‘Animaniacs’ Interviews: The cast discuss the secret to the show’s longevity, their character actor heroes, the series’ dirtiest joke, and more

Why has Animaniacs remained in the cultural zeitgeist all these years? On the eve of the series second season on Hulu, I sat down with the cast to discuss why we love these characters, the actors’ comedy and character actor heroes, if the show has changed in its newest iteration, the delight that goes into slipping in off-color jokes meant for the adults that will go over the heads of younger viewers and the story behind the original series’ dirtiest joke.

They also tease a line they got away with in the first episode of the upcoming season that the older audiences will appreciate. “That one’s gonna stick with us for a loooong time,” says Jess Harnell, the voice of Wakko Warner. I also get the behind-the-scenes story behind why, in this new Hulu iteration of the series, Wakko and Dot repeatedly tease Yakko over his famous “Nations of the World” song.

First, I discussed Pinky and the Brain with Rob Paulsen (Pinky and Yakko Warner) and Maurice LaMarche (Brain):

Then, in a separate session, I spoke with Jess Harnell, Tress MacNeille (Dot Warner), and Co-Executive Producer Gabe Swarr:

All 13 episode’s of Animaniacs Season 2 premiere November 5th on Hulu. Check out our first impressions.