Nothing quite epitomizes the ’90s likeBeavis and Butt-Head. Mike Judge’s animated creations represented a generation apathetic to society’s previously held norms. Instead, they were more than comfortable in the present, as well as a future, where little was worth the effort. MTV seemed likethe perfect home for the popular characters, themselves once a refuge for pop culture non-conformists.
The series came about in an era whereLiquid Televisionwould introduce groundbreaking shorts likeAeon Flux.Beavis and Butt-Headmeant another major shift into animation that was far from kids' stuff. Along the way, the two teens took on just about every taboo topic — with controversy never far behind. Some episodes just seem to find their place as fan favorites decades later.
15Citizen Butt-Head
Beavis and Butt-Head have never been into politics, so it’s all the more hilarious when then-President Bill Clinton pays a visit. To be fair, it isn’t really Clinton voicing his cartoon persona. In the episode, Principal McVicker desperately tries to prevent his two worst students from meeting the special guest.
His final attempt to keep them away is met with a brutal beating from Secret Service agents, leaving Beavis and Butt-Head free for an unconventional Q&A. Look for anappearance from Daria, who would eventually have her own spin-off series.
14True Crime
No one said Beavis and Butt-Head were criminal masterminds, but a little luck helps in this hilarious episode. The duo winds up with a major cash windfall after finding a debit card and using it to withdraw much of the customer’s account.
What helps this episode stand out is its parodies of two major series at the time —America’s Most WantedandCops. News isn’t off the hook either, with a reenactment that is far from reality. Its actors present over-the-top performances that only faintly resemble Beavis and Butt-Head.
13Scientific Stuff
There is no way to explain Beavis and Butt-Head’s unprecedented stupidity, but that didn’t stop Daria from trying. In her first series appearance, this famously smart student turns the pair into her very own science project. She comes to the conclusion that both genetics and environment contribute to the problem — whether she’s right or not might just be up to the viewer. The episode really pays off with a final segment featuring Daria sitting in with her two test subjects.
12Mr. Anderson’s Balls
Few things motivate Beavis and Butt-Head like money; sooner or later, they put that scheming to good use to create a pretty profitable venture. “Mr. Anderson’s Balls” proves that even this failed pair get things right from time to time.
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They start out on a quest to find a missing person, hoping to cash in on a cash reward. Instead, the search leads them to discover Mr. Anderson’s golf balls; the duo begins selling the balls back to Anderson, but nothing lasts forever.King of the Hillfans should take note that Judge’s voicework on Anderson offers a precursor to the popular Hank Hill character.
111-900-BEAVIS
Adult hotlines were very popular during the ’80s and ’90s; in some part, that popularity came from kids eagerfor prank callsor just satisfying their curiosity. Of course, those calls came with a high price — often leading to huge phone bills. The episode plays on this sensation as Beavis and Butt-Head try out a phone sex line. It’s not long before they decide to push their luck by running a line. The episode finds much of its humor in showing who’s really behind the calls.
10Scared Straight
Principal McVickers is constantly trying to rid himself of the problematic duo. This episode sees him try once again with the scared straight program. Instead of changing Beavis and Butt-Head’s life, the experience only amplifies their attitudes. The funniest moments see them undergo fingerprinting and spreading inked hand prints over one another.
9Home Improvement
Mr. Anderson once again makes an appearance in this chaotic episode. Beavis and Butt-head get a job painting the elderly neighbor’s house. Things go downhill from there when Butt-Head finds a can of paint thinner and inhales it.
The duo then goes on a spree which damages the entire house. In a nod to other controversies, MTV originally aired the episode with a disclaimer about sniffing paint thinner or similar items; it would not appear in later airings that seem to be edited around that point.
8Candy Sale
Highland High School should have thought twice about using its students for fundraising. Beavis and Butt-Head set out to sell candy bars but come up with a less-than-genius plan along the way. Passing a few dollars back and forth when eating the bars quickly wipes out their inventory, with no money to show for the day. The episode sees the candy representative’s frustration lead to a confrontation with Coach Bradley Buzzcut — much to the pair’s approval.
7No Laughing
Everyone has seen no laughing videos, but that wasn’t something as common whenBeavis and Butt-Headfirst aired. In the episode, Principal McVickers tries a new approach to controlling his most famous students. He proposes they don’t laugh for a week, anything less results in their expulsion.
It’s a tough assignment, but even worse when they come in contact with the irresistible — sex education class taught by Bradley Buzzcut. The coach’s approach makes it even harder for the pair to avoid laughing, especially when confronted with various terms for genitals, diseases, and even intercourse.
6Prank Call
Beavis and Butt-Head use a phone book to harass an unfortunately named man. They get away with the calls by inadvertently pulling Stewart and his dad into the mischief. It doesn’t end well for Stewart’s dad, who needs medical intervention after getting his phone into a very painful position. In a sign they’ve learned nothing,the pair return to prank callingafter the ordeal.
