The Amazing World of Gumball (season 1)

The first season of the British-American animated comedy children's television series The Amazing World of Gumball originally aired from May 3, 2011 to March 13, 2012 on Cartoon Network. Consisting of 36 episodes, the season premiered with the episode "The DVD" and concluded with the episode "The Fight". The season premiere was watched by 2.120 million viewers in the United States.

The Amazing World of Gumball
Season 1
Cover art for The Party, the most recent home video release containing episodes of the first season
Country of origin	United Kingdom United States
No. of episodes	36
Release
Original network	Cartoon Network
Original release	May 3, 2011[1] – March 13, 2012
Season chronology

Development

Concept

The season focuses on the misadventures of Gumball Watterson, a blue 12-year-old cat, along with his adopted brother, Darwin, a 10-year-old goldfish. Together, they cause mischief among their family, as well as with the wide array of students at Elmore Junior High, where they attend middle school. In a behind-the-scenes video documenting the production of the second season, creator Ben Bocquelet expanded on the development of some of the characters, and how they are based on interactions from his childhood.[2]

Production

The first season began filming on November 2, 2010 and ended filming on September 13, 2011. The first season premiered in the US on May 3, 2011 with the episode "The DVD" and ended March 12, 2012 with the episode "The Fight" almost a year later. The world premiere of the show was on May 11, 2011 on Cartoon Network UK with the episode "The Mystery".

Episodes for this season were written by Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, Andrew Brenner, Mic Graves, Sam Ward, David Cadji-Newby, and Tommy Panays. Two episodes, entitled "The Mom" and "The Pizza", were written for this season, but never produced.[3] However, the concept of the former was reused in the show's third season's episode "The Mothers"; and the concept of the latter was reused in the show's second season's episode "The Job" but then, it became an episode of the show's third season with the same name "The Pizza" and the second was later produced (but with some changes) in the show's third season. Two episodes more never produced like the aforementioned, but their plots and titles are still unknown.[3]

Reception

Ratings

The season premiere "The DVD" was watched by 2.120 million viewers in the United States, and received a 0.4 rating in the 18–49 demographic Nielsen household rating.[4] Nielsen ratings are audience measurement systems that determine the audience size and composition of television programming in the United States, which means that the episode was seen by 0.8 percent of all 18- to 49-year-olds at the time of the broadcast. This season had an average of 2.00 million viewers per episode in the United States. The first episode was broadcast on a Tuesday at 8:30 P.M. All episodes from The Responsible to The Club were broadcast Mondays at 7:30 P.M. The remainder of the season, starting with The Wand, was broadcast Tuesdays at 7:30 P.M.

Critical reception

The A.V. Club's Noel Murray graded the DVD release of the series' first 12 episodes a B+, writing that "what sets [The Amazing World of Gumball] apart from the many other super-silly, semi-anarchic cartoons on cable these days is that it features such a well-developed world, where even with the eclectic character designs, there are recognizable traits and tendencies."[5] "Z." of GeekDad gave the first volume DVD a positive review; he praised the season for having "genuine heart even as the plots themselves transition from well-worn TV tropes to all out madness."[6] He panned the lack of extra features on the disc, but said "[the disc] at least gives viewers the opportunity to experience the show's delightful theme song, ... often truncated during television broadcasts".[6]

Tyler Foster of DVD Talk gave the first season a lukewarm review.[7] In reviewing the first DVD volume, he praised the "knockout" visuals but felt the animation was "relatively simple, even when it's going exaggerated for a gag."[7] He was weary of the morals presented in the premiere, and found the comedy throughout the volume "anemic".[7] He criticized the lack of extra features on the disk, saying the single character gallery "was so anemic I can't even give it half a star."[7] DVD Verdict reviewer Paul Pritchard gave the first volume 88 out of 100.[8] He praised the season for its visuals, which he felt complemented the series' "anarchic nature".[8] He stated that while the moral lessons aimed toward family audiences, he stated that, "in something of a twist, such lessons are completely lost on Gumball and his pals—something I personally took great delight in."[8] However, he wrote that the lack of a selection extras was "pretty poor."[8] Mac McEntire of the same website also applauded the season's visuals but stated "laughs are hit or miss", and that the randomness of the humor was "its biggest detriment"; he gave the second volume 75 out of 100.[9] Nancy Basile of About.com favored "The Ghost" out of the third DVD volume; she praised the series as a "smart, fast-paced, hilarious cartoon."[10]

Episodes

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Written by	Storyboarded by	Original air date [1]	US viewers (millions)
1	1	"The DVD"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James Lamont	Ben Marsaud	May 3, 2011	2.12[11]
Gumball and Darwin accidentally destroy a late rental DVD of Alligators on a Train and attempt to avoid the consequences, but fail when Mom finds out. (Series Premiere). Production Code: 103B. Note: This is the first episode of the first season.
2	2	"The Responsible"	Ben Bocquelet, Andrew Brenner, Jon Foster, Mic Graves, and James Lamont Song Lyrics: Michael Gendi	Celine Gobinet	May 9, 2011	1.39[12]
Gumball and Darwin attempt to show their responsibility by babysitting Anais while their parents are at a school meeting. Production Code: 105A.
3	3	"The Third"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Sam Ward	George Gendi	May 16, 2011	1.96[13]
Gumball and Darwin grow bored of one another and seek out a third friend to make their lives more exciting. Production Code: 101A.
4	4	"The Debt"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster and James Lamont	George Gendi, Dave Smith, Philip Warner, and Chuck Klein	May 16, 2011	1.96[13]
Believing that his life has been saved by Mr. Robinson, Gumball vows to repay his debt by saving Mr. Robinson's life. Song: I Want To Be Free Production Code: 101B.
5	5	"The End"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster and James Lamont	Ben Marsaud	May 23, 2011	1.89[14]
Gumball and Darwin think that the world will end in 24 hours. Production Code: 103A.
6	6	"The Dress"	Ben Bocquelet, Mic Graves, and David Cadji-Newby Song Lyrics: Richard Overall	Chris Garbutt	May 23, 2011	1.89[14]
When his clothes are accidentally shrunk in the washing machine by his father, Gumball is forced to crossdress by wearing his mother's wedding dress to school. Soon, everyone at his school — especially Darwin — thinks that Gumball in the dress is a beautiful girl. Song: Fine Lady Production Code: 105B.
7	7	"The Quest"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster and James Lamont	Aurelie Charbonnier and Chuck Klein	May 30, 2011	1.90[15]
Gumball and Darwin help Anais get her beloved doll back after it is lost on the way to school and is taken by Tina Rex, a Tyrannosaurus rex. Production Code: 102A.
8	8	"The Spoon"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	Ben Marsaud	May 30, 2011	1.90[15]
When buying a last-minute gift for their mom, Gumball and Darwin become unwitting accomplices in a stick-up at a gas station. Production Code: 102B.
9	9	"The Pressure"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Sam Ward	Aurelie Charbonnier	June 6, 2011	2.18[16]
When Masami claims that Darwin is her boyfriend, Gumball vows to help his friend before he gets kissed. Production Code: 104A.
10	10	"The Painting"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	Ben Marsaud	June 13, 2011	1.96[17]
Principal Brown assumes that Anais finds her family dysfunctional after seeing a picture drawn by her, so he begins to meddle in their family life. Production Code: 104B.
11	11	"The Laziest"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves Song Lyrics: The Gendi Brothers	George Gendi, Ben Marsaud, and Amandine Pécharman	June 20, 2011	N/A
Gumball and Darwin challenge their father to a laziness competition, with the loser having to do the winner's chores. Songs: Sugar Rush Song, Please Do It Larry!, We Won! Production Code: 106A.
12	12	"The Ghost"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	George Gendi and Phillip Warner	June 27, 2011	N/A
When a ghost named Carrie possesses Gumball's body in order to eat, he must learn to say "no" to her. Production Code: 106B.
13	13	"The Mystery"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	George Gendi and Phillip Warner	July 11, 2011	2.53[18]
When his class finds Principal Brown wrapped up in toilet paper, shaved, and covered in green paint, Gumball decides to try to find the culprit or else face detention. Production Code: 107A.
14	14	"The Prank"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James Lamont	George Gendi	July 18, 2011	1.91[19]
Gumball and Darwin's pranks on Richard get out of hand. Songs: I’m a Ballerina, A Music Video Production Code: 107B.
15	15	"The G.I."	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James Lamont	Rob Latimer	July 25, 2011	2.30[20]
Gumball and Darwin are ridiculed for their martial arts costumes by their schoolmates, and their mother tries to convince them to take them off. Songs: The Inner Warrior, No More G.I. Production Code: 108A.
16	16	"The Kiss"	Ben Bocquelet and Mic Graves Based on an Idea by: Neil Kerber and David Black	George Gendi, Kent Osborne, and Darren Vandenburg	August 1, 2011	2.18[21]
A kiss from Granny Jojo traumatizes Gumball. Production Code: 108B.
17	17	"The Party"	Ben Bocquelet and Mic Graves Additional Material: Jon Foster, Moray Hunter, and James Lamont	Aurelie Charbonnier and Rob Latimer	August 8, 2011	1.85[22]
Gumball and his friends are invited to a high-school party hosted by Tobias's sister Rachel, but they must find dates in order to attend. Production Code: 109A.
18	18	"The Refund"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James Lamont Song Lyrics: Mic Graves and Richard Overall	Ben Marsaud	August 15, 2011	2.10[23]
Gumball and Darwin go to great lengths to get their money back from an incompatible video game, but the rental store's policy prevents them from getting it. There must be another way. Song: Refund the World Production Code: 109B.
19	19	"The Robot"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James Lamont	Ben Marsaud	August 22, 2011	2.06[24]
Gumball decides to help Bobert act like a real boy. However, it soon becomes a battle for his very identity when the robot plots to take over his life. Production Code: 110A.
20	20	"The Picnic"	Ben Bocquelet, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	Amandine Pécharman and Phillip Warner	August 29, 2011	1.91[25]
During a school field trip, Gumball and Darwin ignore their teacher's warning to go around a dangerous forest and, instead, traverse through it. Hopelessly lost, they must use what very little survival skills they have to escape. Production Code: 110B.
21	21	"The Goons"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	Aurelie Charbonnier	September 5, 2011	2.72[26]
Anais tries to "dumb down" in order to have fun with her brothers and father. Gumball, feeling left out, sets up a race in order to win his father back. Song: The Dumb Song. Production Code: 111A.
22	22	"The Secret"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James Lamont	George Gendi	September 26, 2011	2.05[27]
When Gumball discovers that Darwin is hiding a terrible secret that is about him, he vows to do whatever it takes to find out what it is. Production Code: 111B.
23	23	"The Sock"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Sam Ward	Chuck Klein and Rob Latimer	October 3, 2011	2.00[28]
Mr. Small teaches Gumball and Darwin various ways of becoming more honest. Song: The Honesty Rap Production Code: 112A.
24	24	"The Genius"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves Song Lyrics: Richard Overall	Jacques Gauthier and Rob Latimer	October 10, 2011	1.80[29]
With Darwin taken to an institute for geniuses, Gumball tries to become smart (with the help from his brain) in order to join him. Meanwhile, Nicole and Richard cope with the possibility of never seeing Darwin again by bringing in Rocky, the school janitor. Song: You've Got To Think Big. Production Code: 112B.
25	25	"The Poltergeist"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, Mic Graves, and Sam Ward	Aurelie Charbonnier, Dave Needham, and Tom Parkinson	October 17, 2011	2.11[30]
Richard believes that the house is haunted when Gumball allows Mr. Robinson to live in the attic without telling him. Production Code: 115B.
26	26	"The Mustache"	Ben Bocquelet and Mic Graves Additional Material: Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Stuart Kenworthy Song Lyrics: Kent Osborne	Ben Marsaud	November 21, 2011	2.08[31]
Gumball and Darwin develop a strange growth spurt and experience the highs and lows of being adults. Song: Because We’re Men Production Code: 113A.
27	27	"The Date"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James Lamont	Ben Marsaud	November 28, 2011	2.20[32]
Gumball learns how to date so he can go out on a date with Penny. It later turns out, however, that he is going to a pet funeral, not a date. Song: Danny Boy Production Code: 113B.
28	28	"The Club"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	Rob Latimer and Ben Marsaud	December 5, 2011	2.18[33]
When Gumball turns down an offer to join the Rejects Club, they seek to enact revenge against him. Production Code: 114A.
29	29	"The Wand"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	George Gendi and Phillip Warner	January 24, 2012	1.83[34]
Gumball and Darwin help Richard believe in magic again. Production Code: 114B.
30	30	"The Ape"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	Chuck Klein and Rob Latimer	January 31, 2012	1.79[35]
Miss Simian cozies up to Gumball and his family in order to win an award. Production Code: 115A.
31	31	"The Car"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves Song Lyrics: Michael Gendi	Ben Marsaud	February 7, 2012	1.68[36]
Gumball and Darwin are eager enough to do numerous chores at Mr. Robinson's house, until they accidentally destroy his car. Production Code: 116A
32	32	"The Curse"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	Rob Latimer and George Gendi	February 14, 2012	1.91[37]
Gumball's good day turns from bad to worse throughout his school day, much to the point where he believes he is cursed. Songs: Today’s Going To Be A Wonderful Day!, When Life Hands You Lemons. Production Code: 116B.
33	33	"The Microwave"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James Lamont	Ben Marsaud	February 21, 2012	1.85[38]
Gumball takes every gross thing he can find and creates a creature with a cannibalistic appetite. Production Code: 117A
34	34	"The Meddler"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, and James Lamont	Ben Marsaud	February 28, 2012	1.69[39]
Seeing Gumball in need of attention, Nicole hangs out with him at school, which becomes increasingly embarrassing for her son. Production Code: 117B
35	35	"The Helmet"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Tommy Panays Based on an Idea by: Mark Boutros and Tommy Panays	Ben Marsaud	March 6, 2012	1.96[40]
The family starts to fall apart after they all think Gumball’s lucky helmet is actually lucky. Production Code: 118A
36	36	"The Fight"	Ben Bocquelet, Jon Foster, James Lamont, and Mic Graves	Michael Gendi, Jacques Ganthier, and Darren Vandenburg	March 13, 2012	2.10[41]
Tina Rex demands to have a fight with Gumball. Production Code: 118B. Note: This is the last episode in the first season.

DVD releases

Volume 1: The DVD (Season 1 Volume 1)
Set details		Special features
12 episodes (Episodes: "The DVD" • "The Third" • "The End" • "The Quest" • "The Laziest" • "The Gi" • "The Refund" • "The Picnic" • "The Mustache" • "The Wand" • "The Curse" • "The Meddler") 1-disc DVD set 1.78:1 aspect ratio Languages: English (Dolby Stereo) Subtitles: English SDH		Character gallery
DVD release dates
Region 1		Region 2		Region 4
August 28, 2012[42] October 7, 2014 (reissue)		N/A		October 9, 2015 (complete season) (currently unavailable)

Volume 2: The Mystery (Season 1 Volume 2)
Set details		Special features
12 episodes (Episodes: "The Responsible" • "The Dress" • "The Spoon" • "The Pressure" • "The Mystery" • "The Sock" • "The Genius" • "The Club" • "The Ape" • "The Car" • "The Microwave" • "The Helmet") 1-disc DVD set 1.78:1 aspect ratio Languages: English (Dolby Stereo) Subtitles: English SDH		Character gallery
DVD release dates
Region 1		Region 2		Region 4
January 15, 2013[43]		N/A		October 9, 2015 (complete season) (currently unavailable)

Volume 3: The Party (Season 1 Volume 3)
Set details		Special features
12 episodes (Episodes: "The Debt" • "The Painting" • "The Ghost" • "The Prank" • "The Kiss" • "The Party" • "The Robot" • "The Goons" • "The Secret" • "The Poltergeist" • "The Date" • "The Fight") 1-disc DVD set 1.78:1 aspect ratio Languages: English (Dolby Stereo) Subtitles: English SDH		Character gallery
DVD release dates
Region 1		Region 2		Region 4
August 13, 2013[44]		N/A		October 9, 2015 (complete season) (currently unavailable)

References

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2. Behind the Scenes of Season 2. London: Cartoon Network. July 16, 2012.
3. https://twitter.com/benbocquelet/status/247455074387886081
4. "Tuesday's Cable Ratings: TNT Rides NBA Doubleheader". The Futon Critic. May 4, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
5. Murray, Noel (August 29, 2012). "The Amazing World Of Gumball: The DVD". A.V. Club. Onion, Inc. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
6. "Z." (September 2, 2012). "Be Amazed By The Amazing World of Gumball". GeekDad. Retrieved January 12, 2014.
7. Foster, Tyler (August 28, 2012). "The Amazing World of Gumball: The DVD". DVD Talk. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
8. Pritchard, Paul (September 9, 2012). "The Amazing World of Gumball: The DVD". DVD Verdict. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
9. McEntire, Mac (January 18, 2013). "The Amazing World of Gumball: The Mystery". DVD Verdict. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
10. Basile, Nancy (August 6, 2013). "The Amazing World of Gumball: The Party DVD". About.com. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
11. "Tuesday's Cable Ratings: TNT Rides NBA Doubleheader". The Futon Critic. May 4, 2011. Retrieved July 3, 2013.
12. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (May 9–15, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. May 22, 2011.
13. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (May 16–22, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. May 28, 2011.
14. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (May 23–29, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. June 3, 2011.
15. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (May 30–June 4, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. June 9, 2011.
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17. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (June 12–19, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. June 24, 2011.
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20. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (July 25–31, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. August 5, 2011.
21. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (August 1–7, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. August 12, 2011.
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23. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (August 15–21, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. August 26, 2011.
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26. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (September 5–11, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. September 19, 2011.
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28. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (October 3–9, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. October 13, 2011.
29. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (October 10–16, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. October 22, 2011.
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31. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (November 21–28, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. December 3, 2011.
32. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (November 28–December 4, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. December 9, 2011.
33. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (December 5–11, 2011) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. December 18, 2011.
34. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (January 23–29, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. February 4, 2012.
35. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (January 30–February 5, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. February 11, 2012.
36. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (February 6–12, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. February 18, 2012.
37. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (February 13–19, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. February 23, 2012.
38. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (February 20–26, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. March 2, 2012.
39. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (February 27–March 4, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. March 9, 2012.
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41. Broadcast TV Ratings: Cartoon Network (March 12–19, 2012) (Report). Nielsen Media Research. March 23, 2012.
42. Lambert, David (May 3, 2012). "The Amazing World of Gumball – DVD Announced for the Cartoon Network Series". TVShowsOnDVD.com. TV Guide. Archived from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
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