A big picture on Smiling Friends? Longer than a Smiling Friends episode? I'm here for it. More please.

11:55 had me because I’m Puertorican and it made me think: “… are we THAT much of a threat? Cool!”

Y'know, it's really nice to see someone acknowledge Tak and the Power of Juju beyond just going "Pffft! Remember when Nickelodeon tried to make THAT a thing? 🤪"

This... actually makes me want to watch "Smiling Friends" now.

I like optimistic nihilism: the idea that nothing matters, we're all gonna die someday, so why aren't you doing what makes you happy? Good episode.

Mostly unrelated, but, we actually just found a new helium deposit in Minnesota like just last week, and in general our helium supply isn't quite as grim as Grim and Gnarly implied.

I thought this was actually going to be another parody video pretending Gwimbly was a real character from a game that actually existed. Glad it was actually someone talking about the show.

Jesus Christ, I’m obtuse. I love Smiling Friends. I saw this episode. I’m the right age to connect with this era of gaming in exactly the way described here, and I did. But I haven’t seen any Gwimbly memes, and I missed all of this.

3:23 - it's pretty funny to be able to recognise a voice from one word, but I was right - that's Mike Stoklasa.

Describing some of those PS1/early PS2 era games to folks sounds like I'm retelling fever dreams. It really is a slice of gaming culture that isn't really shown off, with only highlighted games that get remakes (FFVII as a recent example) be at the forefront. Most of these offbeat platformers like Croc/Jersey Devil/Rayman/Klonoa I played the hell out of due to growing up in a middle of nowhere town, and the Value City bargain bin had them for $5 bucks a piece.

Trust in the Bob

The generally positive vibes of the show as a whole are why I love it so much on top of the excellent animation that lends itself to unique jokes most adult animated comedy just won't try. It uses the medium in ways that are brilliant and sometimes so subtle you wouldn't get them unless you were an animator, like in the Enchanted Forest episode with Mip. Not only is he drawn and animated to reference the Rankin - Bass hobbit, but he's the only character with a drop shadow as if he's on an animation cel.

I saw the power rangers, superman and lo pan pic and as soon as i said the names in my head it hit me lol. I haven't thought about that song and video for years.

This feels weirdly continued into episode 2 with the very specific joke of Mr. Frog using Green Goblin's skeleton grenade. Something that felt like it's been a significant thing that absolutely nobody brought up in any sort of meaningful fashion until Season 2 Episode 2.

"Generation between Boomers and Millennials" It's so fitting we're so forgotten about we don't even get called "gen X" here.

Damn. This is something I have never heard of and am now fascinated by. Thanks Bob.

It’s funny that you were around making videos in the same ear they were. Love seeing the internet stuff of the 2000s having legs still today.

I like Smiling Friends because while it isnt proporting to be SAYING something, it definitely is on to something and the creators have such wholesome intentions with it. It articulates a vibe way better than it ever communicates a message and I think that’s still commendable. Some positivity delivered with internet chud humor is an interesting twist. I dig it.

Gen X and Xennials out here living that sad life, taking care of elderly parents and trying to make ends meet for ourselves and all the latchkey kid, be self sufficient, stuff we were fed isn't translating into life feeling great. exhausted and grey and always left out of the conversation between millennias and baby boomers. excuse me while I try to assure my gen z and gen alpha kids that it's going to be okay, even though I have a lot of anxiety about the future myself. sigh... is this why I've been on ebay trying to scoop up an old Playstation and all the games from the mid 90s? dang.

I grew up around this time, and its always bothered me trying to wait for "my turn" in the endless cycle of nostalgia. Its yet another thing promised that never seemed to come through, like the wave of prosperity that that my parents road. As time has gone on there have been little things, a digimon reboot that was fine, games like a hat in time and penny's big breakaway, and the far beyond the starts documentary forcusing on /my/ star trek series. Ultimately the closest things I've found to capturing that era are games like hollowknight and cup head, maybe even FNaF to a lesser extent, games that comit to an absurdist world, and shoot for the damn fences.

I somehow managed to completely miss this whole meme thing.

I'm always impressed by the way certain media can sneak in messages, whether unintentionally or otherwise. It really is a balancing act for a creator to sell us on their creation and what makes it appealing without giving away what their "meant" to take away from it. When you tell people what your thing is meant to be about on some beyond-the-surface level, you're setting up expectations that may or may not be fulfilled for the individual. It's the sort of thing creators can often leave to chance. Any deeper idea or theme is there for them to find, though it's possible the audience may miss it whether or not they intend to. Still, those ideas can be more fulfilling and resonant when the audience DOES find them without being told by the creator that's what they were meant to be looking for.

I hope more people start getting onto the "Just because I don't support the guy doesn't mean I can't enjoy a well made thing" bandwagon, I'm tired of every thing having to be morally pure and an intensely considered decision.

Thanks for covering this show. Been following along with this show, and it's kind of become a weird surreal comfort show with odd stuff in it with all kind of mixed media. glad to hear you like this show.

Never heard of this show (I'm old), but now I kind of want to watch it.

Now I know where those strange yellow and purple guys come from, got me interested. Also I guess I can recognize Mike’s voice from a single word.

Wow! This really hit close to home for me. Thank you for talking about this Moviebob💖.

I found MovieBob because he once made a video defending The Last Jedi from stupid criticisms. I stayed because of observations like this.

I've never engaged with OneyPlays or any of the creators of this show. I didn't even realize they were internet celebrities. But if the character of Charlie is the author self-insert I suspect he is, I don't think we'd get along. Alan is my absolute favorite. I need more Alan. I can really identify with his obsessive behavior, aversion to people, and desire to retrieve his cheese.

Smiling friends is a giant middle finger to the concept of nihilism.

Wait...not everyone who lives in my computer knows each other? Damn it bob your ruining the illusion!

Wow... I never put two and two together like that but... You're absolutely right. I'm sad now.

A+ episode! I found the tombstone heartbreaking when I watched the episode, glad it wasn't just me.

Remembering what made you happy is a good thing, so long as you make something with it Considering we're talking about a take off of a 3D platformer mascot rather than an original one, I think that message was recieved

They did a podcast interview and it’s clear that the two really like South Park and that’s when it all clicked. There’s that interview with Stone and Parker where they talk about how every plot point is connected by but or therefore. Crazy things happen but there are rules. Smiling Friends is similar. There are lots of little characters running around but they still have to wake up go to work and sometimes get sad. There are rules. That’s why it works.

My only contact with the show before this was joke videos reusing its dialogue but wow do I respect that specific takedown of the edge lord to bigot pipeline.

Thank you Bob for this Big Picture video. When I heard of Smiling Friends, I didn’t bother with it too much even if I heard it’s popular. I’m not a trendy guy unless it’s something I’m already interested in. But episodes like the ones you showed me was rather interesting to see. The episode with the Frowning Friends was rather cathartic for me to see since I’ve been in KZfaq long enough to notice the not so subtle parallels to popular content creators on fandoms always seem to sow discord and toxic behavior. Once again, thanks for the video Bob. Even if KZfaq really is a cesspool of BS, channels like you are always worth subscribing to. Respect👍

Thanks for getting my eyes on this. I’m of that jaded old man group who always looked to the SGC2C era of Adult Swim as it’s peak, and everything has been sliding down hill since with few exceptions since. I forget if it was 12 oz Mouse or Perfect Hair Forever that made me turn the channel and say “I don’t do enough drugs to enjoy this,” so it’s always a nice reminder that there are occasionally treasure’s among Adult Swim’s newer offerings. Especially since I’d never find them on my own, no matter how many clips of it keep showing up in my KZfaq shorts feed.

Pretty bases take for Bob. You don’t have to love everyone from a certain community to appreciate the art certain people put out. That’s how MOST people in the world see things but chronically online mindsets prevent people from being more open and appreciative.

8:57 Yeah, that being cast aside is something THIS Gen Xer feels in spades. It strikes me that the moment that so much of my generation is experiencing right now, I got to a decade early.

I love Smiling Friends because even with how dark or uncomfortable it can get, it is actually really optimistic. They always succeed at making their clients happy, the characters show real affection/ friendship towards each other (even Alan at times), and when there is some lesson to be learned they follow through with it instead of under cutting it for a cheap laugh. They convince a suicidal person that life is worth living, they get a psychotic celebrity to actually apologize for their shitty behavior, they even get the Frowning Friends to see the joys of smiling. The show doesn't have to always be about something but even when its being weird and dark with no deeper messages they still end up having some moment of genuine friendship, wholesomeness, or other bit of kindness. I really like the Salty's Episode for this reason. Their is no moral or even 'smile' moment but there are still so many little things that add to the episode. Charlie thinking Salt & Pepper kissing is a beautiful thing they do, Charlie & Pim doing that "s-s-s-secret rooooom' bit, Charlie actually going to China to burry the century egg. It has the most cynical ending of any episode but it still manages to have some real heart in it. Season 2 has been great so far, can't wait to see what else they do

Bojack Horseman Vibes, and I LOVED that show.

The idea that Smiling Friends has nothing at all to say is made somewhat moot with the season 1 finale where for a couple of seconds, Charlie stands on a figurative soapbox and explains to Satan (who he is trying to make feel better) that happiness comes from long term self improvement and goals rather than short burst of dopamine hits you get from stuff like video games, smoking, fast food, porn, etc. There is even a interview of Zach being frustrated with that episode because he wanted to hit home that Charlie himself suffers from the same cynical attitude Satan has, showing that Charlie ends up having a moment of self reflection and wanted to make it more blatant by having both Charlie and Satan vape on screen. But the censors refused to allow it cause they thought he was trying to promote smoking when it was meant to be the exact opposite.

I liked your take on this.

Loving the positive vibes in this video, keep spreading that message of smiling through the pain!

Always amusing to see that "Tekniikka Kunnossa" PC here...

Classic big picture analysis. Talking about something no one else is. Keep it up Bob!

I never gave Smiling Friends a chance because I was over my phase of Adult Swim humor, but now I think I'll go back and watch it. Thanks Bob!

Eventually Bob will do the Venture Bros episode. Eventually.

I loved that Cowboy Morty joke, I named my wifi network after it. :)

I like when Bob brought up how there aren’t any jokes at Gwimbly’s expense, he really is not a bad guy, the only times he gets angry or violent is when he’s not getting treated with respect or any kind of decency, which just makes his situation even more unfortunate and cruel. And speaking personally, I definitely saw Banjo-Kazooie in Gwimbly (which, contrary to what Bob has said in a Game Overthinker episode he did on the revived Escapist, I think still holds up today, at least the first game anyway).

It's funny you should mention nostalgia skipping over the PSX era, since low-poly PSX-era style graphics are having a bit of a moment in the indie games space. Mind you, it is more about horror games from that era rather than the mascot platformers from that time, but there is a yearning for that look and feel.

Such a powerful message, thank you for reminding us to keep smiling no matter what.

Your analysis on Allan was top notch BTW. 👍🏼

I would bet everything i own zach knows who you are, i also think zach and mike would love this review.

The first few minutes I was completely lost as I don't know the show or the people you talked about. But with the background you gave later, it sounds really interesting.

Alright, my garbage joke aside, I'm gonna be honest, hadn't expected to be feeling things. I'd written off this show a while back as not my thing but harmless. And now I wonder if anyone else remembers Buck Bumble as fondly as I do.

I figured the Game Overthinker himself would have had more to say about the Game Company CEO character in this episode.

You ok Bob? We care about you

I can only speak for myself of course, but to me the joke is enhanced by the group being hated in question being The Puerto Ricans. It could have been anyone and the punchline would have worked, but it's extra funny that it's us.

That's a good, solid Big Picture. Thank you, Bob. now I might have to watch that show.

I was wondering if Bob was going to address Zach Hadel specifically, especially after he said "if you cross me personally or someone I care about, you're on the list", because I specifically remember Zach mocking Bob on Twitter in response to one of his Tweets one time (to be precise, it was when the whole "Change the Channel" thing happening with the Nostalgia Critic and Channel Awesome thing happened and Bob was admitting to being ashamed and embarrassed for sharing the same platform as Doug Walker, and Zach chimed in basically saying "oh yeah, MovieBob was always one of the KZfaq greats" coupled with a clip from old Game Overthinker, hopefully I don't need to put two and two together to try and communicate what Zach was trying to convey here). Given that Bob says he doesn't know if Zach Hadel even knows who Bob is, it seems he completely forgot about that whole interaction, and given that I'm having a hard time finding that exact Tweet on Twitter (or rather X) now, I guess it's been deleted, so I guess it's all water under the bridge. Hopefully.

They do know who you are, at least vaguely. They mentioned you once or twice on Oneyplays.

I'm glad it's resonated with so many people

I had similar difficulties with smiling friends at first, halfway through the first episode I bailed because all of my alarm bells were ringing. When I came back to it and watched the ending, I realized this show was a little bit something more. I really expected the show to just let Desmond die and tue joke would be that Charlie was correct all along that they shouldn’t have tried, but instead it was heartfelt message about how the world has a place for all different types of people. I personally don’t think SF is comparable to any other adult animation show. It’s smarter than southpark, less cynical than Rick and Morty, and has characters in different age demographics than family guy/Simpsons. I really, really hope that smiling friends becomes the thing to compare others too. We need more of this energy of addressing dark topics while actually taking them seriously and not victim blaming.

I was never into the 3D collectathon games. I was a Sonic and Ecco the dolphin kid. But I sympathize with how the entire genre was just sort of dropped. That never sat right with me, even from the outside.

Please keep doing positive stuff like this. Sick of content being mostly negative. Been many years since i followed Bob but am slowly finding him again in my feed. Might subscribe again if i can expect more positive videos.

I know that you are not unbiased in your information, but I feel you give more ethically balanced info than most Bob. (The Internet is Stupid, etc.) Though I thank you for informing me of this show, maybe I'll check it out.

0:54 Thank you for saying this bit right here🙏🏻!

I somehow missed Smiling Friends before now but I'm a big fan of Damo and Darren so this is interesting to me

I love The List Of Jericho! I use that reference in my videos too. 😁

MovieBob having a sensible take and encouraging others to touch grass???? What bizzaro world have I woken up into this morning???

huh james rolfe AND gilbert gottfried had cameos? interesting. I had heard about the AFD thing gwimbly's whole 3D mascot homage thing, this sounds hilarious I'm gonna have to look it up I think!!

Huh this is one of your better reviews

I was not aware any fan-art of Gwimbly, ironic or not, existed before watching this episode. I gotta catch up on Smiling Friends, by the sounds of it. Anything that tells nihilists (who make terrible roommates in college) to shove it is aces to me. OT: I consider myself an X-ennial, a Millennial born close enough to the time of Gen-X to absorb some of their traits (ex: remembering when MTV still played music videos half the time, using sarcasm as a coping mechanism) and I still feel that "cast aside" thing. I couldn't get a permanent long-term job right out of college because the economy still wasn't great in '09, and nobody was hiring computer engineers in large numbers.

This show made an entire episode about arguing over hotel rooms in an airport. No jokes, no wacky adventure, literally nothing but a very frustrated and realistic conversation about vacation planning. And it's somehow REALLY funny.

Smiling Friends is one of those strange cases of an adult comedy cartoon that feels like it's made with genuine joy and affection for its material rather than cynicism. It's the Anti-Velma, It's the anti-Rick and Morty. And this was from the people who made crass cartoons on Newgrounds in the early 2000s and 2010s. That's really telling.

I just sitting here wondering if I should be happy or confusing/sad that I somehow miss the Internet doing it thing with this but nonetheless great episode

A welcome surprise!

I can't believe I brought it up enough to get The Big Picture back to its original formula! I take 100% responsibility for this! Glad to have the old Bob back!

Wild idea for a video idea. Good luck. Hope it helps build the channel.

We are so back

Oooh oooh oooh

Bro really made Oneyplays and Zach Hadel sound like they were on par with Sam Hyde and Million Dollar extreme

Best show on network TV

Oh my goodness me, Zach would love this.

04:28 you should know that it’s a cardinal sin to place Klonoa next to Rascal in any context

Ah fuck man. My gravestone is gonna say "Beloved Uncle". Oh well.

so it's spongebob.

Sorry to be the one to point this out, but AVGN was not in Smiling Friends. It was rumored to be him, but it isn't. The IMDB page even had to be updated because of it.

I'll be honest, I had NO interest in this show, I saw the memes from season 1 and figured that was the entirety of it. Just, intentionally gross and offputting character designs, poorly enunciated dialogue full of khuhhh pauses anduhhhh vocal fillers, Rickenmorty but moreso and less of it, I didn't think much of the show and it didn't make me regret my moratorium against any Warner media following the big cancellations fuckery of the last couple years. How odd to find all that challenged so easily. Thank you, Bob.

On one hand, I like that Gwimbly is apparently our Bubsy stand-in. On the other hand yeaaaahhh this show is uhhh not my vibe.

Looks like I have a new show to check out.

Tak really took off after the sequel

Amazing premise. I love Smiling Friends and I think it is an indirect response to the cynical, nihilist shows of the 2010s of long-wolf, (seemingly) emotionally-tortured, selfish, alcoholic protagonists who promote the idea that nothing matters but pleasure for yourself while skirting any consequences for their actions i.e. Bojack Horseman, Rick and Morty, Archer.

This feels like something you'd see in Monkey Dust

I guess i should check out the show.

I generally don't need a reminder because our friends are dead, things we love were forgotten, and nostalgia doesn't help. Angst is far more tiresome than doing things that maybe don't matter. This seems an odd way to communicate that, but if it works, I'm glad of it.

Everything is political, it’s unavoidable. Every interaction, every judgement, every sentence bears some view over how things are, how things could be and/or how preferable or less preferable a sort of action is. Not every political thing is about electoral politics, or about concrete complete thorough ideology which is the only right thing. I think the strong aversion (which is eroding through the years) of people to politics and political ideas comes mostly from distrust of the immediate known system. What is understood as the most important political action? Getting a guy elected. Does getting a guy elected solve any and all the frustrations that are argued for his election as the solution to? Rarely if at all. People think they fear politics, but they mostly fear the insistence that all the solutions are simple and clear and would be achieved if everyone followed the exact plan the righteous person preaches without trying to convince, since they don’t have to do good at their job, only less awful than the one guy that’s in competition. A consciousness is blooming from the ground up. From issues to solutions and not from my guy vs their guy solutions. Not to say everyone or even most people agree between each other, but even the preachings for political detachment can’t help but express their meaningful thoughts on the subject

Mr. Boss saying, "Hey, its okay little guy, I was just gonna shoot you in the head and kill you," gets me every time