The rise of an Iconic Cat
Garfield's leap from comic strip to legend.
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When you think of our feline friends in animations, it’s difficult not to think of this loveable charmer. I wanted to research and write about Garfield as he moved seamlessly from comic strips into animation and beyond. As his legacy is so huge, I am sure that I haven’t captured everything, but that is half of the beauty of this beast, as I will widen my knowledge too after the post :)
The History of Garfield
Garfield, the iconic, lasagne-loving orange tabby cat, has captivated audiences with his wry humour and lazy lifestyle since his first appearance in animated form in 1980. Created by Jim Davis, Garfield began as a comic strip on June 19, 1978, and quickly became one of the most widely syndicated comics in the world. By the early 1980s, Garfield appeared in over 1,000 newspapers, a testament to its immediate popularity.
The first foray into animation came with the TV unique Garfield: Here Comes Garfield, aired on CBS on October 25, 1982. This was followed by animated specials throughout the 1980s, including Garfield in the Town (1983) and Garfield in the Rough (1984), both of which won Emmy Awards, further solidifying Garfield’s success.
A significant turning point for Garfield in animation came in 1988 with the debut of Garfield and Friends, a Saturday morning animated TV series. Running for seven seasons until 1994, the show was notable for its combination of Garfield stories and segments featuring characters from another Jim Davis comic strip, U.S. Acres (known as Orson's Farm in the UK). The animation style was bright and bold, capturing the essence of the comic strip while expanding Garfield’s world.
In 2008, Garfield was revamped for modern audiences with the CGI-animated series The Garfield Show, which aired globally and ran for five seasons. While the animation was updated with 3D rendering, the tone and humour remained faithful to the spirit of the original series from the 1980s. Today, Garfield remains an adored part of popular culture, with new projects, including a CGI-animated Garfield movie in 2024.
The Characters
Its well-defined and universally recognisable characters have always driven Garfield's success. Chief among them is Garfield, a lazy, cynical, and food-obsessed cat whose selfishness is somehow endearing. His love for lasagne, disdain for Mondays, and witty one-liners make him relatable across generations.
Garfield’s long-suffering owner, Jon Arbuckle, is a socially awkward cartoonist whose eternal optimism contrasts Garfield’s sarcasm. Jon’s constant attempts to manage his chaotic household while hopelessly pursuing a romance with veterinarian Dr Liz Wilson (who first appeared in the comics in 1979) provide much of the human humour in the show.
Jon’s dim-witted but lovable dog, Odie, serves as Garfield’s unwitting foil. His boundless energy and clueless expression make him a frequent target of Garfield’s pranks. Nermal, the unbearably cute kitten who prides himself on being "the world’s cutest cat," regularly appears and becomes the object of Garfield’s envy and sarcastic commentary.
Plotlines
The plotlines in Garfield are generally light-hearted and episodic, revolving around the characters' daily lives in their suburban world. Garfield's primary concerns are food, sleep, and avoiding anything that requires effort. Episodes often feature his antics as he tries to outsmart Jon, evade responsibility, and consume as much food as possible. Regular themes include Garfield’s attempts to avoid being sent to the vet, his rivalry with Nermal, and his famous hatred for Mondays.
The humour in Garfield relies heavily on slapstick comedy, clever dialogue, and situational irony, often highlighting Garfield’s laziness or selfishness. Occasionally, the show ventures into more fantastical plotlines, such as when Garfield daydreams about being a superhero or adventurer, but the core remains grounded in everyday domestic scenarios.
Famous People and Fans
Over the years, Garfield has attracted several famous fans. One of the most notable is actor and comedian Bill Murray, who voiced Garfield in the 2004 live-action/CGI hybrid Garfield: The Movie and its 2006 sequel Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties. Murray’s sarcastic delivery matched Garfield’s tone perfectly. However, he has joked in interviews that he misunderstood the script when he agreed to the role, mistaking it for a project by Joel Coen (of the Coen brothers) rather than Joel Cohen, the screenwriter.
Jennifer Love Hewitt, who co-starred with Garfield in the live-action films, has also expressed her love for the character. Additionally, Garfield’s creator, Jim Davis, has been celebrated within the animation and comics community, with many animators and cartoonists acknowledging his contributions to the field.
Popular Culture
Garfield’s impact on popular culture is undeniable. The character's influence extends far beyond the TV screen, with his face appearing on everything from clothing and school supplies to home décor and food packaging. One of his most iconic phrases, "I hate Mondays," has become a cultural meme used by millions worldwide to express their frustration with the beginning of the workweek.
Throughout the years, Garfield has evolved to reflect societal changes while maintaining his fundamental character. While the show's humour and structure have remained broadly consistent, newer adaptations, such as The Garfield Show, have incorporated more contemporary settings and technologies, appealing to younger audiences.
Garfield has also been featured in various advertising campaigns over the years. Notably, in the 1980s, he was the mascot for Alpo dog food, with his reluctant endorsement of the product aimed at dog owners rather than his feline fans. His unmistakable face has also appeared in campaigns for other products, embedding him firmly into consumer culture.
Spin-Offs and Related Work
Beyond television, Garfield has inspired numerous spin-offs and related projects. The live-action/CGI films Garfield: The Movie (2004) and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006) introduced the character to a new generation of fans. An extensive range of Garfield merchandise, from plush toys and action figures to clothing and kitchenware, has also contributed to the franchise’s longevity.
In the digital realm, Garfield has appeared in several video games, notably Garfield: Caught in the Act (1995), where players navigate Garfield through various fantasy-themed levels. Another popular spin-off is Garfield Minus Garfield, a webcomic created by Dan Walsh. Garfield is removed from the strips in this comic, leaving Jon to talk to himself. This quirky take on the comic became so popular that it was published as a book, with Jim Davis himself supporting the project.
Financials
Financially, Garfield has been an overwhelming success. Since its inception, the franchise has generated billions of dollars from licensing and merchandising. By the 1980s, Garfield merchandise alone generated over $750 million annually. The character's continued popularity in syndication, animation, and films, along with its extensive merchandising efforts, has made Jim Davis one of the wealthiest cartoonists in history.
Legacy
Garfield’s legacy in the world of animation and comics is undeniable. The character has influenced a generation of animators and comedians with his sharp wit, distinctive visual style, and relatable humour. Garfield has become a global pop culture icon, recognised by audiences worldwide. Many fans and creators cite Garfield as their introduction to the world of comics, and the TV series has brought the joys of animated comedy to millions of viewers.
Fun Facts
Garfield holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s most widely syndicated comic strip, appearing in over 2,500 newspapers globally at its peak.
Garfield's character was named after Jim Davis’s grandfather, James Garfield Davis.
Garfield’s famous hatred of Mondays is not work-related but because Mondays disrupt his lounging, eating, and napping routine.
…and finally
From his beginnings as a comic strip to his reign as a global animation star, Garfield has been a constant presence in cartoons for over four decades. His dry humour, love of food, and unique perspective on life continue to connect with fans of all ages. Whether through traditional hand-drawn animation, CGI, or live-action hybrid films, Garfield has adapted to the times while retaining the essence of what made him iconic in the first place. He stands as a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted, relatable humour in the ever-evolving world of animation.
If you, like Garfield, hate Mondays, feel free to share this with someone to brighten their Monday.
Garfield was one of my favorite comic strips as a kid. I couldn't wait for the Sunday paper when Garfield and all of the comics were in color.
Thanks for sharing this with us all.
I was a HUGE Garfield fan! I had the books, a stuffed animal, and many other mementos associated with that lovable cat! My mother even made a cat-sized version of it using her hook/rug kit. When she passed away in 2020 I slept with it for several months. I still keep it by my side of the bed!