Chowder- A dip into the delight that is this curveball cartoon.

Wednesday Rewind - First published October 2023

Welcome to Animated, where I peek at famous and not-so-famous cartoons.

I also have another guest post on Tuesday, which is a real gem. If you fancy writing your own, please feel free to get in touch.

History

This week, an animation that is a bit of a curveball, Chowder.

Chowder was a popular animated television series aired on Cartoon Network from 2007 to 2010. Created by C.H. Greenblatt, the show brought a unique blend of humour, creativity, and vibrant animation to audiences through kitchen-based humour. Chowder became a favourite among fans, showcasing the adventures of a young chef-in-training in a fantastical culinary world.

Although only 49 show episodes were created, it won one Primetime Emmy Award and six Annie Award nominations.

The show was cancelled in August 2009 as it was felt that it didn’t appeal to the new demographic of older boys watching Cartoon Network. You can still catch shows on the web and elsewhere, including YouTube.

Plotline

The series is set in the fictional city of Marzipan, where food and cooking take on a magical significance. The main character, Chowder, is an energetic young apprentice under the tutelage of Mung Daal, a renowned chef, with Mung Daal's wife, Truffles, Schnitzel, and other quirky characters. Chowder embarks on culinary escapades, filling each lesson with a side order of humour.

The show's plot revolves around Chowder's attempts to master cooking and become a great chef like his mentor despite his occasional mistakes and misadventures. Each episode features unique recipes, creative ingredients, and challenges that Chowder must overcome while learning valuable lessons about friendship, responsibility, and the joy of creating delicious dishes.

Characters

Chowder: The young and enthusiastic chef-in-training, Chowder is known for his love of food and willingness to try new things. His boundless energy often leads to comedic mishaps, but his determination and passion make him a lovable and relatable character.

Mung Daal: Mung Daal is a skilled chef who mentors Chowder. He runs the Marzipan City catering company and is known for his expertise in the culinary arts, as well as his sometimes unconventional methods of teaching.

Schnitzel: Schnitzel is a giant rock monster who works in the kitchen and communicates primarily by saying "Radda." Despite his limited vocabulary, Schnitzel plays an essential role in the team and often finds himself caught up in the chaos of the kitchen.

Truffles: Mung Daal's wife and the business manager of the catering company, Truffles is assertive and often stern, but she cares deeply for the well-being of the kitchen staff.

Panini: A pink bear-cat-rabbit hybrid who has a crush on Chowder. Panini is also an apprentice and possessive of Chowder, getting jealous when she sees him with another girl, which causes Chowder to try and avoid her.  

Merchandise

The popularity of Chowder led to a range of merchandise inspired by the show. Fans could find action figures, clothing, toys, and other items featuring the colourful characters and the show's culinary themes. 

Fun Facts

• Each character in the show is named after a type of food.

• Mung Daal is voiced by The A Team’s Dwight Shultz (he played Murdoch for your ‘80s kids)

• A wide range of media was used in episodes, from watercolours to stop motion with real food.