“Rocko’s Modern Life” is an American animated series crafted by Joe Murray, which aired on Nickelodeon for four seasons from 1993 to 1996. The series follows the whimsical and satirical escapades of Rocko, an anthropomorphic wallaby from Australia, as he navigates his new life in the bustling city of O-Town. Alongside Rocko are his friends: Heffer, a voracious steer; Filburt, a high-strung turtle; and Spunky, Rocko’s loyal dog. The show is rich with adult-oriented humor, including clever wordplay, suggestive jokes, and sharp social satire.

Joe Murray originally conceived the character of Rocko for a comic book series that was never published in the late 1980s. He later, albeit hesitantly, pitched the concept to Nickelodeon, which was seeking more daring cartoonists for its new Nicktoons lineup. The network granted the creative team significant artistic freedom, allowing them to appeal to both children and adults. The animation is characterized by its distinctive, crooked architectural style. Murray also selected many emerging voice actors, such as Tom Kenny and Carlos Alazraqui, who later achieved great fame. “Rocko’s Modern Life” was the fourth Nicktoon to debut. In an interview, Kenny reflected on the show’s influence, stating, “Rocko’s Modern Life was one of those shows that provided a first big break for many people who later succeeded in the industry.”