15th Anniversary of Bob’s Burgers!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the beloved adult cartoon series, Bob’s Burgers! I was even lucky enough to ask a couple of questions to Brian Huskey who voices Regular Sized Rudy on the show and Tina Belcher herself, Dan Mintz !

When “Bob’s Burgers” first premiered on Fox in January 2011, few could have predicted it would become one of television’s most beloved animated comedies. Created by Loren Bouchard, the series centers on the Belcher family; Bob, Linda, and their three children, Tina, Gene, and Louise; who run a small, struggling burger restaurant. The original concept for the show was much darker: Bouchard initially pitched it as a series about a family of cannibals who sold human meat. Fox quickly asked for a lighter tone, and the cannibal element was dropped, leaving behind the quirky, heartfelt comedy that viewers came to adore. The reimagined premise allowed “Bob’s Burgers” to blend family warmth with offbeat humor, setting it apart from other animated sitcoms of its era.

The idea behind “Bob’s Burgers” stemmed from Bouchard’s love of working-class family stories and his fascination with everyday absurdity. Influenced by his earlier series “Home Movies”, he wanted to create characters that felt grounded and human, even within animation. The voice cast; including H. Jon Benjamin as Bob and John Roberts as Linda; brought an improvisational energy to their performances, making the dialogue feel spontaneous and real. Central to the show’s tone is its balance of sincerity and sarcasm: the Belchers bicker and struggle but always find humor and loyalty in the chaos of their small business and personal lives.

Critically, “Bob’s Burgers” was a slow burn success. Early seasons drew modest ratings but strong reviews, with critics praising its warmth and the depth of its characters. Over time, it developed a loyal fanbase and earned multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program. The show’s signature style: its dry wit, relatable family dynamics, and musical interludes, made it a standout in Fox’s Sunday animation lineup alongside “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy”. Its 2022 feature film, “The Bob’s Burgers Movie”, further cemented its legacy, showing how a simple burger shop story could translate to the big screen with heart and humor.

Among the show’s most beloved elements is Tina Belcher, voiced by comedian Dan Mintz. Originally written as a teenage boy, Tina’s character was rewritten as a girl without changing the voice; a creative choice that gave her a distinct, awkward charm. Mintz’s deadpan delivery and the writers’ empathetic portrayal of Tina’s teenage anxieties turned her into an instant fan favorite. She became a pop culture icon for her honest, often hilariously earnest expressions of adolescence, from her love of horses to her fascination with “butts.” Through Tina and the rest of the Belchers, Bob’s Burgers celebrates the humor in imperfection.

Bonus Questions:

Giancarlo: How does it feel to play such a beloved character like Tina?

Dan: It’s always cool when people say they’re just like Tina. At first, it seemed like she was just supposed to say weird things for a joke, but I love how the writers turned her into such a three-dimensional character so many people relate to.

Giancarlo: What's it like to be a part of such a beloved show like "Bob's Burgers"?

Brian: Fantastic! And I will report that everyone involved is fantastic, sweet, and talented! Truly, the love and care that comes out in the show starts with the crew and creatives!

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Dan: It’s old advice, but “writing is rewriting”. People want to write but then give up if their draft isn’t good. But the first draft isn’t supposed to be good yet!

Brian: A few bits of Advice:

1. Be kind. Lead with kindness because we are all doing the best
   we can.

2. Total Permission- give yourself total permission to do what is right for you.

3. You are your life partner. Be kind to yourself.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo