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{{short description|American adult animated television series}}
{{for|the movie|Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox Television
{{Infobox television
| show_name = Aqua Teen Hunger Force
| image = ] | image = Aqua Teen Hunger Force main characters.png
| caption = The ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''  logo | caption = The series' main protagonists. From left to right: ], ], and ].
| genre = ]<br/>] | alt_name = {{plainlist|
* '']'' {{no italics|(2011)}}
| picture_format = ] (])
* '']'' {{no italics|(2012)}}
| runtime = Approx. 11 minutes
* '']'' {{no italics|(2013)}}
| creator = ]<br/>]
* '']'' {{no italics|(2015)}}}}
| producer = Matt Maiellaro<br/>Dave Willis<br />]
| genre = {{Plainlist|
| executive_producer = ]<br/>]
* ]
| voices = ]<br/>]<br/>]
* ]
| narrated = ]
* ]
| theme_music_composer = Schoolly D
* ]}}
| country = {{USA}}
| language = ] | runtime = {{Plainlist|
* 11–12 minutes
| network = ], ]
* 22 minutes (episodes 58 and 138)}}
| first_aired = ], ]
| last_aired = present | creator = {{Plainlist|
* ]
| num_seasons = 5
* ]}}
| num_episodes = 77
| director = {{Plainlist|
* Dave Willis
* Matt Maiellaro}}
| writer = {{Plainlist|
* Dave Willis
* Matt Maiellaro}}
| producer = {{Plainlist|
* Dave Willis (seasons 1–11)
* Matt Maiellaro (seasons 1–11)
* ]
* ]
}}
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
* Dave Willis (seasons 12–present)
* Matt Maiellaro (seasons 12–present)
* Kelly Crews (seasons 12–present)
* Cameron Tang (seasons 12–present)
* ] (seasons 1–11)
* ] (seasons 1–11)
}}
| voices = {{Plainlist|
* ]
* ]
* Dave Willis
* Matt Maiellaro
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]}}
| company = {{Plainlist|
* ]
* Big Deal Cartoons (seasons 1–5)
* Wild Hare Studios (seasons 1–4)
* ] (seasons 2–9)
* Green Studios (season 5)
* ] (seasons 10–11)
* ] (season 12–present)
* ] (webseries)}}
| narrated = ]
| music = Schoolly D
| open_theme = {{Plainlist|
* "Aqua Teen Rap" by Schoolly D (2000–10)
* "Aqua Unit Patrol Squad" by ] & ] (2011)
* "Aqua Something You-Know-Whatever" by ] & Schoolly D (2012)
* "Aqua TV Show Show" by ] ft. ] (2013)
* "We Rule Your Animated Comedy Ass Forever" by Dave Willis, Matt Maiellaro, Michael Kohler, & Carey Means (2015)
* "Aqua Teen Hunger Force Theme (2023 Remix)" by Schoolly D (remixed by Nick Ingkatanuwat, Matt Maiellaro, & Shawn Coleman) (2023)
}}
| country = United States
| language = English
| network = {{Plainlist|
* ] {{small|("Rabbot")}}
* ]}}
| first_aired = {{Start date|2000|12|30}}<!-- Discuss on talk page before changing; "official premiere" is mentioned in the article. -->
| last_aired = {{End date|2015|08|30}}
| first_aired2 = {{Start date|2023|11|26}}
| last_aired2 = present
| num_seasons = 12
| num_episodes = 144 (1 unaired)<ref name="Bostonepisodeinterview">{{cite web |title=Exclusive Interview With Meatwad, Er, Dave Willis, Of 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/Dee_Doyle/2008/12/15/starpulse_com_exclusive_interview_with_d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115024706/http://www.starpulse.com/news/Dee_Doyle/2008/12/15/starpulse_com_exclusive_interview_with_d |archive-date=November 15, 2010 |access-date=April 16, 2011 |publisher=Star Pulse}}</ref>
| list_episodes = List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes | list_episodes = List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes
| website = http://www.adultswim.com/shows/athf/ | related = {{plainlist|
* '']''
| imdb_id = 0297494
* ''Carl's Stone Cold Lock of the Century of the Week''
| tv_com_id = 5485
* '']''
* '']''
* ''Aquadonk Side Pieces''
}}
}} }}
'''''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''''' (also known as '''''Aqua''''', with various ]), sometimes abbreviated as '''''ATHF''''', '''''Aqua Teen''''' or '''''Aqua Teen Hunger''''', is an American ] television series created by ] and ] for ]'s late night programming block ]. It is about the ] adventures and antics of three ] ] items: ], ], and ], who live together as roommates and frequently interact with their human next-door neighbor, ].
'''''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''''' (also known as '''''ATHF''''') is an ] ] shown on ] as part of its ] late-night ], as well as ] in ]. A would-be ] of '']'', ''ATHF'' is one of the four original ] series that premiered on ], ] before Adult Swim officially debuted (the others were '']'', '']'', and '']''). ''ATHF'' is the longest running original series on the network.<ref name="vanguard">{{cite web | title = Welcome to Williams Street | url = http://media.www.dailyvanguard.com/media/storage/paper941/news/2007/02/08/ArtsAndCulture/Welcome.To.Williams.Street-2704939.shtml | publisher = ] | date = 2007-02-08 | accessdate = 2007-03-05}}</ref> In 2007, an ''ATHF'' movie, '']'', was released at 877 selected theaters throughout the ].


The pilot episode aired as a preview on December 30, 2000. On September 9, 2001, it debuted as an official Adult Swim series. Every episode was directed and written by Willis and Maiellaro, who also provided several voices. Seasons 8–11 were each given a different title, accompanied by different theme music, as a running joke. The series initially concluded on August 30, 2015, after ] throughout 11 seasons.
The show is about three ] ] items, along with their next-door neighbor, and their life together in ]. The Aqua Teens were originally billed as a detective crime fighting unit; however, the crime-solving aspect of the show was quickly abandoned. (In the third season, Frylock states: "We haven't solved a mystery in three years!") There is little if any ] between episodes; almost all recurring cast members have died at least once, only to return alive and well in the next episode. The focus is instead on a pervasive form of ], ] and often ], where the focus is often on dialogue and the characters' interrelation, to such a point where plot is often abandoned to allow more time for personal interaction.
== History ==
''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' is directed by ] and ], and produced by ]. Much of the dialogue is supplemented with ad libs and improvisation by the voice talent.<ref>{{cite web | publisher = ] | title = Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Interview, ], ] | url = http://www.flakmag.com/features/aquateen.html | accessdate = 2006}}</ref> The show is fully scripted but adlibs are included in the final episodes and the shows are animated to include this improvisation. Noted 1980s ] ] performs the ] (which he wrote in his ] on the way to the recording studio<ref name="imdbtrivia">{{cite web | title = IMDb Trivia for Aqua Teen Hunger Force | url = http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297494/trivia | accessdate = 2007-03-22}}</ref>), among other songs related to the show appearing in ], and has provided periodic running commentaries on early episodes. Many, if not all, of the crew and cast members formerly worked on '']''.<ref name="vanguard"/>


'']'', a ] of the series, was released in theaters on April 13, 2007, the first adaptation of an Adult Swim series into a ]. A ] stand-alone sequel, '']'', was released on November 8, 2022. A ] series of shorts, ''Aquadonk Side Pieces'', was announced the same week, and ran on the network's official ] channel from April 18 to April 28, 2022. The series airs in ] outside the United States and has been released on various DVD sets and other forms of home media, including ] streaming. It was the longest-running Adult Swim series until it was surpassed by '']'' in 2020; a twelfth season consisting of five episodes was announced in January 2023 and premiered on November 26, 2023, making it the longest-running Adult Swim series yet again.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adult Swim Orders New Episodes of Iconic Series "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" |url=https://pressroom.warnermedia.com/us/media-release/adult-swim-0/adult-swim-orders-new-episodes-iconic-series-aqua-teen-hunger-force |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=WarnerMedia Pressroom}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Adult Swim's Revival of Iconic Animated Comedy "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" Arrives Sunday, November 26 |url=https://press.wbd.com/us/media-release/adult-swims-revival-iconic-animated-comedy-aqua-teen-hunger-force-arrives-sunday |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=WarnerMedia Pressroom|date=October 19, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Zahed |first1=Ramin |title=Adult Swim to Serve Season 12 of 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' in November |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/10/adult-swim-to-serve-season-12-of-aqua-teen-hunger-force-in-nov/ |website=Animation Magazine |access-date=15 February 2024 |date=2023-10-19}}</ref>
=== Origins ===
The Aqua Teens were originally created for an episode of ''Space Ghost Coast to Coast'' called "]" as the mascots for a fictional fast-food chain called Burger Trench. It featured a prototypical version of the Aqua Teen Hunger Force that resembled the future characters, but differed in appearance, personality, and voice, with the exception of Meatwad.<ref name="baffler">{{cite video | title = Audio commentary for "Baffler Meal"; Volume Two | medium = DVD}}</ref>


==Premise==
"Baffler Meal" did not air for several years (It was not even animated or produced until after ''ATHF'' became popular); instead, the ''Space Ghost'' episode was re-written as "] Nightmare," while the Aqua Teens debuted in "]," the ] of ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force.'' Although originally ] did not feel that the show would do very well, they allowed the show to be produced (because of a need for original programming). A full season consisting of sixteen episodes (counting "Rabbot") of ''ATHF'' was put into production shortly thereafter. It is now one of ]'s most popular shows.
The series centers on the ] adventures and antics of three ] ] items: Master Shake, a selfish, pathologically lying ]; Frylock, a calm and intelligent box of ]; and Meatwad, a ], childlike ball of ]. They live together like relatives and rarely get along with their human neighbor Carl Brutanunanulewski, a middle-aged, boorish, lecherous sports fanatic. The protagonists also encounter ]. Some episodes feature cameos from celebrities appearing as fictionalized versions of themselves.


] are two aliens from the Moon who frequently appear, serving as primary antagonists and wreaking havoc through a series of illegal or destructive actions. The Mooninites appear more than most characters outside the main cast. Other recurring characters have made several appearances, including ], ], ], and ]. Episodes often end with the ] deaths or injuries of major characters, or destruction to their property, only to be restored ] in the following episode.
The characters are loosely based on the similarly titled Hanna-Barbera show, ]. Frylock was inspired by the character Elektra, who is able to shoot force bolts from her mind. Meatwad, portrayed as the youngest in reference to Kid Comet, is likewise able to morph from his standard spherical shape into a small number of other shapes. Shake is a toned-down version of Moleculelad, and could potentially use his contents to 'surround enemies and hold them in place.' The two most popular antagonists of the show, the Mooninites, are derived from their predecessors, the Astromites.


In the show's first seven seasons, the protagonists live in a ] neighborhood in ]. During the eighth season, the location was changed to ].<ref name="season8">{{cite web |last=Franich |first=Darren |date=April 26, 2011 |title='Aqua Teen Hunger Force' changes title to 'Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1' |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/04/26/aqua-teen-hunger-force-new-title/?replytocom=1565577 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501051659/http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/04/26/aqua-teen-hunger-force-new-title/?replytocom=1565577 |archive-date=May 1, 2011 |access-date=April 27, 2011 |publisher=Pop Watch}}</ref> The Seattle setting appears entirely identical to the Jersey setting. As of the ninth season, the same neighborhood is identified as "Seattle, New Jersey".<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Fightan Titan |series=Aqua Something You Know Whatever |season=9 |number=7 |airdate=August 5, 2012}}</ref>
=== Title ===
The title of the show is based on the characters originally portrayed in the ] cartoon in the episode "Baffler Meal". The characters were written as corporate mascots for a fast food chain called "Burger Trench". Though the word "aqua" seems entirely superfluous (aside from the odd occasion they are seen residing in their neighbor's pool), the remainder of the name "Teen Hunger Force" refers to the squad's mission to conquer hunger in teens (teenagers being the demographic to which they were marketed). The team seem to NOT be teenagers, and have very little memory of their own ages or histories. In one episode, Meatwad approximates his age as fifty-five, and in another, Master Shake believes he's somewhere around thirty or forty.


==Production==
In early episodes, the trio were identified by Master Shake as the "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," which solved crimes for money. After a few episodes, this premise and the use of the name by the characters was dropped. The premise had originally been added to appease Cartoon Network executives, who "didn't want to air a show about food just going around and doing random stuff."<ref name="dvd">{{cite video | title = Audio commentary | medium = DVD}}</ref> In the show itself, Frylock mentions that they stopped fighting crime because "that wasn't making us a whole lot of money."<ref name="ep_kidney">Spoken dialogue in ]</ref>


=== Location === ===Development===
{{see also|Space Ghost Coast to Coast}}
The location has been in dispute for a long time, but over the series' run, clues have been left to where exactly in South Jersey the show takes place. In the episode "Remooned" you can see that Carl's license has the postal zip code 089??. In New Jersey, the only towns with this zip code are Highland Park, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, and Waterford Works. All are in Central to Southern New Jersey. In the episode with MC Pee Pants, Meatwad and Carl are instructed to go to 612 Wharf Avenue. This is an actual road in Red Bank, NJ. The location of this road also happens to be on a dock, as suggested in the episode. The skyline featured behind both Carl's and the Aqua Teens' houses could possibly resemble Newark or Camden.
], ] and ].]]
The three main characters—Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad—were originally created for an episode of ''Space Ghost Coast to Coast'' called "Baffler Meal", where they were the corporate mascots for the fictional fast-food chain "Burger Trench". The original versions of the trio were prototypes that resembled the future characters, but both Master Shake and Frylock differed in appearance, personality, and voice from their ultimate design.<ref name="baffler">{{Cite AV media |title=Audio commentary for "Baffler Meal"; Volume Two |medium=DVD}}</ref> The original name "Teen Hunger Force" refers to the squad's mission to conquer hunger in teens.<ref name="BafflerDialogue">{{Cite AV media |title=Spoken dialogue in "Baffler Meal"; Volume Two |medium=DVD}}</ref>


"Baffler Meal" went through a number of drafts<ref>{{cite web |first=Myke|last=Johns|date=July 20, 2015 |title='Aqua Teen Hunger Force' Creators Talk Cancellation, Weirdness |url=https://www.wabe.org/aqua-teen-hunger-force-creators-talk-cancellation-weirdness/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003553/https://www.wabe.org/aqua-teen-hunger-force-creators-talk-cancellation-weirdness/ |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=May 29, 2018 |publisher=WABE}}</ref> but was not animated or produced until after the series became popular. Instead, the ''Space Ghost'' episode was initially rewritten as "Kentucky Nightmare", while the trio, along with Carl Brutanunanulewski, debuted in "]", the pilot episode of ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''. A full season consisting of 16 episodes, including "Rabbot", was put into production shortly thereafter. The series was one of Adult Swim's most popular shows.<ref name="dvd">{{Cite AV media |title=Audio commentary |medium=DVD}}</ref>
=== Cold openings ===
]''<ref name="imdbtrivia">{{cite web | title = IMDb Trivia for Aqua Teen Hunger Force | url = http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297494/trivia | accessdate = 2007-03-22}}</ref>]]
<!-- FAIR USE RATIONALE: This is a low-resolution screenshot of television, for critical commentary on the cold openings and the background art from other animated shows that were used in Aqua Teen Hunger Force.


In early episodes, the trio was identified by Master Shake as the Aqua Teen Hunger Force, which solved crimes for money. After a few episodes, this premise and the characters' use of the name were dropped. The premise was a trick that had been added to appease ] executives, who "didn't want to air a show about food just going around and doing random things".<ref name="dvd" /> In the show, Frylock says they stopped fighting crime because "that wasn't making us a whole lot of money".<ref name="ep_kidney">Spoken dialogue in Kidney Car</ref>
Please do not switch the season numbers below. The talk page and episode list both list which seasons contain what episodes.
-->
During the first three seasons, which were released on DVD in three volumes, episodes ]ed with a glimpse into the laboratory of ]. He and his assistant Steve use the first several seconds of the show to create ]s, ]s, and random stupidness, generally accompanied by the phrase "Gentlemen, behold!" as Dr. Weird unveils his latest accomplishment. In earlier episodes of the first season, the monsters or creations usually formed the basis for the plot, but as the crime-fighting element of the program disappeared, the Dr. Weird segment became a ] opening gag.


===Writing and direction===
In the fourth season, Dr. Weird was dropped in favor of segments from the pilot episode of '']'', an unaired ] created by Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro.<ref name="dvdfour">{{cite video | title = Audio commentary for "Little Brittle": Volume Four | medium = DVD}}</ref> These segments featured the ] (Ignignokt and Err) and the ] (Emory and Oglethorpe) clashing with each other, trading insults, gestures, and practical jokes. The full ''Spacecataz'' pilot (adding a segment that wasn't aired on TV) is available as a special feature on the ].
Every episode of ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' was written and ] by series creators ] and ] and produced by ]. Much of the dialogue was supplemented with ad-libs and improvisation by the voice talent.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Interview, September 22, 2003 |url=http://www.flakmag.com/features/aquateen.html |url-status=live |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615235548/http://www.flakmag.com/features/aquateen.html |archive-date=June 15, 2006 |access-date=June 15, 2006}}</ref> The show was fully scripted but ad-libs are included in the final recordings and the shows are animated to include this improvisation. Many of the crew and cast members formerly worked on '']''.<ref name="vanguard" />


==={{anchor|List of alternative titles for Aqua Teen Hunger Force}}{{anchor|alternative titles}}{{anchor|alternate titles}}Alternative titles===
The cold openings were dropped starting in the fifth season. Aside from his ], Dr. Weird has not been seen since.
{| class="wikitable floatright"
{{-}}
|+Alternative titles

== Characters ==
]
{{See|List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force villains|List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force minor characters}}
=== Main characters ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- |-
! Alternative title
! Character !! Description
! Season
! Original season run
|- |-
| '']''
| align="center"|'''Master Shake'''<br>(]) || {{anchor|Master Shake|Shake}}More commonly referred to as "Shake" (or occasionally "Cup" by outsiders), is a ], ], ], mean-spirited, borderline-illiterate, ], and ] ] in the form of a white cup with a pink straw and two yellow kitchen gloves. He often gets enjoyment out of tormenting Meatwad (to the chagrin of Frylock), swimming in Carl's pool, and watching TV. His "Shake Power" shoots ]<ref>{{cite web | title = A.T.H.F. Lyrics| work = The Mouse and the Mask | author = Dangerdoom | url = http://www.lyricszoo.com/dangerdoom/athf-(aqua-teen-hunger-force)/ | accessdate = 2007-03-10}}</ref> milkshake onto the ground. He can also suck liquids (up to 85 gallons) using his straw, and is very proficient with ]s and ]s. Additionally, almost everything he throws to the ground after picking up (with the principal exception of tennis rackets, the PDA formerly belonging to Romulox in the episode "PDA", and the "Universal Re-Monster") tends to explode, although none of the team seem to notice most of the time. With the exception of most of his clever schemes towards Meatwad, he has shown to be incredibly stupid at times (e.g. Right after he killed Meatwad's kitten by putting it in a ], he did the same thing to ''his own'' kitten, thinking it was Meatwad's again.).
| 8
| May 8, 2011 – July 24, 2011
|- |-
| '']''
| align="center"|'''Frylock'''<br>(]) || {{anchor|Frylock}}A floating red ] of ] sporting a "]" beard, ]s, and a mystic blue ] embedded in his back containing the "power of a thousand ]s", giving him the ability to fly and hover. It also conceals a ] as seen in ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters''. He uses his fries to grip things and occasionally as a "]," which can track radiation, ] activity, and trace cellphone calls. He is also able to shoot all of his fries at a target simultaneously (referred to once as "The Defense of ]]" in commentary). Frylock is quite intelligent, ] minded and conducts ]s in his room, which contains his ], ] (which Shake purchased, but avoided actually paying for), ], and various other ]. He is the most intellectual of the ATHF characters, and attempts to provide the others with some sense of ]. Frylock has the ability to shoot ]s, ]balls, ], ] rays, and even ] from his eyes. In the episode "Laser Lenses," it is revealed that special contact lenses are the source of this power. Frylock acts as a parental figure to Meatwad. It is revealed in the ATHF movie that Frylock is actually a transgendered woman trapped in a man's body. However, it is questionable due to the canonicity of the movie.
| 9
| June 24, 2012 – August 26, 2012
|- |-
| '']''
|align="center"|'''Meatwad'''<br>(]) || {{anchor|Meatwad}}A mostly peaceful, childishly simple-minded mass of compressed ] that was not approved for human consumption, Meatwad rolls and hops to get from one place to another, often picking up whatever dirt or ] happens to be in his way. He has also displayed ] abilities, and can morph into a ], an ], a ], a "] ]" (intended to be ], or ] as referred to in season 5), a walking spider-like form, a potted ], a hand displaying the ], a hammer, a three story office building and various other objects. Meatwad uses meaty appendages in order to manipulate objects. He can regenerate quickly even from high levels of damage and conditions such as extreme cold. He is often the victim of Shake's abuse and practical jokes, though he has periodically reciprocated this treatment, on one occasion convincing him to get plastic surgery from an auto mechanic. He sometimes is lost in his own fantasy world or sees himself as something better or different than what he truly is, such as how he claims that he has hair in one episode or that the Mooninites are his close friends. He usually has a positive outlook on things, but when something frightens or offends him, he tends to openly start crying like a small child. Meatwad usually sleeps on a ] or brushed nickel ], but occasionally sleeps on a bed of ] (which also serves as a food source for him). He is also known to make "dolls" out of household items, such as Dewey the ] roll, Vanessa the ], Jeffy the ], and Boxy Brown, a ] box.
| 10
| August 11, 2013 – October 20, 2013
|- |-
| '']''
|align="center"|'''Carl Brutananadilewski'''<br>(])|| {{anchor|Carl|Carl Brutananadilewski}}The sarcastic next door neighbor and landlord of the Aqua Teens. He dropped out of high school in his senior year (1981) and works out of his home 20 hours a week, yet still manages to own a two-story home and a sports car, which he has dubbed "2 Wycked". Carl loves classic rock, his favorite song being ]'s "]". He also loves ], ], and ], as well as the occasional Chinese takeout. Carl has a strong passion for the ] and ] and has copious quantities of pornographic magazines and videos in his bedroom. He generally dislikes the Aqua Teens and sees them as freaks, but frequently gets involved in scams concerning Meatwad or Shake nonetheless, and often winds up appealing to Frylock for help. He is visited by misfortune in almost every episode; his car has been destroyed and stolen on countless occasions, and in most episodes Carl himself is horribly disfigured or ].
| 11
| June 21, 2015 – August 30, 2015
|} |}


In 2011, for the ], the series' title was changed to ''Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1'';<ref name=season8/> Maiellaro later explained that he and Willis were getting bored with the former title and wanted to "come up with a new fresh open and a whole new show, just to try it out".<ref name="season8No2">{{cite web |last=Ohanesian |first=Liz |date=May 7, 2011 |title=Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1: Are the Characters from Aqua Teen Hunger Force Really Moving to Seattle? |url=http://blogs.laweekly.com/stylecouncil/2011/05/aqua_unit_patrol_squad_1.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822222822/http://blogs.laweekly.com/stylecouncil/2011/05/aqua_unit_patrol_squad_1.php |archive-date=August 22, 2011 |access-date=August 7, 2011 |publisher=LAWeekly}}</ref> Despite the title change there were virtually no changes to the show's characters or tone. In 2012 Maiellaro announced that each subsequent season would have a ], making it a ].<ref name="Maiellaroonalternativetitles">{{cite web |last=Sunu |first=Steve |date=January 27, 2012 |title=Matt Maiellaro on "Knobodys" & "Aqua Teens" |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=36664 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825200733/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=36664 |archive-date=August 25, 2012 |access-date=January 27, 2012 |website=Comic Book Resources}}</ref> Willis later said the alternate titles were just an unsuccessful stunt to generate buzz.<ref>{{cite web |last=Willis |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Willis |date=2015-06-17 |title=I am Dave Willis, co-creator of Aqua Teen Hunger Force...AMA! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3a3itv/i_am_dave_willis_cocreator_of_aqua_teen_hunger/cs90rlh/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224055517/https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3a3itv/i_am_dave_willis_cocreator_of_aqua_teen_hunger/cs90rlh/ |archive-date=December 24, 2016 |access-date=2016-12-10 |website=]}}</ref>
=== Secondary characters ===

{| class="wikitable"
Each season that is branded under an alternate title features a different opening sequence and theme music written by different artists. On most television listings and digital download sites, the alternatively titled episodes are formally listed under their alternative titles, not as episodes of ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''. On most legal digital downloading sites ], the first 7 seasons are presented as ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' while the alternatively titled seasons are listed separately and treated as if they were each a completely different, one-season series.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
|-

! Character !! Description
===Voice actors===
|-
{{see also|List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force characters}}
|align="center"|'''Dr. Weird'''<br>(]) || {{anchor|Dr. Weird}}A ] who lives in an abandoned ] on the perpetually rainy ]. Dressed in a colorful outfit reminiscent of 1960s cartoon ]s, complete with a glass ] that heats his hair (which Dr. Weird calls his "Hair-arium"), he starts many shows by presenting his latest creation with his ] "Gentlemen, behold!" to his lone lab assistant Steve (and occasionally his ] ] Javier, and once even a swamp creature). His first nonsensical inventions shown include a giant rabbit robot called the "Rabbot" and a ]-making machine that functions as a powerful ] (which he introduced only as "this thing"). In Frylock's room, a photo of a younger Dr. Weird with brown hair and Frylock can be seen in the background; the ] reveals several possible connections between these two characters. While Dr. Weird is an original character, the outside shot of his psychiatric hospital is actually a ]ese palace from the television show ] (episode 25).

|-
The main cast of the series consists of ] as ],<ref name="Master Shake">{{cite web |last=Eason |first=Jonas |title=Master Shake's character page |url=http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Master+Shake |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902094125/http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua%2BTeen%2BHunger%2BForce/Master%2BShake |archive-date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=May 15, 2011 |publisher=Adult Swim}}</ref> ] as ],<ref name="Frylock">{{cite web |last=Eason |first=Jonas |title=Frylock's character page |url=http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Frylock |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707090719/http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Frylock |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |access-date=May 15, 2011 |publisher=Adult Swim |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and series co-creator ] as both ] and ], as well as ].<ref name="Meatwad">{{cite web |last=Eason |first=Jonas |title=Meatwad's character page |url=http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Meatwad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707090714/http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Meatwad |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |access-date=May 15, 2011 |publisher=Adult Swim |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Carl">{{cite web |last=Eason |first=Jonas |title=Carl's character page |url=http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Carl |access-date=May 15, 2011 |publisher=Adult Swim}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="IgnignoktGuide"> from ]. (archive)</ref> In addition to the main cast series co-creator ] voices ], ], ] and ].<ref name="ErrGuide"> from ]. (archive)</ref><ref name="GhostGuide"> from ]. (archive)</ref> Members of the main cast and Maiellaro also voice several minor and one-time characters in addition to their primary roles. All three main characters appear in almost every episode. They are all absent from the season five episode "Sirens" and the season ten episode "Spacecadeuce". In the season five episode "Robots Everywhere", Frylock and Master Shake only make brief unseen speaking cameos, while Meatwad is completely absent.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Sirens |series=Aqua Teen Hunger Force |network=Adult Swim |date=January 27, 2008 |season=5 |number=3 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Spacecadunce">{{Cite episode |title=Spacecadunce |series=Aqua TV Show Show |network=Adult Swim |date=October 20, 2013 |number=10 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite episode |title=Robots Everywhere |series=Aqua Teen Hunger Force |network=Adult Swim |date=January 20, 2008 |season=5 |number=2 |language=en}}</ref>
|align="center"|'''Steve'''<br>(]) || {{anchor|Steve}}Dr. Weird's assistant. ]ed, wearing a ], and always pictured holding a ], Steve becomes aware of Dr. Weird's insanity over the course of the first two seasons of the series, but remains his assistant nonetheless. Over the course of the series, Steve has had his ] and ] removed, has been sexually assaulted twice by animated ], was frozen by a clown wig, and has walked out on Dr. Weird's experiments numerous times. Since the Dr. Weird openings are no longer used, Steve's plot development did not continue, until the movie was released. He was killed by one of Dr. Weird's odd creations when he tried to punch out; the clock released some sort of poisonous gas that gradually rotted him to the bone.

Voiceover artist ] has made several appearances throughout the series. Lowe previously starred as ] in '']'' and the original incarnation of '']'', from which several cast and crew members moved on to work for ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''. Lowe made his first appearance in ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' in the season one episode "Mail Order Bride" and went on to make several other cameos. He had a prominent appearance as himself in the season four episode "Antenna", and reprised his role as Space Ghost for a quick appearance in '']''. Lowe was later considered a member of the main cast in 2011 during '']''; he announced the title of each episode and continued to make cameos. Lowe later made another prominent appearance in the '']'' episode "Rocket Horse and Jet Chicken".

Series animator ], known for his interpretation of ] in various shows and specials, provided the voices of both Dr. Weird and Steve during the ] for the first two seasons and "]". Croker also voiced several birds in the season seven episode "Eggball". ] has portrayed Oglethorpe alongside ] as Emory in several episodes. Merrill is also well known for his interpretation of ] in several shows and specials and provided the voice of Merle in "Escape from Leprechaupolis" and "The Last One". ], who has a history of voicing characters on Adult Swim programs, has provided the voice of MC Pee Pants in several episodes. Chris also provided the voice of eight-year-old Carl in "Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future" and returned for a musical role in the season seven episode "]" after a long absence. ] joined the recurring cast with the introduction of his character Wongburger in the season four episode "Dickesode". With the exception of Tommy Blacha, the entire recurring cast reprised their roles in ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters''.

Various comedians, athletes, and other celebrities have made guest appearances, usually credited under pseudonyms due to the series originally using non-union voice talent.

The twelfth season featured ], ], ], ] and ]. Unlike the first eleven seasons, the twelfth season is unionized under ].

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width:100%; margin-right:0;"
|- |-
!colspan=6|Main Cast members
|align="center"|'''Mooninites'''<br>(] and ]) || {{anchor|Mooninites}}The Mooninites, '''Ignignokt''' and '''Err''' are two-dimensional aliens voiced by ] and ] respectively. They are both similar in appearance, but Ignignokt is larger and green, while Err is smaller and is light purple; both resemble blocky, ]-style pixel graphics. Ignignokt, as the leader of the Mooninites, concocts various plans that never cease to annoy the Aqua Teens and ]. When these plans don't work and he is endangered, he makes a hasty retreat or turn into a pixelated gun that shoots a slow moving laser. He makes reference to ] music numerous times. Err is known for his ]. He regularly coerces Meatwad into going along with Ignignokt's schemes. He has said that the reason he acts the way he does is because he does not have a father and needs attention.
|- |-
|align=center| ]
|align="center"|'''Plutonians'''<br>(] and ]) || {{anchor|Plutonians}}The Plutonians, '''Oglethorpe''' and '''Emory''' are two spiked aliens from ]. ] is orange and fatter, while ] is green and taller. They are named after two Atlanta-based universities, though the characters both attended "Pluto State University." They are seen feuding with the Mooninites throughout the series. Oglethorpe sports a heavy German accent. He also occasionally speaks patches of ]. He claims to be a ], but is actually just a buffoon with access to 'advanced technology'. He plans to conquer Earth, through such nonsensical plans as sending a Master Shake clone to "de-]" the Earth and stealing the Aqua Teens' ] through a version of Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich's ]. (NO! It's a FARgate! Goes FAR, get it?) . Emory appears to be far more ] and ]al than Oglethorpe, but, being the soft-spoken sort, goes along with his hare-brained schemes. Emory originally hated Oglethorpe and wanted the Aqua Teens to kill him when they went into the past but has since accepted him. They also appear to be ].
|align=center| ]
|-
|align=center| ]
|- '''Space Ghost'''<br>(George Lowe) in the movie.
|align=center| ]
|- |-
|align=center| ]
|align="center"|'''MC Pee Pants'''<br>(Chris Ward IV a.k.a. ]) || {{anchor|MC Pee Pants}}'''MC Pee Pants''' is a mentally insane, eight-foot spider who wears a shower cap and a diaper. He is known for his overly convoluted schemes, all of which use ] as a cover for his criminal tendencies. He is frequently killed, after which he is reincarnated by ] in a new form with another convoluted scheme. Thus far he's been a ] (Sir Loin), an old man and briefly a vampire (Little Brittle), an ], and, finally, a fly in the ATHF movie.
|align=center| ]
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="width:16%;"| ]
| style="width:16%;"| ]
| style="width:16%;"| ]
| style="width:16%;"| ]
| style="width:16%;"| ]
| style="width:16%;"| ]
|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="width:16%;"| ]
|style="width:16%;"| ]
|style="width:16%;"| ], ], ], Boxy Brown, Various
|style="width:16%;"| ], Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future, ], Markula, Various
|style="width:16%;"| Himself, Police Officer, Season eight episode announcer, Jet Chicken, Various
|style="width:16%;"| Dr. Weird, Steve, Various
|} |}


== Episodes == ===Theme music===
] ] performed the ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' ] used in the first seven seasons. An extended remix version of the theme was used in the 2007 film adaptation and in the soundtrack for the 2011 video game '']''. After a multi-year absence, Schoolly D returned for the season seven episode "Rabbot Redux", performing a different theme song used exclusively in that episode. The special intro to "Rabbot Redux" featured the exact animation used in the regular intro.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029212646/http://video.adultswim.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force/new-open.html |date=October 29, 2013 }} the intro sequence used exclusively in "Rabbot Redux," with two versions used - the original for the theme and an alternate mixed used in the episode's end.</ref> Each subsequent season featured a different theme song by a different artist with a different animated intro. The eighth season was written and performed by ] and ].<ref name=season8/> Schoolly D returned for the season nine intro for ''Aqua Something You Know Whatever'', writing and performing it with ]. The season 10 theme song was produced by ], an artist with a long history of being featured in Adult Swim's ].<ref name="SPINlink">{{cite web |last=Martins |first=Chris |date=April 23, 2013 |title=Flying Lotus Writing New 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' Theme Song Also: Mac Miller rhymes well over FlyLo's "S.D.S." beat |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/04/flying-lotus-aqua-teen-hunger-force-theme-song-mac-miller-sds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722033410/http://www.spin.com/2013/04/flying-lotus-aqua-teen-hunger-force-theme-song-mac-miller-sds/ |archive-date=July 22, 2015 |access-date=July 23, 2013 |publisher=SPIN}}</ref> Every episode features an opening sequence, with the rare exceptions of the season two episode "The Last One", the season nine episode "The Granite Family", and the season ten episode "Spacecadeuce".<ref>{{Cite episode |title=The Last One |series=Aqua Teen Hunger Force |network=Adult Swim |date=December 31, 2003 |season=2 |number=24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite episode |title=The Granite Family |series=Aqua Something You Know Whatever |network=Adult Swim |date=July 22, 2012 |number=5 |language=en}}</ref>
{{main|List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes}}
- There have been 77 episodes of ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' produced over 5+ seasons. All episodes run for about 11.5 minutes, with the exception of "Aqua Teen Hunger Force Star-Studded Christmas Spectacular", and "Deleted Scenes" which are approximately 23 minutes. When reruns for these episodes are broadcast, they are split into two separate episodes to fit with its 15 minute timeslot.


===Cold openings===
== ''Movie Film for Theaters'' ==
During the first two seasons, episodes ] with a glimpse into the laboratory of Dr. Weird. He and his assistant Steve use the first several seconds of the show to create ]s, ]s, and various things. In earlier episodes of the first season, the monsters or creations usually form the basis of the plot, but as the crime-fighting element of the program disappeared, the Dr. Weird segment became a ] opening gag.
{{main|Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters}}
A feature film based on the show, ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters'', was released on ], ]. The movie follows the origins of the Aqua Teens, which includes an ], ] of the band ], a watermelon slice, and an appearance by heavy metal band Mastodon in the opening sequence. The film also introduces a fourth Aqua Teen, a ] named "Chicken Bittle" (voiced by ]). The Plutonians and the Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past, recurring characters, both make appearances in the movie, as well as the Mooninites, Dr. Weird, and MC Pee Pants.<ref>{{cite web | title = Ain't It Cool News | url = http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=24061 | accessdate = 2007-03-22}}</ref>


In the third season, the Dr. Weird openings were replaced with segments from the pilot episode of ''Spacecataz'', an unaired ] created by Willis and Maiellaro. Six episodes were planned for production, but Adult Swim felt there was little that could be made into five more episodes since all the characters were destroyed at the end of the pilot, despite the parent series being predominantly not ].<ref name="dvdfour">{{Cite AV media |title=Audio commentary for "Little Brittle": Volume Four |medium=DVD}}</ref> These segments featured the Mooninites and Plutonians trading insults, gestures, and practical jokes. The full ''Spacecataz'' pilot is available as a special feature on the Volume Four DVD box set.<ref name="amazon_productdetails"> on ]</ref> The Mooninites appear to outsmart the Plutonians for much of the series including tagging the Plutonians' ship and reversing a prank that involved 50 million large pizzas.
For ] 2007, Cartoon Network aired for free Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters during the Adult Swim programming block even though it had not yet been released. However, it was aired shrunken and in the bottom corner of the normal programming that was being aired at the time. Additionally, it featured no sound.


Cold openings were eliminated starting with the fourth-season premiere, "Dirtfoot". A one-off cold opening featuring Dr. Weird and Steve was used once again in the season eight premiere "]".
== Boston bomb scare ==
{{main|2007 Boston bomb scare}}
On ], 2007, as part of a national ] campaign, Peter Berdovsky, 27, and Sean Stevens, 28, installed ] displays depicting the Mooninites in ten different cities: Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Austin, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. In ], ], the authorities considered the LEDs suspicious prompting the closure of major roads and waterways for investigation. ] later admitted placing the LEDs and apologized for the misunderstanding. In spite of the uproar, Berdovsky and Stevens mocked the media and critics in interviews while facing charges for "placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6319211.stm|title=Probe into Boston ad stunt chaos|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2007-02-01}}</ref> Turner Broadcasting has paid the ] one million dollars to cover the investigation’s cost and an additional million for good will.<ref>{{cite news author=Associated Press|title=Turner, 2nd firm to pay $2 million over scare|date=2007-02-05|publisher=Microsoft|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16990202/|work=MSNBC.com|accessdate=2007-12-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=2863647|title=Cartoon Network Head Resigns After Scare|publisher=ABC News|accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref> This action was designed to settle criminal and civil claims, while the general manager of Cartoon Network stepped down because of the incident. Of the 10 cities in which the ]-like LED displays were placed only ] saw them as a matter of concern. The installations had been up for weeks prior to the panic.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=2863647|title=Cartoon Network Head Resigns After Scare|publisher=ABC News|accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref>


== Music == ===Cancellation===
{{see also|Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever}}
The Aqua Teen Hunger Force theme song (for the opening credits) was written and performed by ]; it is said that he wrote this song in his limousine on the way to the recording studio to perform it. The theme song for the ending credits is just a sample of Dana Snyder aka Master Shake saying "Dancing is forbidden," which he said on the pilot episode; it can also be heard in the background during the opening theme music, and is sometimes closed captioned as "dancing is stupid", "make finger puppets" or "dance finger puppets". Schoolly D's son performs the music for the end credits for most episodes.


In 2015, it was announced that Adult Swim had cancelled ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''.<ref name="Huffington">{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Jessica |title='Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever' Will Be The Show's Final Season |work=] |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/aqua-teen-hunger-force-final-season_n_7153218.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714083007/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/aqua-teen-hunger-force-final-season_n_7153218.html |archive-date=July 14, 2015}}</ref> The cancellation went against the wishes of Willis and Maiellaro, who first learned about it from the animation studio, ], halfway through the production of the ].<ref name="C2CE"> posted on Twitch</ref><ref name="Paste">{{Cite magazine |last=Martin |first=Garrett |title=The Life and Death of Aqua Teen Hunger Force |url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/06/aqua-teen-hunger-force-forever.html |url-status=live |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620140503/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/06/aqua-teen-hunger-force-forever.html |archive-date=June 20, 2015 |access-date=June 22, 2015}}</ref> Willis said that Adult Swim president ] made the decision to end the series because "he was ready to move on from it".<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213161537/https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3a3itv/i_am_dave_willis_cocreator_of_aqua_teen_hunger/cs907ni |date=December 13, 2015 }} on ]</ref> The double-length episode "The Last One Forever and Ever (For Real This Time) (We Fucking Mean It)" was falsely promoted as the ] and aired on August 23, 2015. The actual series finale, "]", was quietly released early online on August 26 before airing four days later, with virtually no advertisement. At the time of its conclusion, ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' was Adult Swim's longest-running original series.
The Mooninites have their own theme music which recurs on the closing credits of several episodes that feature them. Also performed by Schoolly D, each of the three individual verses is featured on the credits of three different episodes.


====Animation====
On '']'' in 2005, ] and ] (collectively called ]) expanded on the theme of ATHF characters in the track "ATHF." Another track from the record, "Vats of Urine," features a cameo with the Mooninites and their normal, egotistical banter. A hidden track at the end of the CD contains Meatwad rapping a verse from MF DOOM's "Beef Rapp".
The first 11 seasons were created using ] images, animated using ], and edited using ]. Beginning with season 12, the series is animated by ].


====Revival====
The rapper ] plays the voice of MC Pee Pants, Sir Loin, and Little Brittle, and wrote a few songs under these aliases for the show.
During an interview about the series' cancellation, Maiellaro said there are no plans to revive ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'', but that it could return someday.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 20, 2015 |title='Aqua Teen Hunger Force' Creators Talk Cancellation, Weirdness |url=http://news.wabe.org/post/aqua-teen-hunger-force-creators-talk-cancellation-weirdness |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010190842/http://news.wabe.org/post/aqua-teen-hunger-force-creators-talk-cancellation-weirdness |archive-date=October 10, 2016 |access-date=September 11, 2016}}</ref> In 2017, Adult Swim was asked why they don't make more episodes, to which they responded "we might" via a ].


In April 2022, Adult Swim began uploading ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' shorts under the name ''Aquadonk Side Pieces'' to their YouTube channel.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 18, 2022 | title='NEW: The Return of Handbanana Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Aquadonk Side Pieces - adult swim | website=] |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZVPXbl6lDIs |access-date=April 30, 2022}}</ref> These shorts are often less than four minutes and center around the villains in the show, with all original voice actors reprising their roles. In December 2022, Maiellaro announced in an interview that he and Dave Willis were working on five new Aqua Teen scripts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Neeley |first1=Ronnie |date=12 December 2022 |title=Matt Maiellaro Interview {{!}} ATHF Co-Creator, Voice of Err and Markula |url=https://www.dancingisforbidden.com/e/matt-maiellaro/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |website=Dancing Is Forbidden |publisher=Dancing Is Forbidden: An Aqua Teen Hunger Force Exploration}}</ref> A month later, Adult Swim officially announced the five episodes as the show's twelfth season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Campione |first1=Katie |title=Adult Swim Orders Five New Episodes Of 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/adult-swim-orders-new-episodes-aqua-teen-hunger-force-season-12-1235241083/ |website=Deadline |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=28 February 2023 |date=25 January 2023}}</ref>
== Video games ==
''''']''''' is a ] game published by ] and was released November 2007.<ref>{{cite news | title = Aqua Teen Hunger Force to PS2 | url = http://ps2.ign.com/articles/774/774530p1.html | publisher = ] | date = 2007-03-20 | accessdate = 2007-03-22}}</ref> In an interview for ''The Feed'' on ], ATHF creator Dave Willis confirmed that there is an Aqua Teen video game in production. In the game, you play golf while battling villains that have appeared on the show, including Carl's gigantic crabs, the Brownie Monsters and the Mooninites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/673517/Aqua_Teen_Creator_Dave_Willis_Tells_All.html|title='Aqua Teen' Creator Dave Willis Tells All|accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref>


==Episodes==
'''''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Destruct-O-Thon''''' is a ] released on ], ] by ]. The object was to hit an object from the show across a course resembling the street the Aqua Teens live on, hitting other objects along the way (such as hitting a stick of ] into Carl's car), creating ] and choosing an ] using only the ''5'' key.<ref>{{cite web | title = Gamespot review for Aqua Teen Hunger Force Destruct-O-Thon | url = http://www.gamespot.com/mobile/action/aquateenhungerforcedestructothon/review.html | accessdate = 2007-03-22}}</ref>
{{main|List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes}}
{{:List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes}}


==Films==
== Cameos and appearances ==
===''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters'' (2007)===
The characters in ''ATHF'' have made ]s in a number of other television shows, and the show itself has appeared on televisions within other shows as well.
{{Main|Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters}}


A feature film based on the show, '']'', was released on April 13, 2007. The movie follows the origins of the Aqua Teens, which includes an ], ] of the band ], a watermelon slice named Walter Melon, and an appearance by a heavy metal band ] in the opening sequence. The film also introduces a fourth Aqua Teen, a ] named Chicken Bittle (voiced by ]). The Plutonians and the Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future, recurring characters, both make appearances in the movie, as well as the Mooninites, Dr. Weird and MC Pee Pants (this being his last appearance in the series).<ref>{{cite web |title=Ain't It Cool News |url=http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=24061 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301103853/http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=24061 |archive-date=March 1, 2007 |access-date=March 22, 2007}}</ref>
*Master Shake cameos in at least two episodes of Adult Swim's '']'', in the second season premiere as a judge of whether or not Robot Chicken should be allowed to continue (in a parody of the trial of Zod from the film '']'') and as a guest in the sketch "Best Robot Chicken Ever", a parody of VH1's ''Best Week Ever''.


===''Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm'' (2022)===
*The Adult Swim.com game "5 Minutes to Kill (Yourself)" contains a trophy in the shape of Master Shake.
{{Main|Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm}}


In a 2010 interview, staff members of ] stated that a sequel entitled ''Death Fighter'' was in production, and mentioned the possibility that the film might be made in ]. When asked if the film was designed for a theatrical release, a Radical Axis staff member responded yes, but stated: "We're not sure if we have a distributor yet", though this was then followed by the statement that "Adult Swim will never make another movie ever again".<ref>{{cite web |last=Daniels |first=Hunter |date=July 30, 2010 |title=Radical Axis Interview Comic-Con; CEO Scott Fry, VP of Production Craig Hartin and Animation Director Todd Redner |website=] |url=http://collider.com/radical-axis-interview-comic-con-ceo-scott-fry-vp-production-craig-hartin-animation-director-todd-redner/41207/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425230947/http://collider.com/radical-axis-interview-comic-con-ceo-scott-fry-vp-production-craig-hartin-animation-director-todd-redner/41207 |archive-date=April 25, 2011 |access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref>
*The ending of the ''Sealab 2021'' episode "Murphy Murph and the Feng Shui Bunch" reveals that the events of the episode were actually a video game being played by Master Shake and Meatwad. A scene from "Rabbot" is also played on a television in the episode "Predator".


By 2014, the script for ''Death Fighter'' had been completed and approved; however, Willis indirectly stated that the project was scrapped, soon after announcing the show's cancellation.<ref name="C2CE" /> He later mentioned on ] that it would cost $3.4 million to produce, and expressed interest in doing a ] to fund it.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102164152/https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3a3itv/i_am_dave_willis_cocreator_of_aqua_teen_hunger/cs913g9#cs913g9 |date=November 2, 2015 }} on ]</ref> A new film was confirmed to be in production in May 2021, no other details have been confirmed other than it will be a ] film.<ref>{{cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=May 12, 2021 |title=Adult Swim Greenlights 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force,' 'Metalocalypse' & 'The Venture Bros.' Original Movies |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/adult-swim-greenlights-aqua-teen-hunger-force-metalocalypse-the-venture-bros-original-movies/ |access-date=May 12, 2021 |website=]}}</ref>
*In the '']'' episode "Tremendous Class", Non-Stop is awakened by an alarm clock that looks and sounds like Master Shake.


On May 12, 2021, Adult Swim confirmed the production of three new original films, including a new ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' film to make exclusive debuts on ] following a physical/VOD release.<ref>{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=May 12, 2021 |title=Adult Swim Has Three Movies In The Works For 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force', 'The Venture Bros.' & 'Metalocalypse' |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/adult-swim-movies-for-aqua-teen-hunger-force-metalocalypse-the-venture-bros-1234754652/ |access-date=May 12, 2021 |website=]}}</ref>
*''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' can be seen on televisions in the crime scenes of the '']'' episodes "Formalities" and "Spark of Life". The audio, however, has been replaced with audio more akin to a child-aimed show.


On November 14, 2021, it was announced the film would be released in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Nick|last1=Valdez|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/aqua-teen-hunger-force-new-movie-release-2022-adult-swim/|date=November 14, 2021|title=New Aqua Teen Hunger Force Movie Sets Release Window}}</ref>
*Aqua Teen has been referenced twice on '']''.
**Following the ], ] mentioned the incident on the show and commented "Everyone knows if you are going to use an Aqua Teen character for publicity it has to be Frylock." He later blamed Meatwad for ruining his future publicity stunts.
**In a January episode covering other countries' views on the ], Colbert showed an Arab newspaper with an article about the ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' and said that Frylock would vote for ], Shake would vote for ] and Meatwad would vote for ].


On May 18, 2022, it was revealed the film would be titled ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Plantasm''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/rick-and-morty-s06-aqua-teen-return-highlight-adult-swim-block-party/ | title=Rick and Morty S06, Aqua Teen Return Highlight Adult Swim Block Party | date=May 18, 2022 }}</ref> It was changed to '']''. The film was released on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and digital on November 8, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jason Price |url=https://www.iconvsicon.com/2022/08/06/aqua-teen-forever-plantasm-all-new-original-film-set-to-drop-in-november/ |title='Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm' â€" All-New Original Film Set To Drop In November! |publisher=Icon Vs. Icon |date=2022-04-13 |accessdate=2022-08-07}}</ref>
*]'s ] anchors ] and ] have repeated lines from the show during various commentary on sporting highlights.


==Broadcast==
*A deleted scene in the film '']'' shows Aidan watching the episode "Rabbot".
The pilot episode "Rabbot" originally aired on Cartoon Network on December 30, 2000, as part of a special preview of upcoming Adult Swim shows. Other shows in the preview block included '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name="vanguard">{{cite web |date=February 8, 2007 |title=Welcome to Williams Street |url=http://www.psuvanguard.com/2.4061/welcome-to-williams-street-1.311737 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715134221/http://www.psuvanguard.com/2.4061/welcome-to-williams-street-1.311737 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=March 5, 2007 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Daily Ghost Planet : The Past! |url=http://lustforlunch.com/dgp/oldnews.htm#stealth |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011220040853/http://lustforlunch.com/dgp/oldnews.htm#stealth |archive-date=December 20, 2001 |access-date=January 22, 2011 |publisher=Lustforlunch.com}}</ref> ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' later made its official debut on September 9, 2001, on Adult Swim, where the series has since aired exclusively, in the United States. The final episode "The Greatest Story Ever Told" made its television debut on August 30, 2015, after having been quietly released online four days earlier.


===International broadcast===
*In "]", an episode of '']'', ] is seen watching an episode of the show.<ref>{{cite web | title = "It's A Movie" Sopranos: Ep. 8 | url = http://www.porno.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=24&entry_id=4786 | author = Tim Goodman | publisher = SF Gate | date = 2006-05-01 | accessdate = 2007-03-24}}</ref>
In Canada, ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' previously aired on ]'s ] block<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/teletoon-unveils-2004-fall-lineup|title = TELETOON Unveils 2004 Fall Lineup}}</ref> and later ]'s ] block.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://about.rogers.com/news-ideas/g4-launches-add-adult-digital-distraction/|title=G4 Launches ADd - Adult Digital Distraction|date=June 8, 2009}}</ref> The series currently airs on the ].<ref>{{cite web |date=June 21, 2012 |title=TELETOON Canada Inc. Announces Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Launch Schedules |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/teletoon-canada-inc-announces-cartoon-network-and-adult-swim-launch-schedules-510410361.html |website=Newswire}}</ref>


In Australia, it began airing on ] starting April 2013, but ceased airing, and returned in July 2016 as part of a version of ] on ], with the series airing from the beginning.
*Carl and Meatwad appeared on ]'s '']'', congratulating them on their 100th episode.<ref>{{cite web| title=BWE 100: Everyone’s Excited!| url=http://www.bestweekever.tv/2006/08/01/bwe-100-everyones-excited/| accessdate=2007-03-01}}</ref>


==Merchandise==
*A short clip was shown on Adult Swim explaining how Master Shake became the unofficial "leader." A ballot was taken between the three characters, with them to vote for anyone but themselves. Meatwad voted for Shake, Frylock voted for Meatwad, and Shake ignorantly voted for himself.
Several pieces of ] have been made for the series, including ], ]s, ]s, ], and ] featuring characters in the series. Master Shake and Carl ] costumes for adults were also available. There was also a series of collectible ] and ] available along with car decals. Several pieces of custom merchandise were available on the Adult Swim Shop before the site quietly shut down in March 2012. ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters Colon the Soundtrack'', the soundtrack to the film, was released in stores on April 10, 2007. On November 3, 2009, a ] sung by characters from the show was released entitled ''Have Yourself a Meaty Little Christmas'' was released in stores.


In September 2010, Adult Swim Shop introduced a full scale, functioning ] in the likeness of Meatwad at a cost of $70,000. The purchase includes a piloted, one-hour ride anywhere in the continental United States, and the buyer got to keep it although a pilot's license would be required to actually fly it. The balloon was the most expensive item on Adult Swim Shop, surpassing the '']'' "Dethklok Fountain" fountain, which was released early in 2010 for $40,000.<ref name="HOTAIR">{{cite web |last=Fallon |first=Sean |date=September 17, 2010 |title=Holy Crap: Adult Swim Actually Selling a $70,000 Meatwad Hot Air Balloon |url=http://nerdapproved.com/approved-products/adult-swim-actually-selling-a-70000-meatwad-hot-air-balloon/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025021525/http://nerdapproved.com/approved-products/adult-swim-actually-selling-a-70000-meatwad-hot-air-balloon/ |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=July 24, 2013 |publisher=Nerd Approved}}</ref> The hot air balloon is no longer available.
*In "Brakstreet: Men in the Band", an episode of ''The Brak Show'', Meatwad can be seen riding by on a scooter twice while Brak is walking down the road rapping. In the episode "The Eye", a dislocation of his jaw temporarily turns Brak's voice into Meatwad's, and in "Bully", Meatwad appears as one of Brak's "Carrot-catures". In the final episode, the Aqua Teens, as well as characters from ''Sealab 2021'', ''Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law'' and ''Space Ghost Coast to Coast'' appear at Brak's New Year's party.


===Home releases===
*Meatwad makes an appearance in a ] commercial, in which he is coughed up by a passenger in the vehicle who is choking, splatters against the windshield, and says "Sweet!" <ref>{{cite web| title=Dodge commercial with Meatwad| url=http://www.aquateencentral.com/flash/clips/atc_aqua_teen_hunger_force_-_dodge_commercial_with_meatwad.html| accessdate=2007-03-01 |publisher= |format=Flash}}</ref>
The first eight seasons have been released and distributed on ] in volumes by ]. Each set was also released in ] and by ] in ]. The movie was released on a DVD set titled ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters for DVD'', with the season four episode "Deleted Scenes" included as a special feature on August 17, 2007. The season five episode "Robots Everywhere" was also released as a special feature on the '']'' video game on November 5, 2007, months prior to its official television debut on January 20, 2008. The first eleven seasons with the exception of the episodes "Boston" and "Shake Like Me" and the film '']'' were released in a 20-disc DVD collection on September 20, 2022, as ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force: The Baffler Meal Complete Collection''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/home-entertainment/adult-swim-satisfies-cravings-with-aqua-teen-hunger-force-the-baffler-meal-complete-collection/ | title=Adult Swim Satisfies Cravings with 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force: The Baffler Meal Complete Collection' | date=May 11, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/news-bytes-marcel-cracks-bo-top-10-animation-museum-funding-new-aqthf-baffler-meal-set-date-more/| title=News Bytes: 'Marcel' Cracks BO Top 10, Animation Museum Funding, New 'AQTHF: Baffler Meal' Set Date & More | date=July 11, 2022}}</ref> It was the first time that seasons 9-11 have been released on DVD. The episode "Shake Like Me" is not included on the DVD due to its use of ], similar to its removal from rerun rotations and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Adult Swim Confirms Controversial Episodes Of Aqua Teen Hunger Force And More Were Removed From Streaming|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2555797/adult-swim-confirms-controversial-episodes-of-aqua-teen-hunger-force-and-more-were-removed-from-streaming|first=Nick|last=Venable|work=CinemaBlend|date=September 30, 2020|access-date=December 27, 2020}}</ref> A second movie, '']'', was released on Blu-ray and 4K on November 20, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Toussaint|last1=Egan|url=https://www.polygon.com/23343178/aqua-teen-forever-plantasm-trailer-release-date-adult-swim| title=Frylock, Meatwad, and Master Shake return to the big (see: small) screen in Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm this November | website=] |date=September 8, 2022}}</ref>


With the exception of the season four episode "Deleted Scenes", episodes of ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' are also available on ], the ], and ], with seasons five and up available in ] on iTunes and the Xbox Live Marketplace, and with seasons six up on Amazon Video.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008222119/https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/aqua-teen-hunger-force-season/id259559328 |date=October 8, 2013 }} at ].</ref><ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100935/http://video.xbox.com/tv-season/aqua-teen-hunger-force/season-8/aeb3cf7c-39c6-4321-8b08-468f133a68d2 |date=May 18, 2015 }} at the ].</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915162346/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00132K2W0?redirect=true |date=September 15, 2018 }} at ].</ref> The movie is also available in HD and SD on the Xbox Live Marketplace.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100949/http://video.xbox.com/tv-episode/aqua-teen-hunger-force/season-0/aqua-teen-hunger-force-colon-movie-film-for-theatres/4e23e9e9-4cf9-4ee7-92bf-53812974ccf3 |date=May 18, 2015 }} at ].</ref> The season five episode "Boston" has never been released in any form of home media.<ref name=Bostonepisodeinterview/>
*The Aqua Teens appear in a ''1-800-Call-]'' commercial, in which Shake is wearing a red wig to make people think that he is ], the spokesman for the service.<ref>{{cite web| title=AT&T Aqua Teen| url=http://www.aquateencentral.com/flash/clips/atc_att-aquateen.html| accessdate=2007-03-01 |publisher= |format=Flash}}</ref>


The series has been made available for ] streaming on ], as part of a deal made with Hulu and Turner Broadcasting.<ref name="HuluTurner">{{Cite magazine |last=Spangler |first=Todd |title=Hulu Pacts With Turner for Exclusive Rights to Cartoon, Adult Swim, TNT, TBS Shows |url=https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/hulu-turner-cartoon-adult-swim-tnt-tbs-1201478327/ |url-status=live |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518175900/http://variety.com/2015/digital/news/hulu-turner-cartoon-adult-swim-tnt-tbs-1201478327/ |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |access-date=May 11, 2015}}</ref> Every episode from all seasons is available for streaming<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095353/http://www.hulu.com/grid/aqua-teen-hunger-force?video_type=episode |date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> at ]. As of May 27, 2020, the series is also available on ], with the exception of the episodes "Boston" and "Shake Like Me".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/hbo-max-tv-shows-movies-originals-list|title = HBO Max: All the TV Shows, Movies and Originals You Can Stream Now - IGN|date = May 27, 2020}}</ref>
*In the ] '']'', there is a quest entitled "Rescue OOX-17/TN!" wherein the player is asked to rescue a "robot chicken" and return it to its creator, "Oglethorp Obnoticus", a reference to Oglethorpe the Plutonian, and Obnoticus, the ] full of ].
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
|+''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' home video releases
! colspan=4 rowspan=2|Season
! rowspan=2|Episodes
! Release date
|-
! Region 1
|-
! rowspan=2 style="background:#884400"| || colspan=2 rowspan=2|]
| rowspan=2|2000–02 || rowspan=2|18 || November 18, 2003
|-
| rowspan=2|July 20, 2004
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:#000;"| || colspan=2 rowspan=2|]
| rowspan=2|2003 || rowspan=2|24
|-
| November 16, 2004
|-
! style="background:#9BC650"| || colspan=2|]
| 2004 || 13 || December 6, 2005
|-
! style="background:#FFF641"| || colspan=2|]
| 2005–06 || 13 || January 29, 2008
|-
! style="background:#00a2c8"| || colspan=2|]
| 2008 || 10 || rowspan=2|December 16, 2008 <small>(excluded "Boston")</small>
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:silver;"| || colspan=2 rowspan=2|]
| rowspan=2|2009 || rowspan=2|10
|-
| rowspan=2|June 1, 2010
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:tan;"| || colspan=2 rowspan=2|]
| rowspan=2|2009–10 || rowspan=2|12
|-
| rowspan=2|October 11, 2011
|-
! style="background:#F7E39D"| || ]
| ''Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1'' || 2011 || 10
|-
! style="background:#52473C"| || ]
| ''Aqua Something You Know Whatever'' || 2012 || 10
| rowspan=3| September 20, 2022
|-
! style="background:#105A9D"| || ]
| ''Aqua TV Show Show'' || 2013 || 10
|-
! style="background:#F2F2CE"| || ]
| ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever'' || 2015 || 9
|}


===Video games===
*Rapper ] can be seen wearing a Meatwad beanie in the video for ]'s "]". He can also be seen wearing two chains showing Ignignokt and Err in the video for ]'s "]".
There have also been ] created based on the series. ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Destruct-O-Thon'', a ] based on the series, was published and released by ] games in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=December 10, 2004 |title=Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Destruct-o-Thon The Adult Swim cult heroes star in their first cellphone game. |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/10/aqua-teen-hunger-force-destruct-o-thon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006083017/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/10/aqua-teen-hunger-force-destruct-o-thon |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |access-date=July 24, 2013 |website=]}}</ref> In 2005 Oberon Games released ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Studio Shakedown'' for PC. ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am'', a ]/kart racing/fighting game, was developed by ] and published by ], and released for the ] on November 5, 2007. An online Flash game based on the series entitled ''The Worst Game Ever'' was released, but was eventually taken down.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902052008/http://games.adultswim.com/worst-game-ever-twitchy-online-game.html |date=September 2, 2013 }} at Adult Swim Games.</ref> A game entitled ''Carl's Freaking Strip Poker'' was also available on Adult Swim Games, but was eventually taken down.


==Reception, influence, and legacy==
*Bert the Banana in Season 5, Episode 9 is voiced by ], the comedian.
In January 2009, ] listed the series as the 39th best in the Top 100 Best Animated TV Shows.<ref name="ign100">{{cite web |date=January 23, 2009 |title=39, Aqua Teen Hunger Force |url=http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/39.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530064109/http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/39.html |archive-date=May 30, 2010 |access-date=July 14, 2010 |website=IGN |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The series was nominated for ] in 2007 and 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=Awards for Aqua Teen Hunger Force |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297494/awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622145116/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297494/awards |archive-date=June 22, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2010 |website=]}}</ref> In 2011 Willis and Maiellaro received ] nominations for writing in the season eight episode, "The Creditor".<ref>{{cite web |date=February 4, 2012 |title=39th Annual Annie Nominations & Winners! |url=http://annieawards.org/39th-annie-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903093809/http://annieawards.org/39th-annie-awards |archive-date=September 3, 2014 |access-date=January 5, 2013 |website=]s}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |title='Rango' Wins Annie Award for Best Animated Feature |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/annie-awards-rango-jennifer-yuh-nelson-287137 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109205533/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/annie-awards-rango-jennifer-yuh-nelson-287137 |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=January 5, 2013 |website=]|date=February 4, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=DeMott |first=Rick |date=December 5, 2011 |title=39th Annie Award Nominations Announced |url=http://www.awn.com/news/people/39th-annie-award-nominations-announced/page/5,1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203034653/http://www.awn.com/news/people/39th-annie-award-nominations-announced/page/5,1 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=January 5, 2013 |website=Animation World Network}}</ref> In 2019, IGN placed ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' 25th on their list of Top 25 Animated series for adults.<ref name="Top25IGN">{{cite web |last=Fowler |first=Matt |date=July 15, 2013 |title=The Top 25 Animated Series for Adults From caped crusaders to web-slingers to danger zones, here are the best animated shows to enjoy as a grown up. |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/15/top-25-animated-shows-for-adults?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722082915/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/15/top-25-animated-shows-for-adults?page=2 |archive-date=July 22, 2013 |access-date=July 23, 2013 |website=]}}</ref>


], best known for creating the '']'', has cited the show as an influence on ''Nerd'' as well as shaping his sense of humor.<ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web |date=25 June 2020 |title=Aqua Teen Hunger Force - Cinemassacre Review |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=anxRp3ae0bs |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fki5GjuIP-E&t=232s | title=Top 5 TV Shows That I Love | website=] | date=August 8, 2022 }}</ref> ] Jason Gastrow, better known as ], has also cited the show as a comedic influence.<ref name="h3: Podcast">Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph5FR-RFhbg |title=H3 Podcast #34 - VideoGameDunkey & Leah |date=October 11, 2017 |last=Klein, Ethan; Klein, Hila; Gastrow, Jason; Bee, Leah |publisher=] |access-date=July 5, 2019 |format=]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*On the episode, "Dickisode", after the Wong Burger commercial is over, "]" starts airing.


== See also == ===2007 Boston bomb scare===
{{Main|2007 Boston Mooninite panic}}
* ]
The series received national attention in 2007 because of a publicity stunt that became known as the ]. On January 31, 2007, as part of a national ] campaign for the series, Peter Berdovsky and Sean Stevens installed ]-like ] displays depicting the Mooninites in eleven different cities: Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Austin, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. In Boston, the authorities considered the LEDs suspicious, prompting the closure of major roads and waterways for investigation. ] later admitted to placing the LEDs and apologized for the misunderstanding.
* ]
* ]
* ]


Berdovsky and Stevens faced charges for "placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct"; in spite of the uproar, the two mocked the media and critics in interviews.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 1, 2007 |title=Probe into Boston ad stunt chaos |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6319211.stm |url-status=live |access-date=February 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202094028/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6319211.stm |archive-date=February 2, 2007}}</ref> All criminal charges were dropped in exchange for Berdovsky and Stevens apologizing during their court date and accepting a plea bargain that consisted of community service at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 11, 2007 |title=Community service for defendants in Cartoon Network case |work=Boston.com: Boston Globe website |url=http://www.boston.com/news/globe/city_region/breaking_news/2007/05/defendants_in_c.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227062547/http://www.boston.com/news/globe/city_region/breaking_news/2007/05/defendants_in_c.html |archive-date=December 27, 2008}}</ref> Turner Broadcasting paid the ] $1 million to cover the investigation's cost and an additional $1 million for good will.<ref name="resign">{{Cite news |date=February 5, 2007 |title=Turner, 2nd firm to pay $2 million over scare |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16990202 |url-status=live |access-date=December 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420214104/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/16990202/ |archive-date=April 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Cartoon Network Head Resigns After Scare |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=2863647 |access-date=February 22, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403040220/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=2863647 |archive-date=April 3, 2007}}</ref> This was designed to settle criminal and civil claims, while the general manager of Cartoon Network stepped down because of the incident. Of the eleven cities in which the displays were placed, only Boston saw them as a matter of concern. The installations had been up for weeks before the panic.<ref name="resign" />
== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}


An ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' episode from ], "Boston", was produced as the series creators' response to the bomb scare, but Adult Swim pulled it to avoid further controversy.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 15, 2008 |title=Exclusive Interview With Meatwad, Er, Dave Willis, Of 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' |work=Starpulse.com |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/Dee_Doyle/2008/12/15/starpulse_com_exclusive_interview_with_d |url-status=live |access-date=December 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115024706/http://www.starpulse.com/news/Dee_Doyle/2008/12/15/starpulse_com_exclusive_interview_with_d |archive-date=November 15, 2010 |df=mdy}}</ref> The episode has never aired or been formally released to the public legally in any format, though it was illegally leaked online in January 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gonzales |first=Dave |date=April 10, 2015 |title=Banned Aqua Teen Hunger Force Boston episode leaks online |url=http://www.geek.com/news/banned-aqua-teen-hunger-force-boston-episode-leaks-online-1620022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419095729/http://www.geek.com/news/banned-aqua-teen-hunger-force-boston-episode-leaks-online-1620022/ |archive-date=April 19, 2015 |access-date=11 May 2015 |website=Geek.com |publisher=Geek}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Staff |first=Interrobang |date=April 13, 2015 |title=Banned Aqua Teen Hunger Force Episode Finally Sees The Light Of Day |url=http://theinterrobang.com/banned-aqua-teen-hunger-force-episode-finally-sees-the-light-of-day/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523022417/http://theinterrobang.com/banned-aqua-teen-hunger-force-episode-finally-sees-the-light-of-day/ |archive-date=May 23, 2015 |access-date=11 May 2015 |website=Interrobang.com |publisher=Interrobang}}</ref>
== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
;Official sites
*
*
*


==References==
;Unofficial sites
{{reflist}}
*
*
*


==External links==
;Interviews
{{Portal|Animation|Television|United States|Cartoon|Comedy|2000s
* - interview with Dave Willis April 24, 2007
}}
*
{{Wikiquote|Aqua Teen Hunger Force|<br />''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''}}
* - interview with Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro, December 5, 2004
* {{Official website|http://www.adultswim.com/videos/aqua-teen-hunger-force/}}
* - interview with Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis, ]
* {{IMDb title|0297494}}
* - interview with Dana Snyder, ]

* - interview with Master Shake, Dana Snyder, ]
; Interviews
* at – September 5, 2009
* – interview with Dave Willis April 24, 2007
*
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828000958/http://www.kittenpants.org/35_doomsday/aquateen.asp |date=August 28, 2010 |title=The Kittenpants News }} – interview with Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro, December 5, 2004, on ].org
* {{cite web |title=Master Shake on New Movie |url=http://www.fhmonline.com/articles-4323.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207211842/http://www.fhmonline.com/articles-4323.asp |archive-date=February 7, 2008 |access-date=2007-05-02 |df=mdy}} – interview with Master Shake, Dana Snyder, April 20, 2007
* – interview with Master Shake, Dana Snyder, Part 1 April 2, 28, 2008
* – interview with Master Shake, Dana Snyder, Part 2 April 2, 28, 2008
* – interview with Dave Willis, December 12, 2008


{{Aqua Teen Hunger Force}} {{Aqua Teen Hunger Force}}
{{Adult Swim original programming}}
{{Williams Street}}
{{Radical Axis}}


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Revision as of 07:37, 4 December 2024

American adult animated television series

Aqua Teen Hunger Force
The series' main protagonists. From left to right: Master Shake, Meatwad, and Frylock.
Also known as
Genre
Created by
Written by
  • Dave Willis
  • Matt Maiellaro
Directed by
  • Dave Willis
  • Matt Maiellaro
Voices of
Narrated bySchoolly D
Music bySchoolly D
Opening theme
  • "Aqua Teen Rap" by Schoolly D (2000–10)
  • "Aqua Unit Patrol Squad" by Joshua Homme & Alain Johannes (2011)
  • "Aqua Something You-Know-Whatever" by Mariachi El Bronx & Schoolly D (2012)
  • "Aqua TV Show Show" by Flying Lotus ft. Thundercat (2013)
  • "We Rule Your Animated Comedy Ass Forever" by Dave Willis, Matt Maiellaro, Michael Kohler, & Carey Means (2015)
  • "Aqua Teen Hunger Force Theme (2023 Remix)" by Schoolly D (remixed by Nick Ingkatanuwat, Matt Maiellaro, & Shawn Coleman) (2023)
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons12
No. of episodes144 (1 unaired) (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Dave Willis (seasons 12–present)
  • Matt Maiellaro (seasons 12–present)
  • Kelly Crews (seasons 12–present)
  • Cameron Tang (seasons 12–present)
  • Keith Crofford (seasons 1–11)
  • Mike Lazzo (seasons 1–11)
Producers
Running time
  • 11–12 minutes
  • 22 minutes (episodes 58 and 138)
Production companies
Original release
Network
ReleaseDecember 30, 2000 (2000-12-30) –
August 30, 2015 (2015-08-30)
ReleaseNovember 26, 2023 (2023-11-26) –
present
Related

Aqua Teen Hunger Force (also known as Aqua, with various alternative titles), sometimes abbreviated as ATHF, Aqua Teen or Aqua Teen Hunger, is an American adult animated television series created by Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro for Cartoon Network's late night programming block Adult Swim. It is about the surreal adventures and antics of three anthropomorphic fast food items: Master Shake, Meatwad, and Frylock, who live together as roommates and frequently interact with their human next-door neighbor, Carl.

The pilot episode aired as a preview on December 30, 2000. On September 9, 2001, it debuted as an official Adult Swim series. Every episode was directed and written by Willis and Maiellaro, who also provided several voices. Seasons 8–11 were each given a different title, accompanied by different theme music, as a running joke. The series initially concluded on August 30, 2015, after 139 episodes throughout 11 seasons.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters, a film adaptation of the series, was released in theaters on April 13, 2007, the first adaptation of an Adult Swim series into a feature-length film. A direct-to-video stand-alone sequel, Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm, was released on November 8, 2022. A spin-off series of shorts, Aquadonk Side Pieces, was announced the same week, and ran on the network's official YouTube channel from April 18 to April 28, 2022. The series airs in broadcast syndication outside the United States and has been released on various DVD sets and other forms of home media, including video on demand streaming. It was the longest-running Adult Swim series until it was surpassed by Robot Chicken in 2020; a twelfth season consisting of five episodes was announced in January 2023 and premiered on November 26, 2023, making it the longest-running Adult Swim series yet again.

Premise

The series centers on the surreal adventures and antics of three anthropomorphic fast food items: Master Shake, a selfish, pathologically lying milkshake; Frylock, a calm and intelligent box of French fries; and Meatwad, a shapeshifting, childlike ball of ground meat. They live together like relatives and rarely get along with their human neighbor Carl Brutanunanulewski, a middle-aged, boorish, lecherous sports fanatic. The protagonists also encounter new antagonists in most episodes. Some episodes feature cameos from celebrities appearing as fictionalized versions of themselves.

The Mooninites are two aliens from the Moon who frequently appear, serving as primary antagonists and wreaking havoc through a series of illegal or destructive actions. The Mooninites appear more than most characters outside the main cast. Other recurring characters have made several appearances, including Oglethorpe and Emory, MC Pee Pants, Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future, and Markula. Episodes often end with the non-canonical deaths or injuries of major characters, or destruction to their property, only to be restored without explanation in the following episode.

In the show's first seven seasons, the protagonists live in a suburban neighborhood in South New Jersey. During the eighth season, the location was changed to Seattle, Washington. The Seattle setting appears entirely identical to the Jersey setting. As of the ninth season, the same neighborhood is identified as "Seattle, New Jersey".

Production

Development

See also: Space Ghost Coast to Coast
The prototype designs of Meatwad, Master Shake and Frylock.

The three main characters—Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad—were originally created for an episode of Space Ghost Coast to Coast called "Baffler Meal", where they were the corporate mascots for the fictional fast-food chain "Burger Trench". The original versions of the trio were prototypes that resembled the future characters, but both Master Shake and Frylock differed in appearance, personality, and voice from their ultimate design. The original name "Teen Hunger Force" refers to the squad's mission to conquer hunger in teens.

"Baffler Meal" went through a number of drafts but was not animated or produced until after the series became popular. Instead, the Space Ghost episode was initially rewritten as "Kentucky Nightmare", while the trio, along with Carl Brutanunanulewski, debuted in "Rabbot", the pilot episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force. A full season consisting of 16 episodes, including "Rabbot", was put into production shortly thereafter. The series was one of Adult Swim's most popular shows.

In early episodes, the trio was identified by Master Shake as the Aqua Teen Hunger Force, which solved crimes for money. After a few episodes, this premise and the characters' use of the name were dropped. The premise was a trick that had been added to appease Cartoon Network executives, who "didn't want to air a show about food just going around and doing random things". In the show, Frylock says they stopped fighting crime because "that wasn't making us a whole lot of money".

Writing and direction

Every episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force was written and directed by series creators Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro and produced by Williams Street. Much of the dialogue was supplemented with ad-libs and improvisation by the voice talent. The show was fully scripted but ad-libs are included in the final recordings and the shows are animated to include this improvisation. Many of the crew and cast members formerly worked on Space Ghost Coast to Coast.

Alternative titles

Alternative titles
Alternative title Season Original season run
Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1 8 May 8, 2011 – July 24, 2011
Aqua Something You Know Whatever 9 June 24, 2012 – August 26, 2012
Aqua TV Show Show 10 August 11, 2013 – October 20, 2013
Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever 11 June 21, 2015 – August 30, 2015

In 2011, for the eighth season, the series' title was changed to Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1; Maiellaro later explained that he and Willis were getting bored with the former title and wanted to "come up with a new fresh open and a whole new show, just to try it out". Despite the title change there were virtually no changes to the show's characters or tone. In 2012 Maiellaro announced that each subsequent season would have a different series title, making it a running gag. Willis later said the alternate titles were just an unsuccessful stunt to generate buzz.

Each season that is branded under an alternate title features a different opening sequence and theme music written by different artists. On most television listings and digital download sites, the alternatively titled episodes are formally listed under their alternative titles, not as episodes of Aqua Teen Hunger Force. On most legal digital downloading sites that feature the series, the first 7 seasons are presented as Aqua Teen Hunger Force while the alternatively titled seasons are listed separately and treated as if they were each a completely different, one-season series.

Voice actors

See also: List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force characters

The main cast of the series consists of Dana Snyder as Master Shake, Carey Means as Frylock, and series co-creator Dave Willis as both Meatwad and Carl, as well as Ignignokt. In addition to the main cast series co-creator Matt Maiellaro voices Err, Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future, Satan and Markula. Members of the main cast and Maiellaro also voice several minor and one-time characters in addition to their primary roles. All three main characters appear in almost every episode. They are all absent from the season five episode "Sirens" and the season ten episode "Spacecadeuce". In the season five episode "Robots Everywhere", Frylock and Master Shake only make brief unseen speaking cameos, while Meatwad is completely absent.

Voiceover artist George Lowe has made several appearances throughout the series. Lowe previously starred as Space Ghost in Space Ghost Coast to Coast and the original incarnation of Cartoon Planet, from which several cast and crew members moved on to work for Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Lowe made his first appearance in Aqua Teen Hunger Force in the season one episode "Mail Order Bride" and went on to make several other cameos. He had a prominent appearance as himself in the season four episode "Antenna", and reprised his role as Space Ghost for a quick appearance in Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters. Lowe was later considered a member of the main cast in 2011 during Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1; he announced the title of each episode and continued to make cameos. Lowe later made another prominent appearance in the Aqua Something You Know Whatever episode "Rocket Horse and Jet Chicken".

Series animator C. Martin Croker, known for his interpretation of Zorak in various shows and specials, provided the voices of both Dr. Weird and Steve during the cold openings for the first two seasons and "Allen Part One". Croker also voiced several birds in the season seven episode "Eggball". Andy Merrill has portrayed Oglethorpe alongside Mike Schatz as Emory in several episodes. Merrill is also well known for his interpretation of Brak in several shows and specials and provided the voice of Merle in "Escape from Leprechaupolis" and "The Last One". MC Chris, who has a history of voicing characters on Adult Swim programs, has provided the voice of MC Pee Pants in several episodes. Chris also provided the voice of eight-year-old Carl in "Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future" and returned for a musical role in the season seven episode "One Hundred" after a long absence. Tommy Blacha joined the recurring cast with the introduction of his character Wongburger in the season four episode "Dickesode". With the exception of Tommy Blacha, the entire recurring cast reprised their roles in Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters.

Various comedians, athletes, and other celebrities have made guest appearances, usually credited under pseudonyms due to the series originally using non-union voice talent.

The twelfth season featured Eric Bauza, Brian Cox, Maurice LaMarche, Dan Fogler and Gary Anthony Williams. Unlike the first eleven seasons, the twelfth season is unionized under SAG-AFTRA.

Main Cast members
Dana Snyder Carey Means Dave Willis Matt Maiellaro George Lowe C. Martin Croker
Master Shake Frylock Meatwad, Carl, Ignignokt, Boxy Brown, Various Err, Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future, Satan, Markula, Various Himself, Police Officer, Season eight episode announcer, Jet Chicken, Various Dr. Weird, Steve, Various

Theme music

Rapper Schoolly D performed the Aqua Teen Hunger Force theme song used in the first seven seasons. An extended remix version of the theme was used in the 2007 film adaptation and in the soundtrack for the 2011 video game Saints Row: The Third. After a multi-year absence, Schoolly D returned for the season seven episode "Rabbot Redux", performing a different theme song used exclusively in that episode. The special intro to "Rabbot Redux" featured the exact animation used in the regular intro. Each subsequent season featured a different theme song by a different artist with a different animated intro. The eighth season was written and performed by Joshua Homme and Alain Johannes. Schoolly D returned for the season nine intro for Aqua Something You Know Whatever, writing and performing it with Mariachi El Bronx. The season 10 theme song was produced by Flying Lotus, an artist with a long history of being featured in Adult Swim's bumps. Every episode features an opening sequence, with the rare exceptions of the season two episode "The Last One", the season nine episode "The Granite Family", and the season ten episode "Spacecadeuce".

Cold openings

During the first two seasons, episodes cold-opened with a glimpse into the laboratory of Dr. Weird. He and his assistant Steve use the first several seconds of the show to create monsters, disasters, and various things. In earlier episodes of the first season, the monsters or creations usually form the basis of the plot, but as the crime-fighting element of the program disappeared, the Dr. Weird segment became a non sequitur opening gag.

In the third season, the Dr. Weird openings were replaced with segments from the pilot episode of Spacecataz, an unaired spin-off created by Willis and Maiellaro. Six episodes were planned for production, but Adult Swim felt there was little that could be made into five more episodes since all the characters were destroyed at the end of the pilot, despite the parent series being predominantly not canonical. These segments featured the Mooninites and Plutonians trading insults, gestures, and practical jokes. The full Spacecataz pilot is available as a special feature on the Volume Four DVD box set. The Mooninites appear to outsmart the Plutonians for much of the series including tagging the Plutonians' ship and reversing a prank that involved 50 million large pizzas.

Cold openings were eliminated starting with the fourth-season premiere, "Dirtfoot". A one-off cold opening featuring Dr. Weird and Steve was used once again in the season eight premiere "Allen Part One".

Cancellation

See also: Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever

In 2015, it was announced that Adult Swim had cancelled Aqua Teen Hunger Force. The cancellation went against the wishes of Willis and Maiellaro, who first learned about it from the animation studio, Awesome Inc., halfway through the production of the 11th season. Willis said that Adult Swim president Mike Lazzo made the decision to end the series because "he was ready to move on from it". The double-length episode "The Last One Forever and Ever (For Real This Time) (We Fucking Mean It)" was falsely promoted as the series finale and aired on August 23, 2015. The actual series finale, "The Greatest Story Ever Told", was quietly released early online on August 26 before airing four days later, with virtually no advertisement. At the time of its conclusion, Aqua Teen Hunger Force was Adult Swim's longest-running original series.

Animation

The first 11 seasons were created using Adobe Photoshop images, animated using Adobe After Effects, and edited using Apple's Final Cut Pro. Beginning with season 12, the series is animated by Floyd County Productions.

Revival

During an interview about the series' cancellation, Maiellaro said there are no plans to revive Aqua Teen Hunger Force, but that it could return someday. In 2017, Adult Swim was asked why they don't make more episodes, to which they responded "we might" via a bump.

In April 2022, Adult Swim began uploading Aqua Teen Hunger Force shorts under the name Aquadonk Side Pieces to their YouTube channel. These shorts are often less than four minutes and center around the villains in the show, with all original voice actors reprising their roles. In December 2022, Maiellaro announced in an interview that he and Dave Willis were working on five new Aqua Teen scripts. A month later, Adult Swim officially announced the five episodes as the show's twelfth season.

Episodes

Main article: List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes
Series overview
SeasonEpisodesOriginally airedAlternate title
First airedLast airedNetwork
1181December 30, 2000Cartoon Network
17September 9, 2001December 29, 2002Adult SwimN/A
224May 25, 2003December 31, 2003N/A
313April 25, 2004October 24, 2004N/A
413December 4, 2005December 22, 2006N/A
510January 20, 2008March 23, 2008N/A
610March 29, 2009May 31, 2009N/A
712December 13, 2009May 2, 2010N/A
810May 8, 2011July 24, 2011Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1
910June 24, 2012August 26, 2012Aqua Something You Know Whatever
1010August 11, 2013October 20, 2013Aqua TV Show Show
119June 21, 2015August 30, 2015Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever
125November 26, 2023December 17, 2023N/A
Shorts10April 18, 2022April 28, 2022YouTubeAquadonk Side Pieces
Films2April 13, 2007November 8, 2022Adult Swim (TV airings)N/A

Films

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters (2007)

Main article: Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters

A feature film based on the show, Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Movie Film for Theaters, was released on April 13, 2007. The movie follows the origins of the Aqua Teens, which includes an exercise machine, Neil Peart of the band Rush, a watermelon slice named Walter Melon, and an appearance by a heavy metal band Mastodon in the opening sequence. The film also introduces a fourth Aqua Teen, a chicken nugget named Chicken Bittle (voiced by Bruce Campbell). The Plutonians and the Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future, recurring characters, both make appearances in the movie, as well as the Mooninites, Dr. Weird and MC Pee Pants (this being his last appearance in the series).

Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm (2022)

Main article: Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm

In a 2010 interview, staff members of Radical Axis stated that a sequel entitled Death Fighter was in production, and mentioned the possibility that the film might be made in 3-D. When asked if the film was designed for a theatrical release, a Radical Axis staff member responded yes, but stated: "We're not sure if we have a distributor yet", though this was then followed by the statement that "Adult Swim will never make another movie ever again".

By 2014, the script for Death Fighter had been completed and approved; however, Willis indirectly stated that the project was scrapped, soon after announcing the show's cancellation. He later mentioned on Reddit that it would cost $3.4 million to produce, and expressed interest in doing a Kickstarter to fund it. A new film was confirmed to be in production in May 2021, no other details have been confirmed other than it will be a direct-to-video film.

On May 12, 2021, Adult Swim confirmed the production of three new original films, including a new Aqua Teen Hunger Force film to make exclusive debuts on HBO Max following a physical/VOD release.

On November 14, 2021, it was announced the film would be released in 2022.

On May 18, 2022, it was revealed the film would be titled Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Plantasm. It was changed to Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm. The film was released on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and digital on November 8, 2022.

Broadcast

The pilot episode "Rabbot" originally aired on Cartoon Network on December 30, 2000, as part of a special preview of upcoming Adult Swim shows. Other shows in the preview block included Sealab 2021, The Brak Show, and Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. Aqua Teen Hunger Force later made its official debut on September 9, 2001, on Adult Swim, where the series has since aired exclusively, in the United States. The final episode "The Greatest Story Ever Told" made its television debut on August 30, 2015, after having been quietly released online four days earlier.

International broadcast

In Canada, Aqua Teen Hunger Force previously aired on Teletoon's Teletoon at Night block and later G4's Adult Digital Distraction block. The series currently airs on the Canadian version of Adult Swim.

In Australia, it began airing on SBS2 starting April 2013, but ceased airing, and returned in July 2016 as part of a version of Adult Swim on 9Go!, with the series airing from the beginning.

Merchandise

Several pieces of merchandise have been made for the series, including T-shirts, caps, wristbands, patches, and buttons featuring characters in the series. Master Shake and Carl Halloween costumes for adults were also available. There was also a series of collectible action figures and plush toys available along with car decals. Several pieces of custom merchandise were available on the Adult Swim Shop before the site quietly shut down in March 2012. Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters Colon the Soundtrack, the soundtrack to the film, was released in stores on April 10, 2007. On November 3, 2009, a Christmas album sung by characters from the show was released entitled Have Yourself a Meaty Little Christmas was released in stores.

In September 2010, Adult Swim Shop introduced a full scale, functioning hot air balloon in the likeness of Meatwad at a cost of $70,000. The purchase includes a piloted, one-hour ride anywhere in the continental United States, and the buyer got to keep it although a pilot's license would be required to actually fly it. The balloon was the most expensive item on Adult Swim Shop, surpassing the Metalocalypse "Dethklok Fountain" fountain, which was released early in 2010 for $40,000. The hot air balloon is no longer available.

Home releases

The first eight seasons have been released and distributed on DVD in volumes by Warner Home Video. Each set was also released in Region 2 and by Madman Entertainment in Region 4. The movie was released on a DVD set titled Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters for DVD, with the season four episode "Deleted Scenes" included as a special feature on August 17, 2007. The season five episode "Robots Everywhere" was also released as a special feature on the Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am video game on November 5, 2007, months prior to its official television debut on January 20, 2008. The first eleven seasons with the exception of the episodes "Boston" and "Shake Like Me" and the film Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters were released in a 20-disc DVD collection on September 20, 2022, as Aqua Teen Hunger Force: The Baffler Meal Complete Collection. It was the first time that seasons 9-11 have been released on DVD. The episode "Shake Like Me" is not included on the DVD due to its use of blackface, similar to its removal from rerun rotations and HBO Max. A second movie, Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm, was released on Blu-ray and 4K on November 20, 2022.

With the exception of the season four episode "Deleted Scenes", episodes of Aqua Teen Hunger Force are also available on iTunes, the Xbox Live Marketplace, and Amazon Video, with seasons five and up available in HD on iTunes and the Xbox Live Marketplace, and with seasons six up on Amazon Video. The movie is also available in HD and SD on the Xbox Live Marketplace. The season five episode "Boston" has never been released in any form of home media.

The series has been made available for on-demand streaming on Hulu Plus, as part of a deal made with Hulu and Turner Broadcasting. Every episode from all seasons is available for streaming at Hulu. As of May 27, 2020, the series is also available on HBO Max, with the exception of the episodes "Boston" and "Shake Like Me".

Aqua Teen Hunger Force home video releases
Season Episodes Release date
Region 1
1 2000–02 18 November 18, 2003
July 20, 2004
2 2003 24
November 16, 2004
3 2004 13 December 6, 2005
4 2005–06 13 January 29, 2008
5 2008 10 December 16, 2008 (excluded "Boston")
6 2009 10
June 1, 2010
7 2009–10 12
October 11, 2011
8 Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1 2011 10
9 Aqua Something You Know Whatever 2012 10 September 20, 2022
10 Aqua TV Show Show 2013 10
11 Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever 2015 9

Video games

There have also been video games created based on the series. Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Destruct-O-Thon, a mobile game based on the series, was published and released by Macrospace games in 2004. In 2005 Oberon Games released Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Studio Shakedown for PC. Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am, a golfing/kart racing/fighting game, was developed by Creat Studios and published by Midway Games, and released for the PlayStation 2 on November 5, 2007. An online Flash game based on the series entitled The Worst Game Ever was released, but was eventually taken down. A game entitled Carl's Freaking Strip Poker was also available on Adult Swim Games, but was eventually taken down.

Reception, influence, and legacy

In January 2009, IGN listed the series as the 39th best in the Top 100 Best Animated TV Shows. The series was nominated for Teen Choice Awards in 2007 and 2008. In 2011 Willis and Maiellaro received Annie Award nominations for writing in the season eight episode, "The Creditor". In 2019, IGN placed Aqua Teen Hunger Force 25th on their list of Top 25 Animated series for adults.

James Rolfe, best known for creating the Angry Video Game Nerd, has cited the show as an influence on Nerd as well as shaping his sense of humor. YouTuber Jason Gastrow, better known as Videogamedunkey, has also cited the show as a comedic influence.

2007 Boston bomb scare

Main article: 2007 Boston Mooninite panic

The series received national attention in 2007 because of a publicity stunt that became known as the Boston bomb scare. On January 31, 2007, as part of a national guerrilla marketing campaign for the series, Peter Berdovsky and Sean Stevens installed Lite-Brite-like LED displays depicting the Mooninites in eleven different cities: Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Austin, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. In Boston, the authorities considered the LEDs suspicious, prompting the closure of major roads and waterways for investigation. Turner Broadcasting System later admitted to placing the LEDs and apologized for the misunderstanding.

Berdovsky and Stevens faced charges for "placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct"; in spite of the uproar, the two mocked the media and critics in interviews. All criminal charges were dropped in exchange for Berdovsky and Stevens apologizing during their court date and accepting a plea bargain that consisted of community service at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center. Turner Broadcasting paid the Boston Police Department $1 million to cover the investigation's cost and an additional $1 million for good will. This was designed to settle criminal and civil claims, while the general manager of Cartoon Network stepped down because of the incident. Of the eleven cities in which the displays were placed, only Boston saw them as a matter of concern. The installations had been up for weeks before the panic.

An Aqua Teen Hunger Force episode from season five, "Boston", was produced as the series creators' response to the bomb scare, but Adult Swim pulled it to avoid further controversy. The episode has never aired or been formally released to the public legally in any format, though it was illegally leaked online in January 2015.

References

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  2. "Adult Swim Orders New Episodes of Iconic Series "Aqua Teen Hunger Force"". WarnerMedia Pressroom. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  3. "Adult Swim's Revival of Iconic Animated Comedy "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" Arrives Sunday, November 26". WarnerMedia Pressroom. October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  4. Zahed, Ramin (October 19, 2023). "Adult Swim to Serve Season 12 of 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' in November". Animation Magazine. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  5. ^ Franich, Darren (April 26, 2011). "'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' changes title to 'Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1'". Pop Watch. Archived from the original on May 1, 2011. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
  6. "Fightan Titan". Aqua Something You Know Whatever. Season 9. Episode 7. August 5, 2012.
  7. Audio commentary for "Baffler Meal"; Volume Two (DVD).
  8. Spoken dialogue in "Baffler Meal"; Volume Two (DVD).
  9. Johns, Myke (July 20, 2015). "'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' Creators Talk Cancellation, Weirdness". WABE. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  10. ^ Audio commentary (DVD).
  11. Spoken dialogue in Kidney Car
  12. "Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Interview, September 22, 2003". Flak Magazine. Archived from the original on June 15, 2006. Retrieved June 15, 2006.
  13. ^ "Welcome to Williams Street". Daily Vanguard. February 8, 2007. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved March 5, 2007.
  14. Ohanesian, Liz (May 7, 2011). "Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1: Are the Characters from Aqua Teen Hunger Force Really Moving to Seattle?". LAWeekly. Archived from the original on August 22, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  15. Sunu, Steve (January 27, 2012). "Matt Maiellaro on "Knobodys" & "Aqua Teens"". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on August 25, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
  16. Willis, Dave (June 17, 2015). "I am Dave Willis, co-creator of Aqua Teen Hunger Force...AMA!". Reddit. Archived from the original on December 24, 2016. Retrieved December 10, 2016.
  17. Eason, Jonas. "Master Shake's character page". Adult Swim. Archived from the original on September 2, 2011. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  18. Eason, Jonas. "Frylock's character page". Adult Swim. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  19. Eason, Jonas. "Meatwad's character page". Adult Swim. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  20. Eason, Jonas. "Carl's character page". Adult Swim. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  21. Ignignokt official character guide from Adult Swim. (archive)
  22. Err official character guide from Adult Swim. (archive)
  23. Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future official character guide from Adult Swim. (archive)
  24. "Sirens". Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Season 5. Episode 3. January 27, 2008. Adult Swim.
  25. "Spacecadunce". Aqua TV Show Show. Episode 10. October 20, 2013. Adult Swim.
  26. "Robots Everywhere". Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Season 5. Episode 2. January 20, 2008. Adult Swim.
  27. New open Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine the intro sequence used exclusively in "Rabbot Redux," with two versions used - the original for the theme and an alternate mixed used in the episode's end.
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