BoJack Horseman was a very popular adult cartoon comedy that started on Netflix in 2014. The show mixed humor with sadness in a special way. It boldly explored heavy topics like depression, addiction, and the struggles of life.
Audiences and critics loved BoJack Horseman’s unique style. At the center of this groundbreaking series was a talented team of writers and voice over actors putting reality in words. They skillfully created the touching story and eccentric characters that made the show so beloved. From the sarcastic but charming BoJack to the sweet but imperfect Diane, each character felt like a real, layered person.
But who exactly were the creative geniuses behind this cultural phenomenon? This article will look into the writers who shaped BoJack Horseman. We’ll discover the stories and inspirations that led to one of the most thought-provoking shows of our time.
Raphael Bob-Waksberg: The Mastermind
The creator and main creative mind behind BoJack Horseman was Raphael Bob-Waksberg. As the mastermind, Bob-Waksberg was the lead writer, executive producer, and person in charge of all six seasons of the groundbreaking animated series. He developed the core idea – a former celebrity horse dealing with deep life questions in Hollywood. Bob-Waksberg himself wrote the scripts for most of BoJack’s 77 episodes, blending bizarre humor with deep insights into struggles with depression, past trauma, and addiction. His skillful writing smoothly combined silly comic scenes with honest character studies that exposed very relatable human weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
More than just making a popular show, Bob-Waksberg’s unique visionary approach for BoJack Horseman elevated it to culturally important artwork that went beyond normal categories. Through animal characters performed by different skilled actors, he provided a cutting look at issues like mental illness, dysfunctional families, misogyny, and more. Bob-Waksberg’s distinctive voice as a writer made him a talented writer of his generation, celebrated for reviving the storytelling possibilities of adult animation.
Raphael Bob-Waksberg Movies and TV Shows
While “BoJack Horseman” remains Bob-Waksberg’s most renowned work, his creative portfolio extends to other projects in film and television. Here’s a complete list of TV shows and movies associated with Raphael Bob-Waksberg:
- BoJack Horseman (2014-2020): Creator, showrunner, and producer.
- Undone (2019-present): Executive producer and co-creator.
- Tuca & Bertie (2019-present): Executive producer and co-creator.
- Adam Ruins Everything (2015): Credits include the 2015 film.
- Childrens Hospital (2011): Credits include the 2011 film.
- The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019): Co-writer of the screenplay.
- BoJack Horseman Presents: The BoJack Horseman Show (2014): Creator and executive producer.
- BoJack Horseman Christmas Special: Sabrina’s Christmas Wish (2014): Creator and executive producer.
Raphael Bob-Waksberg Net Worth
Raphael Bob-Waksberg has a net worth of $10 million. He’s best known for creating the popular TV series BoJack Horseman. From 2014 to 2017, he worked on the show as a writer, producer, and voice actor. Before that, he was part of a comedy group called Olde English. He also helped make the movie, “The Exquisite Corpse” Project. In 2018, he teamed up with Amazon to create a new funny and serious cartoon called Undone, along with Kate Purdy. He went to Bard College and is Jewish. In BoJack Horseman, he voiced different characters, like a frog and a corgi. Overall, he’s made a lot of money and is a big deal in showbiz.
Other Writers of “BoJack Horseman”
While Raphael Bob-Waksberg was the creator of the show, he had a talented writers’ room supporting him over the show’s six seasons. Some of the other notable writers who worked on BoJack Horseman include:
- Mehar Sethi: She served as a supervising producer and writer on seasons 4-6. Some key episodes she wrote include “Stupid Piece of Sh*t” and “The Dog Days Are Over.”
- Peter A. Knight: He was a writer and producer, penning episodes like “The Amelia Earhart Story” and “Xerox of a Xerox.”
- Elijah Aron: A writer and co-producer who co-wrote celebrated episodes like “That’s Too Much, Man” and “Free Churro.”
- Joanna Calo: She wrote impactful episodes exploring Diane and Princess Carolyn’s arcs like “Brrap Brrap Pew Pew” and “Ruthie.”
- Kate Purdy: One of the first season writers, she wrote the trippy, downbeat classic “Downer Ending.”
- Kelly Galuska, Joe Lawson, Jordan Young, Alison Tafel: Other writers who made key episode contributions.
Who is BoJack Horseman Based On?
BoJack Horseman is not directly based on any one real-life celebrity, according to the show’s creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg. While some have speculated BoJack could be inspired by formerly famous sitcom stars like Charlie Sheen or Bob Saget who struggled with personal issues, Bob-Waksberg has dismissed the idea that BoJack is any single person. In a 2015 interview, he stated “BoJack Horseman is not John Stamos or Bob Saget or Tony Danza. He’s an invented character that riffs on a lot of different personae.”
So while BoJack epitomizes the dark side of fame and personas of washed-up celebrities grappling with relevance, substance abuse, and depression, he represents a commentary and amalgamation of those experiences rather than being based on one specific individual’s life. His relatable yet exaggerated struggles make him a complex, original character archetype.
BoJack Horseman’s Closing Theme
The closing credits theme for BoJack Horseman is titled “Back in the ’90s” and was written by the show’s creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg.
The folksy, melancholic song is performed by the character Hooray Perry, voiced by actor Ty Olsson. Its lyrics nostalgically reminisce about happier times for BoJack back when he was the star of the popular 1990s sitcom Horsin’ Around.
Sample Lyrics Include:
“I’m just a horse who doesn’t know any jokes My sadness is a puddle and there’s no way to dip your stroke I miss the ’90s, I miss the novelties Despacito, this is so depressing”
Back in the ’90s” plays over the end credits in every episode, becoming an instantly recognizable earworm for fans. Its presence underscores how BoJack remains haunted by his former fame.
Final Words
BoJack Horseman’s lasting impact proves how talented its writers were, especially its all-time favorite quotes. Through sad but meaningful storylines, smart social commentary, and a group of imperfect but very human characters, the show left a major mark on adult animated shows. Its honest look at heavy topics like mental illness, addiction, and the downsides of fame challenged viewers while also comforting them by showing our shared life experiences.
At the end of the series, BoJack Horseman’s writers created a cultural milestone that will keep inspiring and making people think for a long time, even after the story of Hollywood’s most troubled horse came to a close.