Regular Show is an American animated sitcom that first aired on September 6, 2010. Created by J. G. Quintel for Cartoon Network, the show follows the daily lives of two 23-year-old friends, Mordecai (a blue jay) and Rigby (a raccoon). The series ran for a total of eight seasons, concluding on January 16, 2017.
The premise of Regular Show revolves around the adventures and misadventures of Mordecai and Rigby as they navigate through their jobs as groundskeepers at a park. Despite their responsibilities, the duo often find themselves getting into bizarre and fantastical situations, leading to humorous and occasionally surreal outcomes. The show combines elements of comedy, fantasy, and pop culture references to create a unique and entertaining viewing experience.
While the show is set in the present day, it often pays homage to the 1980s, a time period that holds a special significance for creator J. G. Quintel. This is evident in the show’s references to 80s music, fashion, and technology. Quintel’s fondness for the era is reflected in the attention to detail given to these references, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for viewers who grew up during that time.
Regular Show also incorporates elements of modern social trends, such as viral internet videos. This helps to keep the show relevant and relatable to its target audience, which primarily consists of young adults and teenagers. By blending the nostalgia of the 80s with contemporary elements, Regular Show manages to create a unique and timeless appeal.
As for the reasons behind the show’s cancellation, it primarily came down to declining ratings. While the show initially performed well, attracting a dedicated fan base, the viewership began to drop significantly during its later seasons. Season 6 maintained average views, but when Season 7 premiered, the ratings took a sharp decline, almost halving the viewership. Despite efforts to revive the show’s popularity, the ratings did not show signs of improvement, leading to the decision to end the series.
Regular Show will always be remembered as a beloved animated sitcom that captured the hearts of many with its humor, relatable characters, and clever pop culture references. Its blend of nostalgia and modernity created a unique viewing experience that resonated with audiences. Although the show has ended, its impact continues to be felt, and fans can still enjoy the adventures of Mordecai and Rigby through reruns and online platforms.
When Did Regular Show Start And End?
Regular Show started airing on September 6, 2010, and it ended on January 16, 2017. The animated sitcom created by J. G. Quintel for Cartoon Network revolved around the daily lives of two 23-year-old friends, Mordecai (a blue jay) and Rigby (a raccoon).
Is Regular Show Based In The 80s?
Regular Show is not based in the 80s. Although there is a time-traveling sequence in the episode “Prank Callers” where Mordecai and Rigby are sent to the 80s, this does not imply that the entire show is set in that decade. In fact, the creator of the show, J.G. Quintel, has stated that Regular Show is set in the 90s.
In the episode “Prank Callers,” Mordecai and Rigby accidentally dial a wrong number while making prank calls and are transported back in time to the 1980s. During this time-traveling sequence, a series of numbers representing years are shown, but this simply serves as a visual representation of the time passing as they journey through different eras.
The show as a whole incorporates various elements from different decades, including 80s and 90s pop culture references. However, the main setting and overall timeline of Regular Show is firmly rooted in the 90s.
While there is a brief visit to the 80s in one episode of Regular Show, the show itself is set in the 90s according to its creator.
Why Did Regular Show Get Cancelled?
Regular Show was cancelled primarily due to declining ratings. The show had enjoyed decent success during its earlier seasons, with consistent viewership. However, as Season 6 progressed, the ratings began to stagnate, and the show’s popularity seemed to wane. Despite these challenges, the network decided to give it another chance and released Season 7.
Unfortunately, the ratings for Season 7 took a significant hit. They dropped by nearly half compared to previous seasons, and there was no sign of improvement on the horizon. This decline in viewership was a clear indication that the show was losing its appeal to the audience. Consequently, the network faced the difficult decision of discontinuing Regular Show.
Factors that contributed to the declining ratings may include various elements such as:
1. Saturation: Over time, the show may have saturated its target audience, leading to viewer fatigue. This could result from a repetitive storyline or a lack of fresh ideas that failed to captivate the audience’s interest.
2. Competition: The television landscape is highly competitive, with numerous shows vying for viewers’ attention. If Regular Show faced tough competition from other popular programs airing at the same time, it could have resulted in a decline in ratings.
3. Changes in Audience Preferences: Audience tastes and preferences can change over time. It’s possible that the show’s content, humor, or overall style no longer resonated with its target audience. This shift in preferences could have contributed to the decline in viewership.
4. Storytelling Fatigue: Regular Show had been on the air for several years, and maintaining a consistent level of storytelling quality can be challenging. If the show failed to deliver engaging and innovative storylines, it could have led to a decrease in viewership.
Considering these factors, the network made the difficult decision to cancel Regular Show. While it had initially enjoyed success, the declining ratings and lack of viewer interest ultimately led to the show’s cancellation.
Why Is Regular Show So 80s?
Regular Show is known for its distinct 80s vibe, which is a deliberate choice by the show’s creator, J.G. Quintel. There are several reasons why the show embraces this nostalgic era:
1. Cultural Influence: J.G. Quintel, like many others, grew up during the 1980s and was heavily influenced by the pop culture of that time. The music, movies, fashion, and overall aesthetic of the 80s left a lasting impact on him. By infusing the show with references to 80s culture, Quintel pays homage to his own childhood and appeals to the nostalgia of viewers who share similar experiences.
2. Music: The 80s was a decade known for its iconic music, particularly in the genres of new wave, synth-pop, and rock. Regular Show often features music from this era, using it as a backdrop for various scenes and creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Quintel’s choice of 80s music adds an extra layer of depth and relatability to the show, appealing to both fans of the era and younger viewers who may discover and appreciate the music through the show.
3. Electronic Devices: The 80s was a time of rapid technological advancement, particularly in the field of electronic devices. Quintel incorporates this aspect of the era into Regular Show by featuring retro gadgets and video games that were popular during that time, such as old arcade machines and VHS tapes. These nostalgic references not only evoke a sense of familiarity for those who grew up in the 80s but also introduce younger viewers to the technology of the past.
4. Positive Influence: Quintel has mentioned in interviews that he considers the 80s to be a positive and influential era. The show’s embrace of 80s culture reflects his appreciation for the decade’s optimism and creativity. By infusing Regular Show with elements from this era, Quintel aims to capture the spirit of a time that he feels had a significant impact on his own development as a creator.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while Regular Show has a strong 80s influence, it also incorporates modern elements to keep it relevant to contemporary audiences. The show often references current social trends and viral internet videos, blending the best of both worlds to create a unique and engaging viewing experience.
Conclusion
Regular Show is a beloved animated sitcom that captivated audiences for over six years with its unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and relatable characters. Created by J. G. Quintel, the show follows the daily lives of two 23-year-old friends, Mordecai and Rigby, as they navigate the challenges and adventures of their job at a park.
One of the standout features of Regular Show is its clever use of references to 1980s culture. Quintel’s love for the decade shines through in the show’s music choices, electronic devices, and overall aesthetic. These nods to the past create a sense of nostalgia for older viewers while introducing younger audiences to the iconic elements of the 80s.
Additionally, Regular Show also incorporates modern social trends, such as viral internet videos, into its storytelling. This combination of past and present elements gives the show a timeless quality that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Unfortunately, despite its popularity and dedicated fanbase, Regular Show ultimately faced cancellation due to declining ratings. While season six managed to maintain average viewership, season seven saw a significant drop in ratings that did not show signs of improvement. This decline in viewership ultimately led to the decision to end the show after its eighth season.
Despite its cancellation, Regular Show will always be remembered as a beloved animated series that brought laughter and entertainment to its audience. Its witty humor, memorable characters, and clever blend of 80s nostalgia and modern trends made it a standout show in the world of animation. Regular Show will continue to be cherished by fans and serve as a testament to the creative brilliance of J. G. Quintel.
