Big City Greens Hits 100: Laughter & Heart in Every Episode

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In May, the much-loved animated show “Big City Greens” from Disney Channel will reach a significant landmark – it will broadcast its 100th episode on regular television on the 3rd of May, while streaming on Disney+ starting from the 7th of May.

Debuting in 2018, this animated series has subtly established itself as a key element in contemporary family entertainment, merging the timeless appeal of traditional situation comedies with imaginative narratives and a good measure of humor.

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Started in 2018, this show has gradually grown into a significant part of modern family animation, combining the endearing essence of classic sitcoms with creative plotlines and a touch of absurdity.

Hailing from the creative minds of Chris and Shane Houghton, “Big City Greens” is a show that chronicles the escapades of Cricket Green, a spirited 10-year-old boy whose family relocates from the countryside to the bustling city. Drawing inspiration from their own upbringing in the small town of St. Johns, Michigan, the series skillfully blends physical comedy with heartfelt moments; its enduring appeal is no fluke.

Initially, Shane Houghton expressed confidence that this program had the potential to run for 100 episodes. The question was whether the concept would hold up that long, and he felt it could due to the series’ strong foundation – a blend of humor and emotional depth.

At the core of the series’ triumph has always been the heart. Beneath the cartoon pandemonium lies “Big City Greens,” which consistently maintains focus on its emotional essence. The 100th episode serves as a grand spectacle, featuring colossal fowls, journeys to the beyond, and even a guest appearance by Mark Hamill. Yet, it also encompasses poignant and authentic scenes that highlight the deep regard the show holds for its viewers, demonstrating its commitment to resonate with them on a personal level.

Shane emphasizes the importance of emotional connection,” he states. “He wants viewers to experience feelings when they watch. It’s not just about humor, but also about stirring genuine emotions and concern.

Chris Houghton agrees that it’s exciting to witness ‘Big City Greens’ expand past its television show – into short videos, a film, live NHL games, social media platforms like TikTok, and toy lines. However, it’s the characters that ultimately enable all these expansions.

With approximately 1 billion views on YouTube and consistently ranked as one of the most popular kids’ shows (ages 6-11) across all platforms, “Big City Greens” stands out as not only the longest-running animated series on Disney TVA, trailing only “Phineas and Ferb,” but also the longest continuously airing one. As Meredith Roberts, Executive Vice President of Television Animation at Disney Branded Television, stated: “It’s evolving into a timeless, evergreen series.

One distinctive feature of “Big City Greens” is its avoidance of patronizing its viewers. As Roberts explains, “the special ingredient lies in Cricket’s ability to act mischievously without being preached at, but always facing the repercussions.” In essence, the show shuns delivering moral lessons through subtle messaging. Instead, it offers a delightful experience free of condescension towards children.

What makes “Big City Greens” unique is that it doesn’t speak down to its audience. According to Roberts, Cricket can get into trouble and learn from his actions without being lectured about it. The show doesn’t aim to educate through hidden messages. Rather, it provides a fun-filled, non-preachy experience for kids.

Respecting children has always been our primary consideration. In other words, Shane emphasizes that what we’re creating isn’t solely for the entertainment of children. Instead, our main goal is to make ourselves laugh first, as adults. However, it turns out that this approach works effectively because children are intelligent and can sense when they’re being treated in a patronizing manner.

Roberts attributes Green’s lasting charm to the distinct style of the Houghtons. “Their comedic voice has become even more refined over time,” he says. “They’ve dabbled in music, delved into intriguing family dynamics, and they’ve managed to do it all while maintaining the tone they set from the beginning.

Off-camera, the show boasts a top-tier team, with producers like Michael Coughlin (“The Muppets”) and co-executive producer Stephen Sandoval (“The Owl House”) on board.

With “Big City Greens” moving forward into its fifth season, the Houghton siblings are branching out creatively. Through an extensive agreement with Disney, they’re currently working on both live-action productions and mature animated series as well.

Chris remarks, ‘We’ve got quite a bit on our plates right now,’ but he adds with enthusiasm, ‘It’s a fantastic experience! We continue to enjoy working on ‘Big City Greens.’ I must say, Season 5 is promising to be the most hilarious one yet!

For Roberts, it’s crucial to provide artists such as the Houghtons ample space for development: “Our goal is to help them flourish within our company. We strive for a balanced schedule to prevent burnout. If an artist feels they’ve exhausted their potential with one series, we aim to keep them here and nurture their growth in different formats.

The Houghtons have found their journey on the show incredibly meaningful and personal. Shane explains, “We’ve been part of this program for nine years now, and when I revisit old episodes, they serve as tiny time capsules of my life. The discussions we had, the challenges we faced – it’s all preserved within them. That’s truly unique.

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2025-04-30 22:47