Canadian animator Danny Antonucci created “The Brothers Grunt,” a Canadian-American adult animated comedy television series. MTV aired the series from August 15, 1994, to February 20, 1995. Later, Antonucci gained fame for creating the hit Cartoon Network series “Ed, Edd n’ Eddy.”
When discussing adult cartoons, the giants like “South Park” or “Family Guy” might dominate most conversations. But, dive a little deeper, and you’ll unearth the hidden gem “The Brothers Grunt.”
Premiering in the 1990s, this MTV-produced series took viewers on a bizarre yet fascinating journey, introducing us to the oddly lovable Grunt brothers.
What Is The Brothers Grunt?
The series features a group of pale, rubbery humanoids, all male, who wander in their underpants and primarily eat cheese. They’re birthed from warts on a giant, mute aquatic creature named Primus Gruntus Maximus, reminiscent of the Surinam Toad.
In an alternate universe monastery, a team embarks on a quest to retrieve Perry, their “Chosen One” leader, who now enjoys life among oblivious humans. The show’s animation style mirrors “The Ren and Stimpy Show.”
Composer: Patric Caird
Country of origin: Canada
Original language: English
No. of episodes: 42 (7 unaired)
Program creator: Danny Antonucci
Unconventional Heroes
The Brothers Grunt offers us five distinct characters – Tony, Perry, Dean, Frank, and Bing – who embark on an expedition to find their lost brother, Sammy. Unlike the chiseled heroes of traditional media, our protagonists are pasty-white, veined creatures that communicate mainly through grunts.
Their quirky looks and unique mannerisms made them the unlikely heroes we didn’t know we needed. Their adventures aren’t just slapstick moments but rather a blend of humor and surreal narratives that can unexpectedly pull at your heartstrings.
Beyond the Grunts – A Social Commentary?
Beneath the surface level antics of this cult classic, The Brothers Grunt subtly touched on society’s fixation on conformity. The Grunt brothers hail from an idyllic commune where everyone looks the same and lives harmoniously.
However, their quests outside this sheltered world expose them to the chaotic nature of individuality. It’s an intriguing take, suggesting that while sameness might seem comfortable, it’s the unpredictability and richness of diversity that makes life truly interesting.
Main Characters
MTV first introduced the characters that would evolve into “The Brothers Grunt” in one of their 30-second promos. This promo showcased close-up shots of these unnamed characters seemingly straining, with bulging veins and grunting sounds.
The scene then transitioned to the MTV logo landing in a sludge pool, followed by a relieved “Ahhhhh” – hinting at a constipation joke.
It remains uncertain whether MTV had fleshed out “The Brothers Grunt” storyline and characters when this promo aired or if the show’s development followed the promo’s success after “Beavis and Butt-head.”
Experimenting with Visuals
“The Brothers Grunt” is a visual feast, distinct from any other cartoon of its time. Its animation is a far cry from the polished aesthetics of mainstream adult cartoons.
The characters are grotesque yet lovable, and the settings swing between the vividly psychedelic and the delightfully mundane.
This juxtaposition of the bizarre with the every day makes the show a visual standout. The creators weren’t aiming for beauty in the traditional sense; they were redefining it, proving that art doesn’t have to be conventionally pretty to be effective.
Finding Fans in Unusual Places
Despite its short-lived screen time, “The Brothers Grunt” has garnered a passionate cult following. Its fans hail its originality, often reminiscing about the series’ unparalleled weirdness.
They’ve formed communities online, sharing episode breakdowns, creating fan art, and even writing fan fiction.
The series has a nostalgic charm that draws in viewers from the 90s and even attracts newer generations curious about this oddity from MTV’s animation history.
Breaking Molds in Animation
With its unconventional storytelling, unique art style, and audacious humor, “The Brothers Grunt” was arguably ahead of its time.
While it might not have garnered the broad appeal that other shows achieved, its willingness to push the envelope paved the way for other animators and writers to take risks in their creations. The cartoon industry today, brimming with diverse content and experimental projects, owes a nod to such pioneering shows.
Controversy
The show featured 7-minute segments combined into 45-minute episodes. However, angry “Beavis and Butt-head” fans misunderstood the show’s timing, thinking “The Brothers Grunt” replaced it during its hiatus, especially as “Beavis and Butt-head” re-runs stopped airing.
After their success with “Liquid Television” and “Beavis and Butt-head,” MTV aimed for more animated series.
They hired Danny Antonucci while Mike Judge paused “Beavis and Butt-head.” MTV’s strategy was to alternate the two shows during their respective hiatuses.
Notably, in episode #19 of “The Brothers Grunt,” Beavis and Butt-head cameo in a flying saucer scene, among other bizarre creatures. This overlapping approach was MTV’s initial plan for both series.
Merchandising and Collector’s Items
Though not initially huge on merchandise, the dedicated fan base has led to a resurgence in “The Brothers Grunt” memorabilia.
Vintage items from the 90s have become sought-after collector’s pieces, from t-shirts and action figures to limited-edition posters.
Some fans even took it upon themselves to craft their merchandise, selling handmade items inspired by the show. This resurgence in popularity shows how lasting the series’ influence has been, transcending its initial broadcast period.
Episode Guide
Season 1 (1993-1994)
- The Ceremony (Pilot on MTV, Music Television Animation Weekend) (Made in 1993 and Released on August 15, 1994)
- Make Mine a Grunt (August 22, 1994)
- The New Fish (August 29, 1994)
- Where Angles Fear to Grunt (September 05, 1994)
- Viva Grunt Vegas (September 12, 1994)
- Scrub Me Sammy (September 19, 1994)
Season 2 (1994)
- The Detective (September 26, 1994)
- If I Could Grunt to the Animals (October 03, 1994)
- Paging Dr. Grunt (October 10, 1994)
- Perry’s Appliance Repairs (October 17, 1994)
- Timmy’s Best Friend (October 24, 1994)
- No Quest Today (October 31, 1994)
Season 3 (1994)
- Grunt Moments in History (November 7, 1994)
- Perry Molo (November 14, 1994)
- Tony and Salsa (November 21, 1994)
- A Call to Grunts (November 28, 1994)
- Clean Up in Aisle Grunt (Decemer 05, 1994)
- Land of the Midnight Grunt (December 12, 1994)
- Close Encounters of the Grunt Kind (December 19, 1994)
- The Scent of Grunts (December 26, 1994)
Season 4 (1995)
- Eat My Grunt (January 02, 1995)
- They Stole Tony’s Veins (January 09, 1995)
- Not My Potato (January 16, 1995)
- Squeal Like a Grunt (January 23, 1995)
- The Big Crapple (January 30, 1995)
- Sammy in a Varicose Vein (February 06, 1995)
- Grunt Fare (February 13, 1995)
- To H*ll with Bing (February 20, 1995)
- Cream Style Tony (February 27, 1995)
- The Ugly Gruntling (March 06, 1995)
- 5 Card Grunt (March 12, 1995)
- The Stench of Grunts (March 19, 1995)
- Grunt Games (March 26, 1995)
- Requim for a Sammy (April 02, 1995)
- Smells Like Dean Sprit (April 09, 1995)
- Perry Come Home
- Bring Me the Head of Perry the Grunt
- Black Balled Grunt
- Perry’s Day Off
- Tony & Lace
- The Filling of the Shorts
- Poobah Blues
- Hunt for Grunts
- Friends! Romans! Grunts!
- The Wedding