BOB’S BURGERS

JANUARY 9, 2011-PRESENT

Loren Bouchard is the creator of this animated television sitcom for FOX Broadcasting Company.  He is a high school drop-out who credits Tom Snyder with his jump from bartender to animated series, says Wikipedia.  Snyder was his grade school teacher who he bumped into, giving him an opportunity to use his skills in art.  His progression along with hard work put him in a position to create Bob’s Burgers.

 JANUARY 9, 2011

The departure of King of the Hill on FOX opened the door for Bob’s Burgers to complete the animated line-up on Sunday nights.  It does not have the smart dialogue that King of the Hill had, but it is a sleeper that could emerge as a good link between the Simpsons and Family Guy. 

Tina Belcher (Dan Mintz) is supportive to her husband and his need to succeed in the burger business.  She seems to be a blend of Christine (Yes, Dear), Peggy (Married…With Children), Fran (The Nanny) with a touch of Kitty (That ‘70s Show).  This character will be the glue that keeps the funny on its toes.

Robert “Bob” Belcher (H. Jon Benjamin) is what Gene Simmons would be like if he did not become a rock star-turned-reality-TV-family man.  The joke is usually on Bob as the family continues to mock everything that he does.  They are unmotivated to help out but do only when mom steps in. 

The kids are typical, new millennium children who would do nothing if mom did not make sure they finished the tasks asked of them.  It is scary to think animation is reflecting family life today.  Most American children have no real understanding of what it is like to work hard and be humble for what they have. 

Time will tell if the writers can improve on the foundation of the show.