoFacts">
"[https://web.archive.org/web/20090221143738/http://www.joemurraystudio.com/tv/rocko_factoid2.shtml Little Known Rocko Factoids]," ''[[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]] Studio''</ref> When the series was in development prior to the first episode's release, the series had the production title, ''The Rocko Show.''<ref name="Sumares">"[http://www.title14.com/rocko/unknowns/ A Bit of Trivia From Paul Sumares] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080109120032/http://www.title14.com/rocko/unknowns/ |date=January 9, 2008 }}," ''The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ''</ref>
In November 1992, two months before the production of season 1 of ''Rocko's Modern Life'', Murray's first wife committed suicide.{{sfn|Murray|2010|p=31}}<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080629041444/http://joemurraystudio.com/blog/?p=135 June 16, 2008]." ''Joe Murray Studio.''</ref> Murray had often blamed his wife's suicide on the show being picked up. He said, "It was always an awful connection because I look at ''Rocko'' as such a positive in my life."<ref name="Oct172010">"[http://joemurraystudio.com/blog/?p=2482 October 17, 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004044657/http://joemurraystudio.com/blog/?p=2482 |date=October 4, 2011 }}." Joe Murray Studio. Retrieved on October 26, 2010. "I often directly blamed my wife's suicide in 1992 on ''Rocko'' getting picked up (it happened as we were preparing to start production of the series)."</ref> He felt that he had emotional and physical "unresolved issues" when he moved to [[Los Angeles]], describing the experience as participating in a "marathon with my pants around my ankles." Murray initially believed that he would create one season, move back to the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], and "clean up the loose ends I had left hanging." When Nickelodeon approved of new seasons, he felt surprised by the offer;<ref name="TrainorMurray"/> Nickelodeon renewed the series for its second season in December 1993.<ref name="Brandweek">[[Fara Warner|Warner, Fara]]. "Nick Rock(o)s Licensing Boat." ''[[Brandweek]].'' Volume 35, Issue 5. January 31, 1994.</ref>
{{quote box |width=30em | bgcolor=transparent |align=right |quote="I think what set the [1990s] apart was the fact that the climate was ripe for people taking chances and doing different things. Both Nick and [[Cartoon Network]] were able to invest on people who had nothing to lose. Of course, the result of that was that there was a big explosion in the scene. There were big successes—like that [[SpongeBob SquarePants (character)|yellow sponge]] that popped up in a big way—and with that success came another era where people aren't apt to take as many chances because the stakes are too high."|salign=right|source=—Series creator [[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]] in 2011, on being a part of the creative animation scene in the early 1990s<ref name="awn">{{cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/people/joe-murray-looks-back-at-rockos-modern-life/|title=Joe Murray Looks Back at ''Rocko's Modern Life''|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Ramin Zahed|publisher=[[Animation (magazine)|Animation Magazine]]|date=July 12, 2011|archive-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720121231/http://www.animationmagazine.net/people/joe-murray-looks-back-at-rockos-modern-life/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
The show was jointly produced between [[Nickelodeon Animation Studio|Games Animation]] and Joe Murray Productions. Since Nickelodeon did not have an animation studio, it contracted out to other studios. After incidents with ''[[The Ren & Stimpy Show]]'' creator [[John Kricfalusi]] that led to his firing, Nickelodeon started losing trust in creators as much and began forming its studio, Games Animation.<ref name="podcast"/> Murray recalls that they were still able to get a lot done independently, likening the independence to that of "Termite Terrace" ([[Warner Bros. Cartoons]]) from the 1930s. As Nickelodeon began to have more success with its animation cartoons, Murray said the "Termite Terrace" mentality was not working as much.<ref name="podcast"/> Producer Mary Harrington made the move from New York City to Los Angeles to set up Games Animation to produce ''Rocko's Modern Life,'' beginning production on the show in January 1993.<ref name="harrington">{{harvnb|Neuwirth|2003|p=252}}</ref> ''Rocko's Modern Life'' was Nickelodeon's first in-house animated production.<ref name="harrington"/>
To set up production, Murray's Joe Murray Productions and [[Nickelodeon Animation Studio|Games Animation]] rented office space on [[Ventura Boulevard]] in the [[Studio City, Los Angeles|Studio City]] neighborhood of the [[San Fernando Valley]] region of [[Los Angeles]], [[California]].{{sfn|Murray|2010|p=31}}<ref>"[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PBPB&p_theme=pbpb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF863BDBA876E0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Animators Feel Free With `Rocko'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019193506/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PBPB&p_theme=pbpb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF863BDBA876E0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=October 19, 2012 }}." ''[[The Palm Beach Post]]''</ref> The production moved to a different office building on Vineland Avenue in Studio City, where executives did not share space with the creative team.<ref name="October242008">"[http://joemurraystudio.com/home/characters-2/ October 24, 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321232907/http://joemurraystudio.com/home/characters-2/ |date=March 21, 2012 }}." ''Joe Murray Studio.'' Retrieved October 24, 2008.</ref><ref name="Where">
"[https://web.archive.org/web/20100523061318/http://www.joemurraystudio.com/tv/rocko_factoid5.shtml Where Rocko the series was produced]," ''[[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]] Studio''
</ref> Murray rented a floor in the [[Writers Guild of America, West]] building, although the ''Rocko'' team was not a part of the union, which the staff found ironic.<ref name="podcast">{{cite podcast|url=http://talltalefeatures.com/2011/07/09/episode-124-joe-murray/ |title=Episode 124 – Joe Murray |website=talltalefeatures.com |publisher=Tall Tale Radio |host=Tom Racine |date=July 9, 2011 |access-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712004232/http://talltalefeatures.com/2011/07/09/episode-124-joe-murray/ |archive-date=July 12, 2011 }}</ref> Throughout production, [[Sunwoo Entertainment]], and later [[Rough Draft Studios]], assembled the animation.<ref name="FurnissRoughDraft">{{harvnb|Furniss|1998|p=66}}</ref>
According to Murray, as ''Rocko's Modern Life'' was his first television series, he did not have prior experience or knowledge with the atmosphere of typical animation studios. He says that his experience in independent films initially led him to attempt to micromanage many details in the production, as the approach used for the production of television shows was "driving me crazy." This led him to allow other team members to manage aspects of the ''Rocko's Modern Life'' production, including director and later creative director Stephen Hillenburg, whom Murray met at an animation film festival where he was showing his three short films.<ref name="CNMurrayInterview"/> Murray later hired Hillenburg as the director of ''Rocko's Modern Life,'' making it his first job in the animation business as director.<ref>{{harvnb|Neuwirth|2003|page=50}}</ref>
Murray said that he opted to operate his studio similarly to the operation of his [[Saratoga, California|Saratoga]], [[California]] studio, which he describes as "very relaxed."<ref name="TrainorMurray"/> His cadre included many veterans who, according to him, described the experience as "the most fun they had ever had!" He, saying that the atmosphere was "not my doing," credited his team members for collectively contributing.<ref name="TrainorMurray"/> Murray described the daily atmosphere at the studio as "very loose," adding that the rules permitted all staff members to use the paging system to make announcements. He stated that one visitor compared the environment of the production studio to "[[preschool]] without supervision."<ref name="October242008"/><ref name="Where"/> Throughout production, according to Murray, 70 people in the United States and over 200 people in South Korea and Japan animated the series.<ref name="TrainorMurray"/>
Rick Bentley of the ''[[Ventura County Star]]'' said that it was unusual for a cartoon creator to select a wallaby as a main character. Bentley also stated that the ''Rocko'' universe was influenced by "everything from [[Looney Tunes]] to [[Underground comix|underground comics]]."<ref name="Bentley">Bentley, Rick. "[http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jul/14/rocko-the-wallaby-as-145modern-as-ever/ Rocko the wallaby as 'Modern' as ever] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927100459/http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jul/14/rocko-the-wallaby-as-145modern-as-ever/ |date=September 27, 2012 }}." ''[[Ventura County Star]].'' July 14, 2011. Retrieved on July 17, 2011.</ref> The crew of ''Rocko's Modern Life'' were fans of [[surreal humour]] in both animated and live-action form. Tom Kenny cited ''Looney Tunes'' and ''[[Second City Television|SCTV]]'' as influences for the show, and also stated "I'm sure if you asked Joe Murray or Mr. Lawrence or any of those guys, especially in terms of animation, the weirdest cartoons would, of course, be our favorites—those weird '30s [[Fleischer Studios|Fleischer brothers]] ''[[Betty Boop]]'' cartoons and stuff like that."<ref name="tv.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/rockos-modern-life-is-finally-out-on-dvd-we-chat-with-the-voice-of-heffer-about-the-classic-90s-series/story/26091.html|title=''Rocko's Modern Life'' Is Finally Out on DVD; We Chat with the Voice of Heffer About the Classic '90s Series|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Louis Peitzman|publisher=[[TV.com]]|date=June 20, 2011|archive-date=June 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624225653/http://www.tv.com/rockos-modern-life-is-finally-out-on-dvd-we-chat-with-the-voice-of-heffer-about-the-classic-90s-series/story/26091.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
After season 3, Murray handed the project to [[Stephen Hillenburg]], performing most of the work for season 4; Murray continued to manage the cartoon.<ref name="TrainorMurray"/> He stated he would completely depart from production after season 4, encouraging the network to continue production, but Nickelodeon eventually canceled the series. The motive was unclear, but it was likely the wholesome image Nickelodeon was beginning to develop and promote at the time. He described all 52 episodes as "top notch," and in his view, the quality of a television show may decline as production continues "when you are dealing with volume."<ref name="TrainorMurray"/> On his website, he said that "in some ways it succeeded and in some ways failed. All I know it developed its own flavor and an equally original legion of fans."<ref name="MurrayRockoHome"/> In a 1997 interview, Murray said he thought if he could restart the series, but felt it would be difficult.<ref name="TrainorMurray"/>
===Writing===
The writers aimed to create stories that they describe as "strong" and "funny." Writers [[George Maestri]] and [[Martin Olson]] often presented ideas to Murray while eating [[hamburger]]s at Rocky's, a restaurant formerly located on Lankershim in the [[North Hollywood, Los Angeles|North Hollywood]] section of the San Fernando Valley.<ref name="Title14MaestriOlson" /> He took his team members on "writing trips" to places such as Rocky's, the [[La Brea Tar Pits]], and the wilderness, and if he liked the story premises, the writers produced full outlines from the premises, becoming ''Rocko's Modern Life'' episodes when both approved by Murray and Nickelodeon.<ref name="Title14MaestriOlson" /> Maestri describes some stories as originating from "real life" and some originating from "thin air."<ref name="Title14MaestriOlson">"[http://www.title14.com/rocko/contributors/maestri.html Lisa (Kiczuk) Trainor interviews George Maestri, story writer for Rocko's Modern Life] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320085444/http://www.title14.com/rocko/contributors/maestri.html |date=March 20, 2008 }}," ''The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ''</ref><ref>"[http://www.title14.com/rocko/contributors/martin.html Lisa (Kiczuk) Trainor interviews Martin Olson, writer for Rocko's Modern Life] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118085358/http://www.title14.com/rocko/contributors/martin.html |date=January 18, 2008 }}," ''The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ''</ref>
[[File:Rocko screaming in Trash-O-Madness.jpg|thumb|right|Many episodes are based on mundane tasks mixed with satire and absurdity. For example, "[[Trash-O-Madness]]" is based on environmental concerns.<ref name="TSBP">{{Cite web|url=https://sbpress.com/2019/09/rockos-modern-life-creator-joe-murray-wants-you-to-embrace-change/|title="Rocko's Modern Life" creator Joe Murray wants you to embrace change|last=Marrone|first=Louise|website=The Stony Brook Press|language=en|access-date=2025-05-29|date=2019-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012161124/https://sbpress.com/2019/09/rockos-modern-life-creator-joe-murray-wants-you-to-embrace-change/|archive-date=2019-10-12}}</ref>]]
Murray stated that each episode of ''Rocko's Modern Life'' stemmed from the personal experiences of himself and/or one or more of the directors or writers, including the season-two episode "I Have No Son," based on Murray's frustrations with Nickelodeon and his father's past disapproval of his aspiration to become an artist.<ref name="TrainorMurray"/><ref name="AmberJones"/> He said that he did not intend to use formulaic writing seen in other cartoons, desiring content that "broke new ground" and "did things that rode the edge," and that could be described as "unexpected." Murray did not hire writers with previous experience with writing cartoons; instead, he hired writers who worked outside of animation, including improv actors and comic artists. He said that if a story concept "ever smacked close to some formula idea that we had all seen before," it received immediate rejection.<ref name="WackyRockoDesignProcess">"[http://joemurraystudio.com/blog/?p=223#comments August 15, 2008 Excerpt from my new book "Crafting A Cartoon"; From a chapter on "Story."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329235023/http://joemurraystudio.com/blog/?p=223#comments |date=March 29, 2009 }}." ''Joe Murray Studio.'' Retrieved August 18, 2008.</ref>
[[Jeff "Swampy" Marsh]], a storyboard writer who went on to create ''[[Phineas and Ferb]],'' says that writers of ''Rocko's Modern Life'' targeted children and adults. He cites ''[[Rocky and Bullwinkle]]'' as an example of another series that contains references indecipherable by children and understood by adults. Aiming for a similar goal, Marsh described the process as "a hard job." According to him, when censors questioned proposed material, sometimes the team disagreed with the opinions, but agreed with the rationale of the censors. He says that "many people" told him that the team "succeeded in this endeavor" and that "many parents I know really enjoyed watching the show with their kids for just this reason."<ref name="Marsh">"[http://www.title14.com/rocko/contributors/interview.html Dan Abrams' interview with Jeff "Swampy" Marsh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990302101506/http://www.title14.com/rocko/contributors/interview.html |date=March 2, 1999 }}," ''The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ''</ref>
John Pacenti said the series "seems very much aimed at adults" "for a children's cartoon."<ref>"[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB04E82739E0935&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Nickelodeon's `Rocko' Revels In Dysfunction] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019193451/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB04E82739E0935&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=October 19, 2012 }}." ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]''</ref> Marsh believes that the material written by Doug Lawrence stands as an example of a "unique sense of humor." For instance, Marsh credits Lawrence with the "[[pineapple]] references," adding that Lawrence believed that pineapples seemed humorous.<ref name="Marsh"/> The staff drew upon ''Looney Tunes'' and the [[Fleischer Studios|Fleischer cartoons]] to appeal to a wide demographic: having a certain adult sensibility but also enjoyed by kids.<ref name="tv.com"/>
===Animation===
''Rocko's Modern Life'' has been described as similar to that of the output of Warner Bros. cartoons in the [[Golden age of American animation|Golden Age]], with a visually driven show heavy on humor, sight gags, and good animation. Instead of a finished script, the animators usually received a three-page outline, requiring them to come up with a majority of the gags and dialogue. The animation team appreciated this approach, with storyboard artist Jeff Myers, formerly of ''[[The Simpsons]],'' quoted as saying, "The script [at ''The Simpsons''] was carved in stone. Here it's ... more of a challenge and a lot more fun when we're given a rough outline."<ref name="lewiston">{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/04/rockos_modern_life_coming_to_d.html|title=Cartoon creators relax the rules|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Christopher Gessel|publisher=[[Lewiston, Idaho|Lewiston Morning Tribune]]|date=September 11, 1993|archive-date=April 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412141534/http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/04/rockos_modern_life_coming_to_d.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Murray's animation lacked parallel lines and featured crooked architecture similar to various [[Chuck Jones]] cartoons. In an interview, he stated that his design style contributed to the show's "wonky bent feel."<ref name="TrainorMurray"/>
Jean Prescott of the ''[[Sun Herald]]'' described the series as "squash-and-stretch."<ref>Prescott, Jean. "[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=BX&s_site=sunherald&p_multi=BX&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB624033690585A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Rocko and the Gang Take On Pollution] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012014636/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=BX&s_site=sunherald&p_multi=BX&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB624033690585A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=October 12, 2012 }}." ''[[Sun Herald]].'' Page M28. April 19, 1996.</ref> A 1993 ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' article described the series' setting as having a "reality that is 'squashed and stretched' into a twisted version of real life."<ref>"[https://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1993_1154116 Cartoon choices to animate the mornings] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114143609/http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1993_1154116 |date=January 14, 2009 }}." ''[[Houston Chronicle]].'' September 18, 1993.</ref> The background staff hand-painted backgrounds with Dr. Martin Dyes,<ref name="RockoArchivesMurray"/> while each episode title card consisted of an original painting.<ref name="RockoArchivesMurray"/> [[Linda Simensky]] said that she asked the creators of ''Rocko's Modern Life'' about why the women in the series were drawn to be "top-heavy," the creators told her that they believed that drawing women "the traditional way" was easier. Simensky described the creators as "talented guys" who formed "a boy's club" and added that "we pushed them to be funny, but a lot of their women are [[Stereotype|stereotypical]]."<ref>{{harvnb|Furniss|1998|p=240}}</ref>
===Music===
{{Multiple image
| image1 = Fred Schneider (cropped).jpg
| alt1 = Fred Schneider performing in 2009
| image2 = The B-52s (3424905405).jpg
| alt2 = Kate Pierson performing in 2009
| footer = [[Fred Schneider]] and [[Kate Pierson]], members of [[the B-52s]], performed its theme song.
| total_width = 300
}}
Multiple versions of the ''Rocko's Modern Life'' theme song were made throughout the series. The original version plays throughout every episode in the first season, excluding episode 8, which is a slightly remixed version of the first, involving high-pitched, distorted voices in the chorus. The second season replaced it with a theme song performed by [[Kate Pierson]] and [[Fred Schneider]] from [[the B-52s]], which remained intact for the rest of the series.
Originally, Murray wanted Paul Sumares to perform the theme song since Sumares created most of the music from ''My Dog Zero,'' and wanted the same style in ''My Dog Zero'' exhibited in ''Rocko's Modern Life.'' However, Nickelodeon preferred a person with more experience.<ref name="Sumares" /> According to Sumares, Murray asked for [[Danny Elfman]] and felt stunned when Nickelodeon decided to honor his request by asking Elfman to perform.<ref name="Sumares" /> However, Elfman was booked for another project. Therefore, he decided to choose the B-52s, his second choice, instead of Elfman, stating that the difference between the stories "could just be a recollection conflict because Paul is a brilliant amazing guy."<ref name="Sumares" /> Murray also sought [[Alan Silvestri]], but Viacom did not want to use Silvestri as the organization preferred a band "slightly older kids could identify with<ref name="Sumares" />
[[Pat Irwin]], a veteran of many bands including the [[Raybeats]] and B-52s, spent five years as a music director on the series. Leading a six-piece combo on keyboard and guitar, Irwin brought together musicians such as trombonist [[Art Baron]], drummer [[Kevin Norton]],{{sfn|Goldmark|Taylor|2002|page=206}} wind player Rob DeBellis, and bassist [[David Hofstra]].<ref name="rockosoundtrack">{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrynking/2023/04/14/rockos-modern-life-composer-on-the-new-soundtrack-release/?sh=25e1f308587e|title='Rocko's Modern Life' Composer On The New Soundtrack Release|first=Darryn|last=King|work=Forbes|date=April 14, 2023|accessdate=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416155252/https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrynking/2023/04/14/rockos-modern-life-composer-on-the-new-soundtrack-release/?sh=25e1f308587e|archive-date=April 16, 2023}}</ref> Similar to ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'' and ''[[The Ren & Stimpy Show]],'' Irwin uses selections from the [[APM Music]] library into his score.{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}}
On April 7, 2023, a soundtrack album featuring tracks from the first and second seasons was released on streaming and digital download. A deluxe edition released on September 18, 2023, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ''Rocko's Modern Life'' with eleven additional tracks.<ref name="rockosoundtrack" /><ref name="rockosoundtrack2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/nickelodeon-rockos-modern-life-30th-anniversary-digital-album/|title=Nickelodeon celebrates ROCKO'S MODERN LIFE 30th Anniversary with new remastered music album|first=Taimur|last=Dal|work=ComicsBeat|date=September 18, 2023|accessdate=September 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918221755/https://www.comicsbeat.com/nickelodeon-rockos-modern-life-30th-anniversary-digital-album/|archive-date=September 18, 2023}}</ref>
===Censorship===
[[File:Rocko's Modern Life "Bedfellows" example.jpg|thumb|right|Visual gags often incorporate props with adult innuendos. In the season one episode "Bedfellows," during a nudist party at Rocko’s house, a female poodle is briefly shown from behind before quickly turning when arrows hit an archery target.<ref name="censoredrocko"/>|450px]]
''Rocko's Modern Life'' has been noted for its racy humor.<ref name="dvdreview"/> Despite having been on a network that appealed to children, adults made up more than one-fifth of the audience for the show during its run; this was similar to the approach ''The Ren & Stimpy Show'' had for adult audiences.<ref name="king">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sun_sentinel/access/14714450.html?dids=14714450:14714450&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+29%2C+1997&author=SCOTT+MOORE+The+Washington+Post&pub=South+Florida+Sun+-+Sentinel&desc=CARTOON+KINGDOM+TV+EXECUTIVES+SEE+ANOTHER+ANIMATION+REVIVAL+IN+THE+EARLY+SUCCESS+OF+FOX%27S+KING+OF+THE+HILL.&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131175504/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sun_sentinel/access/14714450.html?dids=14714450:14714450&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+29,+1997&author=SCOTT+MOORE+The+Washington+Post&pub=South+Florida+Sun+-+Sentinel&desc=CARTOON+KINGDOM+TV+EXECUTIVES+SEE+ANOTHER+ANIMATION+REVIVAL+IN+THE+EARLY+SUCCESS+OF+FOX'S+KING+OF+THE+HILL.&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2013|title=Cartoon Kingdom|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Scott Moore|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=March 29, 1997}}</ref> The series contained numerous adult innuendos, including Rocko's brief stint as a telephone operator implied to be a [[Phone sex|sex hotline]] in the season one episode "Canned," where an instruction sheet notes employees to "Be Hot, Be Naughty, and Be Courteous," while he flatly repeats "Oh baby" into the receiver, turning out to be Mrs. Bighead.<ref name="cracked">{{cite web|url=http://www.cracked.com/article_18672_the-6-creepiest-things-ever-slipped-into-childrens-cartoons_p2.html|title=The 6 Creepiest Things Ever Slipped Into Children's Cartoons|access-date=July 20, 2011|author=Anthony Scibelli|publisher=[[Cracked (magazine)|Cracked]]|date=August 6, 2010|archive-date=August 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806102930/http://www.cracked.com/article_18672_the-6-creepiest-things-ever-slipped-into-childrens-cartoons_p2.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The restaurant named "Chokey Chicken," a term for [[masturbation]], was renamed "Chewy Chicken" for the series' fourth season.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.verbicidemagazine.com/2011/04/25/top-six-adult-jokes-hidden-in-childrens-cartoons/|title=Top Six Adult Jokes Hidden in Children's Cartoons|access-date=July 20, 2011|publisher=Verbicide Magazine|date=April 25, 2011|archive-date=July 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719101633/http://www.verbicidemagazine.com/2011/04/25/top-six-adult-jokes-hidden-in-childrens-cartoons/|url-status=live}}</ref>
During the production of the first season, the production team was encouraged to push the boundaries of Nickelodeon much to the approach of ''The Ren & Stimpy Show'' had. An example of censorship was in the episode "To Heck and Back," there was a warning in the production team that they couldn't say "hell," which instead used "heck" as a joke, along with jokes and references of [[Satanism]], an issue that concerned Nickelodeon. Another controversial issue at the time of the first season's airing was when [[The L.A. Times]] reported a story on the episode "Who's for Dinner?," which was based on Heffer finding out he was adopted, and stood out when it came to children's television.<ref name="polygon">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/interviews/2018/11/21/18104961/rockos-modern-life-creator-joe-murray-interview|title=Nickelodeon's early days were 'loose and crazy,' says Rocko's Modern Life creator|access-date=December 10, 2024|author=Allegra Frank|website=Polygon|date=November 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121194840/https://www.polygon.com/interviews/2018/11/21/18104961/rockos-modern-life-creator-joe-murray-interview|archive-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref>
Joe Murray noted that the season one episode "Leap Frogs" received "some complaints from some parents" due to its sexual humor, in which Bev attempts to seduce Rocko, leading to Nickelodeon removing the episode from air for the remainder of the show's run, despite later airing on the cable channel [[Nicktoons (American TV channel)|Nicktoons]] and was made available on DVD and video streaming sites such as [[Netflix]] and [[Paramount+]].<ref name="censoredrocko"/><ref name="behindthecharacters">{{cite video| people = Joe Murray | title =Rocko's Modern Life: Season Two Special Features: Behind the Characters with Joe Murray – The Bigheads | medium = DVD| publisher = Shout! Factory | date = 2012 }}</ref> In a deleted scene from the season one episode "The Good, the Bad and the Wallaby," Heffer encounters a milking machine and finds pleasure in receiving; his reactions are shown onscreen. Due to the strong sexual innuendos behind it, it was removed before the episode was set to air.<ref name="verbicide">{{cite web|url=http://www.verbicidemagazine.com/2011/04/25/top-six-adult-jokes-hidden-in-childrens-cartoons/|title=Top Six Adult Jokes Hidden in Children's Cartoons|access-date=July 20, 2011|author=Jackson Ellis|publisher=[[Verbicide Magazine]]|date=April 25, 2011|archive-date=July 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719101633/http://www.verbicidemagazine.com/2011/04/25/top-six-adult-jokes-hidden-in-childrens-cartoons/|url-status=live}}</ref>
According to Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, writer and director of the series, the scene initially had hearts appear in Heffer's eyes during its climax. Despite being cut, the crew explained the scene to Nickelodeon censors. "We described the scene, and then waited for the axe to fall, but all they said was 'can you change the hearts to stars?', we said sure, and it went in." The scene, along with the following scene of Heffer saying goodbye to the milking machine, was removed before its premiere.<ref name="censoredrocko">{{cite web|url=http://my.ohio.voyager.net/~otown/censored.htm|title=Censored Rocko!|access-date=July 20, 2011|date=December 3, 1997|archive-date=September 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929122851/http://my.ohio.voyager.net/~otown/censored.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Rocko's Modern Life - Washing Machine Innuendo.png|thumb|left|In the first season episode "Carnival Knowledge", a washing machine is displayed among multiple other unconventional carousel horses as a reference to female masturbation.]]
There were at least two occurrences of immediate censorship of the series. The original broadcast of the season two episode "Road Rash" featured a scene in which Rocko and Heffer arrive at a [[love hotel]] (the "No-Tell Motel") advertising "hourly rates," where he asks the horse desk clerk for a room, who infers the two will be engaging in intercourse: "All night? [whistles] Wheeeooo! Okay."<ref name="verbicide"/> The scene was never shown again after its debut airing, but a low-quality copy of the scene was made available online as early as late December 1997,<ref name="censoredrocko"/> and two higher quality clips have been available as late as 2021 through transmission from the original broadcast taped on VHS.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/xoT8wtUWnwA Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20171220005154/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoT8wtUWnwA Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoT8wtUWnwA|title=No Tell Hotel (Higher Quality)|publisher=JackIsCool|date=September 20, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rocko'S Modern Life - Road Rash - No Tell Motel Scene (Highest Quality - Uploaded December 2020)-1.m4v |url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KKTNEqhXqEbIt_AdTVxrYi7A5pIFdMax/view?usp=sharing |access-date=30 June 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181330/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KKTNEqhXqEbIt_AdTVxrYi7A5pIFdMax/view?usp=sharing |url-status=live }}</ref> The first airing of the season two episode "Hut Sut Raw" included a scene in which Rocko is picking berries; upon picking one lower on the bush, a bear rushes out whimpering and grasping his crotch.<ref name="cracked"/>
When Shout! Factory and Paramount announced a DVD retail release for the series, there was uncertainty whether Nickelodeon would allow them to release the series complete, containing sexual innuendos that were cut out for reruns.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Rockos-Modern-Life-Season-1-Box-Art/15126 |title=Rocko's Modern Life DVD news: Box Art for Rocko's Modern Life – Season 1 |publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com |access-date=2011-08-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825064806/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Rockos-Modern-Life-Season-1-Box-Art/15126 |archive-date=August 25, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In the end, Shout! Factory and Paramount only received materials from sources edited for broadcast, meaning the episodes remained censored on the DVDs.<ref name="dvdreview">{{cite web|url=http://www.screenjunkies.com/tv/review-tv/dvd-review-rockos-modern-life/|title=DVD Review: ''Rocko's Modern Life''|access-date=July 20, 2011|author=Joseph Gibson|publisher=ScreenJunkies|date=June 17, 2011|archive-date=August 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806011050/http://www.screenjunkies.com/tv/review-tv/dvd-review-rockos-modern-life/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="dvdtalk"/> The only uncut release of the show on DVD so far was published in Germany in October 2013, although it is missing the uncut version of "Road Rash."<ref name="amazon.de">{{cite web| url=https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00DQJ96BG/| title=Rockos modernes Leben – Die komplette Serie| website=Amazon Germany| date=November 29, 2013| access-date=November 29, 2018| archive-date=January 21, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121032403/https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00DQJ96BG/| url-status=live}}</ref>
===Broadcast===
''Rocko's Modern Life'' first ran on Nickelodeon from 1993 to 1996, and was briefly syndicated to local stations by Nick during 1995 and 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugratonline.com/time9095.htm |title=The Rugrats Timeline – 1990 to 1995 |publisher=Rugratonline.com |date=1994-06-18 |access-date=2011-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060522233745/http://www.rugratonline.com/time9095.htm|archive-date=2006-05-22}}</ref> Internationally, it premiered on [[Nickelodeon (UK & Ireland)|Nickelodeon UK]] on November 6, 1993,<ref>"Acid-Hued Hero Will Appeal" The Times (London, England), Saturday, November 06, 1993; pg. 10</ref> and from 2002 to 2017, it also aired on [[Nicktoons (UK and Ireland)|Nicktoons in the United Kingdom]].<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/t8OfyuKsbhM Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20180412124001/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8OfyuKsbhM Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8OfyuKsbhM|title=Rocko's Modern Life - Nicktoons Ident - 2016|last=Simpsons Modern Life|date=January 27, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In the early 2000s, [[Nickelodeon (Japanese TV channel)|Nickelodeon Japan]] marketed the show along with ''[[The Ren & Stimpy Show]].''<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20031214022409/http://www.nickjapan.com/nick_tvshow/ren_rocko.html Ren and Stimpy and Rocko's Modern Life]" as of December 14, 2003. ''[[Nickelodeon (Japanese TV channel)|Nickelodeon Japan]].'' Retrieved on March 1, 2009.</ref>
''Rocko's Modern Life'' aired again on the former [[TeenNick]] block, "The 90's Are All That," in the US from September 5 to September 23, 2011, and from February 11 to March 1, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/arts/television/teennicks-90s-nostalgia-fest.html?_r=1|title=The Good Ol' Days of 20 Years Ago|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Brian Stelter|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 18, 2011|archive-date=July 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722151834/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/arts/television/teennicks-90s-nostalgia-fest.html?_r=1|url-status=live}}</ref> The series returned to the block when it was rebranded as [[The Splat]] (later known as NickSplat and NickRewind) from 2015 to 2021.
==Home media==
The first home video release of the series in the United States was in 1995, when selected episodes were released on [[VHS]] by [[Sony Wonder]].<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20140610222400/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-16707048.html New video releases for children.(Originated from Knight-Ridder Newspapers)]." ''Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service''</ref> Sony Wonder used ''Rocko's Modern Life,'' alongside other television programs as "leading brands" in order for the company to break into the market.<ref name="sonywonder">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/16/arts/home-video-751195.html|title=Home Video|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Peter M. Nichols|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 16, 1995|archive-date=January 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124070823/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/16/arts/home-video-751195.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The "How to Tell if Your Dog is Brainless" short can only be found on the Sony Wonder version of the VHS "Rocko's Modern Life: Machine Madness." [[Paramount Home Media Distribution]] re-released the tapes in 1997 and one tape in 1998.<ref name="paramountvhs">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=RM&p_theme=rm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB4EA8704D68E64&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Rocko's Video Rolls In Its Obscurity|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Doug Wagner|newspaper=Rocky Mountain News|date=February 6, 1998|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025211151/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=RM&p_theme=rm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB4EA8704D68E64&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="paramountvhs1">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ADHB&p_theme=adhb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED0289547E1BB11&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=''Rugrats'' Rolls Out 5 Cartoons On Video|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Jeff Tuckman|newspaper=Daily Herald|date=February 19, 1998|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025211201/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ADHB&p_theme=adhb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED0289547E1BB11&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2008, ''Rocko's Modern Life'' was added to the [[iTunes Store]] as a part of the "[[Nickelodeon Rewind|Nick Rewind]]" collection, in four best-of volumes.<ref name="b&c">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/114797-Nickelodeon_Adding_Classics_to_iTunes.php|title=Nickelodeon Adding Classics to iTunes|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Alex Weprin|magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable]]|date=July 29, 2008|archive-date=October 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007155456/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/114797-Nickelodeon_Adding_Classics_to_iTunes.php|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2008, Nickelodeon collaborated with [[CreateSpace]], an [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]]-owned company, to release its older shows on DVD for the first time, being sold exclusively online. ''Rocko's Modern Life'' was available in two best-of collections, released in 2008 and a third best-of collection in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Site-News-Nickelodeon-Amazon-CreateSpace/10375 |title=Amazon and Nickelodeon/Paramount Strike Deal for Burn-on-Demand Titles |access-date=August 24, 2008 |work=David Lambert |date=August 21, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080823224952/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Site-News-Nickelodeon-Amazon-CreateSpace/10375 |archive-date=August 23, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="am">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/home_entertainment/nick-amazon-strike-dvd-deal/|title=Nick, Amazon Strike DVD Deal|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Ryan Ball|magazine=[[Animation Magazine]]|date=August 25, 2008|archive-date=October 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009165028/http://www.animationmagazine.net/home_entertainment/nick-amazon-strike-dvd-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Fans had requested that Nickelodeon produce a [[DVD]] collection of the series for years. Murray often got e-mails from fans, and his top question was "when will ''Rocko'' be on DVD?"<ref name="podcast"/> Before the official DVD releases, he said that he had not heard of any plans for a DVD release and that there are several bootleg DVD releases of the series sold on [[eBay]]. He commented, "[That rips] me off every time one is bought. But at least someone is trying to give ''Rocko'' fans what they want. Because Nickelodeon sure isn't doing it."<ref>
"[https://web.archive.org/web/20080113233738/http://www.joemurraystudio.com/bio/answers.shtml Answers to Frequently Asked Questions]," ''[[Joe Murray (animator)|Joe Murray]] Studios'' (January 2008 archive)</ref> Murray worked with his legal team to regain the rights, and an official DVD was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://joemurraystudio.com/blog/?p=165|title=Joe Murray's Journal entry for July 17, 2008|publisher=Joe Murray Studios|access-date=July 17, 2008|archive-date=August 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080804061003/http://joemurraystudio.com/blog/?p=165|url-status=live}}</ref>
In March 2011, [[Shout! Factory]] announced that they would release Season 1 in an official box set in June 2011. The two-disc set received relatively positive reviews, only receiving criticism for video quality and the lack of bonus features.<ref name="dvdtalk">{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/48573/rockos-modern-life-season-1/|title=''Rocko's Modern Life'': Season One|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Randy Miller III|publisher=[[DVDTalk]]|date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=October 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017021526/http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/48573/rockos-modern-life-season-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Joe Murray's website, he struck a deal with Shout! Factory to create the artwork for the Season 2 set. The special features were yet to be announced when he wrote the entry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://joemurraystudio.com/ |title=The creator/producer of Rocko's Modern Life on Nickelodeon and Camp Lazlo on Cartoon Network. Creative storyteller, artist, author, speaker and teacher |publisher=Joe Murray Studio |access-date=2012-12-25 |archive-date=February 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170210002352/http://joemurraystudio.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Season 2 was released in February 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Rockos-Modern-Life-Season-2/16173 |title=Rocko's Modern Life DVD news: Announcement for Rocko's Modern Life – Season 2 |publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com |date=2007-05-25 |access-date=2012-12-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208224515/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Rockos-Modern-Life-Season-2/16173 |archive-date=February 8, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> with Season 3 following in July 2012.<ref>{{cite web |author=Rocko's Modern Life: Season Three |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RMQ4SQ |title=Rocko's Modern Life: Season Three: Tom Kenny, Carlos Alazraqui, Charles Adler, Joe Murray: Movies & TV |website=Amazon |date=July 3, 2012 |access-date=2012-12-25 |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121032404/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RMQ4SQ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In December 2012, creator Joe Murray announced that due to strong DVD sales of the first three seasons, Shout! Factory would release ''Rocko's Modern Life: The Complete Series'' on DVD in February 2013, along with bonus material from the Rocko's Live event from October 2012. Murray also mentioned that Season 4 would be released individually on DVD soon after the complete series set was released.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://joemurraystudio.com/1866/december-3-2012/ |title=December 3, 2012 |publisher=Joe Murray Studio |date=2012-12-03 |access-date=2012-12-25 |archive-date=October 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016130019/http://joemurraystudio.com/1866/december-3-2012/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2013, ''Rocko's Modern Life: The Complete Series'' was released by Shout! Factory.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rocko's Modern Life: The Complete Series|url=https://www.shoutfactory.com/?q=node%2F216543|work=Shout Factory|publisher=Nickelodeon|access-date=27 February 2013|archive-date=September 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908130418/https://www.shoutfactory.com/?q=node%2F216543|url-status=live}}</ref> The fourth and final season was released in October 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Rockos-Modern-Life-Season-4/18734|title=Rocko's Modern Life DVD news: Announcement for Rocko's Modern Life – The Final Season|publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com|last=Lambert|first=David|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722190034/http://tvshowsondvd.com/news/Rockos-Modern-Life-Season-4/18734|archive-date=July 22, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In November 2018, ''Rocko's Modern Life: The Complete Series'' was re-released by Paramount Home Media Distribution.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Rockos-Modern-Life-Complete-Collectible/dp/B07GW2T17C|title=Rocko's Modern Life: The Complete Series|website=Amazon |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816223421/https://www.amazon.com/Rockos-Modern-Life-Complete-Collectible/dp/B07GW2T17C|archive-date=August 16, 2021}}</ref>
All four seasons were available in streaming format on [[Netflix]] until May 31, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/04/netflix-viacom-networks-deal-expire-481200/|title=Netflix Says It Will Let Viacom Deal Expire|first=David|last=Lieberman|date=April 22, 2013|access-date=April 16, 2020|archive-date=July 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731120436/http://www.deadline.com/2013/04/netflix-viacom-networks-deal-expire/|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 2021, ''Rocko's Modern Life'' is available for streaming on [[Paramount+]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/rockos-modern-life/|title=Rocko's Modern Life|date=September 25, 1993 |access-date=May 25, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629201309/https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/rockos-modern-life/|archive-date=June 29, 2022}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
|+
! colspan=2|DVD title
! Season(s)
! Episode count
! Release date
! Episodes
|-
! colspan=7|[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] exclusives
|-
| style="background:#bcd7e2|
| ''Best of ... Volume 1''
| rowspan=2|1
| 6
| November 16, 2008
| 2 ("Leap Frogs" / "Bedfellows"), 8 ("A Sucker for the Suck-O-Matic" / "Canned"), 9 ("Carnival Knowledge" / "Sand in Your Navel"), 11 ("Rocko's Happy Sack" / "Flu-in-U-Enza") – 13 ("Clean Lovin'" / "Unbalanced Load")
|-
| style="background:#baabd6|
| ''Best of ... Volume 2''
| 7
| December 12, 2008
| 1 ("No Pain, No Gain" / "Who Gives a Buck"), 3 ("Jet Scream" / "Dirty Dog") – 7 ("Spitballs" / "Popcorn Pandemonium") and 10 ("Cabin Fever" / "Rinse and Spit")
|-
| style="background:#bde7d1|
| ''Best of ... Volume 3''
| 2
| 6
| October 24, 2009
| 16 ("The Lounge Singer" / "She's the Toad"), 18 ("Boob Tubed" / "Commuted Sentence"), 20 ("Hut Sut Raw" / "Kiss Me I'm Foreign") – 23 ("Hair Licked" / "Gutter Balls")
|-
! colspan=7|[[Shout! Factory]]/[[Paramount Home Media Distribution]] releases
|-
| style="background:#bcd1e4|
| ''The Complete First Season''
| 1
| rowspan=4|13
| June 21, 2011
| 1 ("No Pain, No Gain" / "Who Gives a Buck") – 13 ("Clean Lovin'" / "Unbalanced Load")
|-
| style="background:#b28dc1|
| ''The Complete Second Season''
| 2
| February 7, 2012
| 14 ("I Have No Son") – 26 ("Short Story" / "Eyes Capades")
Extras: 'Pilot ("Trash-O-Madness")', 'Behind the characters with series creator Joe Murray: Rocko, Heffer, Filburt and The Bigheads'
|-
| style="background:#1e4445|
| ''The Complete Third Season''
| 3
| July 3, 2012
| 27 ("Bye, Bye Birdie" / "Belch of Destiny") – 39 ("Zanzibar" / "Fatal Contraption")
Extra: 'Selected scene commentary by creator Joe Murray'
|-
| style="background:#f8e072|
| ''The Complete Final Season''
| 4
| October 15, 2013
| 40 ("With Friends Like These" / "Sailing the Seven Zzz's") – 52 ("Turkey Time" / "Floundering Fathers")
Extra: '"Wacky Delly" Live 2012'
|-
| style="background:#e9982c|
| ''The Complete Series''
| 1–4
| 52
| February 26, 2013 (Shout! Factory)<br />November 20, 2018 (Paramount)
| 1 ("No Pain, No Gain" / "Who Gives a Buck") – 52 ("Turkey Time" / "Floundering Fathers")
Extras: All special features (except season one)
|}
==Reception==
===Ratings===
Murray said that the cartoon "resonated" with people because the scenarios depicted in the cartoon involving "the neurosis, the daily chores of everyday life" were based on Murray's own experiences, "breaking out into the world" after leaving school.<ref>"[http://joemurraystudio.com/blog/?p=1072 June 3, 2009] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004044349/http://joemurraystudio.com/blog/?p=1072 |date=October 4, 2011 }}." Joe Murray Studio Blog. Retrieved on June 5, 2009.</ref> The show debuted in a preview on September 18, 1993, then premiered as a series on September 26,<ref name="itunes">{{cite web|url=https://tv.apple.com/us/show/rockos-modern-life/umc.cmc.17musxxlqdn0xdm06y11ws79|title=Rocko's Modern Life|work=[[iTunes Store]]|date=September 18, 1993|publisher=[[Apple, Inc.]]|access-date=August 7, 2023}}</ref> to join Nickelodeon's Sunday morning animation block.<ref name="newsday">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/103138532.html?dids=103138532:103138532&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+12%2C+1993&author=By+Diane+Werts.+STAFF+WRITER&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=FALL+PREVIEW+Cornucopia+of+Cable&pqatl=google|title=Fall Preview: Cornucopia of Cable|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Diane Werts|newspaper=[[Newsday]]|date=September 12, 1993|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107114330/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/103138532.html?dids=103138532:103138532&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+12,+1993&author=By+Diane+Werts.+STAFF+WRITER&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=FALL+PREVIEW+Cornucopia+of+Cable&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> On September 18, the series' first night of airing, ''Rocko's Modern Life'' received a 3.0 in ratings. By January 31, 1994, the series' audience grew by 65% and was the second-highest rated cable program behind ''[[World Championship Wrestling]]'' on [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]].<ref name="Brandweek"/><ref name="AmberJones"/>
''Rocko's Modern Life'' was at the time the network's highest-rated cartoon launch ever.<ref name="billboard">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wgsEAAAAMBAJ&q=Rocko%27s+Modern+Life&pg=PA80|title=Kid Vid, Old and New|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Catherine Cella|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=February 18, 1995|archive-date=January 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121032403/https://books.google.com/books?id=wgsEAAAAMBAJ&q=Rocko%27s+Modern+Life&pg=PA80|url-status=live}}</ref> There was a brief period in 1993 when the network received numerous complaints from members of a religious group that ''Ren & Stimpy'' and ''Rocko's Modern Life'' were too adult-oriented to be shown to kids on Sunday mornings. They wanted Nickelodeon to move the shows to a different time slot, but the programming change was not made.<ref>{{cite book|last=Cohen|first=Karl F.|title=Forbidden Animation: Censored Cartoons And Blacklisted Animators in America|year=1998|publisher=[[McFarland & Company]]|___location=Jefferson, North Carolina|isbn=978-1-58115-269-2|page=[https://archive.org/details/makintoonsinside0000neuw/page/152 152]|url=https://archive.org/details/makintoonsinside0000neuw/page/152}}</ref> However, ''Rocko's Modern Life'' was later moved to a different time slot when new advertisers of Nickelodeon disapproved of the show, contributing to its decrease in ratings and cancelation.<ref name="AmberJones"/>
===Critical reception===
Initial reviews of ''Rocko's Modern Life'' were positive. ''[[The Miami Herald]]'' ran an article about series that were "rais[ing] the standards for children's programming," singling out ''Rocko's Modern Life'' as "definitely worth a look."<ref name="miamiherald">{{Cite news |date=September 17, 1993 |title=Look Out, Ren: ''Rocko'' is Hopping Our Way |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB4CE5129AEE122&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025211005/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MH&s_site=miami&p_multi=MH&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB4CE5129AEE122&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=July 19, 2011 |work=[[The Miami Herald]]}}</ref> Jennifer Mangan of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' likened the series to ''[[The Simpsons]],'' noting the show as another example of [[adult animation]] that is "not for kids."<ref name="chicagotribune">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24266418.html?dids=24266418:24266418&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+03,+1993&author=Jennifer+Mangan.+Special+to+the+Tribune.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=%27MODERN+LIFE%27+NOT+MEANT+FOR+KIDS&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216160556/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24266418.html?dids=24266418:24266418&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+03,+1993&author=Jennifer+Mangan.+Special+to+the+Tribune.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc='MODERN+LIFE'+NOT+MEANT+FOR+KIDS&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2013|title=''Modern Life'' Not Meant for Kids|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Jennifer Mangan|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=November 3, 1993}}</ref> ''[[Newsday]]'' highlighted the show's twisted sight gags.<ref name="newsday"/> Ted Drozdowski of ''[[The Boston Phoenix]]'' stated in the "Eye pleasers" article that he enjoyed ''Rocko's Modern Life'' because of "jovial excitement," "good-hearted outrage," "humanity," and "pushy animated characterizations."<ref>
"[http://thephoenix.com/archive/tv/97/05/TEN_REASONS.html Eye pleasers]," ''[[The Boston Phoenix]].'' May 8–15, 1997. Retrieved on March 1, 2009.
</ref> Not all reviews were positive. Ken Tucker of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' described the series as "a witless rip-off of ''[[The Ren & Stimpy Show|Ren & Stimpy]]'': [[mucus]] jokes without the redeeming surrealism or contempt for authority."<ref name="KenTurnerEntertainmentWeekly">Tucker, Ken. "[https://ew.com/article/1994/06/17/state/ Turn the Beat 'Around]." ''[[Entertainment Weekly]].'' June 17, 1994. Issue 227. 40. 2p, 5c.</ref> Charles Solomon of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called the series "rock bottom" and a "tasteless attempt to capture the ''Ren & Stimpy'' audience," mostly expressing displeasure at the crass humor.<ref name="latimes">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/60384454.html?dids=60384454:60384454&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+18%2C+1993&author=CHARLES+SOLOMON&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=TV+REVIEWS+New+Cartoon+Series+Mostly+Copycats&pqatl=google|title=New Cartoon Series Mostly Copycats|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Charles Solomon|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=September 18, 1993|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107114354/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/60384454.html?dids=60384454:60384454&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+18,+1993&author=CHARLES+SOLOMON&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=TV+REVIEWS+New+Cartoon+Series+Mostly+Copycats&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref>
''Common Sense Media'' reviewer Emily Ashby gave ''Rocko's Modern Life'' four stars, stating that ''Rocko's Modern Life'' is "modern and funny, but edgy content isn't suitable for young kids."<ref>"[https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/rockos-modern-life] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901215655/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/rockos-modern-life|date=September 1, 2018}}," ''Common Sense Media''</ref>
The show has seen renewed acclaim. Brahna Siegelberg of ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'' said that the most compelling aspect was that the show had "a really poignant critique of the materialist demands of American life." She added that she "realized that ''Rocko'' was really a show about how to navigate the adult world; one that could be appreciated by kids for its slapstick humor and absurdity, but had even more to say to young adults—like me."<ref>Siegelberg, Brahna, "[http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2011/07/01/revisiting_rocko_s_modern_life_through_shout_factory_s_season_on.html "Rocko's Modern Life": A Really Funny Kid's Cartoon about Capitalism] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705062637/http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2011/07/01/revisiting_rocko_s_modern_life_through_shout_factory_s_season_on.html |date=July 5, 2011 }}." ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]].'' Friday July 1, 2011. Retrieved on July 18, 2011.</ref> [[IGN]] called the show a prime example of the "sophisticated, intelligent brand of children's programming" during Nickelodeon's golden age.<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=http://dvd.ign.com/articles/116/1160386p1.html|title=''Rocko's Modern Life'' Unfolds|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=David McCutcheon|publisher=Newscorp|work=IGN|date=April 7, 2011|archive-date=May 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515184425/http://dvd.ign.com/articles/116/1160386p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' called the show "one of the best series" from that era, praising the show's "impressive commitment to expressive character acting, well-drawn sight gags, and cartoony jokes that play with the form's slapstick strengths."<ref name="theavclub">{{cite news|url=https://www.avclub.com/rocko-s-modern-life-season-one-1798168798|title=''Rocko's Modern Life'': Season One|access-date=August 2, 2019|author=Emily VanDerWerff|publisher=The Onion|newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=July 6, 2011|archive-date=February 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208145357/http://www.avclub.com/articles/rockos-modern-life-season-one,58490/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[New York (magazine)|New York]]'' compared the series' humor, in retrospect, to that of ''[[Office Space]]'' (1999) and praised the subversive, anti-corporate stories.<ref name="nymag">{{cite magazine|url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/04/rockos_modern_life_coming_to_d.html|title=''Rocko's Modern Life'' Coming to DVD|access-date=July 19, 2011|magazine=[[New York (magazine)|New York]]|date=April 8, 2011|archive-date=April 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412141534/http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/04/rockos_modern_life_coming_to_d.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Awards and nominations===
Timothy J. Borquez, Patrick Foley, Michael Giesler, Michael A. Gollorn, William B. Griggs, Tom Jeager, Gregory LaPlante, Timothy Mertens, and Kenneth Young of ''Rocko's Modern Life'' received a 1994 [[Daytime Emmy Award]] for Outstanding Film Sound Editing.<ref>''Chase's Annual Events'' (1995). Published 1994. {{ISBN|0-8092-3634-6}}. [https://books.google.com/books?id=_-5OAAAAMAAJ&q=Rocko's+Modern+Life 515].</ref>
[[George Maestri]] was nominated for a [[CableACE Award]] for his ''Rocko's Modern Life'' writing.<ref>[http://www.peachpit.com/authors/bio.aspx?a=d8dc09dc-d7c3-4e83-b0f0-f01e1af54d77&rll=1 George Maestri] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609171411/http://www.peachpit.com/authors/bio.aspx?a=d8dc09dc-d7c3-4e83-b0f0-f01e1af54d77&rll=1 |date=June 9, 2008 }}. ''Peachpit Press.'' Retrieved on March 1, 2009.</ref><ref>[[George Maestri|Maestri, George]]. [http://art.ju.edu/billhill/teach/cma/walk.pdf Learning to Walk] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719220401/http://art.ju.edu/billhill/teach/cma/walk.pdf |date=July 19, 2011 }}. ''[[Jacksonville University]].'' April 1997. Retrieved on March 1, 2009.</ref>
The series won an [[Environmental Media Awards|Environmental Media Award]] in 1996 for the episode "Zanzibar!," a musical episode focusing on [[environmentalism]], [[pollution]], and [[deforestation]].<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20150909023231/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/doc/293396999.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct%2015,%201996&author=ART%20BERMAN&pub=Los%20Angeles%20Times%20(pre-1997%20Fulltext)&edition=&startpage=&desc=Arts%20and%20entertainment%20reports%20from%20The%20Times,%20national%20and%20international%20news%20services%20and%20the%20nation%27s%20press. Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation's press]." ''[[Los Angeles Times]].'' October 15, 1996. Retrieved June 20, 2008.</ref> The award was accepted by the episode's writers, [[Dan Povenmire]] and [[Jeff "Swampy" Marsh]], future creators of the hit Disney animated series ''[[Phineas and Ferb]].''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0693933/awards|title=Dan Povenmire awards|work=[[Internet Movie Database]]|access-date=July 1, 2009|archive-date=September 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909023229/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0693933/awards|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Legacy and impact===
The fourth Nicktoon to debut, ''Rocko's Modern Life'' boasts a sizable cult fanbase.<ref name="theavclub"/> Tom Kenny cited the show as vital in learning how to do voiceovers for animation. He recalled seeing Charlie Adler have a self two-way conversation as the Bigheads without any edits as "dazzling."<ref name="tv.com"/> Kenny described the show's impact in an interview, saying, "''Rocko's Modern Life'' was just one of those shows that were the first break for a lot of people who went on to do other stuff in the business."<ref>{{cite web |author=Tom Heintjes |url=http://cartoonician.com/the-oral-history-of-spongebob-squarepants/ |title="The Oral History of SpongeBob SquarePants," ''Hogan's Alley'' #17, 2009 |publisher=Cartoonician.com |date=2012-12-21 |access-date=2012-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831044034/http://cartoonician.com/the-oral-history-of-spongebob-squarepants/ |archive-date=August 31, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Some members of the ''Rocko's Modern Life'' staff created other successful ventures. [[Mitch Schauer]], the show's assistant storyboard artist, would later create ''[[The Angry Beavers]],'' which premiered on Nickelodeon in 1997 and ended in 2003. [[Stephen Hillenburg]] pitched ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'' to Nickelodeon in 1997. Murray said of the pitch, "If it goes well, it'll be a blessing to us all."<ref name="TrainorMurray"/> The network bought the show, which premiered in 1999, and it became a popular, critical, and financial success, and one of the biggest shows on Nick. Hillenburg stated that he "learned a great deal about writing and producing animation for TV" from his time on ''Rocko's Modern Life.''<ref name="harvard">{{cite news|url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2004/11/19/sponge-creator-talks-bob-whats-the/?print=1|title=''Sponge'' Creator Talks Bob|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Alexandra B. Moss|newspaper=[[The Harvard Crimson]]|date=November 19, 2004|archive-date=October 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007150523/http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2004/11/19/sponge-creator-talks-bob-whats-the/?print=1|url-status=live}}</ref> Povenmire and Marsh went on to create ''[[Phineas and Ferb]]'' for [[Disney Channel]]. The show became a ratings success and received numerous award nominations.<ref name="victoria">{{cite news|url=http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2009/apr/06/bc-tv-phineasferbfr-_-entertainment-1250-words/?entertainment|title=Ex-writers for ''Rocko's Modern Life'' return to TV with ''Phineas and Ferb''|access-date=July 19, 2011|author=Rick Bentley|newspaper=[[The Victoria Advocate]]|date=April 6, 2009|archive-date=October 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003125259/http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2009/apr/06/bc-tv-phineasferbfr-_-entertainment-1250-words/?entertainment|url-status=live}}</ref>
When Murray returned with a new animated series, ''[[Camp Lazlo]]'' on [[Cartoon Network]], in 2005, much of the former staff of ''Rocko's Modern Life'' joined him.<ref name="CNMurrayInterview"/> He stated that "We always kept in touch and they told me to look them up if I ever did another project," adding that the crew already knew his sensibilities and an extra decade worth of experience. [[Carlos Alazraqui]], who played Rocko, also ended up playing the main character of Lazlo.<ref name="CNMurrayInterview" /> [[Derek Drymon]] and [[Nick Jennings (artist)|Nick Jennings]], both crew members, drew on its influence for future animated series they worked on.<ref name="tv.com" />
==TV special==
{{Main|Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling}}
In September 2015, [[Nickelodeon]] stated that some of its old properties were being considered for revivals, involving ''Rocko's Modern Life'' in the process.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/nickelodeon-may-revive-90s-shows-like-rugrats-doug/|title=Nickelodeon May Revive Classic 90s Shows Like 'Rugrats' and 'Doug'|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|date=September 2, 2015|access-date=April 16, 2020|archive-date=January 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109100740/https://collider.com/nickelodeon-may-revive-90s-shows-like-rugrats-doug/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 2016, Nickelodeon announced that they had greenlit a one-hour TV special, with Joe Murray as executive producer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/new-rockos-modern-life-one-hour-special-to-air-on-nickelodeon/|title=New 'Rocko's Modern Life' One-Hour Special to Air on Nickelodeon|website=The Wrap|last=Otterson|first=Joe|date=August 11, 2016|access-date=April 16, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107193501/https://www.thewrap.com/new-rockos-modern-life-one-hour-special-to-air-on-nickelodeon/|url-status=live}}</ref> He revealed to ''[[Vice Media|Motherboard]]'' that in the special, Rocko would come back to O-Town after being in space for 20 years, and that it would focus on people's reliance on modern technology.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/rockos-modern-life-tv-special-comeback-1/ | title='Rocko's Modern Life' Is Making a Comeback | magazine=Vice | date=11 August 2016 | access-date=11 August 2016 | author=Mead, Derek | archive-date=November 25, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125010604/http://motherboard.vice.com/read/rockos-modern-life-tv-special-comeback-1 | url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2017, it was announced that the title of the special would be ''Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling'' and that it would air in 2018. They reconfirmed that the entire main cast and recurring cast would be reprising their roles, alongside new voice actors [[Steve Little (actor)|Steve Little]] and co-director Cosmo Segurson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2017/06/22/rockos-modern-life-movie-reunion-nickelodeon-original-voice-cast-2018/|title=''Rocko's Modern Life'': Original Voice Cast Reuniting for TV Movie in 2018|first=Andy|last=Swift|work=TVLine|publisher=TVLine Media, LLC.|date=June 22, 2017|access-date=June 22, 2017|archive-date=January 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130205341/http://tvline.com/2017/06/22/rockos-modern-life-movie-reunion-nickelodeon-original-voice-cast-2018/|url-status=live}}</ref> A special sneak peek was released to coincide with the ''Rocko'' panel at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2017.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/cuF9aZxoipE Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170720222341/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuF9aZxoipE&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuF9aZxoipE|title=SDCC 'Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling' Sneak Peek <nowiki>|</nowiki> Rocko's Modern Life <nowiki>|</nowiki> Nick|author=Nickelodeon|publisher=YouTube|date=July 20, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
In May 2019, it was announced that Netflix had acquired the distribution rights to both ''Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling'' and ''[[Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus]],'' and the streaming service confirmed a day later that they would premiere in the summer of 2019. Two months later, it was confirmed alongside an exclusive clip by the ''Rocko's Modern Life'' official Instagram page<ref name=instagramclip>{{cite web |title=Rocko has returned... from space... 20+ years later! Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling is coming to @netflix Aug 9th |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-pOI7AkXt/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/Bz-pOI7AkXt |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|website=Rocko's Modern Life Official Instagram |access-date=16 July 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and various news sources that the show would premiere on Netflix on August 9, 2019.<ref name=releasedate>{{cite web |last1=Lovett |first1=Jamie |title=Rocko's Modern Life Netflix Special Poster and Release Date Revealed |url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/2019/07/16/rockos-modern-life-netflix-special-release-date/ |website=comicbook.com |date=July 16, 2019 |access-date=16 July 2019 |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717153322/https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/2019/07/16/rockos-modern-life-netflix-special-release-date/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/NickRewind/status/1151114646767771649 |title=Rocko is still living a MODERN life in the Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling movie coming to @netflix 8/9pic.twitter.com/G3Ms8eJgAT |last=NickRewind |date=2019-07-16 |website=@NickRewind |language=en |access-date=2019-07-16 |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726163839/https://twitter.com/NickRewind/status/1151114646767771649 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Merchandise==
In January 1994, Nickelodeon received ten "licensing partners" for merchandise for the series,<ref name="Brandweek"/> including [[Nintendo]], [[Marvel Comics]], and [[Hardee's]] for distributing ''Rocko'' toys along with other Nickelodeon characters in kids' menus.<ref>"[http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/4917/ Nickelodeon at Hardees] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609202751/http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/4917/ |date=June 9, 2008 }}." Hosted by ''RetroJunk.''</ref> [[Viacom (1952–2006)|Viacom New Media]] released one game based on the show, ''[[Rocko's Modern Life: Spunky's Dangerous Day]],'' in the United States in April 1994, for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]. ''[[Microsoft's Nickelodeon 3-D Movie Maker]]'' features various characters from the show.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/nick3dmoviemaker | title=Nickelodeon 3D Movie Maker | date=October 8, 2017 | access-date=May 25, 2025 | author=Microsoft | website=Internet Archive}}</ref>
Rocko appeared as a playable character in the game ''[[Nicktoons: Attack of the Toybots]].'' Rocko and Heffer make cameo appearances in ''[[Nicktoons MLB]],'' and are both playable in ''[[Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix]],'' also featuring two racetracks based on the show. Rocko appears as a playable character in ''[[Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl]]'' via [[downloadable content]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/videos/nickelodeon-all-star-brawl-jenny-revealed-plus-hugh-neutron-rocko | title=Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl: Jenny Revealed (Plus Hugh Neutron & Rocko) - IGN | date=May 13, 2022 | access-date=May 13, 2022 | archive-date=May 13, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513163033/https://www.ign.com/videos/nickelodeon-all-star-brawl-jenny-revealed-plus-hugh-neutron-rocko | url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway]].'' [[Nick.com]] created two free online games featuring Rocko, using [[Adobe Shockwave|Shockwave]], which requires the [[Shockwave Player]] [[Plug-in (computing)|plugin]], website also requires [[Flash Player]] plugin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nick.com/games/puzzle-games/rocko_match.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311044207/http://www.nick.com/games/puzzle-games/rocko_match.jhtml|archive-date=2009-03-11|title=Nick Games – Rocko's Modern Life: Match Master|publisher=www.nick.com|access-date=2008-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nick.com/games/puzzle-games/rocko_slider.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311044225/http://www.nick.com/games/puzzle-games/rocko_slider.jhtml|archive-date=2009-03-11|title=Nick Games – Rocko's Modern Life: Slider|publisher=www.nick.com|access-date=2008-11-02}}</ref> In 2022, Rocko is included alongside other Nickelodeon characters in a Nickelodeon-exclusive edition of the video game ''[[Smite (video game)|Smite]],'' released in July 2022. The Nickelodeon exclusive edition was released a week later.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nickelodeon and Smite Collide in an All-New Crossover Event on the Battleground of the Gods - Xbox News |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/07/12/nickelodeon-and-smite-collide-in-an-all-new-crossover-event-on-the-battleground-of-the-gods/ |last=Walker |first=A.J. "TitanAjax" |date=2022-07-12 |website=Xbox News |language=en |access-date=2022-07-14 |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715210915/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/07/12/nickelodeon-and-smite-collide-in-an-all-new-crossover-event-on-the-battleground-of-the-gods/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Currently, [[Hot Topic]] sells ''Rocko's Modern Life'' merchandise such as T-shirts, wristbands, keychains, and other items as part of their Retro Nickelodeon line.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Retro Nickelodeon - Rocko's Modern Life|url=https://www.hottopic.com/pop-culture/shop-by-license/retro-nickelodeon/?cgid=pop-culture-shop-by-license-retro-nickelodeon&prefn1=license&prefv1=Rocko%27s+Modern+Life|website=[[Hot Topic]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250531165746/https://www.hottopic.com/pop-culture/shop-by-license/retro-nickelodeon/?cgid=pop-culture-shop-by-license-retro-nickelodeon&prefn1=license&prefv1=Rocko%27s+Modern+Life|archive-date=May 31, 2025}}</ref>
===Comics===
During [[Tom DeFalco]]'s Editor-in-Chief career, [[Marvel Comics]] produced a seven-issue ''Rocko's Modern Life'' [[comic book]] series.<ref>"[https://books.google.com/books?id=YfFeHAAACAAJ&q=Rocko%27s+Modern+Life Rocko's Modern Life]" Information, ''[[Google Books]]''</ref> Marvel published the series from June 1994 to December 1994 with monthly releases. [[Nickelodeon]] approached Marvel, asking the company to produce comic book series for ''Rocko's Modern Life'' and ''[[The Ren & Stimpy Show|Ren and Stimpy]].'' Marvel purchased the license for ''Rocko'' from Nickelodeon. The staff created the comics, and Susan Luposniak, a Nickelodeon employee,<ref name="LetterToEditor3">"That's Life," ''Rocko's Modern Life.'' [[Marvel Comics]]. Volume 1, Issue 3.</ref> examined the comics before they were released.<ref name="LetterstoEditor4">
"That's Life," ''Rocko's Modern Life.'' [[Marvel Comics]]. Volume 1, Issue 4.</ref> Joe Murray said in a December 2008 blog entry that he drew some pages in the comic book series.<ref>
"[https://web.archive.org/web/20090330000746/http://joemurraystudio.com/blog/?p=671 December 2, 2008]." ''Joe Murray Studio.'' Retrieved December 4, 2008.</ref>
The comics contain stories not seen in the television show. The comic book series omits some television show characters and places, while some original places and characters appear in the comics. John "Lewie" Lewandowski wrote all of the stories except for one; [[Joey Cavalieri]] wrote "Beaten by a Club," the second story of Issue #4.<ref>"Beaten by a Club," ''Rocko's Modern Life.'' [[Marvel Comics]]. Volume 1, Issue 4.</ref>
Troy Little, a resident of [[Monroe, Oregon]], wrote to Marvel requesting that the title for the comic's [[comic book letter column|letters column]] should be "That's Life." In Issue 3, published in August 1994, the editors decided to use the title for the comic's "Letters to the Editor" section.<ref name="LetterToEditor3"/><ref name="LetterstoEditor4"/> In Issue 5, published in October 1994, the editors stated that they were still receiving suggestions for the title of the comic even though they had decided on using "That's Life" by Issue 3.<ref>"That's Life," ''Rocko's Modern Life.'' [[Marvel Comics]]. Volume 1, Issue 5.</ref>
In December 2017, [[Boom! Studios]] published a comic book series based on ''Rocko's Modern Life''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-rockos-modern-life-comics-announcement-20170915-htmlstory.html|title=A new 'Rocko's Modern Life' comic book series is on the way|first=Tracy|last=Brown|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=September 15, 2017|access-date=July 11, 2019|archive-date=July 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711183649/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-rockos-modern-life-comics-announcement-20170915-htmlstory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the spring of 2019, it returned with ''Rocko's Modern Life: Afterlife,'' being based on Rocko, Heffer, and Filbert living in an apocalypse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nerdist.com/article/rockos-modern-afterlife-comic-boom/|title=YOUR FIRST LOOK AT THE NEW ROCKO'S MODERN AFTERLIFE COMIC|first=Michael|last=Walsh|website=Nerdist|date=March 11, 2019|access-date=December 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405015807/https://nerdist.com/article/rockos-modern-afterlife-comic-boom/|archive-date=April 5, 2019}}</ref>
==See also==
{{Portal|Cartoon}}
* ''[[Camp Lazlo]]''
* ''[[Let's Go Luna!]]''
* ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]''
==References==
=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}
=== Works cited ===
* {{cite book|last=Furniss|first=Maureen|title=Art in Motion: Animation Aesthetics|year=1998|publisher=[[Indiana University Press]]|isbn=1-86462-039-0}}
* {{cite book|last1=Goldmark |first1=Daniel |last2=Taylor |first2=Yuval|title=The Cartoon Music Book|year=2002|publisher=Chicago Review Press|___location=Chicago|isbn=978-1-55652-473-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Neuwirth|first=Allen|title=Makin' Toons: Inside the Most Popular Animated TV Shows and Movies|year=2003|publisher=Allworth Press|___location=New York City|isbn=978-1-58115-269-2|url=https://archive.org/details/makintoonsinside0000neuw}}
* {{cite book|last=Murray|first=Joe|title=Creating Animated Cartoons with Character: A Guide to Developing and Producing Your Own Series for TV, the Web, and Short Film|year=2010|publisher=Watson-Guptill Publications|isbn=978-0-82303-307-2|url=https://joemurraystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Creating-Animated-Cartoons-with-Character.pdf}}
==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://joemurraystudio.com/ Joe Murray Studio]. [https://archive.today/20170210002352/http://joemurraystudio.com/ Archived] from the original on February 9, 2017.
* {{IMDb title|0106115}}
* [http://toonopedia.com/rocko.htm ''Rocko's Modern Life''] at [[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]]. [https://archive.today/20240528014116/https://www.webcitation.org/6o9wlIcQ7?url=http://toonopedia.com/rocko.htm Archived] from the original on February 9, 2017.
* Trainor, Pat, ed., [http://www.title14.com/rocko/ The ''Rocko's Modern Life'' FAQ]. Includes interviews with series creator Joe Murray and production staff. [https://web.archive.org/web/20160315162949/http://title14.com/rocko/ Archived] from the original on March 15, 2016.
{{Rocko's Modern Life}}
{{Joe Murray}}
{{Rough Draft Studios}}
{{Former Nickelodeon original series}}
{{Portal bar|Cartoon|Animation|Television|1990s|United States|Comedy|Illinois|Australia}}
[[Category:Rocko's Modern Life]]
[[Category:1990s American animated comedy television series]]
[[Category:1990s American children's comedy television series]]
[[Category:1990s American surreal comedy television series]]
[[Category:1990s American sitcoms]]
[[Category:1990s Nickelodeon original programming]]
[[Category:1993 American animated television series debuts]]
[[Category:1996 American television series endings]]
[[Category:American animated sitcoms]]
[[Category:American children's animated comedy television series]]
[[Category:American children's television sitcoms]]
[[Category:Censored television series]]
[[Category:Culture of Illinois]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Nicktoons]]
[[Category:Television series about kangaroos and wallabies]]
[[Category:Television series by Rough Draft Studios]]
[[Category:Television series created by Joe Murray (animator)]]
[[Category:Television shows adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Television shows adapted into video games]]
[[Category:Animated television series set in the United States]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Illinois]]
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