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bucolic_frolic

(51,999 posts) Fri Aug 15, 2025, 08:18 AM Aug 15

The Cartoon That Knew Too Much: Rocky and Bullwinkle

Before Rick and Morty or The Simpsons, there was Rocky and Bullwinkle—the “dumbest smart show on television.” 🐿️🦌

This classic cartoon wasn’t just silly slapstick. Hidden under the moose jokes and flying squirrel antics was Cold War satire, meta humor, and political commentary that went straight over kids’ heads—but spoke directly to adults.

In this video, we explore:
• How Rocky and Bullwinkle predicted the future of postmodern TV
• The genius of breaking the fourth wall and anti-narrative storytelling
• Why a kids’ cartoon became a secret Trojan horse for media criticism
• How it shaped cartoons like South Park, BoJack Horseman, and Rick and Morty

If you love classic cartoons, media analysis, and retro animation deep dives, this episode is for you.

_______
Sorry for the must watch on YouTube. It's how some channels list their offerings nowadays.

I read one article years ago that I'm sure I can't find again that related Cold War flack from our intelligence services was a pressure that helped end the show.

7 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

The Cartoon That Knew Too Much: Rocky and Bullwinkle (Original Post) bucolic_frolic Aug 15 OP

That was fun. Thanks! Easterncedar Aug 15 #1

So prescient Prof. P.E. Name Aug 15 #2

one of my many influences when i was a small allan01bear. AllaN01Bear Aug 15 #3

The early 60's were FILLED with Cold War fears some_of_us_are_sane Aug 15 #4

'Weeth autographed peectures of Sonny Tufts!' Oeditpus Rex Aug 15 #5

For a more in-depth look try justaprogressive Aug 15 #6

Probably went over this kid's head 😄 I'll take a look electric_blue68 Aug 15 #7

Easterncedar

(4,838 posts)

1. That was fun. Thanks!

Reply to bucolic_frolic (Original post)

Fri Aug 15, 2025, 08:45 AM

Aug 15

Prof. P.E. Name

(75 posts)

2. So prescient

Reply to bucolic_frolic (Original post)

Fri Aug 15, 2025, 08:59 AM

Aug 15

In that era I was fresh out of the military, in college, working 3rd shift driving a truck and I’d have my Mom wake me up at 0900 on Saturdays for Rocky n Bullwinkle. She’d join me for some belly laughs.

I so miss Dudley Doright, the Canadian Mountie and even the bad guys Boris and Natasha (from guess where).

AllaN01Bear

(27,153 posts)

3. one of my many influences when i was a small allan01bear.

Reply to Prof. P.E. Name (Reply #2)

Fri Aug 15, 2025, 11:05 AM

Aug 15

some_of_us_are_sane

(1,788 posts)

4. The early 60's were FILLED with Cold War fears

Reply to bucolic_frolic (Original post)

Fri Aug 15, 2025, 12:10 PM

Aug 15

turned into humor. "The Russians Are Coming The Russians Are Coming", "Dr. Strangelove"....the 60's in particular was a decade rife with fear shrouded in laughter.

Oeditpus Rex

(42,391 posts)

5. 'Weeth autographed peectures of Sonny Tufts!'

Reply to bucolic_frolic (Original post)

Fri Aug 15, 2025, 12:31 PM

Aug 15

And...

"They won't even let heem watch 'American Bandstand'!"

No cartoon was as skilled at breaking the Fourth Wall since an early '40s Bugs Bunny said regarding Elmer Fudd, "I do t'ings like dis to him all t'rough the picture."

justaprogressive

(5,160 posts)

6. For a more in-depth look try

Reply to bucolic_frolic (Original post)

Fri Aug 15, 2025, 12:47 PM

Aug 15

"The Moose That Roared"

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1046566.The_Moose_That_Roared

electric_blue68

(23,361 posts)

7. Probably went over this kid's head 😄 I'll take a look

Reply to bucolic_frolic (Original post)

Fri Aug 15, 2025, 12:59 PM

Aug 15

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