Watch Beforel Orel

Beforel Orel is an American adult animated stop-motion dark comedy television series created by Dino Stamatopoulos for Cartoon Network, which premiered on October 13, 2005, and ended on December 18, 2008, after three seasons and a total of 45 episodes. The show follows the life of Orel Puppington, an eight-year-old religiously devout boy living in the fictional town of Moralton, situated in the Bible Belt of the United States. The show is set in the 1960s and revolves around Orel's adventures, mishaps, and moral dilemmas as he tries to fulfill his Christian values under the guidance of his devout and strict father, Clay Puppington.

Despite its bright stop-motion animation style reminiscent of wholesome children's shows such as Gumby and Davey and Goliath, Beforel Orel is anything but that. The show is known for its dark and cynical humor, its unflinching and often disturbing depictions of violence and taboo topics, and its criticism of religious hypocrisy and extremism.

Each episode follows a similar structure, beginning with an opening montage of Orel engaging in wholesome activities such as attending church, helping his parents, or playing with his friends. However, shortly after the title sequence, things take a dark turn, and Orel inadvertently finds himself in a morally compromising situation that challenges his beliefs and exposes the harsh reality of his world.

The humor in Beforel Orel is often derived from the absurdity of Orel's misguided attempts to do the right thing, as well as the juxtaposition between his innocent, childlike perspective and the grim and grotesque world he inhabits. The show uses a mix of slapstick comedy, dark satire, and gallows humor to convey its message, often drawing on religious iconography and themes to make its point.

While the show can be enjoyed on a surface level as a twisted and irreverent take on the coming-of-age genre, it also deals with more complex and philosophical themes, such as the nature of faith, the role of religion in society, and the ethics of morality. By subverting expectations and challenging the viewers' assumptions about what constitutes moral behavior, Beforel Orel invites a critical discussion about the intersection of religion, morality, and human nature.

Despite its controversial subject matter, Beforel Orel received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling, visual style, and social commentary. The show's stop-motion animation is particularly noteworthy, as it gives the characters a tactile and tangible quality that enhances the show's dark and visceral tone. The show also features a talented voice cast, including Scott Adsit, Jay Johnston, Carolyn Lawrence, William Salyers, and Tigger Stamatopoulos.

In terms of themes and tone, Beforel Orel shares similarities with other dark comedies such as South Park, Invader Zim, and Rick and Morty. However, its unique animation style and unapologetically candid approach to sensitive topics set it apart from its peers. The show's willingness to tackle tough subjects in a thought-provoking and humorous way serves as a testament to its creators' artistic vision and commitment to pushing boundaries.

Despite its cult following and critical success, Beforel Orel was cancelled after its third season due to low ratings and creative differences between the network and the show's creator. Nevertheless, the show has since gained a dedicated fan base and is regarded as a pioneering work in the realm of adult animation. So, it is a must-watch for those who are fond of dark comedy and satire with a philosophical edge.

Beforel Orel is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between November 19, 2012 and on Cartoon Network