What we can learn from "Gravity Falls" over ten years later

Gravity Falls is a show that certainly defined many childhoods. The show aired from 2012 to 2016 and follows twins Dipper (Jason Ritter) and Mabel Pines (Kristen Schaal) as they solve paranormal mysteries in the small town of Gravity Falls.

The show was very influential at the time, and to this day, thanks to its writing. Serialized storytelling in animated kids shows was uncommon at the time, and its dedication to the mysteries and over-arcing story earned them a large fanbase. I recently rewatched the show and listened to some of the DVD audio-commentary, throughout that process I've learned a surprising amount about writing.

Alex Hirsch created the show shortly after graduating college. He was asked by Disney to pitch something, and because he didn't feel particularly interested in working with them, he sent them a sillier version of the show we know today.

Hirsch admits in these audio commentaries that his inexperience in show running bled through in some of his work process and writing. He found himself being over critical of episodes and tells viewers about mistakes he made during production. My real takeaway here was that inexperience doesn't have to mean incompetence if you have enough passion and the will to educate yourself.

Hirsch also admits that the whole mystery of the show wasn't planned from the start. While he and creative director Mike Rianda knew that Grunkle Stan (Alex Hirsch) would have a missing twin brother, they didn't know he would be the author of the journals. In fact, when fans figured out this mystery on their own, they considered changing it. Their dedication to the fans exemplifies the way they cared about not only telling a good story, but giving fans the satisfaction of solving the mystery.

Throughout the audio commentaries, it's clear that the crew members actually enjoy each other's company. We hear many different voices over the course of two seasons of audio commentary, and the crew's camaraderie really shines through. It reminds us, even as indie creators, that it counts to be kind to your fellow team members.

Gravity Falls introduced an entire generation to the paranormal genre and serialized television. Years later, it is still seen as a great children's TV show worth rewatching, and I think that these audio commentaries truly show us why.

When you have a lot of passion, care for your crew-mates, dedication to your viewers, and love for the artform, you can make something that can inspire a generation, even if it's your first time doing so.