Jan 1, 2021

Billy West Says “Ren & Stimpy” Reboot Still on the Way on Comedy Central

Comedy Central has had a rough go of it since announcing the adult-targeted reboot of “Ren & Stimpy” last August. The news was met with a cool response from the industry, followed by a petition calling for the series to be canceled due to accusations of child abuse against the show's creator, John Crickfalusi.

By late September, Robin Byrd, one of Crickfalusi's accusers, reportedly confirmed to multiple sources that Viacom CBS had canceled the reboot. Byrd's statement was supported by Bob Camp, former showrunner and executive producer of The Ren & Stimpy Show.

However, there is a new development. Billy West, 68, who voiced the original Stimpy (and later Len), has publicly stated that he believes the reboot is still moving forward. Responding to a fan inquiry on Twitter as to whether the reboot had been canceled, West said, “Not as far as I've heard. I think Covid has caused delays in all production and development.” Presumably, West will be involved in the new production as it moves forward.

Comedy Central and Nickelodeon's parent company, ViacomCBS, did not respond to earlier requests for comment on the show's status.

The company has made rebooting and expanding its existing IP a core part of its adult animation strategy. Other reboots include “Beavis and Butt-Head,” written and produced by original creator Mike Judge; “Clone High,” with returning creators Phil Lord, Chris Miller, and Bill Lawrence; MTV's “Daria. spin-off “Jodie,” among others. In addition, a new movie and special based on Comedy Central's signature show, “South Park,” is in development.