It's definitely changed a lot in 14 seasons but to say it's better is pretty subjective. I personally feel it's lost a lot of it's edge in favor of safe, formulaic, "awwww" moments that tug on the heartstrings.
Also just look at the ratings. I'm clearly not alone in thinking the show lacks something it once had.
I’m personally in favor of the “aww” moments because I think Bob’s Burgers sets itself apart from other animated comedies in that way. I’m curious a out those rating though, are they aggregated over time? I’m wondering how much nostalgia affects the ratings.
I don't dislike the aww moments by any means, and you're right that they have a way of doing them that's quite good. I just miss something that doesn't seem to be there anymore and I can't describe what it is.
I believe the chart is total over time? TBH I stole the image from R*ddit. I understand it to be a straight forward, if slightly out of date, mapping of ratings from IMDb. Nostalgia night play a factor but I have my doubts.
It's for sure worse. Right after their first musical it went downhill and fast. Don't even get me started on that movie
I don't even know that I want to go as far as to say "worse." It's different and the appeal seems different. It doesn't "hit the same" any more, to coin a phrase.
Not to get you started, but you're very right: the movie definitely could and should have been better.
Yeah I agree with you, it's somewhat shocking to go back to the original season and see the kind of things they were willing to do then. You can see the effects on shows like The Great North, which has been completely devoid of any real conflict or "edge".
I will say though, that some "awww" episodes have just been standouts. The Louise Christmas poem one and the one with regular sized Rudy's family dinner were both just well written. I've actually generally found the episodes where they're willing to change things up, by looking deeper into side characters, have been the stronger episodes recently.