Rocko's Modern Life Is Returning As a TV Movie on Nickelodeon

Rocko's Modern Life, one of Nickelodeon's most beloved cartoons from the '90s, is making a comeback, according to Entertainment Weekly. The network just gave the green light to a TV movie revival of the series, which originally focused on an Australian wallaby adjusting to life in America along with his dog Spunky and a collection of offbeat friends.

Created by Joe Murray, the series debuted as part of the Nicktoons block in 1993 and lasted four seasons until 1996. The hour-long TV movie will be the first appearance of Rocko and the gang from O-Town in 20 years. Murray will also return to executive produce and co-direct the film, and he promises the TV movie will throw Rocko into the 21st century, instead of just being a nostalgia grab.

“I’m very happy to be rejoining Rocko and my friends from O-Town again,” Murray said in a statement posted by Entertainment Weekly. “What I have found by bringing these characters back is that it’s not so much about nostalgia, but a sense that they still feel relevant and fresh to me, and after 20 years, they can’t wait to comment on modern life in the 21st century. They still have a lot to say.”

The fact that the new movie was announced on August 11 isn't without significance for the network. On August 11, 1991, Nickelodeon launched the first wave of Nicktoons, including Doug, Rugrats, and The Ren & Stimpy Show. These shows helped usher in an age of Nickelodeon animation that still has countless loyal fans wanting more. 

The past few months have been full of news of other Nickelodeon revivals, including Legends of the Hidden Temple and a Nicktoons crossover movie. While a release date has yet to be set for Rocko's return, the strength of Nickelodeon's '90s brand all but ensures an audience will be waiting for it.