User reviews

If there is any Adult Swim show out there that has comdey and drama as a the main genre, it's Moral Orel. The writing is not bad, their is some character development in this show, also people said that this show is dark and they're right. It's a shame that Adult Swim canceled it after 3 seasons and some episodes from this show are considered unaired. But in 2012, Adult Swim released a Moral Orel tv special, Before Orel and it was pretty entertainment and enjoyable. Without a doubt, Moral Orel is one of the greatest cartoons Adult Swim has ever made. I give Moral Orel and 8.5/10

Most Christians will probably be severely offended by this show, but that's part of its charm. Its offensiveness is riding on the shoulders of an innocent little boy who simply doesn't know any better. He misinterprets others' advice and chaos ensues. The same could be said about religion itself. What I find so continually compelling about this show however, is that it dares to be different. The line-up on Adult Swim has swiftly shifted to gore porn as of recent (Metalocalypse and Robot Chicken being perfect examples), but Orel focuses its sights on the way religion controls people, changes them. Lying beneath the bitter sentiments however, is something even better: character development. Throughout the series, we see the various demented characters of Oralton for who they really are. This really kicks off in season three (which is currently nearing its end) and it's truly gripping. What you thought were one-off humor characters in the first season are revealed to be deeply troubled human clay-things in the second. Speaking of, the series gets quite dark at times, and with only the personalities of the characters... Yes, things can be dark without buckets of blood. But in the little town of Oralton, Statesota, we see much more than a bewildered mass. We see a portrait of the American psyche. (other psycho-analytical jargon here)

I can't for the life of me figure this show out. Sometimes I find myself genuinely laughing almost uncontrollably, others I'm left reflecting on the message, and still others I'm just lost and a little bored even; the episode with orel's stop-motion animation for example. Interesting concept but fell very short. In any case I admire the uniqueness. Now I've seen jokes in a negative light and dark comedy in plenty other animated shows but this one manages to pull off full on cynicism about a wide range of topics using some very unique yet inexplicably relatable characters.

In fact the character analysis alone makes for interesting conversation. I mean for a show that takes a pretty good number of jabs at Christianity the reverend seems to be the most logical down to earth character. Which may be a statement about people's inability to truly understand what's being said to them. In any case the entire show has so many undertones that can be interpreted in just about any way depending almost entirely on the individual. I know I found some new little thing each time I watch the show.

The soundtrack used is another thing I loved about this show. Unique again but you feel an instant attraction to almost every song. Be it tongues in other people's mouths from the first season or The strangely alluring mountain goat songs in the 3rd season.

Which brings me to the third season. It in my opinion is one of the best final seasons of any show I have ever seen. This doesn't just include animated or comedy shows but just about every series I've followed. I am very sad this show was unable to come to the end intended of it.

I'm sad that adult swim couldn't let it run its course to the end. I mean I like their programming for the most part but I would have preferred keeping something like metalocalypse (a show I also enjoy) at 15 minutes so this could continue, if not just for curiosity's sake to see how it would continue to play out. C'est la vie. Thank you Mr. Stamatopolous, this will forever be one of the more memorable shows I've ever seen.

I watched the full series again recently and had to up my rating even higher. I miss this show.

This is an amazing show. The Williams Street (southern corporate bods zieg heil ted turner) bods canceled it after 3 seasons, but it was amazing. Not only did it walk a fine line between criticizing a putative deity and criticizing the morons who choose to speak in the deity's name, but it also showed us how actual adults (inevitably marginalized in Moralton) do adult things like move on and call a halt to unproductive relationships. (Stephanie and Danielle respectively). The ending is unexpected and unbelievably sweet - it makes me cry every time. I can't wait to see what DS does next!

If you get the chance to see this on DVD, be sure to check the extras. I'm an auditory learner but DS's commentary made me go back and look at the visuals and they were amazing!

Moral Orel, created by Dino Stamatopoulos, is my favorite television show of all time. The show depicts (at least in the first season) young Orel Puppington growing up in Moralton trying to be a good protestant by sticking to the moral code and lost commandments, unfortunately screwing it up in the process, only to be corrected (in his study with belt in hand) by his supposedly good father figure and father, Clay. In the later seasons, though, it turned much, much darker, focusing on the dramatically repressed citizens of Moralton. In the final season, however, they abandoned the brighter episodes to much more depressing story lines (did I mention this is all done, very well I might add, in stop-motion animation?).

The show has ended, much to Moral Orel fan's dismay, but it was a pretty bad decision. Moral Orel was VERY well written and funny throughout, less we forget dramatic, offensive and blasphemous. Let me warn those of you whom are offended by parody of religion, TURN BACK NOW. This show parodies religion every episode somehow, whether subtle or blatant. For those of us who can take a joke, Moral Orel is over, but Orel shall forevermore live within our hearts knowing the ending. He was canceled before his time, yes, but we have 43 episodes of amazingly done animation. This show is nothing like anything else on Adult Swim, since it contains very few vulgar words (nothing needed to be censored), it's overall style is comparable to Davey and Goliath. Watch it and enjoy one of the best achievements in American television in only eleven minutes.

Having grown up in a town very similar to Orel's, I can safely say that this show is only slightly a hyperbole. Which is a scary thought.

The animation is good, but when you have content like this, that doesn't matter. If shows like Southpark and Aqua Teen Hunger Force have taught us anything, they have taught us that you can easily get away with terrible animation if your content is quality.

And, this show is pure genius. It is witty and entertaining, and pulls no punches.

I could do with a daily dose of this show. I'm shocked (and pleased) it managed to get on the air. I'm also very glad to hear there will be a season two.

Most Christians will hate it, bash it, and complain about the contents, but that doesn't make it any less funny (or any less true!).

After watching so many adult animated cartoons from the past few years-many that tackle serious issues and real life problems-I was surprised to hear that Moral Orel, which preceded all of them, managed to do what those shows did but even better and even grander than I thought.

I think one of the best things about this show is that despite it's dark themes and subject matter, it manages to portray an optimistic and careful view on our world and the concept of religion as a whole. Even though it is very clearly satire on religion, it doesn't insult Christianity nor does it downright dismiss it completely, and that is very much shown all the way to the final episode. And to me that is a very powerful message and recurring theme of the show, and one I wish many other shows tried to do but better

The stop motion animation is also incredible for a TV production. Some of the scenes and shots in this show are incredibly impressive and unique. The work done in ShadowMachine to make this show come to life is admirable and one that shouldn't be taken for granted.

Please give this show a chance, you will not be disappointed. (And you may cry, like how I have with several episodes because of how deep they resonated with me)

People will either love or hate this show, however this does not give people who hate the show because of their religious belief the right nor the permission to push their own religious belief on others. Posting outrage, isn't going to convert anyone your going to actually drive them away.

There are 4 points to this show that ring true, that these people do not see for they are blinded by the opiate of the masses.

1. Taking the bible literally is a very bad ideal. Parables are to be translated. 2. Allowing children to be exposed to fundamental non restrained religion with generic explanations is a very dangerous thing. 3. All the answers is not found in ancient text. 4. Hypocrisy abounds.

Religion is not a bad thing, in moderation. The same with anything that makes you feel good.

When in the end its all one thing, and the steps to take to accomplish that goal.

1. Be kind and forgive one another. (GOD does the same thing)

From all the Adult Swim shows I have seen, this definately the best one.

Such a shame it was cancelled way too early, apparently because the executives found the third season (Which shifts the tone from comedy to drama) way too "depressing".

I personally find the Tim and Eric garbage way more depressing to watch.

A juvenile religious fanatic. His alcoholic, closeted homosexual father. A sexually and emotionally repressed mother. The father's gay, satanist lover. Scenes of gay bashing, molestation, and underage drinking. All the things that make a comedy great.

Moral Orel is an Adult Swim comedy with an extremely dark heart, even crossing over into dramatic territory in its last season. It focuses on the family of Orel, a young evangelical Christian living in the Midwestern town of Moralton. Due to his often literalistic interpretations of his parents' and other adults' advice, Orel's actions frequently culminate in distinctly immoral results.

This is a show that gets better as it goes along. The first season and a half were characterized by an extremely formulaic approach as each episode followed Orel's screw ups. (The episode "Loyalty," for instance, is a masterpiece of dark humor.) Although many of the individual episodes were funny, watching more than one or two at a time could grow very tiresome, very quickly.

However, the third season is arguably a masterpiece of adult animation. It marked a dramatic shift in tone for the series, with much more emphasis on the development of individual characters aside from Orel. For example, the episode "NUMB" focuses on Orel's repressed mother Bloberta, and often crosses between the darkly comic and the genuinely disturbing.

Moral Orel will clearly not appeal to all people, and is best enjoyed by those whose sense of humor leans toward the warped. Nevertheless, with those who are up to it, it is a great, under-appreciated series.

"Moral Orel" is both, a throwback to stop frame animation, and a hilarious parody of religiosity.

OK, this show is funny as hell. Yes, H-E double L. You'd have to watch it with an open mind to understand so super religious xians will probably be offended, as usual.

Most short (cartoon) episodes revolve around a young boy taking bible passages way too literally and the misadventures he gets into. Since its so far out there, I can't see how anyone would be offended unless they really believe we all live in some crazy world with a sky daddy up above condemning people to burn in hell for all eternity.

I could not recommend the show for people who are offended by things like free speech as it contains a good amount of barbs at the ridiculousness of the xian religion in general. I believe its on Adult Swim Sunday very late night. Praise Jebus for some good secular comedy.

I bought into the hype and watched Moral Orel when it first premiered. I was hoping for a good laugh--like with Family Guy, Aqua-Teen and countless other A.S. shows. Or I was hoping for some smart-writing, like the brilliant Boondocks. Instead, it's a 15 minute anti-Christian diatribe that gives new meaning to the word boring. South Park parodies right-wing Christians (and every other religion/group/demographic) in an intelligent way and South Park is something this show forgot to be: FUNNY. This is nothing but mean-sprited, axe-to-grind garbage. I am not a Christian, yet I don't understand why it's considered offensive to make fun of other religions (and rightly so), yet acceptable to make fun of Christianity just for the sake of doing so. There is a big difference between parody/satire and mean-spited bigotry. I'm sorry the writers hated their religious upbringing so much. But making claymation cartoons 20 years later is not going to help. Go seek therapy and get on with your life. Where's the 15-minute weekly show that depicts militant Islam and shows images of Mohammed? Oh that's right, that's offensive to Muslims. So nobody goes near it. Where is the weekly show that makes fun of a Jewish boy? Oh, that would be offensive to the Jews. So nobody goes near it. But it's open season on the always safe topic of Christians--again--and that's OK? Double-standard b.s. over and over again. .And once more, it's not even funny It's predictable, boring and you can see every attempt at humor coming a mile away. Yes, it's on late and no, nobody has to watch it. And based on how awful it is, eventually nobody will.

I remember the old "Davey and Goliath" show and thought it was dumb when I was 10. This is a great parody of that show. The humor is on the lower end of the "South Park", Family Guy" spectrum. It is a funny show. I don't understand why some people don't like it. The episode where Orel gets hooked on crack is hilarious. The episode where Orel starts drinking had me laughing for days. What I like most about the show is it keeps with the "Leave It To Beaver" mentality with out being cute. It is worthy of its Adult Swim counterparts and should be given consideration.Give it at least three episodes before passing judgment or go to the study with dad.

"Moral Orel" has to have one of the best animation I've seen in a TV show. But, besides that fact, this show is quite funny.

IT has an extremely sarcastic view on Christianity that I can't help but laugh at. I am a Christian, but It is still fun to poke fun at myself.

This sin't a kid show mainly because they could be confused on the religious perspective (in one episode the preacher said if you pray to Jesus he'll give you money), but other than that...well I can't say that either.

It's not for kids at all. Certain episodes aren't bad, but a lot are. I honestly love the whole show. It makes Christianity look like a happy time, but at the same time makes it look sorta dumb.

I'm still a very strong Christian, but sometimes, out of all the seriousness, I need to laugh at myself.

I love this show, it's one of my favourites, and it's a real shame it got cancelled. That said, Moral Orel is not for everyone, far from it. It's offensive, there's a reason it's given an 18+ rating: it's cold, cruel and dark. This is not, in any capacity, a lighthearted show; more often than not, you won't laugh, you'll feel bad. And a show that can both make you feel bad and laugh, albeit not at the same time, certainly deserves some praise. Another commenter said that it had a quarter the laughs of South Park and four times the dirty feeling afterwards. That may be true, but that's part of the show that I would never want changed. Moral Orel is dark, and depressing, and just a little bit funny; when it's dark, it's very dark, but that just makes the humour all the more wonderful. Without the sad parts, we would feel nothing for the characters, and that's something I would never want to change.

Words don't do this show justice! It's almost like you watch, and say to yourself... Did that just happen?! Or did Orel just say that?!? Lmao be thankful for the small things in life like Moral Orel!

Something fascinating about this show is its reflections in our American midwestern/ southern and Christian communities. It starts as a dark comedy, and the puzzle pieces are put together in ways I never expected, slowly. Has great serious moments that reflect many young children's religious upbringing, even if exaggerated by the main characters actions sometimes. Amazing story telling writing. Voice acting is impeccable, and a must watch for anyone who had a confusing (and healed traumatic past of) christian religious trauma.

I'm surprised I didn't give this show a chance sooner. Definitely an all time favorite as it pokes at the fundamental flaws in a lot of our learned ways in western Christian society in the US.

Hopefully this review replaces the narrow minded review that preceded this one. First of all this original mockery of claymation religious shows makes me laugh no matter what anyone has to say about it. I've been waiting for a show like this to be created and this show does it and takes two steps further. This show is the best display of original thinking in this less than original world though it does take the religious parodies a little to far sometimes but other than that it just makes it more dangerous and unexpected. I give this show Two thumbs up and and two big toes up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And not to sound insensitive to religious people but you could use a bit of a kick in the pants and besides there not hurting anyone. unless this show causes the rapture to take place you have no reason to criticize!!!!!!!!! And besides there's a chance that this is trying to show you how to become more culturally relevant and make religion cool or some thing. PEACE

This is a great parody of the old show from the 60's or 70's called "Davey and Goliath" It's a show poking fun at far right wing christians so if you are a born again Christian you will not want to watch this. It is done in what looks like claymation. Orel is a little boy who lives with his family, mom, dad and little brother. They live in the town of Moralton in a NEW state wedged between Kansas and Missouri called "Statesota". This is really short like most Adult Swim programs. It is about 12 minutes long. There is some claymation blood and gore so if that bothers you you might want to skip this. This cartoon is really meant for left wingers like me or maybe atheists or perhaps people WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR. I'm sure there will be complaints and they will come mostly from people who never watched it but just heard about it. Have fun, hope it goes on for a long successful season or more.