It’s been a decade since the last new episode of Phineas and Ferb aired. And when the first set of brand new episodes return next Friday, fans will feel like they haven’t missed a beat. Despite some casting changes, the “reboot”, “sequel” or whatever you want to call it is, at minimum, a glorious return to form. It also adds a notch to the belt of incredible, compelling animated television shows Disney’s released this year.
Yes. Considering that just a few short months ago, the House of Mouse put out two amazingly different yet groundbreaking animated shows at the same time (Pixar’s Win or Lose and Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man), it may sound like a bold statement. But so far, it’s true. And this is no erasure of the franchise’s last project, Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe, either. The COVID-era film was a great mini reunion, but there’s something truly special about the return to this format. In the first two episodes alone, the show fires on all cylinders not only unleashing its signature balance of heart and sharp wit, but a new profound self-awareness too.
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There’s a common belief that the first album from a musician or musical group is always the best in their discography because it draws inspiration from their life experiences (up until that point). Subsequent releases only have a handful of years – or months – to draw from, which is why the sound and impact always vary. Here, it feels like creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh have been in the kitchen for a decade, waiting to share their cooking. Continuing that analogy, the first couple of episodes feel like a delicious appetizer for an unforgettable meal.
The duo kicks things off by taking us back to the “Tri-State Area” nine months after the gang’s last adventure. We are united with the two titular step-brothers and their eclectic group of friends mere minutes before school lets out once again for the next summer vacation. But in place of the show’s iconic introductory theme song, for the second time in Disney Channel history, there’s a call to action for viewers to celebrate the end of the school year as Phineas sings the show’s equivalent to High School Musical 2’s “What Time Is It?”.
That alternate introduction is a great example of the series setting up its traditional equation and then brilliantly breaking from the formula. Fans will be more than pleased to see Phineas, Ferb, Candice, Perry and the rest of the gang working together in that first episode instead of working separately until the problem hilariously resolving itself. It’s a fun nod to those who expect and enjoy the show’s silly repetition. But it’s also a wink to those who have waited not only to see the show return, but to grow.
And the characters are growing too. Make no mistake. Vincent Martella, Ashley Tisdale, Alyson Stoner still sound the same. As previously mentioned, the only slightly noticeable casting changes come from all the surprising celebrity cameos, as well as the addition of David Errigo Jr. (who replaces Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Ferb).But the show is in no rush to age any of the characters.
For example, in one of the first few episodes, we see a character attempt to get their driver’s license. Povenmire and Marsh understand that milestones are inevitable, but they use them to give the characters new traits that will help them navigate the next set of adventures. That choice alone elevates the show to the pantheon of other timeless animated (and Disney-owned) comedies such as The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers and Family Guy. And the fact that it is still just as entertaining without being explicit is even more impressive.
While meta humor has always been a hallmark of the show – and still continues to be – this time around, you can feel how much thought has gone into the season’s entertainment. Besides the jokes being funnier, the storylines are more intricate, the themes are more nuanced, and it even feels like Dr. Doofenshmirtz is failing harder for maximum comedic effect. In any other case, the kind of connection the show fosters could be called “fan service.” And while there is plenty of that too, there’s an ineffable understanding creatives made this batch of episodes in service of the fandom. Like Phineas and Ferb, or their schemes and the summer, one couldn’t exist without the other.
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The new season of Phineas and Ferb will premiere on Thursday, June 5, at 8 p.m. PDT/EDT on Disney Channel and Disney XD with two episodes. The first episode will also be available the same day on Disney Channel YouTube.
In the new season, Phineas, Ferb and the crew tackle another 104 days of summer and are set for exciting new adventures featuring some unforgettable milestones. The boys will break several world records, Candace will take her driver’s license test, and Perry will finally make a trip to the vet!
