For over two decades, Adult Swim has given us unforgettable characters, both original creations and popular shows from other countries. Some of the most beloved characters first appeared on the late-night Cartoon Network block, like Rick and Morty, Harvey Birdman, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and Venture Bros., among many others. While known for animation, Adult Swim also has a history of popular live-action shows, and one is celebrating its premiere today.
Today marks the 19th anniversary of the first episode of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, which originally aired on February 11, 2007. The show quickly established the duo’s unique and unusual brand of comedy, expanding on their earlier work, Tom Goes to the Mayor. This premiere also introduced audiences to a now-iconic character: Dr. Steve Brule, played by John C. Reilly. Even with limited screen time in this first episode, Reilly’s performance was instantly memorable and hinted at the character’s future success.
Dr. Steve Brule Premiered Almost Two Decades Ago, Fully Formed
When Dr. Steve Brule first appeared on The Married News on Channel 5 with Jan and Wayne Skylar, he was clearly terrified. His initial segment focused on fruits and vegetables, and it quickly became apparent that Dr. Brule wasn’t quite all there. He awkwardly stumbled through the discussion, misidentifying a banana as a squash and making a confusing statement about apples – which he then promptly bit into and spat out.
From the very beginning, Reilly’s performance is incredibly funny. What’s remarkable is that the entire Tim and Eric show relies on making things up as they go along, so these jokes are created on the spot. Even though the character of Dr. Steve Brule was developed over time, he appears fully formed in his first scene – clueless and often awkward on camera, yet completely sure of himself. By the second episode, Brule has already become the character fans know and love – someone who struggles to pronounce words and is easily fooled or surprised.
As a big fan of Adult Swim, I always loved Dr. Steve Brule’s segments on Awesome Show. He was a consistent presence throughout all five seasons, and some of his bits – like his report from wine country, trying to sell a panini press, or just documenting the experience of being alone – were comedy gold. I get that his humor isn’t for everyone, but for those of us who grew up with Adult Swim, he’s a truly unforgettable character. What makes him so funny is just how… different he is. He’s got this frazzled look, and it genuinely seems like his brain operates at a slightly slower speed. But honestly, one of the funniest things about Dr. Brule is his way of mispronouncing everyday words. He’d turn “Bingo” into “Bringo,” “Delzano’s” into “Delgrangos,” and even call Dr. Johnny Boden “Dr. Jimmy Brungus!” It’s those little details that just make the character so special.
Decades Later, Dr. Steve Brule has Only Gotten Better
Dr. Steve Brule became a fan favorite thanks to his appearances on Awesome Show, and that popularity led to his own series. Three years later, Check It Out! with Dr. Steve Brule premiered, quickly becoming one of Adult Swim’s most beloved comedies. The show proved Brule’s unique personality was enough to anchor an entire episode. Similar to Awesome Show, Check It Out! featured the clueless and awkward Dr. Brule interviewing real people who didn’t realize they were on TV or that their host was hilariously unprepared. The resulting interactions were comedic gold, stemming from both Brule’s on-camera mishaps and the genuine reactions of people encountering his incompetence.
One key to the lasting popularity of Dr. Steve Brule is John C. Reilly’s incredible performance. Reilly, an Academy Award nominee known for his role in Chicago, fully commits to Brule’s awkwardness, strange behavior, and difficulty speaking. This dedication has made Dr. Brule a fixture on late-night TV and a hugely successful character in Adult Swim’s history. Reilly often plays into the character, even suggesting in interviews that he and Dr. Brule are separate people, which likely adds to the character’s enduring appeal. Despite knowing it’s Reilly behind the glasses, the illusion of Dr. Steve Brule has been remarkably well-maintained for nearly two decades.
What makes Dr. Steve Brule so lovable is that he feels like a real person – someone who just wants to be cool, have fun, and learn. He’s a bit naive and often tries to make his dreams come true through sheer willpower, almost like a childlike figure trapped in an adult’s body. John Reilly’s physical comedy really brings the character to life, like that unforgettable moment when he fell into a cake. With almost two decades of Dr. Brule on our screens, here’s hoping we can enjoy his 4:30 AM appearances for many years to come – for all our sakes!
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2026-02-11 17:14