View source for Aqua Teen Hunger Force

{{short description|American adult animated television series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = Aqua Teen Hunger Force main characters.png
| caption              = The series' main protagonists. From left to right: [[Master Shake]], [[Meatwad]] and [[Frylock]].
| alt_name             = {{plainlist|
* ''[[Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1]]'' {{no italics|(season 8)}}
* ''[[Aqua Something You Know Whatever]]'' {{no italics|(season 9)}}
* ''[[Aqua TV Show Show]]'' {{no italics|(season 10)}}
* ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever]]'' {{no italics|(season 11)}}}}
| genre                = {{Plainlist|
* [[Adult animation]]
* [[Surreal humor]]
* [[Black comedy]]
* [[Animated sitcom]]}}
| runtime              = {{Plainlist|
* 11–12 minutes
* 22 minutes (episodes 58 and 138)}}
| creator              = {{Plainlist|
* [[Dave Willis]]
* [[Matt Maiellaro]]}}
| director             = {{Plainlist|
* Dave Willis
* Matt Maiellaro}}
| writer               = {{Plainlist|
* Dave Willis
* Matt Maiellaro}}
| producer             = {{Plainlist|
* Dave Willis (seasons 1–11)
* Matt Maiellaro (seasons 1–11)
* [[Jay Wade Edwards]]
* [[Ned Hastings]]
}}
| executive_producer   = {{Plainlist|
* [[Keith Crofford]] (seasons 1–11)
* [[Mike Lazzo]] (seasons 1–11)
* Dave Willis (season 12)
* Matt Maiellaro (season 12)
* Kelly Crews (season 12)
* Cameron Tang (season 12)
}}
| voices               = {{Plainlist|
* [[Dana Snyder]]
* [[Carey Means]]
* Dave Willis
* Matt Maiellaro
* [[George Lowe]]
* [[C. Martin Croker]]
* [[Andy Merrill]]
* [[Mike Schatz]]}}
| company              = [[Williams Street]]
| narrated             = [[Schoolly D]]
| music                = Schoolly D
| open_theme           = {{Plainlist|
* "Aqua Teen Rap" by Schoolly D (2000–10)
* "Aqua Unit Patrol Squad" by [[Joshua Homme]] & [[Alain Johannes]] (2011)
* "Aqua Something You-Know-Whatever" by [[Mariachi El Bronx]] & Schoolly D (2012)
* "Aqua TV Show Show" by [[Flying Lotus]] ft. [[Thundercat (musician)|Thundercat]] (2013)
* "We Rule Your Animated Comedy Ass Forever" by Dave Willis, Dana Snyder, & Carey Means (2015)
* "Aqua Teen Hunger Force Theme (2023 Remix)" by Schoolly D (remixed by Nick Ingkatanuwat, Matt Maiellaro, & Shawn Coleman) (2023)
}}
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 12
| num_episodes         = 144 (1 unaired)<ref name="Bostonepisodeinterview">{{cite web |title=Exclusive Interview With Meatwad, Er, Dave Willis, Of 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' |work=Starpulse |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/Dee_Doyle/2008/12/15/starpulse_com_exclusive_interview_with_d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115024706/http://www.starpulse.com/news/Dee_Doyle/2008/12/15/starpulse_com_exclusive_interview_with_d |archive-date=November 15, 2010 |access-date=April 16, 2011 |publisher=Star Pulse}}</ref>
| list_episodes        = List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes
| related              = {{plainlist|
* ''[[Space Ghost Coast to Coast]]''
* ''Carl's Stone Cold Lock of the Century of the Week''
* ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force season 3|Spacecataz]]''
* ''[[Soul Quest Overdrive]]''
* ''Aquadonk Side Pieces''
}}
| network              = [[Cartoon Network]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|2000|12|30}}
| network2             = [[Adult Swim]]
| first_aired2         = {{Start date|2001|9|9}}
| last_aired2          = {{End date|2015|08|30}}
| first_aired3         = {{Start date|2023|11|26}}
| last_aired3          = {{End date|2023|12|17}}
}}
'''''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''''' (also branded with different [[#Alternative titles|alternative titles]] for seasons 8–11), is an American [[adult animated]] television series created by [[Dave Willis]] and [[Matt Maiellaro]] and produced by [[Williams Street]] for [[Cartoon Network]]'s late night programming block [[Adult Swim]]. The series is about the [[surreal humor|surreal]] adventures and antics of three [[anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[fast food]] items: [[Master Shake]], [[Meatwad]], and [[Frylock]], who live together as roommates and frequently interact with their human next-door neighbor, [[Carl Brutanunanulewski|Carl]]. 

The [[Rabbot|first episode]] premiered on Cartoon Network on December 30, 2000, and the series later made its official debut on Adult Swim on September 9, 2001. Every episode was directed and written by Willis and Maiellaro, who also provided several voices. Seasons 8–11 were each given a different title, accompanied by different theme music, as a [[Running gag|running joke]]. The series initially concluded on August 30, 2015, but later returned for an [[Aqua Teen Hunger Force season 12|additional season]] on November 26, 2023. The series ultimately ended on December 17, 2023, with a total of [[List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes|144 episodes]] over the course of 12 seasons.

''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters]]'', a [[film adaptation]] of the series, was released in theaters on April 13, 2007, the first adaptation of an Adult Swim series into a [[feature film|feature-length film]]. A [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] series consisting of 10 online shorts, entitled ''Aquadonk Side Pieces'', were released on the official Adult Swim [[YouTube]] channel in April 2022 and a [[direct-to-video]] film, entitled ''[[Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm]]'', was released on November 8, 2022.

The series airs in [[broadcast syndication]] outside the United States and has been released on various DVD sets and other forms of home media, including [[video on demand]] streaming.

==Premise==
The series centers on the [[surreal humour|surreal]] adventures and antics of three [[anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[fast food]] items: Master Shake, a selfish, pathologically lying [[milkshake]]; Frylock, a calm and intelligent box of [[French fries]]; and Meatwad, a [[shapeshifting]], childlike ball of [[ground meat]]. They live together and frequently conflict with their human neighbor Carl, a middle-aged, boorish, lecherous sports fanatic. The protagonists also encounter [[Villain of the week|new antagonists in most episodes]]. Some episodes feature cameos from celebrities appearing as fictionalized versions of themselves.

[[The Mooninites]] are two aliens from the Moon who frequently appear, serving as primary antagonists and wreaking havoc through a series of illegal or destructive actions. The Mooninites appear more than most characters outside the main cast. Other recurring characters have made several appearances, including [[List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force characters#Oglethorpe and Emory|Oglethorpe and Emory]], [[Mc Pee Pants|MC Pee Pants]], [[List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force characters#Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future|Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future]], and [[List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force characters#Markula|Markula]]. Episodes often end with the [[Canon (fiction)|non-canonical]] deaths or injuries of major characters, or destruction to their property, only to be restored [[Reset button technique|without explanation]] in the following episode.

In the show's first seven seasons, the protagonists live in a [[suburban]] neighborhood in [[South Jersey|South New Jersey]]. During the eighth season, the location was changed to [[Seattle, Washington]].<ref name="season8">{{cite web |last=Franich |first=Darren |date=April 26, 2011 |title='Aqua Teen Hunger Force' changes title to 'Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1' |url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/04/26/aqua-teen-hunger-force-new-title/?replytocom=1565577 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501051659/http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/04/26/aqua-teen-hunger-force-new-title/?replytocom=1565577 |archive-date=May 1, 2011 |access-date=April 27, 2011 |publisher=Pop Watch}}</ref> The Seattle setting appears entirely identical to the Jersey setting. As of the ninth season, the same neighborhood is identified as "Seattle, New Jersey".<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Fightan Titan |series=Aqua Something You Know Whatever |season=9 |number=7 |airdate=August 5, 2012}}</ref>

===Cold openings===
During the first two seasons, episodes [[Cold open|cold-opened]] with a glimpse into the laboratory of Dr. Weird. He and his assistant Steve use the first several seconds of the show to create [[monster]]s, [[disaster]]s, and various things. In earlier episodes of the first season, the monsters or creations usually form the basis of the plot, but as the crime-fighting element of the program disappeared, the Dr. Weird segment became a [[non sequitur (absurdism)|non sequitur]] opening gag.

In the third season, the Dr. Weird openings were replaced with segments from the pilot episode of ''Spacecataz'', an unaired [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] created by Willis and Maiellaro. Six episodes were planned for production, but Adult Swim felt there was little that could be made into five more episodes since all the characters were destroyed at the end of the pilot, despite the parent series being predominantly not [[Canon (fiction)|canonical]].<ref name="dvdfour">{{Cite AV media |title=Audio commentary for "Little Brittle": Volume Four |medium=DVD}}</ref> These segments featured the Mooninites and Plutonians trading insults, gestures, and practical jokes. The full ''Spacecataz'' pilot is available as a special feature on the Volume Four DVD box set.<ref name="amazon_productdetails">[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B5XOR0 Product Details for "Aqua Teen Hunger Force Volume 4"] on [[Amazon.com]]</ref> The Mooninites appear to outsmart the Plutonians for much of the series including tagging the Plutonians' ship and reversing a prank that involved 50 million large pizzas.

Cold openings were eliminated starting with the [[Aqua Teen Hunger Force season 4|fourth season]] premiere, "Dirtfoot". A one-off cold opening featuring Dr. Weird and Steve was used once again in the season eight premiere "[[Allen (Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1)|Allen Part One]]".

==Production==
===Development===
{{see also|Space Ghost Coast to Coast}}
[[File:ATHF-Baffler Meal.jpg|thumb|280px|The prototype designs of [[Meatwad]], [[Master Shake]] and [[Frylock]].]]
The three main characters—Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad—were originally created for an episode of ''Space Ghost Coast to Coast'' called "Baffler Meal", where they were the corporate mascots for the fictional fast-food chain "Burger Trench". The original versions of the trio were prototypes that resembled the future characters, but both Master Shake and Frylock differed in appearance, personality, and voice from their ultimate design.<ref name="baffler">{{Cite AV media |title=Audio commentary for "Baffler Meal"; Volume Two |medium=DVD}}</ref> The original name "Teen Hunger Force" refers to the squad's mission to conquer hunger in teens.<ref name="BafflerDialogue">{{Cite AV media |title=Spoken dialogue in "Baffler Meal"; Volume Two |medium=DVD}}</ref>

"Baffler Meal" went through a number of drafts<ref>{{cite web |first=Myke|last=Johns|date=July 20, 2015 |title='Aqua Teen Hunger Force' Creators Talk Cancellation, Weirdness |url=https://www.wabe.org/aqua-teen-hunger-force-creators-talk-cancellation-weirdness/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003553/https://www.wabe.org/aqua-teen-hunger-force-creators-talk-cancellation-weirdness/ |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=May 29, 2018 |publisher=WABE}}</ref> but was not animated or produced until after the series became popular. Instead, the ''Space Ghost'' episode was initially rewritten as "Kentucky Nightmare", while the trio, along with Carl, debuted in "[[Rabbot]]", the pilot episode of ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''. A full season consisting of 16 episodes, including "Rabbot", was put into production shortly thereafter. The series was one of Adult Swim's most popular shows.<ref name="dvd">{{Cite AV media |title=Audio commentary |medium=DVD}}</ref>

In early episodes, the trio was identified by Master Shake as the Aqua Teen Hunger Force, which solved crimes for money. After a few episodes, this premise and the characters' use of the name were dropped. The premise was a trick that had been added to appease [[Cartoon Network]] executives, who "didn't want to air a show about food just going around and doing random things".<ref name="dvd" /> In the show, Frylock says they stopped fighting crime because "that wasn't making us a whole lot of money".<ref name="ep_kidney">Spoken dialogue in Kidney Car</ref>

===Writing and direction===
Every episode of ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' was written and [[Television director|directed]] by series creators [[Dave Willis]] and [[Matt Maiellaro]] and produced by [[Williams Street]]. Much of the dialogue was supplemented with ad-libs and improvisation by the voice talent.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Interview, September 22, 2003 |url=http://www.flakmag.com/features/aquateen.html |url-status=live |magazine=[[Flak Magazine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615235548/http://www.flakmag.com/features/aquateen.html |archive-date=June 15, 2006 |access-date=June 15, 2006}}</ref> The show was fully scripted but ad-libs are included in the final recordings and the shows are animated to include this improvisation. Many of the crew and cast members formerly worked on ''[[Space Ghost Coast to Coast]]''.<ref name="vanguard" />

===Voice actors===
{{see also|List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force characters}}

The main cast of the series consists of [[Dana Snyder]] as [[Master Shake]],<ref name="Master Shake">{{cite web |last=Eason |first=Jonas |title=Master Shake's character page |url=http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Master+Shake |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902094125/http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua%2BTeen%2BHunger%2BForce/Master%2BShake |archive-date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=May 15, 2011 |publisher=Adult Swim}}</ref> [[Carey Means]] as [[Frylock]],<ref name="Frylock">{{cite web |last=Eason |first=Jonas |title=Frylock's character page |url=http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Frylock |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707090719/http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Frylock |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |access-date=May 15, 2011 |publisher=Adult Swim |df=mdy-all}}</ref> and series co-creator [[Dave Willis]] as both [[Meatwad]] and [[Carl Brutanunanulewski|Carl]], as well as [[Ignignokt]].<ref name="Meatwad">{{cite web |last=Eason |first=Jonas |title=Meatwad's character page |url=http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Meatwad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707090714/http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Meatwad |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |access-date=May 15, 2011 |publisher=Adult Swim |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Carl">{{cite web |last=Eason |first=Jonas |title=Carl's character page |url=http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua+Teen+Hunger+Force/Carl |access-date=May 15, 2011 |publisher=Adult Swim}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="IgnignoktGuide">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080916235602/http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua%2BTeen%2BHunger%2BForce/Ignignokt Ignignokt official character guide] from [[Adult Swim]]. (archive)</ref> In addition to the main cast series co-creator [[Matt Maiellaro]] voices [[Ignignokt and Err|Err]], [[Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future (character)|Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future]], [[Satan]] and [[Markula]].<ref name="ErrGuide">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080804223408/http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua%2BTeen%2BHunger%2BForce/Err Err official character guide] from [[Adult Swim]]. (archive)</ref><ref name="GhostGuide">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080612071623/http://wiki.adultswim.com/xwiki/bin/Aqua%2BTeen%2BHunger%2BForce/The%2BCybernetic%2BGhost%2Bof%2BChristmas%2BPast%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2BFuture Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future official character guide] from [[Adult Swim]]. (archive)</ref> Members of the main cast and Maiellaro also voice several minor and one-time characters in addition to their primary roles. All three main characters appear in almost every episode. They are all absent from the season five episode "Sirens" and the season ten episode "Spacecadeuce". In the season five episode "Robots Everywhere", Frylock and Master Shake only make brief unseen speaking cameos, while Meatwad is completely absent.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Sirens |series=Aqua Teen Hunger Force |network=Adult Swim |date=January 27, 2008 |season=5 |number=3 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Spacecadunce">{{Cite episode |title=Spacecadunce |series=Aqua TV Show Show |network=Adult Swim |date=October 20, 2013 |number=10 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite episode |title=Robots Everywhere |series=Aqua Teen Hunger Force |network=Adult Swim |date=January 20, 2008 |season=5 |number=2 |language=en}}</ref>

Voiceover artist [[George Lowe]] has made several appearances throughout the series. Lowe previously starred as [[Space Ghost]] in ''[[Space Ghost Coast to Coast]]'' and the original incarnation of ''[[Cartoon Planet]]'', from which several cast and crew members moved on to work for ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''. Lowe made his first appearance in ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' in the season one episode "Mail Order Bride" and went on to make several other cameos. He had a prominent appearance as himself in the season four episode "Antenna", and reprised his role as Space Ghost for a quick appearance in ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters]]''. Lowe was later considered a member of the main cast in 2011 during ''[[Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1]]''; he announced the title of each episode and continued to make cameos. Lowe later made another prominent appearance in the ''[[Aqua Something You Know Whatever]]'' episode "Rocket Horse and Jet Chicken".

Series animator [[C. Martin Croker]], known for his interpretation of [[Zorak]] in various shows and specials, provided the voices of both Dr. Weird and Steve during the [[cold openings]] for the first two seasons and "[[Allen (Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1)|Allen Part One]]". Croker also voiced several birds in the season seven episode "Eggball". [[Andy Merrill]] has portrayed Oglethorpe alongside [[Mike Schatz]] as Emory in several episodes. Merrill is also well known for his interpretation of [[Brak (character)|Brak]] in several shows and specials and provided the voice of Merle in "Escape from Leprechaupolis" and "The Last One". [[MC Chris]], who has a history of voicing characters on Adult Swim programs, has provided the voice of MC Pee Pants in several episodes. Chris also provided the voice of eight-year-old Carl in "Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future" and returned for a musical role in the season seven episode "[[One Hundred (Aqua Teen Hunger Force)|One Hundred]]" after a long absence. [[Tommy Blacha]] joined the recurring cast with the introduction of his character Wongburger in the season four episode "Dickesode". With the exception of Tommy Blacha, the entire recurring cast reprised their roles in ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters''.

Various comedians, athletes, and other celebrities have made guest appearances, usually credited under pseudonyms due to the series originally using non-union voice talent.

The twelfth season featured [[Eric Bauza]], [[Brian Cox (actor)|Brian Cox]], [[Maurice LaMarche]], [[Dan Fogler]] and [[Gary Anthony Williams]]. Unlike the first eleven seasons, the twelfth season is unionized under [[SAG-AFTRA]].

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width:100%; margin-right:0;"
|-
!colspan=6|Main Cast members
|-
|align=center| [[File:DanaSnyder.jpg|165x165px]]
|align=center| [[File:6P1A2718 (cropped).jpg|165x165px]]
|align=center| [[File:Dave Willis (53471644172) (cropped).jpg|165x165px]]
|align=center| [[File:Matt Maiellaro nel 2010.jpg|165x165px]]
|align=center| [[File:GeorgeLowe-Painting crop.jpg|165x165px]]
|align=center| [[File:C. Martin Croker.jpg|165x165px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
| style="width:16%;"| [[Dana Snyder]]
| style="width:16%;"| [[Carey Means]]
| style="width:16%;"| [[Dave Willis]]
| style="width:16%;"| [[Matt Maiellaro]]
| style="width:16%;"| [[George Lowe]]
| style="width:16%;"| [[C. Martin Croker]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
|style="width:16%;"| [[Master Shake]]
|style="width:16%;"| [[Frylock]]
|style="width:16%;"| [[Meatwad]], [[Carl Brutanunanulewski|Carl]], [[The Mooninites|Ignignokt]], Boxy Brown, Various
|style="width:16%;"| [[The Mooninites|Err]], Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future, [[Satan]], Markula, Various
|style="width:16%;"| Himself, Police Officer, Season eight episode announcer, Jet Chicken, Various
|style="width:16%;"| Dr. Weird, Steve, Various
|}

==={{anchor|List of alternative titles for Aqua Teen Hunger Force}}{{anchor|alternative titles}}{{anchor|alternate titles}}Alternative titles===
{| class="wikitable floatright"
|+Alternative titles
|-
! Alternative title
! Season
! Original season run
|-
| ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force season 8|Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1]]''
| 8
| May 8 – July 24, 2011
|-
| ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force season 9|Aqua Something You Know Whatever]]''
| 9
| June 24 – August 26, 2012
|-
| ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force season 10|Aqua TV Show Show]]''
| 10
| August 11 – October 20, 2013
|-
| ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force season 11|Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever]]''
| 11
| June 21 – August 30, 2015
|}

In 2011, for the [[Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1|eighth season]], the series' title was changed to ''Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1'';<ref name=season8/> Maiellaro later explained that he and Willis were getting bored with the former title and wanted to "come up with a new fresh open and a whole new show, just to try it out".<ref name="season8No2">{{cite web |last=Ohanesian |first=Liz |date=May 7, 2011 |title=Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1: Are the Characters from Aqua Teen Hunger Force Really Moving to Seattle? |url=http://blogs.laweekly.com/stylecouncil/2011/05/aqua_unit_patrol_squad_1.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822222822/http://blogs.laweekly.com/stylecouncil/2011/05/aqua_unit_patrol_squad_1.php |archive-date=August 22, 2011 |access-date=August 7, 2011 |publisher=LAWeekly}}</ref> Despite the title change there were virtually no changes to the show's characters or tone. In 2012 Maiellaro announced that each subsequent season would have a [[Alternative title|different series title]], making it a [[running gag]].<ref name="Maiellaroonalternativetitles">{{cite web |last=Sunu |first=Steve |date=January 27, 2012 |title=Matt Maiellaro on "Knobodys" & "Aqua Teens" |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=36664 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825200733/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=36664 |archive-date=August 25, 2012 |access-date=January 27, 2012 |website=Comic Book Resources}}</ref> Willis later said the alternate titles were just an unsuccessful stunt to generate buzz.<ref>{{cite web |last=Willis |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Willis |date=2015-06-17 |title=I am Dave Willis, co-creator of Aqua Teen Hunger Force...AMA! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3a3itv/i_am_dave_willis_cocreator_of_aqua_teen_hunger/cs90rlh/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224055517/https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3a3itv/i_am_dave_willis_cocreator_of_aqua_teen_hunger/cs90rlh/ |archive-date=December 24, 2016 |access-date=2016-12-10 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>

Each season that is branded under an alternate title features a different opening sequence and theme music written by different artists. On most television listings and digital download sites, the alternatively titled episodes are formally listed under their alternative titles, not as episodes of ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''. On most legal digital downloading sites [[#Home releases|that feature the series]], the first 7 seasons are presented as ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' while the alternatively titled seasons are listed separately and treated as if they were each a completely different, one-season series.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

===Theme music===
[[Rapper]] [[Schoolly D]] performed the ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' [[theme song]] used in the first seven seasons. An extended remix version of the theme was used in the 2007 film adaptation and in the soundtrack for the 2011 video game ''[[Saints Row: The Third]]''. After a multi-year absence, Schoolly D returned for the season seven episode "Rabbot Redux", performing a different theme song used exclusively in that episode. The special intro to "Rabbot Redux" featured the exact animation used in the regular intro.<ref>[http://video.adultswim.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force/new-open.html New open] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029212646/http://video.adultswim.com/aqua-teen-hunger-force/new-open.html |date=October 29, 2013 }} the intro sequence used exclusively in "Rabbot Redux," with two versions used - the original for the theme and an alternate mixed used in the episode's end.</ref> Each subsequent season featured a different theme song by a different artist with a different animated intro. The eighth season was written and performed by [[Joshua Homme]] and [[Alain Johannes]].<ref name=season8/> Schoolly D returned for the season nine intro for ''Aqua Something You Know Whatever'', writing and performing it with [[Mariachi El Bronx]]. The season 10 theme song was produced by [[Flying Lotus]], an artist with a long history of being featured in Adult Swim's [[Bumper (broadcasting)|bumps]].<ref name="SPINlink">{{cite web |last=Martins |first=Chris |date=April 23, 2013 |title=Flying Lotus Writing New 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' Theme Song Also: Mac Miller rhymes well over FlyLo's "S.D.S." beat |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/04/flying-lotus-aqua-teen-hunger-force-theme-song-mac-miller-sds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722033410/http://www.spin.com/2013/04/flying-lotus-aqua-teen-hunger-force-theme-song-mac-miller-sds/ |archive-date=July 22, 2015 |access-date=July 23, 2013 |publisher=SPIN}}</ref> Every episode features an opening sequence, with the rare exceptions of the season two episode "The Last One", the season nine episode "The Granite Family", and the season ten episode "Spacecadeuce".<ref>{{Cite episode |title=The Last One |series=Aqua Teen Hunger Force |network=Adult Swim |date=December 31, 2003 |season=2 |number=24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite episode |title=The Granite Family |series=Aqua Something You Know Whatever |network=Adult Swim |date=July 22, 2012 |number=5 |language=en}}</ref>

===2015 cancellation===
{{see also|Further information|Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever}}

In 2015, it was announced that Adult Swim had cancelled ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''.<ref name="Huffington">{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Jessica |title='Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever' Will Be The Show's Final Season |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/aqua-teen-hunger-force-final-season_n_7153218.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714083007/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/27/aqua-teen-hunger-force-final-season_n_7153218.html |archive-date=July 14, 2015}}</ref> The cancellation went against the wishes of Willis and Maiellaro, who first learned about it from the animation studio, [[Awesome Inc.]], halfway through the production of the [[Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever|11th season]].<ref name="C2CE">[https://web.archive.org/web/20150617081853/http://www.twitch.tv/c2e2/b/653386129?t=4h08m14s Dave Willis speaking at a C2CE convention panel on April 25, 2015] posted on Twitch</ref><ref name="Paste">{{Cite magazine |last=Martin |first=Garrett |title=The Life and Death of Aqua Teen Hunger Force |url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/06/aqua-teen-hunger-force-forever.html |url-status=live |magazine=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620140503/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/06/aqua-teen-hunger-force-forever.html |archive-date=June 20, 2015 |access-date=June 22, 2015}}</ref> Willis said that Adult Swim president [[Mike Lazzo]] made the decision to end the series because "he was ready to move on from it".<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3a3itv/i_am_dave_willis_cocreator_of_aqua_teen_hunger/cs907ni Statement made by Dave Willis on June 16, 2015] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213161537/https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3a3itv/i_am_dave_willis_cocreator_of_aqua_teen_hunger/cs907ni |date=December 13, 2015 }} on [[Reddit]]</ref> The double-length episode "The Last One Forever and Ever (For Real This Time) (We F##king Mean It)" was falsely promoted as the [[series finale]] and aired on August 23, 2015. The actual series finale, "[[The Greatest Story Ever Told (Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever)|The Greatest Story Ever Told]]", was quietly released early online on August 26 before airing four days later, with virtually no advertisement. At the time of its conclusion, ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' was Adult Swim's longest-running original series.

===Revival===
{{Further information|Aqua Teen Hunger Force season 12}}

During an interview about the series' cancellation, Maiellaro said there are no plans to revive ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'', but that it could return someday.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 20, 2015 |title='Aqua Teen Hunger Force' Creators Talk Cancellation, Weirdness |url=http://news.wabe.org/post/aqua-teen-hunger-force-creators-talk-cancellation-weirdness |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010190842/http://news.wabe.org/post/aqua-teen-hunger-force-creators-talk-cancellation-weirdness |archive-date=October 10, 2016 |access-date=September 11, 2016}}</ref> In 2017, Adult Swim was asked why they don't make more episodes, to which they responded "we might" via a [[Bumper (broadcasting)|bump]].

In April 2022, Adult Swim began uploading ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' shorts under the name ''Aquadonk Side Pieces'' to their YouTube channel.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 18, 2022 | title='NEW: The Return of Handbanana Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Aquadonk Side Pieces - adult swim | website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZVPXbl6lDIs |access-date=April 30, 2022}}</ref> These shorts are often less than four minutes and center around the villains in the show, with all original voice actors reprising their roles. In December 2022, Maiellaro announced in an interview that he and Dave Willis were working on five new ''Aqua Teen'' scripts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Neeley |first1=Ronnie |date=12 December 2022 |title=Matt Maiellaro Interview {{!}} ATHF Co-Creator, Voice of Err and Markula |url=https://www.dancingisforbidden.com/e/matt-maiellaro/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |website=Dancing Is Forbidden |publisher=Dancing Is Forbidden: An Aqua Teen Hunger Force Exploration}}</ref> A month later, Adult Swim officially announced the five episodes as the show's twelfth season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Campione |first1=Katie |title=Adult Swim Orders Five New Episodes Of 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/adult-swim-orders-new-episodes-aqua-teen-hunger-force-season-12-1235241083/ |website=Deadline |publisher=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=28 February 2023 |date=25 January 2023}}</ref> 

The first 11 seasons were created using [[Adobe Photoshop]] images, animated using [[Adobe After Effects]], and edited using [[Final Cut Pro|Apple's Final Cut Pro]]. Beginning with season 12, the series is animated by [[Floyd County Productions]].{{cn|date=February 2025}}

In a May 2024 tweet, Matt Maiellaro indicated that future seasons were unlikely for the time being, describing the show as "cancelled."<ref>{{Cite web |title=x.com |url=https://x.com/MattMaiellaro/status/1791074188125483393 |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}}</ref>

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes}}

{{:List of Aqua Teen Hunger Force episodes}}

==Films==
===''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters'' (2007)===
{{Main|Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters}}

A feature film based on the show, ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Movie Film for Theaters]]'', was released on April 13, 2007. The movie follows the origins of the Aqua Teens, which includes an [[exercise machine]], [[Neil Peart]] of the band [[Rush (band)|Rush]], a watermelon slice named Walter Melon, and an appearance by a heavy metal band [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]] in the opening sequence. The film also introduces a fourth Aqua Teen, a [[chicken nugget]] named Chicken Bittle (voiced by [[Bruce Campbell]]). The Plutonians and the Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future, recurring characters, both make appearances in the movie, as well as the Mooninites, Dr. Weird and MC Pee Pants (this being his last appearance in the series).<ref>{{cite web |title=Ain't It Cool News |url=http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=24061 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301103853/http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=24061 |archive-date=March 1, 2007 |access-date=March 22, 2007}}</ref>

===''Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm'' (2022)===
{{Main|Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm}}

In a 2010 interview, staff members of [[Radical Axis (studio)|Radical Axis]] stated that a sequel entitled ''Death Fighter'' was in production, and mentioned the possibility that the film might be made in [[3-D film|3-D]]. When asked if the film was designed for a theatrical release, a Radical Axis staff member responded yes, but stated: "We're not sure if we have a distributor yet", though this was then followed by the statement that "Adult Swim will never make another movie ever again".<ref>{{cite web |last=Daniels |first=Hunter |date=July 30, 2010 |title=Radical Axis Interview Comic-Con; CEO Scott Fry, VP of Production Craig Hartin and Animation Director Todd Redner |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |url=https://collider.com/radical-axis-interview-comic-con-ceo-scott-fry-vp-production-craig-hartin-animation-director-todd-redner/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425230947/http://collider.com/radical-axis-interview-comic-con-ceo-scott-fry-vp-production-craig-hartin-animation-director-todd-redner/41207 |archive-date=April 25, 2011 |access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref>

By 2014, the script for ''Death Fighter'' had been completed and approved; however, Willis indirectly stated that the project was scrapped, soon after announcing the show's cancellation.<ref name="C2CE" /> He later mentioned on [[Reddit]] that it would cost $3.4 million to produce, and expressed interest in doing a [[Kickstarter]] to fund it.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3a3itv/i_am_dave_willis_cocreator_of_aqua_teen_hunger/cs913g9#cs913g9 Statement made by Dave Willis on June 16, 2015] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102164152/https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/3a3itv/i_am_dave_willis_cocreator_of_aqua_teen_hunger/cs913g9#cs913g9 |date=November 2, 2015 }} on [[Reddit]]</ref> A new film was confirmed to be in production in May 2021, no other details have been confirmed other than it will be a [[direct-to-video]] film.<ref>{{cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=May 12, 2021 |title=Adult Swim Greenlights 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force,' 'Metalocalypse' & 'The Venture Bros.' Original Movies |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/adult-swim-greenlights-aqua-teen-hunger-force-metalocalypse-the-venture-bros-original-movies/ |access-date=May 12, 2021 |website=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref>

On May 12, 2021, Adult Swim confirmed the production of three new original films, including a new ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' film to make exclusive debuts on [[HBO Max]] following a physical/VOD release.<ref>{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=May 12, 2021 |title=Adult Swim Has Three Movies In The Works For 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force', 'The Venture Bros.' & 'Metalocalypse' |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/adult-swim-movies-for-aqua-teen-hunger-force-metalocalypse-the-venture-bros-1234754652/ |access-date=May 12, 2021 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

On November 14, 2021, it was announced the film would be released in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Nick|last1=Valdez|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/aqua-teen-hunger-force-new-movie-release-2022-adult-swim/|date=November 14, 2021|title=New Aqua Teen Hunger Force Movie Sets Release Window}}</ref>

On May 18, 2022, it was revealed the film would be titled ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Plantasm''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://bleedingcool.com/tv/rick-and-morty-s06-aqua-teen-return-highlight-adult-swim-block-party/ | title=Rick and Morty S06, Aqua Teen Return Highlight Adult Swim Block Party | date=May 18, 2022 }}</ref> It was changed to ''[[Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm]]''. The film was released on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and digital on November 8, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jason Price |url=https://www.iconvsicon.com/2022/08/06/aqua-teen-forever-plantasm-all-new-original-film-set-to-drop-in-november/ |title='Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm' â€" All-New Original Film Set To Drop In November! |publisher=Icon Vs. Icon |date=2022-04-13 |accessdate=2022-08-07}}</ref>

==Broadcast==
The pilot episode "Rabbot" originally aired on Cartoon Network on December 30, 2000, as part of a special preview of upcoming Adult Swim shows. Other shows in the preview block included ''[[Sealab 2021]]'', ''[[The Brak Show]]'', and ''[[Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law]]''.<ref name="vanguard">{{cite web |date=February 8, 2007 |title=Welcome to Williams Street |url=http://www.psuvanguard.com/2.4061/welcome-to-williams-street-1.311737 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715134221/http://www.psuvanguard.com/2.4061/welcome-to-williams-street-1.311737 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=March 5, 2007 |publisher=[[Daily Vanguard]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Daily Ghost Planet : The Past! |url=http://lustforlunch.com/dgp/oldnews.htm#stealth |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011220040853/http://lustforlunch.com/dgp/oldnews.htm#stealth |archive-date=December 20, 2001 |access-date=January 22, 2011 |publisher=Lustforlunch.com}}</ref> ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' later made its official debut on September 9, 2001, on Adult Swim, where the series has since aired exclusively, in the United States. The final episode "The Greatest Story Ever Told" made its television debut on August 30, 2015, after having been quietly released online four days earlier.

===International broadcast===
In Canada, ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' previously aired on [[Cartoon Network (Canada)|Teletoon]]'s [[Teletoon at Night]] block<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/teletoon-unveils-2004-fall-lineup|title = TELETOON Unveils 2004 Fall Lineup}}</ref> and later [[G4 (Canadian TV channel)|G4]]'s [[Adult Digital Distraction]] block.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://about.rogers.com/news-ideas/g4-launches-add-adult-digital-distraction/|title=G4 Launches ADd - Adult Digital Distraction|date=June 8, 2009}}</ref> The series currently airs on the [[Adult Swim (Canada)|Canadian version of Adult Swim]].<ref>{{cite web |date=June 21, 2012 |title=TELETOON Canada Inc. Announces Cartoon Network and Adult Swim Launch Schedules |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/teletoon-canada-inc-announces-cartoon-network-and-adult-swim-launch-schedules-510410361.html |website=Newswire}}</ref>

In Australia, it began airing on [[SBS Viceland|SBS2]] starting April 2013, but ceased airing, and returned in July 2016 as part of a version of [[Adult Swim (Australia)|Adult Swim]] on [[9Go!]], with the series airing from the beginning.

==Merchandise==
Several pieces of [[merchandise]] have been made for the series, including [[T-shirts]], [[cap]]s, [[wristband]]s, [[Embroidered patch|patches]], and [[Pin-back button|buttons]] featuring characters in the series. Master Shake and Carl [[Halloween]] costumes for adults were also available. There was also a series of collectible [[action figures]] and [[plush toys]] available along with car decals. Several pieces of custom merchandise were available on the Adult Swim Shop before the site quietly shut down in March 2012. ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters Colon the Soundtrack'', the soundtrack to the film, was released in stores on April 10, 2007. On November 3, 2009, a [[Christmas music|Christmas album]] sung by characters from the show was released entitled ''Have Yourself a Meaty Little Christmas'' was released in stores.

In September 2010, Adult Swim Shop introduced a full scale, functioning [[hot air balloon]] in the likeness of Meatwad at a cost of $70,000. The purchase includes a piloted, one-hour ride anywhere in the continental United States, and the buyer got to keep it although a pilot's license would be required to actually fly it. The balloon was the most expensive item on Adult Swim Shop, surpassing the ''[[Metalocalypse]]'' "Dethklok Fountain" fountain, which was released early in 2010 for $40,000.<ref name="HOTAIR">{{cite web |last=Fallon |first=Sean |date=September 17, 2010 |title=Holy Crap: Adult Swim Actually Selling a $70,000 Meatwad Hot Air Balloon |url=http://nerdapproved.com/approved-products/adult-swim-actually-selling-a-70000-meatwad-hot-air-balloon/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025021525/http://nerdapproved.com/approved-products/adult-swim-actually-selling-a-70000-meatwad-hot-air-balloon/ |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=July 24, 2013 |publisher=Nerd Approved}}</ref> The hot air balloon is no longer available.

===Home releases===
The first eight seasons have been released and distributed on [[DVD]] in volumes by [[Warner Home Video]]. Each set was also released in [[DVD region code#2|Region 2]] and by [[Madman Entertainment]] in [[DVD region code#4|Region 4]]. The movie was released on a DVD set titled ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters for DVD'', with the season four episode "Deleted Scenes" included as a special feature on August 17, 2007. The season five episode "Robots Everywhere" was also released as a special feature on the ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am]]'' video game on November 5, 2007, months prior to its official television debut on January 20, 2008. The first eleven seasons with the exception of the episodes "Boston" and "Shake Like Me" and the film ''[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters]]'' were released in a 20-disc DVD collection on September 20, 2022, as ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force: The Baffler Meal Complete Collection''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/home-entertainment/adult-swim-satisfies-cravings-with-aqua-teen-hunger-force-the-baffler-meal-complete-collection/ | title=Adult Swim Satisfies Cravings with 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force: The Baffler Meal Complete Collection' | date=May 11, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/news-bytes-marcel-cracks-bo-top-10-animation-museum-funding-new-aqthf-baffler-meal-set-date-more/| title=News Bytes: 'Marcel' Cracks BO Top 10, Animation Museum Funding, New 'AQTHF: Baffler Meal' Set Date & More | date=July 11, 2022}}</ref> It was the first time that seasons 9-11 have been released on DVD. The episode "Shake Like Me" is not included on the DVD due to its use of [[blackface]], similar to its removal from rerun rotations and [[HBO Max]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Adult Swim Confirms Controversial Episodes Of Aqua Teen Hunger Force And More Were Removed From Streaming|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2555797/adult-swim-confirms-controversial-episodes-of-aqua-teen-hunger-force-and-more-were-removed-from-streaming|first=Nick|last=Venable|work=CinemaBlend|date=September 30, 2020|access-date=December 27, 2020}}</ref>  A second movie, ''[[Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm]]'', was released on Blu-ray and 4K on November 20, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Toussaint|last1=Egan|url=https://www.polygon.com/23343178/aqua-teen-forever-plantasm-trailer-release-date-adult-swim| title=Frylock, Meatwad, and Master Shake return to the big (see: small) screen in Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm this November | website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=September 8, 2022}}</ref>

With the exception of the season four episode "Deleted Scenes", episodes of ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' are also available on [[iTunes]], the [[Xbox Live Marketplace]], and [[Amazon Video]], with seasons five and up available in [[High-definition video|HD]] on iTunes and the Xbox Live Marketplace, and with seasons six up on Amazon Video.<ref>[https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/aqua-teen-hunger-force-season/id259559328 ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008222119/https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/aqua-teen-hunger-force-season/id259559328 |date=October 8, 2013 }} at [[iTunes]].</ref><ref>[http://video.xbox.com/tv-season/aqua-teen-hunger-force/season-8/aeb3cf7c-39c6-4321-8b08-468f133a68d2 ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100935/http://video.xbox.com/tv-season/aqua-teen-hunger-force/season-8/aeb3cf7c-39c6-4321-8b08-468f133a68d2 |date=May 18, 2015 }} at the [[Xbox Live Marketplace]].</ref><ref>[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00132K2W0?redirect=true ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915162346/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00132K2W0?redirect=true |date=September 15, 2018 }} at [[Amazon Video]].</ref> The movie is also available in HD and SD on the Xbox Live Marketplace.<ref>[http://video.xbox.com/tv-episode/aqua-teen-hunger-force/season-0/aqua-teen-hunger-force-colon-movie-film-for-theatres/4e23e9e9-4cf9-4ee7-92bf-53812974ccf3 ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100949/http://video.xbox.com/tv-episode/aqua-teen-hunger-force/season-0/aqua-teen-hunger-force-colon-movie-film-for-theatres/4e23e9e9-4cf9-4ee7-92bf-53812974ccf3 |date=May 18, 2015 }} at [[Xbox Live Marketplace]].</ref> The season five episode "Boston" has never been released in any form of home media.<ref name=Bostonepisodeinterview/>

The series has been made available for [[Video on demand|on-demand]] streaming on [[Hulu|Hulu Plus]], as part of a deal made with Hulu and Turner Broadcasting.<ref name="HuluTurner">{{Cite magazine |last=Spangler |first=Todd |title=Hulu Pacts With Turner for Exclusive Rights to Cartoon, Adult Swim, TNT, TBS Shows |url=https://variety.com/2015/digital/news/hulu-turner-cartoon-adult-swim-tnt-tbs-1201478327/ |url-status=live |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518175900/http://variety.com/2015/digital/news/hulu-turner-cartoon-adult-swim-tnt-tbs-1201478327/ |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |access-date=May 11, 2015}}</ref> Every episode from all seasons is available for streaming<ref>[http://www.hulu.com/grid/aqua-teen-hunger-force?video_type=episode AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE: EPISODES] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095353/http://www.hulu.com/grid/aqua-teen-hunger-force?video_type=episode |date=May 18, 2015}}</ref> at [[Hulu]]. As of May 27, 2020, the series is also available on [[HBO Max]], with the exception of the episodes "Boston" and "Shake Like Me".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/hbo-max-tv-shows-movies-originals-list|title = HBO Max: All the TV Shows, Movies and Originals You Can Stream Now - IGN|date = May 27, 2020}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
|+''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' home video releases
! colspan=4 rowspan=2|Season
! rowspan=2|Episodes
! Release date
|-
! Region 1
|-
! rowspan=2 style="background:#884400"| || colspan=2 rowspan=2|[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force (season 1)|1]]
| rowspan=2|2000–02 || rowspan=2|18 || November 18, 2003
|-
| rowspan=2|July 20, 2004
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:#000;"| || colspan=2 rowspan=2|[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force (season 2)|2]]
| rowspan=2|2003 || rowspan=2|24
|-
| November 16, 2004
|-
! style="background:#9BC650"| || colspan=2|[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force (season 3)|3]]
| 2004 || 13 || December 6, 2005
|-
! style="background:#FFF641"| || colspan=2|[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force (season 4)|4]]
| 2005–06 || 13 || January 29, 2008
|-
! style="background:#00a2c8"| || colspan=2|[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force (season 5)|5]]
| 2008 || 10 || rowspan=2|December 16, 2008 <small>(excluded "Boston")</small>
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:silver;"| || colspan=2 rowspan=2|[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force (season 6)|6]]
| rowspan=2|2009 || rowspan=2|10
|-
| rowspan=2|June 1, 2010
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:tan;"| || colspan=2 rowspan=2|[[Aqua Teen Hunger Force (season 7)|7]]
| rowspan=2|2009–10 || rowspan=2|12
|-
| rowspan=2|October 11, 2011
|-
! style="background:#F7E39D"| || [[Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1|8]]
| ''Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1'' || 2011 || 10
|-
! style="background:#52473C"| || [[Aqua Something You Know Whatever|9]]
| ''Aqua Something You Know Whatever'' || 2012 || 10
| rowspan=3| September 20, 2022
|-
! style="background:#105A9D"| || [[Aqua TV Show Show|10]]
| ''Aqua TV Show Show'' || 2013 || 10 
|-
! style="background:#F2F2CE"| || [[Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever|11]]
| ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Forever'' || 2015 || 9 
|}

===Video games===
There have also been [[video games]] created based on the series. ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Destruct-O-Thon'', a [[mobile game]] based on the series, was published and released by [[Macrospace]] games in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=December 10, 2004 |title=Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Destruct-o-Thon The Adult Swim cult heroes star in their first cellphone game. |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/10/aqua-teen-hunger-force-destruct-o-thon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006083017/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/10/aqua-teen-hunger-force-destruct-o-thon |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |access-date=July 24, 2013 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> In 2005 Oberon Games released ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Studio Shakedown'' for PC. ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am'', a [[List of golf video games|golfing]]/kart racing/fighting game, was developed by [[Creat Studios]] and published by [[Midway Games]], and released for the [[PlayStation 2]] on November 5, 2007. An online Flash game based on the series entitled ''The Worst Game Ever'' was released, but was eventually taken down.<ref>[http://games.adultswim.com/worst-game-ever-twitchy-online-game.html ''The Worst Game Ever''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902052008/http://games.adultswim.com/worst-game-ever-twitchy-online-game.html |date=September 2, 2013 }} at Adult Swim Games.</ref> A game entitled ''Carl's Freaking Strip Poker'' was also available on Adult Swim Games, but was eventually taken down.

==Reception, influence, and legacy==
In January 2009, [[IGN]] listed the series as the 39th best in the Top 100 Best Animated TV Shows.<ref name="ign100">{{cite web |date=January 23, 2009 |title=39, Aqua Teen Hunger Force |url=http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/39.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530064109/http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/39.html |archive-date=May 30, 2010 |access-date=July 14, 2010 |website=IGN |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The series was nominated for [[Teen Choice Awards]] in 2007 and 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=Awards for Aqua Teen Hunger Force |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297494/awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622145116/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297494/awards |archive-date=June 22, 2015 |access-date=July 14, 2010 |website=[[Internet Movie Database]]}}</ref> In 2011 Willis and Maiellaro received [[Annie Award]] nominations for writing in the season eight episode, "The Creditor".<ref>{{cite web |date=February 4, 2012 |title=39th Annual Annie Nominations & Winners! |url=http://annieawards.org/39th-annie-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903093809/http://annieawards.org/39th-annie-awards |archive-date=September 3, 2014 |access-date=January 5, 2013 |website=[[Annie Award]]s}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Giardina |first=Carolyn |title='Rango' Wins Annie Award for Best Animated Feature |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/annie-awards-rango-jennifer-yuh-nelson-287137 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109205533/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/annie-awards-rango-jennifer-yuh-nelson-287137 |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=January 5, 2013 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=February 4, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=DeMott |first=Rick |date=December 5, 2011 |title=39th Annie Award Nominations Announced |url=http://www.awn.com/news/people/39th-annie-award-nominations-announced/page/5,1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203034653/http://www.awn.com/news/people/39th-annie-award-nominations-announced/page/5,1 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=January 5, 2013 |website=Animation World Network}}</ref> In 2019, IGN placed ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' 25th on their list of Top 25 Animated series for adults.<ref name="Top25IGN">{{cite web |last=Fowler |first=Matt |date=July 15, 2013 |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=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/15/top-25-animated-shows-for-adults?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722082915/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/15/top-25-animated-shows-for-adults?page=2 |archive-date=July 22, 2013 |access-date=July 23, 2013 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

[[James Rolfe]], best known for creating the ''[[Angry Video Game Nerd]]'', has cited the show as an influence on ''Nerd'' as well as shaping his sense of humor.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/anxRp3ae0bs Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200628191927/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anxRp3ae0bs Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |date=25 June 2020 |title=Aqua Teen Hunger Force - Cinemassacre Review |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=anxRp3ae0bs |website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fki5GjuIP-E&t=232s | title=Top 5 TV Shows That I Love | website=[[YouTube]] | date=August 8, 2022 }}</ref> [[YouTuber]] Jason Gastrow, better known as [[Videogamedunkey]], has also cited the show as a comedic influence.<ref name="h3: Podcast">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ph5FR-RFhbg Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20171015014239/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph5FR-RFhbg&feature=youtu.be Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph5FR-RFhbg |title=H3 Podcast #34 - VideoGameDunkey & Leah |date=October 11, 2017 |last=Klein, Ethan; Klein, Hila; Gastrow, Jason; Bee, Leah |publisher=[[h3h3Productions]] |access-date=July 5, 2019 |format=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===2007 Boston bomb scare===
{{Main|2007 Boston Mooninite panic}}

The series received national attention in 2007 because of a publicity stunt that became known as the [[2007 Boston Mooninite panic|Boston bomb scare]]. On January 31, 2007, as part of a national [[guerrilla marketing]] campaign for the series, Peter Berdovsky and Sean Stevens installed [[Lite-Brite]]-like [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] displays depicting the Mooninites in eleven cities: Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Austin, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. In Boston, the authorities considered the LEDs suspicious, prompting the closure of major roads and waterways for investigation. [[Turner Broadcasting System]] later admitted to placing the LEDs and apologized for the misunderstanding.

Berdovsky and Stevens faced charges for "placing a hoax device and disorderly conduct"; in spite of the uproar, the two mocked the media and critics in interviews.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 1, 2007 |title=Probe into Boston ad stunt chaos |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6319211.stm |url-status=live |access-date=February 1, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202094028/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6319211.stm |archive-date=February 2, 2007}}</ref> All criminal charges were dropped in exchange for Berdovsky and Stevens apologizing during their court date and accepting a plea bargain that consisted of community service at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Center.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 11, 2007 |title=Community service for defendants in Cartoon Network case |work=Boston.com: Boston Globe website |url=http://www.boston.com/news/globe/city_region/breaking_news/2007/05/defendants_in_c.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 4, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227062547/http://www.boston.com/news/globe/city_region/breaking_news/2007/05/defendants_in_c.html |archive-date=December 27, 2008}}</ref> Turner Broadcasting paid the [[Boston Police Department]] $1 million to cover the investigation's cost and an additional $1 million for good will.<ref name="resign">{{Cite news |date=February 5, 2007 |title=Turner, 2nd firm to pay $2 million over scare |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16990202 |url-status=live |access-date=December 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420214104/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/16990202/ |archive-date=April 20, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Cartoon Network Head Resigns After Scare |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=2863647 |access-date=February 22, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403040220/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=2863647 |archive-date=April 3, 2007}}</ref> This was designed to settle criminal and civil claims, while the general manager of Cartoon Network stepped down because of the incident. Of the eleven cities in which the displays were placed, only Boston saw them as a matter of concern. The installations had been up for weeks before the panic.<ref name="resign" />

An ''Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' episode from [[Aqua Teen Hunger Force (season 5)|season five]], "Boston", was produced as the series creators' response to the bomb scare, but Adult Swim pulled it to avoid further controversy.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 15, 2008 |title=Exclusive Interview With Meatwad, Er, Dave Willis, Of 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' |work=Starpulse.com |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/Dee_Doyle/2008/12/15/starpulse_com_exclusive_interview_with_d |url-status=live |access-date=December 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115024706/http://www.starpulse.com/news/Dee_Doyle/2008/12/15/starpulse_com_exclusive_interview_with_d |archive-date=November 15, 2010 |df=mdy}}</ref> The episode has never aired or been formally released to the public legally in any format, though an unfinished version of it was illegally leaked online in January 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gonzales |first=Dave |date=April 10, 2015 |title=Banned Aqua Teen Hunger Force Boston episode leaks online |url=http://www.geek.com/news/banned-aqua-teen-hunger-force-boston-episode-leaks-online-1620022/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419095729/http://www.geek.com/news/banned-aqua-teen-hunger-force-boston-episode-leaks-online-1620022/ |archive-date=April 19, 2015 |access-date=11 May 2015 |website=Geek.com |publisher=Geek}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Staff |first=Interrobang |date=April 13, 2015 |title=Banned Aqua Teen Hunger Force Episode Finally Sees The Light Of Day |url=http://theinterrobang.com/banned-aqua-teen-hunger-force-episode-finally-sees-the-light-of-day/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150523022417/http://theinterrobang.com/banned-aqua-teen-hunger-force-episode-finally-sees-the-light-of-day/ |archive-date=May 23, 2015 |access-date=11 May 2015 |website=Interrobang.com |publisher=Interrobang}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote|Aqua Teen Hunger Force|<br />''Aqua Teen Hunger Force''}}
* {{Official website|http://www.adultswim.com/videos/aqua-teen-hunger-force/}}
* {{IMDb title|0297494}}

; Interviews
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110724091227/http://www.swigged.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=523:swiggedtv-dana-qmaster-shakeq-snyder Video Interview with Dana "Master Shake" Snyder] at [https://web.archive.org/web/20100828000958/http://www.kittenpants.org/35_doomsday/aquateen.asp Swigged!] – September 5, 2009
* [http://www.maximumfun.org/blog/2007/04/podcast-aqua-teen-hunger-force-co.html The Sound of Young America] – interview with Dave Willis April 24, 2007
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100828000958/http://www.kittenpants.org/35_doomsday/aquateen.asp interview with meatwad on Synthesis.net]
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828000958/http://www.kittenpants.org/35_doomsday/aquateen.asp |date=August 28, 2010 |title=The Kittenpants News }} – interview with Dave Willis and Matt Maiellaro, December 5, 2004, on [[Kittenpants]].org
* {{cite web |title=Master Shake on New Movie |url=http://www.fhmonline.com/articles-4323.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207211842/http://www.fhmonline.com/articles-4323.asp |archive-date=February 7, 2008 |access-date=2007-05-02 |df=mdy}}  – interview with Master Shake, Dana Snyder, April 20, 2007
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121019145328/http://www.adultswimcentral.com/swimcast/special4a.mp3 The Swimcast] – interview with Master Shake, Dana Snyder, Part 1 April 2, 28, 2008
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121019145147/http://www.adultswimcentral.com/swimcast/special4b.mp3 The Swimcast] – interview with Master Shake, Dana Snyder, Part 2 April 2, 28, 2008
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131207154817/http://www.adultswimcentral.com/swimcast/fiftyone.mp3 The Swimcast] – interview with Dave Willis, December 12, 2008

{{Aqua Teen Hunger Force}}
{{Adult Swim original programming}}
{{Radical Axis}}{{Portal bar|Animation|Cartoon|Television|United States|Comedy|New Jersey|2000s|2010s|2020s}}
[[Category:Aqua Teen Hunger Force| ]]
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