A TV miniseries created by animator Patrick McHale for Cartoon Network, Over the Garden Wall focuses upon two siblings who are lost within a strange, mystical, and existentially-threatening forest. Its emphasis on dark fantasy and 1890's pop culture provided stark contrast to the other fare being produced for children's television at the time, something that many found to be refreshing. Over the Garden Wall was greeted with enthusiastic reviews, strong ratings, and a bevy of awards. It has lingered in the popular imagination ever since.
Ryan is joined by Cheryl for a closer look at this gem from the mid-2010's. Discussion topics this time include Gilded Age nostalgia, the appeal of Old, Weird America, the atomization of mass media, and the show's thematic ties to death acceptance.
