Beavis, Butthead, and Me

In the early 90’s, no two names struck fear in parent’s hearts more than Beavis and Butthead. The idiotic duo was cast into the spotlight thanks to MTV’s brave programming choices. The animation was crude and the plot simplistic but there was something hysterical about watching the adventures of these two losers try and make their way in the world.

As a pre-teen/teenager, I loved the animated segments. Watching the guys trying to score just tickled me in a way that no other show did at the time. I enjoyed the music videos for what they were, but as I got older, I really began to appreciate them. Their mockery and appreciation of various genres and the goofiness (or overly seriousness) of the music videos is gut busting hysterical. Their 2011 revival took things up a notch as Beavis and Butthead actively mocked various MTV shows at the time such as Jersey Shore and Teen Mom. It was so scathing at times; I think I understand why MTV didn’t renew the show for more seasons. MTV claimed that Beavis and Butthead didn’t fit into their desired demographic of teenage girls, but I’m sure having two “idiots” mock their reality stars into looking like much bigger idiots, didn’t help.

I discovered Beavis and Butthead late one night in the early 90’s. I will admit, I was drawn to the show due to its controversial nature and a feeling that I was watching something I shouldn’t. It didn’t take long for me to become enamored with the two and my fandom spread. I picked up merchandise such as Beavis and Butthead Do Hollywood, the trading cards series, comic books, and video games.

Most of the Beavis and Butthead games left a lot to be desired, but one game did standout above the rest: Virtual Stupidity. This point and click adventure game consisted of a main game about the boys trying to join Todd’s gang, as well as some fantastic mini-games such as Hock-A-Loogie.

I taped the shows as often as possible and looked forward to any holiday event shows. The Halloween and Christmas episodes truly stood out and felt like epic events. In fact, they are the only TV shows I can recall watching live as they aired in celebration of the holidays.

Beavis and Butthead seemed to hit its peak in the 90’s with the theatrical release of Beavis and Butthead Do America. This feature length animated film featured the voices of Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and Unsolved Mysteries’ Robert Stack. The film was fantastic, and I loved every minute of it, and I really do owe my grandmother for sitting through that with me. She knew how much Beavis and Butthead meant to me, and for years I kept my themed popcorn tub and bag on my wall.

By the late 90’s, Beavis and Butthead was old news. In fact, despite playing such a huge role in my childhood, I almost forgot about it. Then around 2006 it came roaring back into my memories, and I began rewatching the show in small spurts along with the holiday specials on their corresponding holidays.

I enjoyed the 2011 reboot and have even revisited Do America. A few months ago, I ran across a cornholio shirt at Kohls and I just had to have it. My wife picked on me the first day that I wore it out and sure enough, I got compliments on it.

In two weeks, a new Beavis and Butthead movie will be streaming Paramount +. I got to admit, I never thought this day would happen and I was skeptical about a new movie and/or series. But last week, the first trailer was revealed, and the movie looks fantastic. It’s over-the-top, goofy, and will still have some mockery of society that I so enjoy. I’m sure I’ll be back with a review once I watch the movie.

Paramount has also announced they plan to put the entire original run on Paramount+ complete with music videos. This will be a first for the series since the music videos have traditionally been removed due to various licensing rights.

The movie will serve as a launching point for a new series and somehow, defying all expectations, Beavis and Butthead will be relevant again. And in today’s world where things seem to be more disappointing than not, I’m happy about that. I look forward to their stupid antics and their mockery of the world. I think it’s just what I need in my life.