Garfield's Thanksgiving - Garfield and Friends

Happy Thanksgiving!

On Thanksgiving, according to Garfield, people “celebrate food by eating as much of it as possible. It’s a tradition, I love tradition.”

But that tradition is history following a checkup from veterinarian Liz Wilson, a sassy lady who’s also the new heartthrob of Garfield’s owner, Jon. The bad news for Garfield: he must go on a diet. The good news for Jon: Liz agrees to come to his house for Thanksgiving. “Garfield and Friends," is the classic half-hour animated series starring the world's most lovable feline, and his charming sidekicks Odie, Jon, and Nermal! Garfield is the quick-witted cat best known for his love of naps, lasagna, and his capacity to drive everyone around him bonkers.

Garfield's Halloween - Garfield and Friends

Happy Halloween!

Garfield’s Halloween Adventure finds the feisty feline and his pal Odie dressed as pirates out to pillage a village and return the bags full of candy.

Instead, the two get shipwrecked and discover a haunted house inhabited by treasure-hunting pirates who’ve returned from the grave. Lou Rawls sings “This Is The Night” and “Scaredy Cat.” “Garfield and Friends," is the classic half-hour animated series starring the world's most lovable feline, and his charming sidekicks Odie, Jon, and Nermal! Garfield is the quick-witted cat best known for his love of naps, lasagna, and his capacity to drive everyone around him bonkers.

Telephone

 

Pudding Dilemma

 

Serious Cat

 

Odie Thinking

 

Target Weight

 

Cupcake

 

Garfield Fishing

 

Monday Mornings...

 

10 Surprisingly Hilarious Facts About Odie – Garfield’s Tongue-Wagging Sidekick

 1. Odie Wasn’t Originally Jon’s Dog

Picture this: 1978. Jon Arbuckle shares his house with a  mustachioed roommate named Lyman, a character introduced purely to give Jon someone to talk to besides his snarky cat. And here’s the twist: Odie was Lyman’s dog, not Jon’s. 

However, as Garfield’s humor evolved to focus more on the dynamic between Garfield, Jon, and Odie, Lyman gradually faded into the background. By the mid-1980s, he vanished completely, never to be mentioned again.

 Odie, meanwhile, simply inherited Jon as his owner by default. Fans have speculated wildly about Lyman’s fate for decades, and creator Jim Davis has only fueled the mystery with tongue-in-cheek comments, once joking that Lyman might be “tied up in the basement.” The disappearance remains one of the strip’s great unsolved riddles.

2. Odie’s Debut: August 8, 1978

Odie bounded onto the scene just a couple of months after Garfield’s launch, appearing as Lyman’s cheerful, slightly dim-witted pet. 

From the start, his droopy tongue and boundless energy made him an instant contrast to Garfield’s lazy cynicism. Though he began as a supporting player, Odie quickly became indispensable. 

When Lyman exited stage left in the 1980s, Odie slid seamlessly into the role of Garfield’s primary foil and frequent prank target. Despite the constant torment, Odie’s unshakable happiness cemented his place as one of the most enduring and beloved characters in the Garfield universe.

3. Why Is He Named Odie?

The origin of Odie’s name is delightfully random. Before creating Garfield, Jim Davis worked on a car dealership commercial featuring a bumbling character called “Odie the Village Idiot.”

 Davis found the name oddly charming and filed it away. Years later, when he needed a moniker for a goofy, good-natured dog, he dusted it off and gave it new life. 

What began as an inside joke from a forgotten ad campaign evolved into the identity of one of cartoon history’s most recognizable canines. The name fits him perfectly—simple, memorable, and just a little bit silly.

4. Odie Was Supposed to Be Smarter

In Garfield’s earliest strips, Odie wasn’t quite the lovable dimwit we know today. Occasionally, he displayed flashes of cunning, even managing to outmaneuver Garfield and turn the tables on the cat’s schemes. 

There were moments of genuine awareness, subtle pranks, and clever reactions that hinted at a sharper mind beneath the drool. 

But as the comic matured and Garfield’s sarcastic persona took center stage, Odie’s intelligence was dialed back. The “dumb but adorable” archetype proved funnier in the long run, especially when paired with Garfield’s smug superiority. Still, those early glimpses of wit remind us that Odie is more than just a punchline, he’s a dog with hidden depths.

5. Odie's Breed Is Unclear:

Odie’s breed has been a long-standing mystery in the Garfield universe. Ask ten Garfield fans what breed Odie is, and you’ll get ten different answers. 

While Jim Davis has never officially stated what kind of dog Odie is, fans and experts alike have speculated based on his physical characteristics. His long ears, short legs, and slightly scruffy appearance suggest he could be a mix of dachshund and terrier, though some have also compared him to a beagle or a mutt. 

Unlike many cartoon dogs modeled after recognizable breeds, Odie’s ambiguous heritage adds to his charm, making him a lovable and unique character who doesn’t fit into any one category, much like his oddball personality. In the end it doesn't really matter: “Odie is Odie”

6. Odie Is the Only Animal Who Never Speaks

In the Garfield world, animals think and talk just like humans. Garfield delivers biting commentary in thought bubbles; Nermal boasts about his cuteness; even minor characters get dialogue. 

But Odie? He stays silent. No words, no inner monologue, just barks, whimpers, pants, and exaggerated expressions. This makes him the most authentically dog-like character in the strip. 

His lack of speech amplifies the comedy: while Garfield spouts witty one-liners, Odie responds with pure, unfiltered joy. The contrast is priceless and keeps their dynamic fresh after decades.

7. The Tongue Wag Is His Signature Move

No feature defines Odie more than his perpetually lolling tongue. 

It flops, it drips, it swings like a pendulum of happiness. 

Whether he’s licking Jon’s face, accidentally soaking Garfield, or getting it tangled in a fence, that tongue is central to nearly every gag. 

It’s more than a physical trait, it’s a personality in motion, broadcasting Odie’s carefree spirit to the world. 

Without it, he’d be just another dog. With it, he’s iconic.

8. Odie Has a Sneaky Mean Streak

Odie is usually the victim, but don’t be fooled—he knows how to hit back. Every so often, he  “accidentally” drools on his food, or stares him down until the cat blinks first. 

These moments of quiet rebellion are subtle but satisfying. They reveal a playful undercurrent of defiance, proving Odie isn’t as helpless as he seems. 

His retaliation is never cruel, just perfectly timed mischief. It turns their rivalry into something closer to sibling banter than one-sided bullying.

9. Odie Once Starred in His Own Storylines

In the animated series Garfield and Friends, Odie occasionally stepped out of Garfield’s shadow to lead his own segments. 

These rare episodes showcased his curiosity, physical comedy, and surprising resourcefulness. Free from constant cat interference, Odie solved problems, explored strange situations, and even displayed moments of genuine cleverness. 

The stories proved there’s more to him than drool and pranks. While he thrives as a sidekick, these solo adventures gave Odie a chance to shine on his own terms.

10. Odie Is a Marketing Powerhouse

Garfield may be the face of the franchise, but Odie has built an empire of his own in the world of merchandise. Plush toys capture his tongue-out grin; mugs feature his dopey expression; T-shirts and keychains celebrate his chaotic energy. 

He even starred in a Japan-exclusive comic series where he headlined his own adventures. Collectors seek out vintage Odie items, and his image remains a staple in greeting cards and seasonal promotions. 

His simple, joyful design translates perfectly to products, ensuring he stays relevant decades after his debut.

Odie Is the True Heart of Garfield

Garfield gets the fame, the food, and the cultural dominance. But Odie gets something better: pure, unconditional affection from fans. 

In a world of cynical cats and lasagna heists, Odie’s optimism is a breath of fresh air. He may never speak, he may never win, but he never stops smiling. 

And honestly? That’s what makes him unforgettable.

Make me a Cheeseburger

 

Jon the Barbarian - Garfield and Friends

Join us in watching a classic Garfield and Friends episode: Jon the Barbarian.

Jon buys an old book about warrior training, convinced it will help him become stronger and more confident. Garfield and Odie, amused by his delusions, watch as he takes his "training" a little too seriously—leading to some unexpected and hilarious consequences.

This episode is a fantastic parody of heroic tropes, featuring Jon at his most ridiculous. It’s filled with slapstick humor, exaggerated action, and Garfield’s classic sarcasm. A great pick for fans who love seeing Jon in over-the-top situations.

Listen to your Gut

 

Mondays..

 

The First Annual Garfield Watchers Test - Garfield and Friends

Join us in watching a classic Garfield and Friends episode: The First Annual Garfield Watchers Test.

Garfield breaks the fourth wall and challenges the audience to a bizarre and hilarious "viewer's test." Throughout the episode, he presents a series of increasingly ridiculous questions, situations, and sight gags, forcing the viewer to pay close attention to keep up.

This episode is a meta-comedy masterpiece. It plays with audience expectations, making viewers feel like they are part of the joke. The absurd humor and interactive nature make it one of the most unique episodes in the series.

It was the Cat

 

Odie dug a hole

 

The Horror Hostess - Garfield and Friends

Join us in watching a classic Garfield and Friends episode: The Horror Hostess.

Garfield and Jon are obsessed with a spooky late-night TV host, but when Jon gets the chance to meet her, things take a turn for the unexpected. With Garfield along for the ride, the night quickly becomes more eventful—and ridiculous—than anyone could have predicted.

This episode pays tribute to classic horror movie hosts and has a fun, playful tone. The story is engaging, and the humor perfectly balances spookiness with Garfield’s signature sarcasm.

Hostile Monday Morning

 

Grrrr Bark Bark

 

The Feline Philosopher - Garfield and Friends

Join us in watching a classic Garfield and Friends episode: The Feline Philosopher.

Garfield’s world is turned upside down when a mysterious, Zen-like cat appears and begins spreading words of wisdom. As Garfield grapples with this new perspective on life, he faces an internal conflict: should he change his ways, or is he just fine the way he is?

This episode stands out for its mix of humor and introspection. While still hilarious, it also offers a rare look at Garfield questioning his own laziness, making it one of the more thought-provoking episodes.

Cycle of Life

 

Garfield and Odie

Only a few characters in the world of comic strips have captured the hearts of readers quite like Garfield, the famous lasagna-loving and Monday-hating orange tabby cat. Together with his energetic counterpart Odie: a lovable, hyperactive and above all, dim-witted dachshund.

Created by cartoonist Jim Davis, both characters offer a unique blend of humor, camaraderie and life lessons. All wrapped in the daily comical adventures that unfold on the pages of newspapers worldwide.

Their relationship is a testament to the quirky, contentious, but mostly endearing dynamics that can exist between two very different personalities. Garfield first graced comic strips in June 1978 and quickly became a cultural icon. His life philosophy is simple and has remained unchanged through the years: spending his days eating, sleeping, and most importantly, avoiding any form of exercise, especially on Mondays, which he loathes with a passion.

His owner Jon Arbuckle, a bumbling but well-meaning cartoonist, provides the backdrop for Garfield's many adventures or, more accurately, misadventures.

Odie entered the comics only a few months later, in August 1978. This slobbering, tongue-lolling dachshund came into the Arbuckle household after Jon adopted him from a friend called Lyman.

Odie is the antithesis of Garfield in almost every way: he's full of energy, he’s loyal, and he’s not the brightest bulb in the tree. His enthusiasm often leads him into situations where he's the butt of the joke, especially when it comes to Garfield's antics. The relationship between Garfield and Odie is complex, layered with moments of rivalry, manipulation, but also, surprisingly, deep affection.

When Odie first appeared in the strip, Garfield's initial reaction was one of disdain; after all, here was this overly excited dog threatening to disrupt his peaceful, lazy lifestyle. However, as time passed, what started as a dynamic of annoyance and one-sided pranks evolved into something more akin to something resembling a brotherly bond.

Their interactions are a dance of sorts. Garfield often uses Odie's naivety to his advantage. One of the most iconic visuals from the strip is Garfield kicking Odie off the table or out of the room, only for Odie to return moments later with the same goofy grin, ready to befriend Garfield all over again.

This cycle isn't just about dominance; it's a comedic exploration of patience, resilience, and the odd way affection can manifest between individuals who seem poles apart. But why do they interact this way?

For Garfield, part of it is entertainment. His life, filled with mundane activities, becomes a bit more interesting when he can play the puppeteer with Odie. But there's also an underlying acceptance. Garfield doesn't replace Odie with another pet; he tolerates, and in his way, cares for him.

For Odie, his interactions with Garfield are driven by his boundless energy and an innate desire to belong. He sees Garfield not just as a roommate but as a playmate and perhaps, in his simple mind, a friend. Their meeting wasn't planned with fireworks or a grand narrative; it was quite ordinary.

Jon decided to bring Odie into their lives, perhaps seeing something in the dog that Garfield did not initially: a companion for his somewhat solitary cat.

Their first encounters were filled with Garfield's attempts to assert his dominance or to escape the new, hyperactive addition to his home. Over time, these interactions became less about establishing hierarchy and more about co-existing, living side by side in a shared world of comic mishaps and daily routines.

Humans could learn a thing or two from Garfield and Odie's relationship.

• There's a lesson in patience. Odie endlessy returns to Garfield, despite being kicked away time and time again, This teaches us about forgiveness and the resilience of spirit. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound relationships are built not on the absence of conflict but on the ability to move past it.

• Their dynamic underscores the importance of acceptance. Garfield might not change his ways for Odie, nor does Odie become any less enthusiastic for Garfield's sake, but they do find a way to live together, each in their unique style. This teaches us about accepting others for who they are, not who we wish them to be.

• There's the aspect of humor in life. Garfield's pranks on Odie, while they can sometimes be mean-spirited, are always within the realm of comic relief. They show that even in annoyance or rivalry, there's room for laughter, which can be healing and bonding. It's a reminder that life doesn't always have to be taken too seriousl. Sometimes, a good laugh at our own or others' expense can bring us closer.

• The relationship between Garfield and Odie highlights the beauty of companionship in an unconventional form. They are not just roommates, they're part of each other's everyday lives, continiously influencing each other's behaviors and routines in ways they might not even realize. It's a lesson in how even the most unlikely friendships can enrich our lives.

In essence, Garfield and Odie teach us about the complexities of relationships, how they can be filled with challenges, yet also contain abundant moments of joy, understanding, and mutual growth. Their daily antics remind readers around the world that friendship can be as simple or as complicated as the individuals involved, but at its core, it's about finding someone who, despite all odds, becomes part of your everyday existence.

Garfield and Odie's relationship mirrors the human experience in many ways. It's a narrative of contrasts finding common ground, of learning to live with and love those who are different from us.

Through his stories, Jim Davis has not only entertained us, but also offered a mirror to human interaction. Teaching us, one comic strip at a time, about the beauty of companionship, the humor in life's daily struggles, and the profound lessons hidden in the simplest of interactions.

Odie's Brain

 

10 little known facts about Jon

Hey there Garfield fans! Today we are going to do a deep-dive into Jon's character by sharing some interesting and little-known facts about the owner and primary prank-target of our beloved Garfield. Lets's jump right in:

1. Jon’s Full Name:

   
   Jon Arbuckle’s full name is Jonathan Q. Arbuckle, a detail that has amused fans for years. According to Jim Davis, the "Q" doesn’t actually stand for anything—he added it purely for comedic effect, as an unusual middle initial often makes a name sound more whimsical. While Jon is typically portrayed as an awkward but well-meaning everyman, his middle initial adds to his quirky, sometimes hapless personality. The name has occasionally been referenced in comics and other Garfield media, though the mystery behind the "Q" remains unresolved. This small but humorous detail is just another example of how Davis infuses subtle humor into the world of Garfield.

2. Jon Was Originally a Cartoonist:

   
   In the early days of Garfield, Jon Arbuckle was explicitly depicted as a cartoonist, often shown working at a drawing desk in his home. This detail was a direct nod to Jim Davis himself, who based parts of Jon’s character on his own experiences as a cartoonist. In some early strips, Jon even joked about the struggles of the profession, such as dealing with deadlines and creative slumps. However, as the comic evolved, his job became less relevant to the storytelling and was eventually dropped altogether. Today, Jon’s career is mostly ambiguous, allowing the focus to remain on his interactions with Garfield, Odie, and his never-ending misadventures in daily life.

3. He Has a Brother Named Doc Boy:

   
   
   Jon Arbuckle’s younger brother, Doc Boy Arbuckle, was first introduced in Garfield in 1987, primarily in storylines involving the Arbuckle family farm. Despite being an adult, he is still referred to as "Doc Boy" by their parents, something that clearly irritates him. Unlike Jon, who left the farm for a more suburban life, Doc Boy remained on the family farm, often helping their father with chores. He shares some of Jon’s awkwardness but is a bit more rough around the edges. Their sibling rivalry is played for laughs, with Jon teasing Doc Boy about his childhood while Doc Boy mocks Jon’s city life. Doc Boy has appeared in multiple holiday specials, most notably Garfield’s Thanksgiving and A Garfield Christmas.

4. Jon’s Parents Are Farmers:

   
   Jon Arbuckle’s parents are lifelong farmers, and he was raised on the Arbuckle family farm, which remains a recurring setting in the Garfield comics and TV specials. His father, a quiet and no-nonsense man, is almost always seen wearing overalls and chewing on a piece of wheat, while his mother is warm and hardworking, often spoiling her sons with home-cooked meals. Whenever Jon visits, the humor often revolves around his inability to adapt to farm life, contrasting with his brother Doc Boy, who stayed behind to help their parents run the farm. These visits typically highlight Jon’s awkward interactions with his family, his father’s stoic nature, and his mother’s overenthusiastic affection. The farm setting has been especially prominent in holiday-themed episodes, like A Garfield Christmas.

5. Jon’s Fashion Sense Is... Unique:

   
   Jon Arbuckle’s fashion sense is famously questionable, often serving as a punchline in Garfield comics and TV adaptations. His wardrobe includes loud, clashing patterns, oversized bow ties, neon-colored leisure suits, and absurdly outdated styles that seem frozen in time. One of his most infamous outfits is a bright purple and orange disco suit, which Garfield mercilessly ridicules. Jon also has a tendency to wear holiday-themed sweaters that are excessively gaudy, much to Garfield’s amusement. His lack of fashion awareness is a recurring gag, with Garfield frequently mocking his style choices, sometimes even physically destroying particularly bad outfits to spare the world from seeing them.

6. Jon Was Perpetually Single for Decades:

   
   For decades, Jon Arbuckle’s love life (or lack thereof) was a recurring joke in Garfield. His awkward demeanor, cringeworthy pickup lines, and overall lack of social skills made dating a constant struggle. Many strips featured Jon getting rejected outright or embarrassing himself in front of women, often with Garfield watching smugly from the sidelines. His desperation led to bizarre attempts at romance, including talking to houseplants, taking fashion advice from Garfield, and even going on a date with a woman who only spoke in chicken noises. However, in a surprising turn, Jon eventually found love with Dr. Liz Wilson, Garfield’s longtime veterinarian, marking a rare instance of character development in the series.

7. Jon Eventually Ends Up with Liz:

   
   After years of awkward and disastrous dates, Jon Arbuckle finally found lasting love with Dr. Liz Wilson, Garfield’s no-nonsense veterinarian. Their relationship had been hinted at for years, with Jon frequently attempting (and failing) to impress Liz during Garfield’s vet visits. Initially, Liz was uninterested and often exasperated by Jon’s advances, but over time, she began to warm up to his quirky personality. In 2006, after nearly three decades of romantic failures, Jon and Liz officially became a couple, marking a major milestone in Garfield. Since then, Liz has remained a consistent and important part of the comic, often acting as the voice of reason against Jon’s goofiness and Garfield’s antics.

8. He Once Drank Dog Medicine:

   
   One of the most infamous and surreal moments in Garfield history occurred in the July 27, 1990 comic strip, where Jon Arbuckle, in an attempt to impress Liz, casually drinks from a cup at her veterinary office. After he asks what it was, Liz delivers the bizarre punchline: "Congratulations, Mr. Arbuckle. You’re going to give birth to a fine, healthy litter of puppies." The joke, which implies Jon drank dog medicine, became a long-running internet meme, with fans debating whether Liz was joking or if Jon had actually consumed something meant for pregnant dogs. Jim Davis later clarified that it was just a gag, but the strip remains a favorite example of the comic’s offbeat humor.

9. Jon Appeared in a Real-Life Coffee Commercial:

   
   

   

   In 1989, Jon Arbuckle and Garfield made a rare appearance outside the comic strip in a Folgers Coffee commercial. The ad featured Jon waking up groggy and disheveled, struggling to start his day—a relatable sight for many fans. Garfield, ever the sarcastic observer, watches as Jon perks up only after drinking a cup of Folgers Coffee. The commercial played into Garfield’s long-standing love of coffee while also humorously reinforcing Jon’s clueless but lovable personality. This crossover into real-world advertising was a testament to Garfield's cultural influence, showing how the characters could seamlessly fit into everyday life and humorously promote a well-known brand.

10. Jon Is Based on Jim Davis Himself:

    
    

    
    Jon Arbuckle is, in many ways, a reflection of Garfield’s creator, Jim Davis. Davis has openly admitted that Jon is a self-parody, embodying many of his own awkward, nerdy tendencies. Jon’s social struggles, oddball sense of humor, and frequent fashion disasters are all exaggerated versions of Davis’ own experiences. In fact, Davis has even joked that Jon’s questionable wardrobe choices—including loud prints, mismatched outfits, and outdated styles—were directly inspired by his own closet. By making Jon an endearingly clueless everyman, Davis created a character that not only pokes fun at himself but also resonates with anyone who has ever felt socially awkward or fashionably challenged.