Back in 2011 when Bob’s Burgers first hit television, critics and audiences wondered whether or not it would be able to compete against powerhouse animated comedies such as Family Guy, South Park or the most comparable: The Simpsons. But after the first and second season, there was no doubt anymore. The show might not have smash ratings and it might not have the biggest budget of the four, but it has the most honest and relatable characters and storylines. Bob’s Burgers gives audiences a break from their everyday lives to delve into a world that is both sweet and hilarious. It’s enjoyable, interesting, and dynamic while also being hysterical and ridiculous. After five seasons, one might claim that the Belchers, made up of Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene, and Louise, are the new favorite TV family and Bob’s Burgers is the most relatable and meaningful show on air right now. Actually, I’m going to make that claim. Why? Here are a few reasons:
Thirteen Candles: Tina’s Coming of Age Story
There is no cartoon character out there quite like Tina Belcher, the thirteen-year-old, quiet, eldest Belcher child. She is a refreshing take on the “sexually-fueled teen” that is so prevalent in most TV sitcoms these days. Her interests include boys, butts, horses (specifically The Equestranauts), and writing erotic friend fiction. At least, those are her interests on the surface. In reality, Tina is so much more than that. She is a “smart, strong, sensual woman”, who is going through the most awkward phase of anyone’s life. She is caught in between wanting to be popular and cool, but also wanting to do the right thing. In the episode, “Bad Tina” in season two, Tina is introduced to the new rebellious student, Tammy, and is forced decide to be “good Tina’ or “bad Tina.” She is faced with wearing makeup for the first time, trying alcohol (non-alcoholic margarita mix from Linda’s stash), and using “teen phrase” like, “crap attack” and “ boob punch”. In the end, she decides to be good, but not without growing up a bit in the process. Everyone goes through this. The sudden decision between good and evil is something people naturally come in contact with just by being human. The two-dimensional aspect of her personality is what makes her the most beautiful and relatable. She is both awkward and cool, edgy and sensitive, sympathetic and empathetic. Tina does life, while also being hysterically quirky and sweet.
The Gene Show: This Is Me Now!
Gene Belcher, the 11-year-old middle son, is full of hysterical one-liners like, “You should know that when you hold hands with me, you are holding hands with everything I’ve ever eaten.” and “Trash fashion. I call it Trashion”, but what really makes Gene the best middle child cartoon character of all time? His unbreakable love for himself. He’s never afraid to speak his mind or be whoever he wants to be, regardless of what others think. He’s the independent person we all strive to be. He’s excited, passionate, and impressionable, which molds perfectly with his younger and older sisters. Gene is so confident in himself, that he’s able to joke about being “born to be a great mom” and having “the best legs in the family and the smoothest bottom”. In the episode, “Itty Bitty Ditty Committee”, Gene’s love for music is rivaled with insecurities about whether or not he is actually a good musician or not. He tries to take lessons, but realizes they are far too much work for him and gives up. Tina and Louise convince him to remember where he came from and how it doesn’t matter whether he’s a perfect musician or not, but it’s his love of music that does. He realizes they’re right and returns to be the Gene we all love. There are not many, if any, male child characters that have the same passion and personality quite like Gene Belcher does.
Louise! Like, ‘Geez Louise, You’re a Feminist Role Model!
Louise, the youngest Belcher child, is a nine-year-old with the mind of a 40-year-old. She is the ring leader, the master mind, and the ultimate prankster. She is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode and a role model for all little girls growing up. Although Louise has a knack for causing trouble and a need for speed; she’s the independent and fearless young female character that TV has been waiting for. She’s powerful, cunning, and cynical, while also being caring, careful, and smart. In the episode, “Mother Daughter Laser Razor”, Linda tries to woo Louise into liking her more than Bob by taking her to a mother-daughter bonding day. Louise does everything she can to get out of it and run away by trapping the moms in a closet or forcing Linda to bribe her with money. At the end of the episode, though, Louise sees that her mom is visibly upset, and tells Linda that she doesn’t actually hate her and thinks she is a “fun mom”. Louise shows how a girl can be the best of both worlds. She might be a badass and the leader of the “Broken Glass Kids”, but she has a heart and sincerely cares about her family and will always defend them agains anyone. Wouldn’t you want to have Louise on your side?
Bob’s Dreams: BUCKLE THEM UP OR YOU”LL DIE!
Bob Belcher is the main protagonist of Bob’s Burgers, as well as the closest thing this show gets to a “straight man” (as in, the one with the least jokes). Bob has his funny moments and his ridiculous (and amazing) Thanksgiving episodes, but what stands out with him the most is his dedication and hard work towards his dream. His dream of owning a restaurant and the work he puts towards what he loves is inspiring. One of the show’s main premises is watching a family restaurant in a beach front town trying to barely scrape by, whether or not that is the main idea for every episode, that is what the show is about. The great thing about it, though, is that they always DO scrape by, even if they have go through hell to get there. Bob never drops his dreams and is always the one with a solid mind, even when everyone else in his family is going nuts. Everyone needs that level headed person in their life, who always knows how to steer people in the right direction.
Linda: Nonsense or MOM-sense?
Linda Belcher, in my opinion, is the funniest character in the entire show. She is also the funniest mother character on any TV family sitcom, ever. Think about it. No one beats her funny one-liners, love for dinner theater, and obsession with porcelain babies. Apart from being hilarious, she’s also an amazing mother. It take a strong woman to raise children like Tina, Louise, and Gene and that woman is Linda. Through trying to win Louise’s love, Tina’s obsession with writing erotic fiction, and Gene’s knack for messing things up constantly; Linda becomes a super mom. She takes care of the bills, the customers, the kids, and consistently volunteers to be the chaperone on all field trips. I’m not sure about your mom, but Linda reminds me very much of my own mother. Actually, I could think of several mothers just like her, which is one reason why she is so relatable as a middle aged woman. Not many cartoon characters portray moms quite the way that Bob’s Burgers does, so it’s refreshing to see Linda Belcher be her crazy, wine loving, natural self. Ha! Little Babies.
The Belchers: A Family That REALLY Loves One Another
What’s so truly amazing about this show is that the family really, really loves one another, flaws and all. Each member is equally ridiculous and insane, but in the end, they’re always together. Although Tina battles with puberty, Louise causes chaos, Gene helps with the chaos, Linda buys too many porcelain babies, and Bob has “peeing races” with Jimmy Pesto: they’re all Belchers in the end and they know that. The writing on this show is superb at creating that underlying family dynamic that real life families have. When other family members, such as Linda’s parents, Bob’s father, and Gayle, come into the picture in episodes, the writing makes it so obvious that they are family and becomes extremely relatable. The storylines in each episode revolve around the growth of each family member, while also staying as a family unit. Bob’s Burgers is as hysterical and insane as it is sweet and reassuring. There are few shows on television now that can claim all four of those traits at the same time. I find it to be a refreshing start or finish to my day every time I watch it.
