Bob’s Burgers Season 15 Changed Marshmallow’s Voice Actor To Jari Jones
Although the popular Bob’s Burgers supporting star Marshmallow changed a lot in season 15, this big switch was a major upgrade for the long-running animated comedy series. Bob’s Burgers season 16’s renewal is reassuring news for fans of the iconic animated comedy show. Since 2011, the series has earned itself a large, loyal fan base.
Although the future of Bob’s Burgers isn’t entirely secure, much like most network TV shows, the fact that Fox renewed the series through to season 20 proves that the network has confidence in its performance. This makes a lot of sense, since the show has gone from strength to strength in its later years.
While its earlier competitors, like The Simpsons and Family Guy, were straining to earn critical acclaim by their respective 14th seasons, Bob’s Burgers brought out acclaimed episodes in season 14 and 15 alike. Season 14, episode 2, “The Amazing Rudy,” is arguably one of the show’s best standalone episodes.
Similarly, where a lot of sitcoms peak early, the highest rated episode of Bob’s Burgers didn’t arrive until season 13. This proves just how much the show refuses to rest on its laurels, something that became even clearer when a massively popular recurring guest character returned after a multi-year absence in season 15, episode 6, “Hope N’ Mic Night.”
Marshmallow’s Voice Changed In Bob’s Burgers Season 15 Episode
Episode 6 “Hope N’ Mic Night” Gives The Character A Major Role
Marshmallow performing in Bob’s Burgers season 15
In “Hope N’ Mic Night,” the Belcher children harangue their father into setting up an open mic night in the restaurant when Wagstaff Elementary School cancels its annual talent show. While the kids prepare for the event, Bob worries about the costs involved in hosting the show and the potential financial losses the restaurant will face as a result.
From the lingering background noise of relatable economic anxiety to the comical antics of Louise, Gene, and Tina, “Hope N’ Mic Night” has all the ingredients of a classic Belcher family adventure. However, what makes this episode stand out is the return of a familiar face, complete with a notable new voice.
Marshmallow, a Black trans sex worker who was first introduced in season 1, episode 6, “Sheesh! Cab, Bob?” soon became a beloved supporting star among the show’s fandom in the years that followed. Thanks to outings like season 8, episodes 6 and 7, “The Bleakening,” Marshmallow became more than a one-off minor character and turned into a recurring figure in the family’s lives.
However, as time went on, Marshmallow’s problematic origins became an issue for the series. While her appearances largely managed to sidestep transphobic stereotypes featured in other comparable shows of the time, she was still voiced by a white cis male actor, David Herman. In 2021, the show’s creators committed to finding a more appropriate voice for Marshmallow going forward.
It took a long time for the show to bring back Marshmallow, now played by Port Authority producer and actor Jari Jones, rather than Herman. However, her long-awaited return was well worth the hype. In “Hope N’ Mic Night,” viewers learn more than ever before about Marshmallow, and her character finally gets the focus she deserves.
Marshmallow’s New Actor Brought Her More Focus Than Ever
Marshmallow Plays A Pivotal Part In The Belcher’s Open Mic Night
While Bob’s Burgers season 15 wasted Gene by giving the character very little screen time, the same can’t be said for Marshmallow. Jones’ version of the character received a stellar subplot in “Hope N’ Mic Night,” as the episode revealed she can really sing, something the show didn’t explore before.
Speaking to Deadline, Jones admitted that taking on the part of Marshmallow was daunting when the show has such a large and passionate fandom and her character is a particular favorite among them. However, “Hope N’ Mic Night” ensured that her debut was a memorable one with the introduction of Marshmallow’s supportive parents, who attended the open mic night.
Marshmallow also saved the day when an overzealous fire marshal attempted to shut down the event since Bob’s restaurant was technically past capacity. Reminding the marshall of a time when she saved him at a nightclub, Marshmallow managed to get him off Bob’s case and kept the doors of Bob’s Burgers open for the night.
While the return of Marshmallow in “Hope N’ Mic Night” wasn’t the onlyBob’s Burgers season 15 character comeback of note, it was an overdue and welcome change for a character that has outgrown her problematic origins. One could argue that Marshmallow’s presence is treated somewhat laughingly in “Sheesh! Cab, Bob?” but Bob’s Burgers undeniably turned her into a more complex, dignified character as the show progressed.
Bob’s Burgers Season 15’s Marshmallow Change Came At The Perfect Time
The Series Can Explore This Fan Favorite Character Further In Season 16
Bob’s Burgers Marshmallow and Louise
This character transformation reached its apotheosis with “Hope N’ Mic Night,” where Marshmallow both saved the day for the Belchers and got her moment in the spotlight on stage. Seeing Marshmallow’s parents appreciate her singing was a sweet moment from a character who hasn’t always received the flowers she deserves from the series.
Marshmallow was already beloved among the show’s fan base, as Jones noted in her Deadline interview. However, she was also underutilized, and this is something that Bob’s Burgers season 16 can now fix with a new star in the role,
Marshmallow is a more complicated, lovable character than her origins might suggest, and Jones brought a warmth and charm to the role that makes it impossible for viewers not to get excited about her next episode. In the process, Bob’s Burgers managed to make an overdue and well-judged change to an already iconic character.
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