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List of Rocko's Modern Life episodes facts for kids

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Rocko's Modern Life is an American children's animated television series created by Joe Murray. It premiered on Nickelodeon on September 18, 1993, and ended on November 24, 1996, with a total of 52 episodes over the course of 4 seasons. A typical, half-hour episode of Rocko's Modern Life featured two twelve-minute stories with a commercial break in between. Occasionally, one story would be told over the half-hour time slot as Part I and Part II.

The Rocko's Modern Life team produced all of the episodes except for one in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California, United States. Murray produced the pilot episode, Trash-O-Madness, in his studio in Saratoga, California; Murray animated half of the episode, and the production occurred entirely in the United States, with animation in Saratoga and processing in San Francisco.

On August 11, 2016, Nickelodeon announced that they had green-lit a one-hour special entitled Static Cling, with Murray serving as executive producer. It premiered on Netflix on August 9, 2019.

Series overview

Season Episodes Originally aired
First aired Last aired Network
Pilot October 29, 1992 (1992-10-29) ABC
1 13 September 18, 1993 (1993-09-18) December 5, 1993 (1993-12-05) Nickelodeon
2 13 September 24, 1994 (1994-09-24) March 12, 1995 (1995-03-12)
3 13 October 22, 1995 (1995-10-22) April 21, 1996 (1996-04-21)
4 13 July 8, 1996 (1996-07-08) November 24, 1996 (1996-11-24)
Movie August 9, 2019 (2019-08-09) Netflix

Episodes

Pilot (1992)

Title Directed by Written by Original air date
Trash-O-Madness Joe Murray Joe Murray October 29, 1992 (1992-10-29)

Rocko scrambles to gather up his trash and put it out since he's missed garbage day for the past few months due to a garbage man strike. Unsure to make things any easier, Earl is on the loose and he seems intent on destroying both Chinese food and Rocko.

Murray produced the pilot episode at Joe Murray Studio in Saratoga, California, United States.
Note: On February 7, 2012, the pilot found its way onto Shout! Factory's season two DVD as a special feature.

Season 1 (1993)

No.
overall
No. in
season
Title Directed by Story by Storyboard by Original air date Prod.
code
1 1 "No Pain, No Gain"
"Who Gives a Buck"
Timothy Berglund
Roger Chiasson & Don Spencer
Vince Calandra
Martin Olson
Jeff Myers & Kevin O'Brien
Conrad Vernon
September 18, 1993 (1993-09-18) 107a
107b

Rocko and Heffer Wolfe decide to join Flambe le Flab, an exclusive high-end gym, but getting in is no easy task, thanks to the snobby Chameleon Brothers: Chuck and Leon, whom deduct points off them for everything from wearing the wrong attire to destroying gym property.

Special guest star: Richard Simmons as the Aerobics Instructor
Worried about being able to afford new things, Heffer urges Rocko to buy on credit and he goes on a shopping spree, with him worried that he'll have to pay off the bill.
2 2 "Leap Frogs"
"Bedfellows"
Doug Lawrence
Stephen Hillenburg
Vince Calandra
Nick Jennings & George Maestri
Robert McNally-Scull
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
September 19, 1993 (1993-09-19) 106a
106b
Feeling that Ed Bighead doesn't love her anymore, Bev invites Rocko over to do chores for her and does everything she can to make Rocko fall for her. Heffer's dad, George gets laid off and to make ends meet, Heffer's room is rent out to a mouse family. After falling out of his treehouse, Heffer moves in with Rocko and makes a mess of his place.
3 3 "Jet Scream"
"Dirty Dog"
Stephen Hillenburg
Doug Lawrence
Vince Calandra
Martin Olson
Mark O'Hare
Dan Povenmire
September 26, 1993 (1993-09-26) 108a
108b
Rocko and Heffer board an airplane to Las Vegas, Nevada and learn that flying is a very dangerous thing.
Note: Murray described "Jet Scream" as one of his favourite episodes because he often traveled between Los Angeles, New York, South Korea and other places during the production of the 1st season of Rocko's Modern Life.
While Rocko fights Spunky in order to bathe him, the vermin living on Spunky, a ringworm named Squirmy and a tick named Bloaty have their own sitcom, where Bloaty's boss comes over for dinner and promises a promotion if the dinner exceeds his expectations.
The 1st appearance of Bloaty and Squirmy.
Note: After the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center, this episode was pulled from broadcast for a number of years. It does appear on DVD releases.
4 4 "Keeping Up with the Bigheads"
"Skid Marks"
Stephen Hillenburg
Doug Lawrence
Vince Calandra
Martin Olson
Mark O'Hare & Jeff 'Swampy' Marsh
Robert McNally-Scull
October 3, 1993 (1993-10-03) 109a
109b
Rocko and Heffer must redecorate Rocko's house after Mr. Bighead threatens to have them evicted.
Rocko's car is impounded, so he goes to the DMV to straighten things out.
5 5 "Power Trip"
"To Heck and Back"
Stephen Hillenburg
Biff Lawrence
George Maestri
Martin Olson
Mark O'Hare
Robert McNally-Scull
October 10, 1993 (1993-10-10) 111a
111b
Mr. Smitty, Rocko's tyrannical boss, places Rocko in charge while he leaves town.
Heffer chokes on a chicken bone while he and Rocko are out eating at the Chokey Chicken, and has a near-death experience where a hooded figure known as Peaches tries to show Heffer the error of his ways.
6 6 "The Good, the Bad, and the Wallaby"
"Trash-O-Madness"
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
Joe Murray & Timothy Berglund
George Maestri
Joe Murray
Dan Povenmire
Joe Murray & Jeff Myers
October 17, 1993 (1993-10-17) 110a
110b
Heffer and Rocko spend some time on a ranch owned by Rocko's uncle Gib Hootsen, where Heffer is seen as a sell-out to his species.
NOTE: Reruns of this episode on American TV cut the entire scene where Heffer is hooked to a milk machine. While the Rocko's Modern Life: The Complete Series DVD set doesn't have this scene, the Rocko's Modern Life VHS tape called "Rocko's Modern Life: With Friends Like These..." has the scene uncut.
A remade extended version of the series pilot where Rocko learns that "garbage day" is a very dangerous day.
7 7 "Spitballs"
"Popcorn Pandemonium"
Timothy Berglund
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
Vince Calandra
Martin Olson
Jeff Myers
Dan Povenmire
October 24, 1993 (1993-10-24) 112a
112b
After Rocko's prized baseball gets shredded by Ed Bighead, Rocko and Heffer go to a local baseball game in hopes of catching a new one.
Rocko and Heffer are off to the local movie theater complex after blowing out Mr. Bighead's television while trying to recreate a drive-in movie experience.
8 8 "A Sucker for the Suck-O-Matic"
"Canned"
Stephen Hillenburg
Doug Lawrence
Joe Murray, Nick Jennings, & George Maestri Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
Robert McNally-Scull
October 31, 1993 (1993-10-31) 102a
102b
To get his house clean, Rocko orders a vacuum cleaner that not only tackles dirt, but sucks up anything and everything in sight.
Rocko loses his job at the mega-comic store and goes hunting for a new one.
Note: Though this episode aired after "Power Trip", the events in this episode take place prior to Rocko being hired at Kind-Of-A-Lot-O-Comics.
9 9 "Carnival Knowledge"
"Sand in Your Navel"
Timothy Berglund
Roger Chiasson
Vince Calandra
Joe Murray
Jeff Myers
Doug Lawrence
November 7, 1993 (1993-11-07) 101a
101b
Heffer and Rocko attend a carnival full of hazardous rides and shady carnival games.
Rocko and Spunky try to spend a nice day at the beach.
10 10 "Cabin Fever"
"Rinse & Spit"
Stephen Hillenburg
Doug Lawrence
George Maestri, Mark O'Hare, Stephen Hillenburg, & Joe Murray
Vince Calandra, Joe Murray, George Maestri, & Martin Olson
Mark O'Hare
Robert McNally-Scull
November 14, 1993 (1993-11-14) 113a
113b
Rocko and Heffer end up sharing a camping cabin with the Bigheads.
Filburt recruits Rocko to help him pass his dentist's examination.
Note: This episode marks the first appearance of Dr. Hutchison. Although some flirting happens between her and Filburt, and he describes her to Rocko as "cute", their relationship status (other than as student and teacher) is left ambiguous.
11 11 "Rocko's Happy Sack"
"Flu-In-U-Enza"
Timothy Berglund
Roger Chiasson
Ron Hauge & Joe Murray
Joe Murray & Nichole Poinski
Kevin O'Brien
Ray Johnson & Don Spencer
November 21, 1993 (1993-11-21) 103a
103b
Being broke and hungry, a 99% sale sounds like the cure for Rocko.
Rocko has tickets to the big wrestling match, but he suddenly falls ill.
12 12 "Who's for Dinner?"
"Love Spanked"
Doug Lawrence
Stephen Hillenburg
Vince Calandra & Ron Hauge
Joe Murray
Dan Povenmire
Mark D. Ervin & Joe D. Suggs
November 28, 1993 (1993-11-28) 104a
104b
Rocko, unaware of Heffer's family life, is invited over to dinner at Heffer's house. Things get sticky when Rocko's offhand remark about Heffer being adopted drives Heffer to run away from home to eat away his sorrow and find his real father.
Note: One of Murray's favorite episodes is "Who's for Dinner?" because Murray enjoyed the premise and the development of the concept of adoption. Murray partially based Heffer on an adopted friend and used his friend's emotions to sculpt Heffer's role and actions.
Rocko is infatuated with his next-door neighbor, Melba, but when Heffer tells Rocko that Melba already has a boyfriend (a guy named Dave who bought everyone burgers at The Gristle Palace), Rocko ventures into the world of blind dates and modern love.
13 13 "Clean Lovin'"
"Unbalanced Load"
Roger Chiasson
Timothy Berglund
Vince Calandra, Ron Hauge, Nick Jennings, George Maestri, & Joe Murray
Vince Calandra & Joe Murray
Conrad Vernon
Jeff Myers
December 5, 1993 (1993-12-05) 105a
105b
Spunky's unnatural attraction to a mop vexes Rocko.
Note: On the production of this episode, Murray wrote the "Spunky falls in love with a mop" idea for his original series pitch; the focus groups adored the idea. When Murray created the episode, he believed that the creation was "more challenging than I thought. It sounded funny though."
Rocko's trip to the laundromat to clean his dirty clothes turns into a surreal misadventure involving embarrassing encounters with Gladys the Hippo Lady and a trip inside a dryer to get his lucky shirt back from The Gripes (a band of missing socks who destroy laundry).

Season 2 (1994–95)

No.
overall
No. in
season
Title Animation direction by Story by Directed & storyboarded by Original air date Prod.
code
14 1 "I Have No Son!" Ken Kessel & George Chialtas Joe Murray & Martin Olson Stephen Hillenburg & Doug Lawrence September 24, 1994 (1994-09-24) 201

In this, the first full 30-minute episode, Rocko discovers that the creator of his favorite TV show, The Fatheads, is Ed and Bev Bighead's estranged son, whom Ed still hasn't forgiven for giving up the white-collar corporate life for a career in animation, and he and Filburt go to Holl-O-Wood to try and get Ralph back to O-Town in time for a Bighead family reunion.


Note: Murray described "I Have No Son" as one of his favorite episodes because it addressed issues affecting Murray, the directors, and the writers. Murray also cites the presence of The Fatheads, created by Doug Lawrence. This is also the first episode to feature the re-recorded version of the theme song rearranged by Pat Irwin and sung by Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of the B-52's and is also the first episode to be full-length rather than half-length.
15 2 "Pipe Dreams"
"Tickled Pinky"
Roy Muerin
Pete Michels
George Maestri, Stephen Hillenburg, & Mark O'Hare
Martin Olson
Stephen Hillenburg
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
October 2, 1994 (1994-10-02) 202a
202b
After Heffer flushes the toilet one too many times (and not willing to pay for a real plumber), he and Rocko decide to fix the toilet...and discover why the toilet is clogged.
While at O-Town's jackhammer convention, Rocko is rushed to the hospital for appendicitis (though Heffer is mistakenly taken to the emergency room for liposuction after muttering, "I'm too fat" to the receptionist and collapsing from exhaustion) and Rocko's anxiety over the operation leads to a strange dream where his appendix wants one more day of fun before he has to leave.
Note: This episode is the second one in which Dr. Hutchison appears. It does not feature or mention Filburt.
16 3 "The Lounge Singer"
"She's the Toad"
George Chialtas
Alan Smart
George Maestri
Vince Calandra & Martin Olson
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
Doug Lawrence
October 9, 1994 (1994-10-09) 203a
203b
Filburt realizes his dream of being a lounge singer and hits the big time.
On the eve of a huge proposal at work, Ed Bighead suffers a nervous breakdown, so Bev initially recruits Heffer and Filburt to take Ed's place. However, when the scheme falls apart and the duo admit that Mrs. Bighead wrote the proposal, Mr. Dupette hires Bev instead.
17 4 "Down the Hatch"
"Road Rash"
Howy Parkins
Pete Michels
Martin Olson
George Maestri & Joe Murray
Doug Lawrence
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
October 23, 1994 (1994-10-23) 204a
204b
When Spunky swallows an explosive vitamin pill, our favorite parasites Bloaty and Squirmy think they've discovered an ancient and mysterious object.
Flemm Rock is about to be bulldozed, so Rocko and Heffer go on a road trip to see it before its demolition.
18 5 "Boob Tubed"
"Commuted Sentence"
Alan Smart
George Chialtas
Martin Olson
Tim Hill & Joe Murray
Stephen Hillenburg
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
November 6, 1994 (1994-11-06) 205a
205b
Rocko accidentally buys a tricked-out entertainment system (rather than a "Mr. Sensible" TV set), but Heffer and Filburt take it in stride and enjoy the endless hours of TV...until Heffer gets his brain sucked out.
Rocko's tardiness (mostly due to finding a parking spot for his car) is a problem for Mr. Smitty, and things get worse when a spilled ketchup bottle on the sidewalk leads to Rocko's car getting impounded.
19 6 "Rocko's Modern Christmas! (aka You Can't Squeeze Cheer from a Cheese Log!)" Pete Michels & Howy Parkins Martin Olson, Doug Lawrence, Joe Murray, Tim Hill, and Robert McNally-Scull Doug Lawrence December 1, 1994 (1994-12-01) 206

Feeling lonely over being on his own during the holidays (and seeing a family of Christmas elves move into the house across the street) prompts Rocko to have a Christmas party inviting everyone in the neighborhood, but Heffer's and Filburt's new jobs as Christmas tree salesmen and Ed Bighead spreading rumors about the new neighbors threaten to break Rocko's newfound holiday cheer.


Note: This episode is the third in which Dr. Hutchison appears, and the first in which she and Filburt are clearly in a romantic relationship.
20 7 "Hut Sut Raw"
"Kiss Me I'm Foreign"
George Chialtas
Alan Smart
Tim Hill & Joe Murray
George Maestri & Martin Olson
Timothy Berglund
Doug Lawrence
December 4, 1994 (1994-12-04) 207a
207b
Rocko, Heffer and Filburt go camping, but when Rocko discovers that their favorite campgrounds have taken the "rough" out of "roughing it", the trio decide to go to the woods to experience nature in all her glory...and horror.
NOTE: The American rerun of this episode cuts the scene of Rocko picking berries from a bush to remove Rocko squeezing a berry. Much like the love motel sequence in "Road Rashed", this scene has not been shown on American TV since its premiere and is not on any reruns or current home media and streaming versions in America. International versions have this scene uncut and video clips of the censored scene have cropped up online.
An incompetent immigration officer declares Rocko to be an illegal immigrant who must be deported, and Filburt (who is having a hard time telling Dr. Hutchinson his true feelings for her) decides to step in and become Rocko's spouse.
21 8 "Cruisin'" Pete Michels & Howy Parkins Vince Calandra & Martin Olson Timothy Berglund January 1, 1995 (1995-01-01) 208
In this special 30-minute episode, Rocko and Heffer are saddled with taking Grandpa Wolffe (the same one from "Who's For Dinner?" who thinks Rocko is a beaver and is prejudiced against him over it) on a cruise for the elderly, which goes through The Bermuda Triangle and swaps the ages of everyone onboard (Rocko and Heffer become old men while all the cruise members become young again).
22 9 "Born to Spawn"
"Uniform Behavior"
Alan Smart
George Chialtas
Martin Olson Steve Hillenburg
Timothy Berglund
January 22, 1995 (1995-01-22) 209a
209b
Filburt freaks out over his 21st birthday, which, in his species, calls for turtles to return to Kerplopitgoes Island.
Heffer damages his father's car and takes a job as a security guard to pay it off, but the position goes to his head and leads him to have a Shining-style mental breakdown.
23 10 "Hair Licked"
"Gutter Balls"
John McIntyre
Howy Parkins
Tim Hill, Martin Olson, & George Maestri
Carlos Alazraqui, Tim Hill, Martin Olson, & Joe Murray
Timothy Berglund
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
January 29, 1995 (1995-01-29) 210a
210b
Rocko is having hair trouble days before he's supposed to get his picture taken for the newspaper.
nce a promising young bowler, Ed Bighead is now reduced to coaching a women's auxiliary bowling team (consisting of Ed's wife, Bev; Heffer's mom, Virginia; and the Southern-accented pig lady from "Popcorn Pandemonium"). When the other team for an upcoming tournament announces that they've become monks (and Virginia adds that if their team doesn't play an opponent, then no one wins and the tournament will be canceled until next year), Ed rounds up Rocko, Heffer, and Filburt to be the competing team, which gives Ed flashbacks of how he ruined his pro bowling career.
24 11 "Junk Junkies"
"Day of the Flecko"
Alan Smart
George Chialtas
Tim Hill & Joe Murray
Martin Olson
Stephen Hillenburg
Timothy Berglund
February 12, 1995 (1995-02-12) 211a
211b
Rocko needs to pay off the pizza man, so he organizes a garage sale.
After pulling overtime at his job, Rocko goes home for some much-needed rest...until a fly named Flecko bothers him.
25 12 "Snowballs"
"Frog's Best Friend"
Howy Parkins
Robert Hughes
Tim Hill & George Maestri
George Maestri
Stephen Hillenburg
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
February 26, 1995 (1995-02-26) 212a
212b
On their way to deliver comic books, Rocko and Heffer are side-tracked by a trip to a ski resort that scams people.
Earl the dog (the same one from the pilot episode "Trash-O-Madness") escapes from the science lab and gets taken in by Bev Bighead as a family pet, which doesn't sit well with Ed.
26 13 "Short Story"
"Eyes-Capades"
Alan Smart
George Chialtas
Tim Hill, Joe Murray, & Jeff Myers
Tim Hill & Andy Houts
Timothy Berglund
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
March 2, 1995 (1995-03-02) 213a
213b
Feeling inadequate due to short stature, Really Really Big Man gives Rocko a vertical boost.
Rocko runs into trouble when he discovers he needs glasses right before a jackhammer-riding competition.

Season 3 (1995–96)

No.
overall
No. in
season
Title Animation direction by Story by Directed & storyboarded by Original air date Prod.
code
27 1 "Bye, Bye Birdie"
"Belch of Destiny"
Alan Smart
Howy Parkins
George Maestri
Martin Olson
Doug Lawrence
Stephen Hillenburg
October 22, 1995 (1995-10-22) 303a
303b

Heffer accidentally kills Filburt's pet bird, Turdy.

Note: George Maestri, a writer, described this episode as "a real story." At age 12, Maestri babysat a bird belonging to a family neighboring his. The bird died two days after the neighbors left.
Heffer's unique talent for belching embarrasses his father, who wants Heffer to stop acting like a child and grow up.
Note: Murray described this episode as one of his favorite episodes because the episode supported his theory to "let kids be kids". In addition, Murray recalled the memories of himself, Steve Hillenburg, and Mark O'Hare laughing after listening to the "belch talking" track created by a Warner Brothers producer. Prior to the production of the tape, Murray and his crew arranged a meeting with the producer. During that period, the producer could not belch talk, even after Murray bought him beer and spaghetti. The belch talking tape arrived several days afterward.
28 2 "The Emperor's New Joe"
"Schnit-heads"
Rob Hughes
George Chialtas
George Maestri, Stephen Hillenburg, & Mark O'Hare
Tim Hill
Stephen Hillenburg
Timothy Berglund
October 29, 1995 (1995-10-29) 302a
302b
The Chameleon Brothers open a trendy new café, but when Rocko tries the coffee and declares it horrible, Chuck and Leon try to convince him to give it another chance by telling him the story of how the Chameleon Brothers used their coffee to placate a temperamental dictator in their home country of Balzack.
Heffer falls into a sausage-worshiping cult.
29 3 "Sugar Frosted Frights"
"Ed is Dead: A Thriller!"
Alan Smart
Howy Parkins
Martin Olson
Tim Hill
Doug Lawrence
Timothy Berglund
October 31, 1995 (1995-10-31) 301a
301b
In this Halloween episode, Filburt overcomes his fear of Halloween and candy-eating (something instilled in him by his deranged aunt) and goes insane.
In this episode inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's thrillers (specifically Rear Window and Psycho), a marital spat next door followed by a mysterious disappearance leads Rocko to believe that Mrs. Bighead murdered her husband, Ed.
30 4 "Fish-N-Chumps"
"Camera Shy"
Robert Hughes
George Chialtas
Tim Hill, Stephen Hillenburg, & Mark O'Hare
Tim Hill
Stephen Hillenburg
Doug Lawrence
November 12, 1995 (1995-11-12) 306a
306b
Rocko, Heffer and Filburt go on a fishing trip, unsuspecting that they are the prey.
Rocko tries to send his parents a videotape of how he's doing in O-Town, but Heffer and Filburt use Rocko's camera to videotape Rocko's private moments (one of which becomes a hit on the independent film circuit).
31 5 "Nothing to Sneeze At"
"Old Fogey Froggy"
Robert Hughes
George Chialtas
George Maestri
Tim Hill & George Maestri
Doug Lawrence
Stephen Hillenburg
November 19, 1995 (1995-11-19) 304a
304b
A mistake at the hospital endows Bev with a nose, but the stench of her husband Ed is making her sick.
When Ed feels youth slipping away, he tries to become friends with Rocko, Heffer, and Filburt.
32 6 "Manic Mechanic"
"Rocko's Happy Vermin"
Howy Parkins
Alan Smart
Tim Hill
George Maestri & Carlos Alazraqui
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
Timothy Berglund
December 3, 1995 (1995-12-03) 305a
305b
Rocko's car breaks down, but Filburt can bring it back to life.
When Rocko helps the bugs escape from Ed's prison, they become unwelcome guests.
33 7 "I See London, I See France"
"The Fat Lands"
Alan Smart
Howy Parkins
Joe Murray, Tim Hill, & George Maestri
Martin Olson & Tim Hill
Stephen Hillenburg
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
December 10, 1995 (1995-12-10) 307a
307b
On a trip to France, Rocko falls in love...and a deranged tour guide stalks Rocko and Heffer.
Bloaty and Squirmy return, this time living on an obese Spunky, as Rocko tries to get Spunky to lose weight.
34 8 "Fortune Cookie"
"Dear John"
George Chialtas
Robert Hughes
Tim Hill, Stephen Hillenburg, & Mark O'Hare
Tim Hill
Stephen Hillenburg
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
December 17, 1995 (1995-12-17) 308a
308b
Filburt's chance to win on a game show may be in danger when he receives a fortune cookie that reads, "Bad luck and extreme misfortune will infest your pathetic soul for all eternity."
Rocko hires TV host Bob "Bucky" Taylor to repair his destroyed kitchen, but finds out that Bucky can only build bathrooms.
35 9 "Speaking Terms"
"Tooth and Nail"
Howy Parkins
Alan Smart
Tim Hill
Martin Olson
Doug Lawrence
Timothy Berglund
December 31, 1995 (1995-12-31) 309a
309b
On an episode of the talk show, Nosey, Rocko and Heffer tell their sides of the story of Rocko's birthday and the makeshift gift Heffer made to cover up the fact he forgot it.
Rocko tries to overcome his nail-biting habit.
36 10 "Wacky Delly" Alan Smart & Howy Parkins Joe Murray & Martin Olson Jeff "Swampy" Marsh & Stephen Hillenburg January 21, 1996 (1996-01-21) 311
Ralph Bighead wants to leave the world of television animation, so he gives Rocko, Filburt and Heffer free rein in creating a new television show, hoping that their ineptitude will get Ralph's contract canceled. When it becomes a hit, however, Ralph does what he can to ruin Wacky Delly.
37 11 "The Big Question"
"The Big Answer"
George Chialtas
Robert Hughes
Tim Hill & Martin Olson Doug Lawrence January 28, 1996 (1996-01-28) 312a
312b

Filburt finally asks Doctor Hutchison to marry him.

Note: This is the first part of a two-parter, Murray describes the two-parter as one of his favorite episodes.
A huge fight breaks out at the wedding, threatening Filburt and Hutch's marriage.
Note: This is the second and final part of a two-parter, Murray describes the two-parter as one of his favorite episodes.
38 12 "An Elk for Heffer"
"Scrubbin' Down Under"
George Chialtas
Robert Hughes
Tim Hill
George Maestri
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
Timothy Berglund
February 11, 1996 (1996-02-11) 310a
310b
In order to be considered an adult, the Wolves tell Heffer to bring elk home for dinner, but ends up falling in love with it.
Rocko wins a comic book store award, but becomes more known for the spinach stuck in his teeth. After using a jackhammer to try and get the spinach out, Rocko ends up in the hospital and gets a visit from Gene, the Hygiene Genie.
39 13 "Zanzibar"
"Fatal Contraption"
Robert Hughes & Howy Parkins
Alan Smart
Tim Hill
Tim Hill & Joe Murray
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
Timothy Berglund
April 21, 1996 (1996-04-21) 313a
313b
This musical-style episode has Rocko pitting the town citizens against Conglom-O and their pollution.
Rocko becomes the owner of a possessed food processor. Note: Aside from a few vocal effects from Rocko and the voice of the announcer for Food-O-Matic, "Fatal Contraption" is a mostly silent cartoon.

Season 4 (1996)

No.
overall
No. in
season
Title Animation direction by Story by Directed & storyboarded by Original air date Prod.
code
40 1 "With Friends Like These"
"Sailing the Seven Zzz's"
Robert Hughes
George Chialtas
George Maestri Mark O'Hare
Robert McNally-Scull
July 8, 1996 (1996-07-08) 401a
401b

Rocko must choose between Filburt and Heffer to invite to a wrestling match.

Note: Filburt, arguing with Heffer about who is Rocko's best friend, says "I was married to him", a reference to Rocko and Filburt's "marriage" in "Kiss Me, I'm Foreign".
=A traumatic childhood experience leads Mr. Bighead to sleepwalk and think he's a pirate.
41 2 "Pranksters"
"From Here to Maternity"
George Chialtas
Robert Hughes
George Maestri
Martin Olson
Mark O'Hare
Robert McNally-Scull
July 9, 1996 (1996-07-09) 403a
403b
April Fool's day arrives in O-Town and Filburt becomes the butt of Rocko and Heffer's pranks. But things change when a relative of Rocko's is expected to visit.
Filburt and Hutch are expecting babies.
42 3 "Ed Good, Rocko Bad"
"Teed Off"
Alan Smart
Robert Hughes
George Maestri
Tim Hill
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
Mark O'Hare
July 10, 1996 (1996-07-10) 405a
405b
Rocko runs for city dog catcher after being mistaken for a dog and spending time in the pound, but Mr. Bighead runs against him and hires the Chameleon Brothers to make Rocko out to be a menace to society.
In this loose, kid-friendly homage to the 1980s comedy, Caddyshack, Ed's boss, Mr. Dupette (the one who was once Rocko's boss on "Canned" and is now CEO of Conglom-O) invites Ed to a game of golf. Ed is told to let Mr. Dupette win, but golf course employee Heffer has other ideas.
43 4 "Wimp on the Barby"
"Yarnbenders"
George Chialtas
Howy Parkins
Martin Olson
Tim Hill
Robert McNally-Scull
Jeff Myers
July 11, 1996 (1996-07-11) 406a
406b
Rocko's old grade-school bully stops by for a visit, and Heffer and Filburt want Rocko to take revenge on him for bullying him.
Filburt is ill, so Rocko and Heffer spin up some wild fairy tales to help him feel better.
44 5 "Mama's Boy"
"Feisty Geist"
George Chialtas
Robert Hughes
George Maestri
Tim Hill
Mark O'Hare
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
July 12, 1996 (1996-07-12) 407a
407b
Heffer moves out after being mocked for still living with his parents and relying on his mom to do everything, and finds that living on one's own and working is a very dangerous life.
In this homage to Ghostbusters, Heffer is haunted by the ghost of a Genghis Khan-style general who recognizes Heffer as the incarnation of an incompetent soldier he once had in his army, and he, Rocko, and Filburt use exorcising cream and squirt guns in order to get rid of the spirit.
45 6 "S.W.A.K."
"Magic Meatball"
Alan Smart
Howy Parkins
Martin Olson
Tim Hill & George Maestri
Jeff Myers
Mark O'Hare
July 15, 1996 (1996-07-15) 408a
408b
Rocko sends a love letter to a mail carrier, but when he thinks she has a boyfriend (who turns out to be Wallace the pizza man from "Junk Junkies"), he tries to get it back.
Ed Bighead is finally promoted (albeit on a whim by the higher-ups) at Conglom-O and relies on a fortune-telling toy called The Magic Meatball in order to make quick executive decisions or face demotion.
46 7 "Closet Clown"
"Seat to Stardom"
George Chialtas
Robert Hughes
Tim Hill & Stephen Hillenburg
Tim Hill
Robert McNally-Scull
Jeff Myers
July 16, 1996 (1996-07-16) 409a
409b
After kicking out a clown, Ed finds the clown's red nose and leads a double life as Ed the Clown.
Rocko becomes a famous underwear model, "Wedgie Boy", but the lack of free time strains his friendship with Heffer.
47 8 "The High Five of Doom"
"Fly Burgers"
Pete Michels
Howy Parkins
Martin Olson
George Maestri
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
Jeff Myers
July 17, 1996 (1996-07-17) 402a
402b
After Rocko and Heffer find his diary, Filburt is suspected of being an alien.
Flecko the fly sues Rocko and Rocko is sentenced to live life as a fly.
48 9 "Heff in a Handbasket"
"Wallaby on Wheels"
Alan Smart
Howy Parkins
Martin Olson & Stephen Hillenburg
Tim Hill
Robert McNally-Scull
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh & Dan Povenmire
July 18, 1996 (1996-07-18) 404a
404b

Heffer once again meets up with that inept devil, Peaches, after Heffer sells his soul to be on a game show.

Note: When the season one episode "Leap Frogs" was banned due to inappropriate content, "Wallaby on Wheels" (the episode that came after this one) was used as its replacement while this episode was, much like "Leap Frogs", banned for inappropriate content (only for this episode, it was the premise of Heffer selling his soul to Peaches).
To impress the skater girl he fell for at first sight, Rocko tries his hand at roller-skating, and ends up skating through the rink's most dangerous obstacle course. Note: This episode is paired with "Bedfellows" in reruns (mostly on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons TV. This episode wasn't paired with "Bedfellows" when shown on Netflix nor is it paired with "Bedfellows" on the Rocko's Modern Life complete series DVD set) due to "Leap Frogs" and "Heff in a Handbasket" being banned for inappropriate content.
49 10 "Dumbells"
"Rug Birds"
Robert Hughes
George Chialtas
George Maestri & Stephen Hillenburg
Tim Hill
Robert McNally-Scull
Jeff Myers
July 19, 1996 (1996-07-19) 411a
411b
Rocko and Gladys the Hippo lady get arrested after a game of doorbell ditch gets out of hand, while Heffer and Filburt suffer the guilt of having Rocko blamed for their crimes.
Filburt takes Rocko on a bird wig-snatching hunt.
50 11 "Hypno-Puppy Luv"
"Driving Mrs. Wolfe"
Howy Parkins
Alan Smart
Martin Olson
Veronica Alicino
Jeff Myers
Dan Povenmire
October 8, 1996 (1996-10-08) 412a
412b
Heffer hypnotizes Rocko into thinking he's a dog, and Bev takes Rocko the dog in as her new pet.
Rocko tells the story of how teaching Heffer's mom how to drive led to them fighting for their lives at a demolition derby.
51 12 "Put to Pasture"
"Future Schlock"
George Chialtas
Robert Hughes
Tim Hill & Stephen Hillenburg Mark O'Hare
Robert McNally-Scull
October 10, 1996 (1996-10-10) 413a
413b
Heffer ends up in a coma after eating too much Pasture Puffies. While in a coma, Rocko, Filburt, and The Bigheads reminisce about the first time they met Heffer.
17 years into the future, Filburt's children ask an elderly-looking Filburt the meaning of a banana which they found in a refrigerator. Note: While not having aired as the final episode, Joe Murray considers this the official series finale. The episode was originally intended to be the final episode, but Nickelodeon mixed up the production codes when broadcasting the show.
52 13 "Turkey Time"
"Floundering Fathers"
Alan Smart
Howy Parkins
Tim Hill, George Maestri, & Stephen Hillenburg
George Maestri
Mark O'Hare
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh
November 24, 1996 (1996-11-24) 410a
410b
Thanksgiving in O-Town, and Rocko tries to save the turkeys.
Rocko, Heffer, and Filburt spin tales about who really founded O-Town.
NOTE: Despite being Nickelodeon's final episode to air (as they saved this for last so it can air on Thanksgiving Day in America), the real series finale (barring the finale movie, Static Cling) is "Future Schlock", according to series creator, Joe Murray.

Movie (2019)

A 45-minute special titled "Static Cling" was released on Netflix on August 9, 2019.

Title Directed by Written by Storyboarded by Original release date
Rocko's Modern Life: Static Cling Joe Murray & Cosmo Serguson Mr. Lawrence, Joe Murray, & Martin Olson Dan Becker, Cosmo Serguson,
Tom Smith, & Joe Murray
August 9, 2019 (2019-08-09) (Netflix)
Rocko and his friends return to O-Town after 20 years in space ("Future Shlock"), finding that much has changed in the 21st century. While Heffer and Filburt are enjoying 21st century life, Rocko feels nostalgic for the 1990s, and believes the best way to relive his past is to urge Rachel Bighead, who in her past life as Ralph Bighead was the original creator of his favorite TV show, to create a revival.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Anexo:Episodios de La vida moderna de Rocko para niños

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List of Rocko's Modern Life episodes Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.