Back at the Barnyard

Back at the Barnyard
When a mediocre movie gets a very good TV show.
Genre: Comedy Running Time: 11 minutes Country: United States Release Date: September 29, 2007 – November 12, 2011 Network(s): Nickelodeon (2007-2010) Nicktoons (2011) Created by: Steve Oedekerk Distributed by: ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks Starring: Chris Hardwick Jeff Garcia Leigh-Allyn Baker Tino Insana Cam Clarke Rob Paulsen Dom Irrera Seasons: 2 Episodes: 52

Back at the Barnyard is a Nickelodeon 3D computer-animated television series that and is a a spin-off from the 2006 film, Barnyard. The series premiered on September 29, 2007 on Nickelodeon. The show is produced by Omation Animation Studio, in association with Nickelodeon Animation Studio. The last episode aired on November 12, 2011 on Nicktoons.

Why The Barnyard's Great to be Back

1. Very hilarious moments, such as Pig abruptly interrupting each episode to break the fourth wall in a humorous and charming way.
2. A new character named Abby (who is a cow) was introduced in the show. And speaking of her:
   • Her relationship with Otis is pretty interesting to watch.
3. Plenty of likable characters, such as the main animals: Otis, Abby, Bessy, Pip, Pig, Freddy, Peck and Duke.
4. The theme song is very catchy.
5. Some endings are either really good or very funny.
6. While the CGI animation didn't age well, It looks clean and smooth with a decent looking bright and vivid color palette, it also got better in season 2.
7. Very intimidating main antagonists, such as Snotty Boy and Mrs. Beady.
8. Original and creative stories and plots, such as Otis, Freddy and Pig dressing up as girls and ending up dating Snotty Boy and his friends in the episode "Some like it Snotty".
9. Talented voice acting, especially from Wanda Sykes, Tino Insana, Cam Clarke, Jeff Garcia and Rob Paulsen.
10. Great jokes.
11. Intelligent and clever writing.

Bad Qualities

1. The CGI animation (the one used for Jimmy Neutron) has not aged well. For instance, rather than a furry texture seen in many DreamWorks films like Over the Hedge, the modeling for the cows in particular looks like plastic, for no apparent reason.
2. It kind of ignores the theme of the original movie it was based on, and Otis still acts immature, despite knowing that he can't anymore.
3. Characters from the film, like Daisy, Miles the mule, Maddy the chick, Lil' Ben, and the fan-favorite, Biggie Cheese, were left out without any explanation.
4. Chris Hardwick's impression of Kevin James can be annoying at times.
5. Some bad episodes such as "Dummy and Dummier" and "Man’s Best Fiend".
6. This show is notorious for reusing character models.
7. Despite the voice acting being talented, Chris Hardwick, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Cam Clarke, Jeff Garcia and Rob Paulsen almost voice everyone in the show who's not Otis, Abby, Freddy, or Peck.
8. Bessy can be considered a mean-spirited character because of how she sometimes intends to be harsh to the other characters. And to get the elephant out of the roof, because of her sassy behavior and speaking in an African-American accent, she may also be stereotypical as well.
9. Despite being a likable character, Pip could be considered a Mexican stereotype.

Reception

Back at the Barnyard received mixed reviews, but has attracted a cult-following. Many people remember the show for it's memes. It is considered to be one of the most underrated Nicktoons of all-time. It is insanely popular in Israel, to the point where said country's Nickelodeon afilliate not only airs reruns every day (as of 2022), but even has an entire day dedicated to airing all the episodes, taking place on the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.

Trivia

• This show was put on hiatus on September 18, 2010. This is possibly due to Omation Animation Studio was focused on Jimmy Neutron spin-off, Planet Sheen. This show, however, aired on Nicktoons from September 12 to November 12, 2011.
• This show has spawned some internet memes such as "Viewer Mail Time" and "Ask Dr. Pig".

 

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