Pig Goat Banana Cricket is an animated television series that aired on Nickelodeon from 2015 to 2018. The show was created by Dave Cooper and Johnny Ryan and was produced by David Sacks.
The title pretty much lays out the main characters of the show:
- Pig – The foolhardy and naively optimistic one who tends to get into mischief.
- Goat – A talented musician and singer with the dream of becoming famous. She’s the most reasonable and mature of the group but tends to get overly dramatic.
- Banana – An eccentric and adventure-loving fruit with a flair for the scientific and the strange.
- Cricket – A highly intelligent bug who is always working on inventions or schemes, often nefarious.
Each episode usually consists of various misadventures that the quartet finds themselves in, often intertwining their stories by the end.
The series is known for its wild and off-the-wall humor, exciting cartoon characters, wacky animation style, and surreal storytelling.
Who Are Pig, Goat, Banana, and Cricket?
At the heart of this series lie four improbable friends, each uniquely quirky. Pig is our foolhardy adventurer, a character brimming with optimism yet prone to getting into all sorts of mischief.
Every group has its artist, and for this quad, it’s Goat. A talented musician, Goat dreams big, aiming for stardom. But her path isn’t without its dramatic turns, much to the amusement of viewers.
Then there’s Banana. Not your typical piece of fruit, Banana is an eccentric lover of adventures and experiments. Lastly, the group wouldn’t be complete without Cricket.
An inventor bug with schemes that sometimes border on the villainous, Cricket adds that edge of unpredictability to the mix.
Surreal Storylines and Eye-Catching Animation
What sets “Pig Goat Banana Cricket” apart is its unapologetic embrace of the bizarre.
The animation style is nothing short of wacky, teetering between grotesque and utterly fascinating. It mirrors the surreal storylines that take our four protagonists on wild rides episode after episode.
Whether it’s Pig’s unending series of misadventures, Goat’s tumultuous path to musical fame, Banana’s oddball experiments, or Cricket’s inventive yet sometimes nefarious plans, the show keeps you on your toes, waiting for the next twist.
Individually, they set out on bizarre journeys that eventually intertwine. They reside in Boopelite City, a vast metropolis filled with clockwork-like buildings. Bustling streets overflow with various characters, from anthropomorphic animals and foods to robots and sea creatures.
Amid the urban sprawl, the four friends live in a treehouse between the city’s forests and seas, serving as a launchpad for their countless escapades.
Why “Pig Goat Banana Cricket” Resonates
While the series might seem like a hodgepodge of random events and characters, it carries a subtle yet strong message about friendship.
Despite their glaring differences, Pig, Goat, Banana, and Cricket stick together, proving that friendships are built on trust and understanding rather than similarities.
Their diverse personalities mirror the varied friendships we all have in our lives, reminding us that it’s our unique quirks that make these bonds so special.
Program creators: Dave Cooper, Johnny Ryan
Final episode date: August 11, 2018
First episode date: July 16, 2015 (USA)
Genre: Comedy
Opening theme: Pig Goat Banana Cricket
Original network: Nickelodeon (2015–16); Nicktoons (2016–18)
The Creative Minds Behind the Magic
“Pig Goat Banana Cricket” isn’t just an accident of whimsy; it’s the brainchild of a dynamic duo: Dave Cooper and Johnny Ryan. These creators brought together a blend of traditional comic aesthetics with modern-day humor, resulting in a series that appealed both visually and narratively.
The duo’s experience in comic arts is evident in every frame. They’ve beautifully translated the two-dimensional essence of a comic book page onto the screen, giving viewers a refreshing visual experience.
Main Character – Pig, Goat, Banana, Cricket
Pig: The Eternal Optimist
The titular Pig is a delightful blend of innocence, naiveté, and boundless enthusiasm. At first glance, he might seem simply careless or easily distracted, but his actions often come from a place of genuine curiosity and a thirst for adventure.
His simplistic worldview is both a strength and a weakness. While it often lands him in trouble, it’s also the source of his undying optimism.
Pig’s approach to life teaches viewers the power of seeing the silver lining, even in the most challenging situations.
Goat: The Soulful Artist
Goat is the emotional core of the group. Her dream of achieving stardom and her talent as a musician often sets the stage for episodes filled with passion, drama, and melodic moments.
Yet, underneath her drive to succeed is a sensitive soul that deeply cares for her friends. While she can get overly dramatic at times, it’s this very theatrical nature that endears her to fans.
Goat’s journey serves as a reminder that the path to success is paved with ups and downs, but with perseverance, one can achieve their dreams.
Banana: The Eccentric Explorer
In the “Pig Goat Banana Cricket” world, where the unusual is usual, Banana still manages to stand out. This sentient fruit is not just about slapstick humor. He represents the quirky, often misunderstood geniuses we all know in life.
His love for experiments and adventures is both commendable and comical.
With Banana in the picture, there’s never a dull moment. His character encourages viewers to embrace their quirks and see the world differently.
Cricket: The Clever Schemer
Cricket is the brains of the operation. As an inventive bug, he’s always tinkering, planning, and, occasionally, scheming. While some of his plans have a hint of mischief, at his core, Cricket is a problem solver.
His character provides a balanced contrast to the rest of the gang. Cricket’s episodes often revolve around his inventions going haywire or his plans taking unexpected turns.
But through all his escapades, Cricket embodies the spirit of innovation and the occasional pitfalls that come with it.
Production
The independent animator Nick Cross originally directed the pilot titled “Pig Goat Banana Mantis!”. Ryan found writing the intertwined stories challenging, especially with the 11-minute running time.
However, doubling the running time and receiving clearer direction from the network streamlined the process.
The duo had to adapt to the studio environment, noting that their comic careers had prepared them for production.
Milo and Wilson continued their roles from the original short. The character Mantis, once voiced by James Urbaniak, became Cricket, with Paul Rugg taking on the voice role.
Using the Toon Boom Harmony software, the animation style alternates between hand-drawn and flash animation. While Yeson Entertainment studios in South Korea handle most of the animation, Ánima Estudios in Mexico sometimes takes on the outracing for certain episodes.
Before its premiere, the network renewed the show for a second season. The series started with promising ratings, but they started to decline significantly.
Broadcast
The series debuted in Canada on YTV on October 10, 2015, and on the original channel on October 18, 2015.
It hit the screens in Australia and New Zealand on Nickelodeon on October 3, 2016, and in Asia on February 23, 2018.
Nicktoons in the UK and Ireland broadcasted it on January 6, 2018, while in Arabia, Nicktoons showcased it at launch. Viewers in India can stream it on the Voot platform.
Cross released the pilot titled “Pig Goat Banana Mantis!” Vimeo distinguished it as a Staff Pick. A Juxtapoz writer lauded the animation, drawing parallels with “the Ren and Stimpy generation.”
Pig Goat Banana Cricket | Official Theme Song
What age group is the show targeted towards?
Pig Goat Banana Cricket is primarily aimed at a younger audience, particularly children and pre-teens, but its unique humor can also appeal to older viewers.
Where does the show take place?
The series is set in Boopelite City, a sprawling metropolis with a unique blend of nature and technology. The four friends live in a treehouse in the middle of the city.
How many seasons does the show have?
Pig Goat Banana Cricket has two seasons. However, only the first season aired on Nickelodeon.
Why was the pilot originally called “Pig Goat Banana Mantis!”?
The pilot initially featured a character named Mantis. However, when the show was picked up for a full series, Mantis was renamed and reimagined as Cricket.
How have viewers and critics received the show?
The show has received mixed reviews. Some appreciate its unique art style and humor, drawing comparisons to “Ren and Stimpy.” Others find its offbeat nature a bit too outlandish. Ratings started strong but saw a decline as the series progressed.
Where can I watch “Pig Goat Banana Cricket”?
Availability might vary based on your location, but the show has aired on Nickelodeon and might be available on streaming platforms or purchase platforms where Nickelodeon shows are offered.