View source for The Boondocks (TV series)

{{short description|American anime-influenced adult animated sitcom}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = The Boondocks.png
| caption              = 
| genre                = {{Plainlist|
* [[Animated sitcom]]
* [[Black sitcom]]
* [[Black comedy|Dark comedy]]
* [[Satire]]
}}
| based_on             = ''[[The Boondocks (comic strip)|The Boondocks]]'' by Aaron McGruder
| creator              = [[Aaron McGruder]]
| writer               = 
| director             = 
| voices               = {{Plainlist|
* [[Regina King]]
* [[John Witherspoon (actor)|John Witherspoon]]
* [[Gary Anthony Williams]]
* [[Cedric Yarbrough]]
* [[Jill Talley]]
* Gabby Soleil {{small|(seasons 1–3)}}
* Kiarah Pollas {{small|(season 4)}}
}}
| narrated             = Regina King
| theme_music_composer = {{Plainlist|
* Derryck "Big Tank" Thornton
* Aaron McGruder
* [[Asheru|Gabriel Benn]]
}}
| opentheme            = "The Boondocks Main Title" performed by [[Asheru]]
| composer             = {{Plainlist|
* Metaphor the Great
* Jonathan Jackson
}}
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 4
| num_episodes         = 55
| list_episodes        = List of The Boondocks episodes
| executive_producer   = {{Plainlist|
* Aaron McGruder {{small|(seasons 1–3)}}
* [[Reginald Hudlin]] {{small|(seasons 1–2)}}
* [[Rodney Barnes]] 
}}
| producer             = {{Plainlist|
* Brian J. Cowan {{small|(season 1)}}
* [[Denys Cowan]] {{small|(season 1)}}
* Carl Jones {{small|(seasons 1–3)}}
* Brian Ash {{small|(season 3)}}
* Seung Eun Kim {{small|(seasons 3–4)}}
}}
| editor               = {{Plainlist|
* Anna Granfors {{small|(season 1)}}
* Jhoanne Reyes {{small|(season 1)}}
* Bruce A. King {{small|(seasons 1–2)}}
* Ralph A. Eusebio {{small|(season 2)}}
* Lee Harting {{small|(season 3)}}
* Yoonah Kim {{small|(season 4)}}
}}
| runtime              = 19–23 minutes
| company              = {{Plainlist|
* [[Aaron McGruder|Rebel Base Productions]] {{small|(seasons 1–3)}}
* [[Adelaide Productions]]
* [[Sony Pictures Television]]
}}
| network              = [[Adult Swim]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|2005|11|6}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|2014|06|23}}
}}

'''''The Boondocks''''' is an American [[Anime-influenced animation|anime-influenced]] [[adult animated]] sitcom, created by [[Aaron McGruder]] for [[Cartoon Network]]'s late-night programming block, [[Adult Swim]].<ref name="bdlead">{{cite web | last1=Outlaw | first1=Kofi | title='The Boondocks' Season 4 Is In The Works | url=https://screenrant.com/the-boondocks-season-4-announced-kofi-125008/| website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=2011-07-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407010527/https://screenrant.com/the-boondocks-season-4-announced/ | archive-date=2022-04-07 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is based upon his [[The Boondocks (comic strip)|manga-influenced comic strip of the same name]].<ref name="bdlead" /> The series premiered on November 6, 2005. The show focuses on a [[Black American]] family, the Freemans, settling into the fictional, friendly and predominantly [[White Americans|White]] suburb of Woodcrest<!-- Please see references AND talk page before you change the State-->.<ref>{{cite web | last1=McGruder | first1=Aaron | author-link1=Aaron McGruder |url=http://www.gocomics.com/boondocks/2007/10/18 | date=2007-10-18 | title=The Boondocks by Aaron McGruder for October 18, 2007 | website=[[GoComics]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121123015/https://www.gocomics.com/boondocks/2007/10/18 | archive-date=2022-01-21 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The perspective offered by this mixture of cultures, lifestyles, social classes, stereotypes, viewpoints and racialized identities provides for much of the series' satire, comedy, and conflict.

The series ended its run on June 23, 2014, with a total of [[List of The Boondocks episodes|55 episodes]] over the course of the show's four seasons, the last of which was produced without any involvement from McGruder, reportedly because "a mutually agreeable production schedule could not be determined".<ref name="FutonCritic">{{cite web|title="The Boondocks" Returns to Adult Swim for Fourth and Final Season|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2014/03/21/the-boondocks-returns-to-adult-swim-for-fourth-and-final-season-499203/20140321adultswim01/|website=The Futon Critic|access-date=May 7, 2014}}</ref> The series also has aired in [[Broadcast syndication|syndication]] outside the United States and has been released on various DVD sets and other forms of home media.

''The Boondocks'' has received several accolades including an [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Comedy Series|NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series]] and a [[Peabody Award]]. On June 12, 2019, it was announced that [[Sony Pictures Animation]] would be producing a reboot of the television series that was set to premiere in 2022 with McGruder's involvement; [[John Witherspoon (actor)|John Witherspoon]] was also attached to the project to reprise his role as Robert Freeman before his death on October 29, 2019.<ref name="Annecy">{{cite news |last1=Sarto |first1=Dan |date=2019-06-12 |title=Sony Pictures Animation Reveals Bold, Expanded Production Slate at Annecy 2019 |url=https://www.awn.com/news/sony-pictures-animation-reveals-bold-expanded-production-slate-annecy-2019|access-date=2022-04-14 |work=Animation World News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403164206/https://www.awn.com/news/sony-pictures-animation-reveals-bold-expanded-production-slate-annecy-2019 |archive-date=2022-04-03 |url-status=live |quote=The return of The Boondocks, a co-production with Sony Pictures Television, is a complete re-imagining of the beloved and wildly rebellious animated satire for this modern era, and chronicles the adventures of the Freeman family against the evil local government tyrant Uncle Ruckus, who rules fictional Woodcrest County, Maryland with an iron fist. |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="complex">{{cite web|last=Hamilton |first=Xavier |date=2019-06-12|title=Sony Announces Reboot of 'The Boondocks' With Creator Aaron McGruder|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2019/06/sony-return-the-boondocks-creator-aaron-mcgruder|website=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|access-date=June 12, 2019}}</ref> On September 18, 2019, it was announced that [[Max (streaming service)|HBO Max]] had picked up the reboot with a two-season order. The two seasons were set to consist of twelve episodes each.<ref name="Andreeva">{{Cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/the-boondocks-reboot-2-season-order-hbo-max-1202737902/ |title='The Boondocks' Reboot Gets 2-Season Order By HBO Max |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |date=2019-09-18 | website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412022459/https://deadline.com/2019/09/the-boondocks-reboot-2-season-order-hbo-max-1202737902/ | archive-date=2022-04-12 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref> On February 2, 2022, it was revealed that development had been canceled and that the project was shelved.<ref name="RebootCancelled"/>

== Development and production ==
[[File:Aaron McGruder.png|thumb|left|upright|Aaron McGruder (pictured in 2002), creator of the series.]]
''The Boondocks'' began as a comic strip on Hitlist.com, one of the first music websites.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://content.uclick.com/pdfs/theboondocks_factsheet.pdf |title=''The Boondocks'' |website=UClick.com |publisher=Andrews McMeel Universal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704100132/http://content.uclick.com/pdfs/theboondocks_factsheet.pdf |archive-date=July 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 17, 2016}}</ref> The strip later found its way into ''[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]]'' magazine. Following these runs, McGruder began simultaneously pitching ''The Boondocks'' as both a syndicated comic strip and an animated television series.<ref name="Hutchens int">{{cite web |interviewer=Interview with Bill Hutchens |url=http://dwb.thenewstribune.com/ae/story/5312055p-4812701c.html |title=Aaron McGruder interview: Complete transcript |work=The News Tribune |publisher=Tacoma News, Inc. |date=November 6, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070527105106/http://dwb.thenewstribune.com/ae/story/5312055p-4812701c.html |archive-date=May 27, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 17, 2016}}</ref> The former goal was met first, and ''The Boondocks'' debuted in newspapers in April 1999.

In the meantime, the development of the TV series continued. In between fall of 2003 to summer of 2004, McGruder and film producer/director [[Reginald Hudlin]] (President of Entertainment for BET from 2005 to 2008) created a ''Boondocks'' pilot for the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox network]], but found great difficulty in making the series acceptable for network television. Hudlin left the project after the Fox deal fell through, though McGruder and Sony Pictures Television were contractually obligated to credit him as an executive producer for the first two seasons.<ref>{{Cite interview |title=Aaron McGruder |last=McGruder |first=Aaron |interviewer=Nathan Rabin |interviewer-link=Nathan Rabin |url=https://www.avclub.com/aaron-mcgruder-1798208839 |date=2005-11-23 |subject-link=Aaron McGruder |work=[[The A.V. Club]] |access-date=October 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/30/arts/television/the-comicstrip-revolution-will-be-televised.html | title=The Comic-Strip Revolution Will be Televised | work=The New York Times | date=October 30, 2005 | last1=Ogunnaike | first1=Lola }}</ref> [[Mike Lazzo]], president of [[Adult Swim]] and executive producer for ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force]]'' and ''[[Space Ghost Coast to Coast]]'', stumbled across the pilot and declared it "too networky". He then ordered a 15-episode season and told McGruder to "just tell stories".

The series has a loose connection with the continuity of the comic strip, though during the final year of the strip McGruder made a point to try to synchronize them. He introduced [[Uncle Ruckus]] into the strip, and the comic-strip version of Riley's hair was braided into [[cornrows]] to match the character's hair in the series. During Season 1, McGruder put the strip on a 6-month hiatus beginning in March 2006. He did not return to the strip the following November, and the strip's syndicate, [[Universal Press Syndicate]], announced that it had been canceled.<ref>{{cite news|title=Return of 'Boondocks' comic strip delayed |date=September 25, 2006 |publisher=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/books/09/25/boondocks.comics.ap/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060929012123/http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/books/09/25/boondocks.comics.ap/index.html |archive-date=September 29, 2006 }}</ref>

The opening theme song used in the series (slightly remixed for Season 2 and 3) is performed by [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] artist [[Asheru]].

The series was produced in [[widescreen]] since the beginning, but the image was cropped to accommodate the [[4:3]] [[aspect ratio (image)|aspect ratio]] at the time of their original broadcasts as well as reruns. Adult Swim rarely crops widescreen material. Since the third season, the series has been produced in [[16:9]] [[high-definition television|high definition]] and presented in its original aspect ratio and resolution.

In 2014, it was announced that McGruder would not be involved in the show's fourth season. Adult Swim stated, "a mutually agreeable production schedule could not be determined."<ref>{{cite news|last=Moore|first=Frazier|title='The Boondocks' Back For Final 'Offensive' Season|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/boondocks-back-final-offensive-season|access-date=April 23, 2014|publisher=Associated Press|date=April 18, 2014|archive-date=April 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424023503/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/boondocks-back-final-offensive-season|url-status=dead}}</ref> The fourth season premiered on April 21, 2014, ending its run on June 23, 2014.<ref name="IMDb Season 4">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373732/episodes?season=4 |website=IMDb.com |title=''The Boondocks'' (2005) Episode List: Season 4 |access-date=October 17, 2016}}</ref>

== Setting ==
The series opens with the Freemans settling into the fictional, peaceful, and mostly [[White American|white]] suburb of Woodcrest. Evidence for the real-world location of the fictional Woodcrest is mixed. Proponents of the Chicago's [[South Side, Chicago|South Side]] theory cite the real-life suburb of [[Crestwood, Illinois]] and the similarity of the two names.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animefast.tv/anime-detail/the-boondocks-.html|title=The Boondocks|work=Animefast.tv|access-date=May 23, 2015|archive-date=January 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121033813/http://www.animefast.tv/anime-detail/the-boondocks-.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first season features several Chicago landmarks: a skyline shot showing the [[Willis Tower]], [[Grant Park (Chicago)|Grant Park]], buildings of the [[Michigan Avenue (Chicago)#From the River southwards|Michigan Avenue Historic District]], and [[Lake Michigan]];<ref>{{cite episode |series=The Boondocks |season=1 |number=4 |time=0:40 |title=Granddad's Fight |airdate=November 27, 2005}}</ref> as well as elevated [[rapid transit]] endemic to the city, resembling the [[Chicago "L"]].<ref>{{cite episode |series=The Boondocks |season=1 |number=5 |time=14:08  |title=A Date with the Health Inspector |airdate=December 4, 2005}}</ref> More conclusive evidence is presented in "The Trial of Robert Kelly", in which Riley asks Grandad, "Can you take us into the city tomorrow to watch the [[R. Kelly]] trial?".<ref>{{cite episode |series=The Boondocks |season=1 |number=2 |title=The Trial of Robert Kelly  |airdate=November 13, 2005}}</ref> Grandad denies his request and tells him to walk, and Riley replies "But it's 40 miles!" R. Kelly is from Chicago, and his trial was held there, giving more evidence that ''The Boondocks'' is in fact set in Illinois.<ref name="Boondocks S1 E9">{{cite episode |series=The Boondocks |season=1 |number=9 |title=Return of the King |airdate=January 15, 2006}}</ref> Another reference to Chicago is [[Martin Luther King]] Drive, a major street running through the [[South Side of Chicsgo| South Side]] of Chicago, mentioned for its violent activity in the 9th episode of season 1, "Return of the King".<ref name="Boondocks S1 E9"/> Additionally, in "Let's Nab Oprah", Ed Wuncler III, Gin Rummy and Riley go to [[Oprah Winfrey]]'s television studio in an attempt to kidnap her. ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' was recorded at [[Harpo Studios]] in Near West Side Chicago.<ref>{{cite episode |series=The Boondocks |season=1 |number=10 |title=The Itis |airdate=January 22, 2006}}</ref>

Proponents of the [[Columbia, Maryland]] theory cite other evidence, such as McGruder's own childhood there, where his father worked for the [[National Transportation Safety Board]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2004/04/19/the-radical|title=The Radical|first=Ben |last=McGrath|date=April 19, 2004|magazine=[[The New Yorker]]|access-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref> In the comics, Huey's cellphone number has a [[Area codes 410, 443, and 667|443]] [[area code]], which belongs to the [[Baltimore metropolitan area]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gocomics.com/boondocks/2007/10/18|title=The Boondocks Comic Strip, October 18, 2007 |first=Aaron |last=McGruder|work=GoComics.com|access-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref> In "Wingmen", the Freemans fly "home" to Chicago, where they lived before moving to Woodcrest, to attend a funeral.<ref>{{cite episode|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/the-boondocks-season-1/id293053000|series=The Boondocks |season=1 |number=13 |title=Wingmen |airdate=March 5, 2006 |access-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref> In "[[The Fried Chicken Flu]]", a reporter on a passing television screen reports on the titular disease's effect on the state of Maryland.<ref>{{cite episode |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/the-boondocks-season-3/id368272397|title=The Fried Chicken Flu |series=The Boondocks |season=3 |number=13 |airdate=August 1, 2010 |access-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref> In addition, in Season 4's first episode, "Pretty Boy Flizzy", a man references an upcoming concert at Woodcrest Post Pavilion, which may be a play on Columbia's notable concert venue [[Merriweather Post Pavilion]].<ref>{{cite episode |series=The Boondocks |season=4 |number=1|title=Pretty Boy Flizzy |airdate=April 21, 2014}}</ref>

== Characters ==
{{Main|List of The Boondocks characters}}
* [[Huey Freeman]] (voiced by [[Regina King]]) – 10-year-old Huey Freeman is the family's moral compass and voice of reason. He is an intelligent, wise-beyond-his-years avid reader who is knowledgeable about a variety of subjects. He is heavily influenced by the theories of various left-wing [[social movements]] and [[social justice]] leaders. His brother and grandfather constantly ridicule and underestimate him, thinking he is a fool to have goals and values that aim higher than the expectations of mainstream American culture. It is mentioned that he has been declared a "domestic terrorist". While he promotes various social causes, he is openly contemptuous of gangsta rap/hip hop as portrayed in mainstream media for glamorizing wasteful extravagance, self-defeating lifestyles, and ignorance. Huey, unlike the other characters, rarely smiles; in the episode "[[Let's Nab Oprah]]" he smiles after his duel with Riley; he also smiles when Riley begins to win basketball games in "[[Ballin' (The Boondocks)|Ballin']]". He is a highly skilled kung-fu fighter, and beats Riley with ease in any physical altercation between the two. He has only lost to a few opponents.
* [[Riley Freeman]] (voiced by Regina King) – Riley Freeman is Huey's mischievous, rebellious, and highly impressionable 8-year-old brother, who is enthusiastic follower and fanatic of [[Gangsta rap|gangsta rap]] and street culture. Though he is otherwise charming, clever, and artistically gifted, Riley maintains loyalty to gangsta rap ideals, even in the face of their self-destructive consequences. In "[[The Fundraiser]]" Huey tries to warn him directly about the foregone conclusions of his poor decisions, but Riley offhandedly rebuffs him. The bulk of the series focuses on Riley's misadventures (most of which are fueled by his love of gangsta rap and a desire to emulate other people he admires) or on his various outlandish schemes, which his grandfather often endorses and aids. Despite his wild nature and attempts to appear tough, Riley occasionally shows a softer, innocent side. While his brother practices martial arts, Riley is skilled in street fighting, as shown in "Home Alone" and "Smokin' with Cigarettes".
* Robert Jebediah "Granddad" Freeman (voiced by [[John Witherspoon (actor)|John Witherspoon]]) – is the grandfather and legal guardian of Huey and Riley. While he loves his two grandsons, he sometimes explodes in tirades of angry frustration over their wisecracking observations, constant schemes, and misadventures, although he has his own moments; for instance, his eagerly misguided dating pursuits unwittingly attract bizarre or dangerous women. According to Season 3's "[[It's a Black President, Huey Freeman]]", "Nobody knows exactly how old Robert Freeman is—not even himself." Robert often threatens to discipline his grandsons, mainly Riley with [[Three Stooges]]-style [[corporal punishment]] and has developed a remarkable degree of speed and dexterity in wielding his belt for this purpose. He was an avid civil rights activist in his young adult years.

== Episodes ==
{{Main|List of The Boondocks episodes}}
{{:List of The Boondocks episodes}}
Both the comic strip and the cartoon were influenced by McGruder's love of [[anime]] and [[manga]].<ref name="Samurai Champloo et al">{{cite interview | last=McGruder | first=Aaron | subject-link=Aaron McGruder | interviewer=Bill Hutchens | title=thenewstribune.com |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/ae/story/5312055p-4812701c.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301163301/http://www.thenewstribune.com/ae/story/5312055p-4812701c.html | archive-date=2007-03-01 | date=2005-11-06}}</ref> He cites ''[[Cowboy Bebop]]'' and ''[[Samurai Champloo]]'' as sources of inspiration for the series' fight scenes. The opening sequence of Season 1 contains similarities to that of ''Samurai Champloo''. Some of the humor is based on the characters' anime-style movements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=17924|title=Aaron McGruder - The Boondocks Interview|access-date=2007-10-14|author=Troy Rogers|website=UnderGroundOnline|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228055740/http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=17924|archive-date=2008-02-28}}</ref> In 2006, McGruder explained in an interview, "We now have a Japanese anime studio named [[Madhouse (company)|Madhouse]] to help us out",<ref name="madhouse">{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-07-14/madhouse-in-the-mix-for-boondocks-season-2 | title=Madhouse in the Mix for Boondocks Season 2 | date=2006-07-14 | access-date=2006-07-20 | publisher=Anime News Network}}</ref> but at some point, the deal with Madhouse fell through.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.movieweb.com/aaron-mcgruder-sounds-off-on-the-boondocks-season-2 | title=Aaron McGruder Sounds Off on The Boondocks - Season Two|website=Movieweb | date=2007-10-07 | access-date=2015-03-29}}</ref> Instead, the [[Emmy Award]]-winning South Korean studio Moi Animation, handled the animation for season two onwards. As a result, the following seasons of the series have more detailed animation, as well as minor updates for most of the character designs.

The episode "[[Pause (The Boondocks)|Pause]]" presents a thinly veiled parody of [[Tyler Perry]], presented as using his religion to hide his [[cross-dressing]]. The episode reportedly angered Perry, with the network responding to his complaints by saying that they should have warned him before the episode aired.<ref>{{cite web|last=Flint|first=Joe|title=Turner Broadcasting tries to make peace with Tyler Perry|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/06/turner-broadcasting-tries-to-make-peace-with-tyler-perry.html|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=May 7, 2014|date=2010-06-30}}</ref>

While the series was originally going to end with the third season, on March 21, 2014, it was revealed via press release from Adult Swim that ''The Boondocks'' would return for a fourth and final season.<ref>[https://hiphopwired.com/34631/peep-the-boondocks-season-3-trailer/ Peep "The Boondocks" Season 3 Trailer]</ref><ref name="FutonCritic" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Xilla|first=Blog|title="The Boondocks" coming back for season 4! (DETAILS)|url=http://globalgrind.com/2012/05/17/boondocks-renewed-season-4-details/|publisher=Global Grind Inc|access-date=May 7, 2014|date=2012-05-17}}</ref> It was later revealed that the fourth season would be produced without the involvement of the series creator Aaron McGruder. The reason cited for the split between the creator and the company was a disagreement over the production schedule.<ref name="FutonCritic" /> The fourth and final season was co-produced and animated by South Korean studio [[Studio Mir]].

== Social critique ==
=== Political criticism ===
''The Boondocks'' gives commentary on American politics from a black left-wing perspective.<ref name="Tyree Krishnasamy 2011">{{Cite journal|last1=Tyree|first1=Tia C. M.|last2=Krishnasamy|first2=Adrian|date=2011|title=Bringing Afrocentricity to the Funnies: An Analysis of Afrocentricity Within Aaron McGruder's "The Boondocks"|journal=Journal of Black Studies|volume=42|issue=1|pages=23–42|jstor=25780790|doi=10.1177/0021934709359081|s2cid=143921835}}</ref><ref name="Satire TV book">{{Cite book|jstor=j.ctt9qfgjc|title=Satire TV: Politics and Comedy in the Post-Network Era|date=2009|publisher=NYU Press|isbn=9780814731987|editor-last=Gray|editor-first=Jonathan|editor-last2=Jones|editor-first2=Jeffrey P.|editor-last3=Thompson|editor-first3=Ethan|chapter=Politics and Comedy in the Post-Network Era}}</ref> The series accomplishes this by using satire and controversial statements, such as the opening lines of the series, "[[Jesus]] was Black, [[Ronald Reagan]] was the devil, and the government is lying about [[September 11 attacks|9/11]]."<ref name="itunes complete">{{Cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/the-boondocks-the-complete-series/id1321671255|title=The Boondocks: The Complete Series on iTunes|website=iTunes|language=en|access-date=2018-08-01}}</ref> The show has also given input on subjects like the American government's response to [[Hurricane Katrina disaster relief|Hurricane Katrina]], the [[Iraq War]], and other controversial political events that took place throughout the 2000s. When asked about the show and the approaches taken that make it so controversial, series creator Aaron McGruder said, "I just hope to expand the dialogue and hope the show will challenge people to think about things they wouldn't normally think about, or think about it in a very different way."<ref name="ABC News 2006-02-07">{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=1270410|title='The Boondocks': Not the N&#@$%a Show|date=2006-02-07|publisher=ABC News|language=en|access-date=2018-08-01}}</ref>

=== Black cultural relevance and critique ===
The series typically features appearances by well-known entities (singers, rappers, public figures) within Black popular culture as well as parodies of them. Episodes often feature cameos, as in the episode "Let's Nab Oprah", which features appearances from [[Oprah Winfrey]], [[Maya Angelou]], and [[Bill Cosby]].<ref name="itunes complete" /> Other appearances and parodies within the show include [[R. Kelly]] on trial for sexual misconduct accusations, [[DMX (rapper)|DMX's]] disbelief when told about [[Barack Obama]] running for president in an interview, and an episode that mimicked ''[[Juice (1992 film)|Juice]].''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2014/04/the-greatest-hip-hop-references-in-the-boondocks-history/1|title=The Greatest Hip-Hop References in "The Boondocks" HistorySmokin' with Cigarettes (Season 3, Episode 6)|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2018-08-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2008/03/dmx-here-i-am/|title=DMX Here I Am - XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=March 14, 2008 |language=en|access-date=2018-08-01}}</ref> The series also parodies famous news reports including a broadcast in which a freshman in high school was called a "nigga" by his teacher, who thought the word was acceptable to use. ''The Boondocks'' recreates this incident with Riley and his teacher.<ref>{{Citation|last=ag4l5|title=Boondocks teacher calls student nigga (real and cartoon compared)|date=2010-05-09|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLZA32oHbC4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/gLZA32oHbC4 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2018-08-01}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The series often challenges the ways African Americans behave and think.<ref name="Tyree Krishnasamy 2011" /><ref name="Satire TV book" /> It has used sardonic humor to teach lessons and get people thinking since it was a comic strip, critiquing the behavior of famous African Americans throughout the early 2000s.<ref name="Tyree Krishnasamy 2011" /> McGruder was interviewed by [[Nightline]] in early 2006 on the episode [[Return of the King (The Boondocks)|"Return of the King"]], which sparked much controversy after [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] was portrayed reprimanding a crowd of African Americans for being lazy and unaware of their political climate. In the interview, McGruder said, "In the episode, King is critical of our apathy and inactivity... We carry the blame of our own apathy and inactivity... We deserve to take a look at that and be honest about it."<ref>{{Citation|last=Technate1|title=Aaron McGruder Nightline Interview|date=2010-02-19|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wpWI43SZuc|access-date=2018-08-01}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}</ref>

==== Use of the word "nigga" ====
''The Boondocks'' is known for its frequent usage of the word "[[nigga]]", which has been a source of controversy for the show throughout its tenure.<ref name="ABC News 2006-02-07" /> McGruder once said about the word, "I think it makes the show sincere... the word ''Nigga'' is used so commonly now, not only by myself but people I know, that I feel it's fake to write around it and not use it."<ref name="Tyree Krishnasamy 2011" /> He also said in a 2005 [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] article, "This isn't the nigga show... I just wish we would expand the dialogue and evolve past the same conversation that we've had over the past 30 years about race in our country."<ref name="ABC News 2006-02-07" />

====Exploration of Black ideology and identity====

Writer Terence Latimer asserts that many of the characters in ''The Boondocks'' can be seen as caricatures and personifications of recurring identities and ideologies in the Black-American community: [[Riley Freeman]] personifies Black [[pop culture]], [[Huey Freeman]] represents Black [[counterculture]], [[Jazmine Dubois]] is representative of [[Multiracial people|biraciality]] and loss of innocence in the Black-American community, [[Uncle Ruckus]] is a caricature of [[internalized racism]], and [[Granddad Freeman]] represents the older, disciplinarian generation struggling to adjust in a new era.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Latimer |first=Terence |date=2019-05-02 |title=The Boondocks 20 Year Anniversary: A Comics Exploration of Black Ideologies |url=https://medium.com/@terencelatimer/the-boondocks-20-year-anniversary-a-comics-exploration-of-black-ideologies-10bfa1b77602 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=Medium |language=en}}</ref> In his essay for ''The'' ''Culture Crypt'', Niall Smith echoed Latimer's statements but focused on brothers Huey and Riley Freeman for much of his analysis, arguing that through them the series is able to achieve much of the satire and critiques of the Black-American community. Smith also notes the importance of secondary characters such as [[Sarah Dubois]], who—through her liking to womanizers and caricatures such as Usher, Pretty Boy Flizzy, and a [[Stinkmeaner]]-possessed Tom Dubois—serves to show "how society fetishes {{sic}} and reduces Black men to their most animalistic and negative qualities to appease others".<ref>{{Cite web |title=How The Boondocks Deconstructs Black Identity |url=https://www.theculturecrypt.com/posts/how-the-boondocks-deconstructs-black-identity |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=The Culture Crypt |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Reception ==
''The Boondocks'' received critical acclaim even though the fourth and final season was poorly received by fans.<ref name="The Boondocks: Season 1">{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/boondocks/s01|accessdate=August 17, 2022|title= The Boondocks: Season 1|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/boondocks/s04|accessdate=August 17, 2022|title= The Boondocks: Season 4|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> Several websites listed it as one of the greatest animated series of all time.<ref name=":1">{{Citation |title=Top 100 Animated Series - IGN.com |url=https://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-animated-series |access-date=2022-12-18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-04 |title=The Best Animated Series of All Time |url=https://www.indiewire.com/feature/best-animated-series-all-time-cartoons-anime-tv-1202021835/ |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=IndieWire}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2018-08-30 |title=The 30 Best Animated Shows Since The Simpsons |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/photos/2018/08/best-animated-tv-shows-list |access-date=2022-12-18 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=May 25 |first1=EW Staff |last2=EDT |first2=2011 at 09:00 AM |title=25 greatest animated TV series: You ranked 'em! |url=https://ew.com/gallery/25-greatest-animated-tv-series-you-ranked-em/ |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The 140 Essential Animated TV Shows |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-animated-series-of-all-time/ |access-date=2022-12-18 |work=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 2006, it was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series at the 37th [[NAACP Image Award]]s alongside ''[[The Bernie Mac Show]]'', ''[[Everybody Hates Chris]]'', ''[[Girlfriends (American TV series)|Girlfriends]]'', and ''[[Half & Half]]''. The show won a [[Peabody Award|Special Honorary Academy Award Of Merit]] in 2006 for the episode "Return of the King", which recognized George Foster Peabody as the Breakout Visionary Achievement In Excellence, For The Most Historic Landmark-In-Crowning-Achievement Milestone In History.<ref>[http://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/the-boondocks-the-return-of-the-king 66th Annual Peabody Awards], May 2007.</ref> The first season garnered a score of 72 out of 100 on [[Metacritic]] based on 21 reviews<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/shows/boondocks?q=the%20boondocks |title=The Boondocks |website=Metacritic |access-date=2010-08-02}}</ref> and a 59% approval rating on [[Rotten Tomatoes]] based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 8.10/10.<ref name="The Boondocks: Season 1"/> [[IGN]] named it the 94th-best animated series, describing it as a sharp satirical look at American society.<ref name=":1" />

Critic Jeffrey M. Anderson of the ''[[San Francisco Examiner]]'' said, "Each episode is beautifully crafted, with an eye on lush, shadowy visuals and a pulsing, jazz-like rhythm... the show is almost consistently funny, consistently brilliant, and, best of all, compulsively watchable."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.combustiblecelluloid.com/digitalwatch/boondocks.shtml |title= Combustible Celluloid film review of ''The Boondocks: The Complete First Season'' (2005) |website=Combustiblecelluloid.com |date= 2006-07-09 |access-date= 2010-08-02}}</ref>

Mike Hale of the ''[[New York Times]]'' has considered ''The Boondocks'' among the top television shows of 2010, citing "Pause" as a "painfully funny" satire of Tyler Perry being portrayed as a superstar actor and a leader of a homoerotic cult.<ref>{{cite news |title=Top 2010 TV Shows - 'Boondocks,' 'Fringe,' 'Huge'|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/19/arts/television/19hale.html?_r=1 |author=Mike Hale |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2010-12-17}}</ref> In 2013, IGN placed ''The Boondocks'' as number 17 on their list of Top 25 [[Adult animation|animated series for adults]].<ref name="Top 25 IGN">{{cite web|last=Fowler|first=Matt|title=The Top 25 Animated Series for Adults From caped crusaders to web-slingers to danger zones, here are the best animated shows to enjoy as a grown up.|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/15/top-25-animated-shows-for-adults?page=2|publisher=IGN|date=July 15, 2013|access-date=July 23, 2013}}</ref>

=== Criticism and controversy ===
{{quote box |width=30em |align=right |quote=This isn't the 'nigga' show. I just wish we would expand the dialogue and evolve past the same conversation that we've had over the past 30 years about race in our country. [...] I just hope to expand the dialogue and hope the show will challenge people to think about things they wouldn't normally think about, or think about it in a very different way.|salign=right|source=—Aaron McGruder during the series' launch in 2005<ref name="abc" />}}

''The Boondocks'' has been a frequent subject of controversy since its comic-strip debut in 1999, with [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] noting, "Fans and critics of ''The Boondocks'' loved and hated the strip for the same reasons: its cutting-edge humor and unapologetic, sometimes unpopular, views on various issues, including race, politics, the [[War on Terror|war on terrorism]] and the [[September 11 attacks]]."<ref name=abc>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=1270410 | title=''The Boondocks'': Not the N&#@$%a Show |access-date=2011-12-24 |last=Robinson |first=Bryan |date=2005-11-03 |publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref> Numerous outlets predicted the show would encounter controversy prior to its November 2005 debut, due to its casual use of the word "nigga".<ref name="Fox News 2005-07-18">{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,162814,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129160059/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,162814,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 29, 2010 |title=''Boondocks'' Cartoon Stirs Controversy |access-date=2011-12-24 |date=2005-07-18 |publisher=[[Fox News]]}}</ref><ref name="St Petersburg Times 2005-07-18">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YepRAAAAIBAJ&pg=6750,3314287&dq=boondocks&hl=en |title=''Boondocks'', epithet coming to Cartoon Network |access-date=2011-12-24 |last=Squires | first=Chase | date=2005-07-18| work=[[St. Petersburg Times]]}}</ref> In 2006, the Reverend [[Al Sharpton]] protested the first-season episode "[[Return of The King (Boondocks episode)|Return of the King]]", for [[Martin Luther King Jr.]]'s character's use of the word "nigga", saying "[[Cartoon Network]] must apologize and also commit to pulling episodes that desecrate black historic figures." Cartoon Network released a statement in response defending McGruder: "We think Aaron McGruder came up with a thought-provoking way of not only showing Dr. King's bravery but also of reminding us of what he stood and fought for, and why even today, it is important for all of us to remember that and to continue to take action," the statement said.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-01-25-sharpton-boondocks_x.htm | title=Sharpton criticizes ''Boondocks'' for showing King saying the n-word |access-date=2011-12-24
 |date=2006-01-25 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> The episode was later awarded a [[Peabody Award]] for being "an especially daring episode".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/events/boondocks-wins-peabody-award/ |title=''Boondocks'' wins Peabody Award |access-date=2011-12-24 |last=Ball |first=Ryan |date=2007-04-05 |work=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref>

During Season 2, two episodes were removed from broadcast without any official word from the network.<ref>{{cite news|title= 'Boondocks' to BET: !*%#! |newspaper= Los Angeles Times|date=2008-06-04|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-04-et-boondocks4-story.html|access-date=2010-08-24 | first=Greg | last=Braxton}}</ref><ref name="HipHopDX Hale2008-06-04">{{cite web|last=Hale |first=Andreas |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.6275 |title=DX Exclusive: Boondocks Vs BET! &#124; Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales |publisher=HipHopDX |date=2008-01-23 |access-date=2010-08-02}}</ref> Originally slated to air on November 16 and December 17,<ref name="HipHopDX Hale2008-06-04" /> "[[The Hunger Strike]]" and "[[The Uncle Ruckus Reality Show]]" were both heavily critical of [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]]. An exclusive clip of "The Hunger Strike" was given to ''HipHopDX.com'' in late January 2008, before both episodes were included in full on the Season 2 DVD release in June 2008. An anonymous source close to the show told ''HipHopDX.com'' that they heard BET had been pressuring Sony (the studio behind ''The Boondocks'') to ban the episodes and threatened legal action.<ref name="HipHopDX Hale2008-06-04" /> Cartoon Network publicly stated that "...neither Turner nor Adult Swim were contacted by BET, Ms. Lee or Mr. Hudlin". However, BET's parent company, Viacom, did threaten legal action against Sony if said episodes were broadcast to air in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://adage.com/abstract.php?article_id=124786 |title=Update your user profile - Profile - Advertising Age |access-date=February 17, 2009 |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010001534/http://adage.com/abstract.php?article_id=124786 |url-status=dead }}{{subscription required}}</ref>

[[Tyler Perry]] was reportedly infuriated by his depiction in the season 3 episode "[[Pause (The Boondocks)|Pause]]", first aired in June 2010, although he has officially given no response.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://straightfromthea.com/2010/07/05/tyler-perry-wants-you-to-know/ |title=Tyler Perry Wants You To Know... |website=Straightfromthea.com |date= 2010-07-05|access-date=2013-10-02}}</ref> The episode stars Winston Jerome, a parody of Perry, a "closeted, cross-dressing cult leader whose love of the Christian faith is a mask for his true sexuality," in what the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' described as "one of the sharpest public criticisms of Perry".<ref name=braxton>{{Cite news |last=Braxton |first=Greg |title=Aaron McGruder's Boondocks' lampoons Tyler Perry |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2010-06-21|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-boondocks-20100622,0,7842614.story |access-date=2010-06-22}}</ref> Soon after the episode aired, Perry got in touch with executives at [[Turner Broadcasting]] and "complained loudly" about the episode, threatening to rethink his relationship with the company.<ref name=flint>{{Cite news |last=Flint |first=Joe |title=Turner Broadcasting tries to make peace with Tyler Perry |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=2010-06-30 |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/06/turner-broadcasting-tries-to-make-peace-with-tyler-perry.html |access-date=2010-07-02}}</ref>

In 2010, ''[[Time magazine|Time]]'' magazine named ''The Boondocks'' as fifth out of ''10 of the Most Controversial Cartoons of All Time''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1984966,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429091600/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1984966,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 29, 2010 | magazine=Time | title=Top 10 Controversial Cartoons | access-date=2010-05-25 | date=2010-04-27}}</ref>

In June 2020, when the initial run of ''The Boondocks'' was uploaded to HBO Max, the Season 3 episode "The Story of Jimmy Rebel" was intentionally excluded due to perceived racial insensitivities over the episode's portrayal of a racist [[Country music|country]] singer named Jimmy Rebel (a parody of real-life [[White supremacy|white supremacist]] country singer [[Johnny Rebel (singer)|Johnny Rebel]]). Upon being asked for comment, an Adult Swim representative stated that "When Adult Swim transitions series to a new platform we determine what episodes are selected through creative and cultural filters and our standards and practices policies. Oftentimes these decisions are made in collaboration with the show's creator". Episodes of ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force]]'' and ''[[The Shivering Truth]]'' were also excluded from the service for similar reasons.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2020/09/adult-swim-problematic-the-boondocks-aqua-teen-hunger-force-episodes-1234588004/ | work=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]] | title=Adult Swim Pulls Problematic 'The Boondocks' And 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' Episodes From Streaming | access-date=2020-11-05 | date=2020-09-29}}</ref>

== Revival attempts ==
=== Attempted film spin-off ===
McGruder launched a [[Kickstarter]] campaign to raise $200,000 in order to produce a live-action film focusing on the character Uncle Ruckus. He stated that [[crowdfunding]] would be the sole source of funding for the film's budget.<ref>{{cite news|last=Obenson|first=Tambay A.|title=Aaron McGruder Is Making A Live-Action Uncle Ruckus Movie. Launches Kickstarter Campaign|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/aaron-mcgruder-is-making-a-live-action-uncle-ruckus-movie|access-date=February 22, 2013|date=January 31, 2013}}</ref> The campaign was from January 30 through March 1, 2013, 7:00&nbsp;p.m. EST, ending with 2,667 backers and $129,963 of the $200,000 goal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/362353100/the-uncle-ruckus-movie |title=The Uncle Ruckus Movie by Aaron McGruder — Kickstarter |website=Kickstarter.com |access-date=2013-10-02}}</ref> The project ultimately never got off the ground.

=== Canceled reboot ===
On February 6, 2019, McGruder revived the comic strip on [[Instagram]], with the help of former supervising director Seung Eun Kim. A series of one-shots were posted to [[Charlamagne tha God]]'s Instagram page.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rao |first1=Sameer |title=ICYMI: Aaron McGruder Resurrects 'The Boondocks' Just in Time |url=https://www.colorlines.com/articles/icymi-aaron-mcgruder-resurrects-boondocks-just-time |website=ColorLines |date=8 February 2019 |access-date=10 March 2019}}</ref> On May 29, 2019, voice actor [[John Witherspoon (actor)|John Witherspoon]] announced on [[Joe Rogan]]'s 1305th episode of ''[[The Joe Rogan Experience]]'' that the series would return.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/2019/05/31/the-boondocks-season-5-confirmed-john-witherspoon/ |title=The Boondocks Confirmed to Return for Season 5 |website=Comic Book |access-date=2019-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite podcast |last=PowerfulJRE |title=Joe Rogan Experience #1305 – JD & John Witherspoon |date=2019-05-29 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AzPmYxJwdY |access-date=2019-05-31}}</ref> At [[Annecy International Animated Film Festival|Annecy]] 2019, on June 12, 2019, [[Sony Pictures Animation]] announced it would be producing a "reimagining" of ''The Boondocks'' to be co-produced with [[Sony Pictures Television]].<ref name="Annecy"/><ref name="complex"/>

On September 18, 2019, it was announced that the reboot had been picked up with a two-season order for [[WarnerMedia]]'s then-upcoming streaming service [[Max (streaming service)|HBO Max]]. It was also announced that McGruder would return as showrunner and serve as executive producer along with Norm Aladjem, Seung Kim and Meghann Collins Robertson. The series would premiere with a 50-minute special, with each season consisting of twelve episodes.<ref name=":0">{{cite tweet |number=1266102388424716290 |title=#HBOMax is here! 🥳 Our groundbreaking streaming platform features iconic and beloved programming from across the WarnerMedia portfolio, a roster of new Max Originals, & fan-favorite acquired franchises & films. |user=WarnerMedia |date=May 27, 2020 |access-date=May 31, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Season Order">{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |date=September 18, 2019 |title='The Boondocks' Reboot Gets 2-Season Order By HBO Max |url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/the-boondocks-reboot-2-season-order-hbo-max-1202737902/ |access-date=August 8, 2020 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Perine |first1=Aaron |title=The Boondocks Reboot Confirmed For 2022 Release Date |url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/the-boondocks-reboot-2022-release-date-confirmed/ |access-date=March 25, 2021 |work=Comicbook.com |date=March 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ankers |first1=Adele |title=The Boondocks Reboot Seemingly Pushed to 2022 Release – IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-boondocks-reboot-seemingly-pushed-2022-release-date |access-date=March 25, 2021 |work=[[IGN]] |date=March 22, 2021}}</ref> The reboot was originally set to begin with the Freemans settling into Woodcrest; and would follow them as they go on to fight the regime of Uncle Ruckus, who rules over the community government.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/06/12/the-boondocks-reboot-aaron-mcgruder/ |title=The Boondocks reboot in the works with original series creator |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref>

Witherspoon died on October 29, 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haas |first1=Mariah |title=John Witherspoon's cause of death revealed |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/john-witherspoon-cause-of-death-revealed |access-date=November 13, 2019 |work=Fox News |date=November 12, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/john-witherspoon-dead-obituary-comedian-friday-star-77-1202772258/|title=John Witherspoon Dies: Comedian & 'Friday' Star Was 77|access-date=October 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030053857/https://deadline.com/2019/10/john-witherspoon-dead-obituary-comedian-friday-star-77-1202772258/|archive-date=October 30, 2019|url-status=live|date=October 30, 2019}}</ref> On February 3, 2022, [[Cedric Yarbrough]] said in an interview that Sony Pictures Television had "pulled the plug" on development of the series.<ref name="RebootCancelled">{{cite web |last=Perine |first=Aaron |date=February 3, 2022 |title=Boondocks Star Reveals Sony Pictures Has "Pulled the Plug" on Reboot |url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/boondocks-reboot-cancelled-sony-pictures-pulled-the-plug-star-reveals/ |url-status=live |website=Comic Book |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203230747/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/boondocks-reboot-cancelled-sony-pictures-pulled-the-plug-star-reveals/ |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |access-date=February 4, 2022}}</ref> However, it was reported that Sony was looking at alternative options.<ref>{{cite web |last=Del Rosario |first=Alexandra |date=2022-02-04 |title='The Boondocks' Reboot Not Moving Forward At HBO Max |url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/the-boondocks-reboot-not-moving-forward-hbo-max-1234926801/ |access-date=2022-02-10 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en}}</ref> In February 2023, [[Gary Anthony Williams]] said that the reason for the reboot's cancellation was that it took too long to make. Williams also revealed he had finished voiceover recordings for eight episodes as Uncle Ruckus before the cancellation.<ref>{{Citation |title='Uncle Ruckus' Actor Reveals Why 'Boondocks' Reboot Was Canceled - CH News | date=February 28, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KJovWnLMCU |access-date=2023-04-04 |language=en}}</ref>

== International broadcast ==
Outside the U.S., ''The Boondocks'' airs on [[NITV]] and [[The Comedy Channel]] in [[Australia]]. In [[Canada]], [[Teletoon]] aired the first two seasons as part of its late-night [[Teletoon at Night]] programming block, including several episodes that didn't air in the U.S. It also aired in [[Quebec]] on [[Télétoon]]'s [[Télétoon la nuit]] block on March 9, 2007.<ref name="March2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.lienmultimedia.com/article.php3?id_article=11294|title=Boondocks et le P'tit ?%*&$ ! débarque à Télétoon|publisher=Lien Multimédia|date=March 9, 2007}}</ref> [[Sony Entertainment Television (South Africa)|Sony Entertainment Television]] (and later Sony Max) as well as [[Vuzu]] broadcasts the show in [[South Africa]]. It has also been aired on TV3 and TV6 in [[Sweden]], and it aired in New Zealand on [[Comedy Central]]. [[MTV Italy]] and [[Comedy Central Italy]] in [[Italy]], and on [[TV3+]] in [[Denmark]].

In [[Bulgaria]], ''The Boondocks''<nowiki/>' 4th season is aired on channel [[Nova TV (Bulgaria)|Nova]] as ''Boondocks.'' In [[Russia]], ''The Boondocks'' is aired on channel [[2x2 (TV channel)|2×2]] under the name of ''Гетто'' (''Getto'', Russian for ''Ghetto'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.2x2tv.ru/serial/boondocks |title=Телеканал 2х2 |website=2x2tv.ru |access-date=2010-08-02}}</ref> In [[Poland]], it is broadcast on [[AXN Spin]] as ''Boondocks''. In [[France]], it airs on [[MCM (TV channel)|MCM]]. It airs on [[Sony Channel (Latin America)|Sony Entertainment Television]] in [[Latin America]], as well as [[Sony Yay]] in [[India]]. It also airs uncensored and uncut in the [[Arab World]] on [[OSN]].

In [[Japan]], it was broadcast on [[Animax]] but Seasons 1 and 2 only. That intro theme song is Megalopolis Patrol by the Japanese hip-hop trio, [[Soul'd Out]]. It also aired in Latin America on [[Animax (Latin America)]].

== Home media ==
All four seasons have been released on [[DVD]] by [[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment]], both individually and as a box set spanning the entire series. Seasons 1 and 2 are presented in the original [[16:9]] [[aspect ratio (image)|aspect ratio]] used for production, rather than the [[4:3]] ratio achieved by [[cropping (image)|cropping]] the image to fit television screens in use at the time of their original airing. The 16:9 ratio was used for broadcasts of Seasons 3 and 4 and is preserved on the DVD sets.

''The Boondocks'' was also released on [[iTunes]] and [[Amazon Video]].<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/the-boondocks-season-1/id293053000 ''The Boondocks'' Season 1] at [[iTunes]].</ref><ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Boondocks-Season-1/dp/B001N0GZ14/ref=tmm_aiv_title_0 ''The Boondocks'' Season 1] at [[Amazon Video]].</ref> Season 1 was also released on [[Universal Media Disc|UMD]].

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote|The Boondocks}}
{{Portal|Television|United States|Maryland|Cartoon}}
* {{Official website|http://www.adultswim.com/videos/the-boondocks}} at [[Adult Swim]]
* {{Official website|http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/theboondocks/}} at [[Sony Pictures Television]]
* {{Official website|http://www.studiomir.co.kr/en/archives/project/boondocks-4}} at [[Studio Mir]]
* {{IMDb title|0373732|The Boondocks}}

{{The Boondocks}}
{{Adult Swim original programming}}
{{Adelaide Productions}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boondocks (2005 TV series), The}}
[[Category:The Boondocks| ]]
[[Category:2005 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2005 animated television series debuts]]
[[Category:2014 American television series endings]]
[[Category:2000s American adult animated television series]]
[[Category:2000s American black cartoons]]
[[Category:2000s American black sitcoms]]
[[Category:2000s American satirical television series]]
[[Category:2000s American sitcoms]]
[[Category:2000s American drama television series]]
[[Category:2010s American adult animated television series]]
[[Category:2010s American black cartoons]]
[[Category:2010s American black sitcoms]]
[[Category:2010s American satirical television series]]
[[Category:2010s American sitcoms]]
[[Category:2010s American drama television series]]
[[Category:Adult Swim animated television series]]
[[Category:American animated sitcoms]]
[[Category:American adult animated comedy television series]]
[[Category:American adult animated drama television series]] 
[[Category:Animated satirical television series]]
[[Category:Animated television series about brothers]]
[[Category:Animated television series about dysfunctional families]]
[[Category:Animated television series about orphans]]
[[Category:Animation controversies in television]]
[[Category:American anime-influenced animated television series]]
[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Race-related controversies in animation]]
[[Category:Race-related controversies in television]]
[[Category:Peabody Award–winning television programs]]
[[Category:Television controversies in the United States]]
[[Category:Television shows based on comic strips]]
[[Category:Television shows based on American comics]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Maryland]]
[[Category:Television series by Sony Pictures Television]]
[[Category:Television series by Adelaide Productions]]
[[Category:Works about race and ethnicity]]