“Gilmore Girls” and “Friday Night Lights” are considered great shows to watch for the fall season, so it’s time to add “Over the Garden Wall” to that list.
Created by Patrick McHale, the animated miniseries aired in 2014 on Cartoon Network and was based on an animated short film by McHale.
Set in fall, the story follows two half brothers, Wirt (Elijah Wood) and Gregory (Collin Dean), and their pet frog trying to find their way home by traveling through a strange forest called the Unknown.
The boys meet a variety of colorful characters who help them on their journey and befriend Beatrice (Melanie Lynskey), a young girl transformed into a talking bluebird after throwing a stone at one.
Voiced by Samuel Ramey, the Beast is the monster of tthe Unknown that stalks the trio in order to strip their souls of hope and turn them into trees.
Wirt is the wary and perceptive brother, which fits his role of the older teenager. He likes to write poetry and play the clarinet but is self-conscious of his passions due to his fear of bullying. Wirt’s pessimistic views make him an easier target for the Beast.
On the other hand, younger brother Greg is cheerful and carefree, despite Wirt’s displeasure. He does whatever his heart desires, which often leads him to wandering off into interesting situations. Even when faced with danger, Greg remains optimistic and unconcerned.
The reason this show is so beloved is due to its stunning animation. While being a kids show, it’s pretty dark compared to a lot of other modern, animated series. The show’s color palette is dark and muted which looks like it popped out of old children’s book illustrations.
Comprised of jazz and folk elements, the series’ soundtrack is something to behold. Jack Jones sings the haunting, melancholic theme song, which captures the mood of the series. The instrumental track “Money for School” and “Potatoes and Molasses,” sung by Dean, are upbeat and reminiscent of New Orleans-style jazz, and they juxtapose the more depressing songs found in the series.
From a town full of pumpkin people to tavern regulars and the orange, yellow, brown and green shades of the falling leaves in the Unknown, this series has everything needed for the fall aesthetic. Being a season of transformation, autumn embraces change and the show presents that in its characters. It captures that sense of longing associated with the autumn by having viewers feel nostalgic for childhood adventures.
Heartfelt and charming, “Over the Garden Wall” is the perfect show for those who appreciate gorgeous visuals and well-written characters. When I watched this show for the first time, I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days.
The series accomplishes a lot in under two hours, and the show’s timelessness allows for fans to rewatch it and feel like they’re experiencing something new all over again. It’s become a cult-classic to fans with many taking up the tradition to watch it every autumn, even in 2023.
So, cozy up in bed, make a hot drink, maybe even light a fall-themed candle and watch Wirt, Greg and Beatrice on their journey before it’s too late.
The 10-episode series is currently available to stream on Hulu.
