Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Embracing change is key in this fun, frenetic return.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling
What's the Story?
In ROCKO's MODERN LIFE: STATIC CLING, all that Rocko (voiced by Carlos Alazraqui) and his friends have for entertainment while trapped in space is a lone VHS box set; luckily, it's their favorite show, The Fatheads, a Honeymooners-type show created by their neighbor's son, Ralph Bighead, and based on his parents. Once the crew returns to O-Town, Rocko, Heffer (Tom Kenny), and Filburt (Mr. Lawrence) are excited to reap the benefits of modern culture, including getting buzzed on Buzzbucks coffee, buying the latest versions of the O-Phone, and enjoying pizza tacos from a hip food truck. Meanwhile, Mr. Bighead is dealing with a mistake, resulting in the fall of his company, Conglom-O. But Rocko is still hyperfocused on getting access to The Fatheads, which isn't available in the 21st century either. The solution for everyone? Find Ralph Bighead, who disappeared on a journey of discovery many years ago.
Is It Any Good?
While it's just as raunchy and edgy as viewers remember, this brief return to O-Town is also a surprisingly warm commentary on nostalgia culture and accepting change in a fast-moving world. While the first half of the special is a wild ride of rediscovery for Rocko's crew, Ralph Bighead's transition to Rachel dominates the second. When Rachel's gender is revealed, Heffer pauses and then says "Wow, cool"; just another 21st-century change that's as easy to accept as a pizza taco. It's more difficult for Mr. Bighead, who admits to suffering from a case of TMC, "Too much change." For a special that's still stuck in the '90s in some ways (fat jokes? really?), Static Cling handles Rachel's transition and her family's challenges sensitively.
As all of the characters learn to embrace change and figure out what's important, the sweetness shines through with a triumphant ending that's filled with meta moments. A character tells Rocko "An old cartoon isn't going to solve the kinds of problems you have," but it helps him work through them nonetheless. The new generation of viewers might not get jokes about "the root of capitalist redundancy," but the old ones sure will, and kids can digest the positive messages hiding beneath the booger jar.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about nostalgia and the desire for comfort. Why do you think Rocko loves The Fatheads so much? How does watching the show make him feel?
Change is a challenge for both Rocko and Mr. Fathead in this special. How do each of them go about accepting changes that they didn't feel ready for?
Talk about empathy and compassion. Why are these important character strengths? Who do you think displays them in Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling?
Families can talk about LGBTQ representation on TV. Why do you think Rachel left her family? How do the Bigheads come back together? What other shows share experiences like Rachel's?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 9, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : August 9, 2019
- Cast : Carlos Alazraqui , Tom Kenny , Charlie Adler
- Directors : Joe Murray , Cosmo Segurson
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Run time : 45 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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