As a kid who grew up in the ‘90s, the original Nickelodeon programs like Rugrats, Doug, The Ren & Stimpy Show, and Rocko’s Modern Life have always had a special, humor-filled space in my heart. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard the news that the latter would be making a sudden return in the form of a TV movie. The show was originally on air for four seasons between 1993 and 1996, and quickly became a cult classic of sorts for kids raised on Nicktoons.

The original show showcased the quirky cartoonish life of a wallaby named Rocko, along with his dog Spunky, his friends Filburt (a nerdy turtle) and Heffer (a thoughtless steer), and his amphibious neighbors Mr. And Mrs. Bighead. Perhaps the most intriguing parts of the show were the surrealist cartoon design and subtle satirical nature, both of which will be rekindled by the show’s creator Joe Murray, who will serve as executive producer and co-director of the upcoming film.

“I’m very happy to be rejoining Rocko and my friends from O-Town again,” Murray said in a statement. “What I have found by bringing these characters back is that it’s not so much about nostalgia, but a sense that they still feel relevant and fresh to me, and after 20 years, they can’t wait to comment on modern life in the 21st century. They still have a lot to say.”

The TV movie special will be an hour long, and will bring back the most beloved and strangest characters that made the series so captivating to begin with. The announcement of the movie seems to be aligned with the fact that the Nicktoons brand celebrated their 25th anniversary on August 11. In addition, Nickelodeon will also release a live-action movie of the classic game show Legends of the Hidden Temple, as well as Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie, a continuation of the classic cartoon series that will premiere sometime next year.

 

Although no official title, casting, or release date has been set for the Rocko’s Modern Life TV movie as of yet, the fact that Murray will be at the helm once again is enough to get me hyped to roll one up and revisit one of the most beloved cartoons of all-time.