Bob’s Burgers: 6 ideas for plotlines to explore in season 9

Season 9 of Bob’s Burgers premieres in a week, but before it does, let’s talk about some plotlines they’ll hopefully explore this upcoming season.

After months of waiting, the season 9 premiere of Bob’s Burgers is almost here. With a new season comes a lot of promise. Hopefully, we’ll see the same beloved characters but they’ll have a chance to change and grow. Season 8 is the perfect example as each of the Belchers experienced a lot of character development.

With such an impressive previous season, it sets expectations incredibly high for season 9. The cast and crew seem to have a similar idea, though. The first episode is going to feature a special guest star and the return of our favorite boy band. We don’t know much else about the season, though.

In honor of the upcoming season and lack of knowledge, let’s talk about some plotlines the crew should explore. From character-centric episodes to romance and friendship, these are 6 suggestions for plotlines in season 9 of Bob’s Burgers.

1. A romance for Louise

The first idea is one the crew has only explored briefly. Louise is the only Belcher not to be in a relationship or even, really have a crush. Her crush on Boo Boo is more of a fangirl thing but there’s room for exploration. In particular, the crew should look at pairing her up with Regular Sized Rudy. He’s one of the most underutilized side characters and having a romance with Louise could change that.

It shouldn’t be a love affair or anything, but maybe just the two hanging out one-on-one. Granted, Louise is only 9 but they have a little bit of wiggle room. While the relationship might not last, it could serve as some character development for Louise and possibly, Rudy.

2. Tina gets a best friend

Moving away from romance, let’s talk about Tina. As a teenager, your life revolves around your friends and school. For the most part, Tina doesn’t really have friends unless we’re counting Tammy. Tammy is a horrible friend but it’s time for the show to introduce a best friend for Tina.

While her best friend wouldn’t appear in every episode, it’s only natural for her to have a companion. She’s so wrapped up in boys and crushes which is realistic but she needs someone for girl talk and sleepovers. Personally, I think it’d be a fun way to introduce a new character without making it seem too unnatural.

Plus Tina deserves some friends and time away from the family. The Belchers are arguably their best together but they do need some time apart. Adding a best friend for Tina adds another realm of possibilities. It’d be a perfect way to make Tina a more realistic teen.

3. Flashback episodes

For the most part, Bob’s Burgers is set in the present. Sometimes, they have episodes stretch over a period of days but that’s it. In season 9, I’d love to see them change the episode format a little bit and feature some flashbacks. There’s a lot of different ways they could do this and a lot of opportunities they have.

More from FOX

• Only 3 of FOX’s live-action scripted shows are coming back in March 2024 the rest are being held for Fall 2024
• Is El Cantito from Kitchen Nightmares still open?
• Bob’s Burgers: The (Raccoon) King and I was a busy episode for all
• Bob’s Burgers skipping Thanksgiving this year: Here are 4 can’t-miss holiday episodes to rewatch
• Is Love Bites from Kitchen Nightmares still open?

Most notably, I’d love to see them have flashbacks of holidays. There’s a whole realm of holidays they’re missing: 4^th of July, St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve to name a few. Instead of changing the entire timeline of the show, why don’t they feature flashbacks to those holidays? It would still technically be a holiday episode but done in a unique format.

It doesn’t just have to be holidays, though. There could be throwback episodes of Bob and Linda’s marriage, the kids growing up or them watching home movies. It’s really up to what the crew wants to do. There’s a lot they can do with flashbacks and it’s time they utilize it.

4. Bob and Linda have troubles

Bob and Linda Belcher are one of the most stable cartoon couples. They rarely fight or disagree. Even when they do, they make up almost instantly. That’s just not realistic, though. There’s no way they don’t have some kind of tension or friction in their marriage.

With 9 seasons under their belt, it’s time to shake things up a little bit. While a divorce plotline isn’t feasible, there could be an episode or two where Bob and Linda fight. There have been a few episodes where they didn’t really get along but they always make up by the end of the episode. Eventually, they would come back together but seeing a little bit more tension would be new territory.

The crew might not explore this plotline, but it could work if done right. Of course, having Teddy bring the two back together is mandatory. Regardless, a little marital trouble would be interesting. It’s only a matter of time before the crew features a plotline like that or something similar.

5. More Gene-Centric Episodes

Granted, this next one isn’t a plotline but rather an idea. When favorite characters are mentioned, most people mention Louise, Tina and Louise. If the crew is working on a new episode, it’s usually focused on the ladies. However, it’s time to change the status quo and give Gene a little bit more love.

Looking back at season 8, there was only 1 episode centering completely to Gene. It was “Cheer Up, Sleepy Gene” and arguably, Eugene Mirman’s best performance. A few other episodes could count but Tina and Louise were a huge part of the episodes, too. Regardless, it’s finally time for the show to feature more Gene-centric episodes.

As a character, there’s a lot they can do with him especially his music. When music is involved, Gene shines and music is a huge part of the show. He’s also the middle child so there’s a lot of different plotlines to explore there. It’s only fair Gene gets his time in the spotlight and has more episodes dedicated solely to him.

The same argument could be made for Bob but he’s usually paired with Linda. Of all the characters, Gene is vastly underutilized. In the past, Gene has held his own in episodes and it’s time the show gives him more chances to shine.

6. More Two-Part Episodes

Last year, Bob’s Burgers really upped the ante for their holiday episodes. They had their usual holiday episodes but feature an hour-long, 2-part Christmas special. It was unlike anything we’d seen before and a great episode to boot. With an upcoming movie, it was perfect practice but should be implemented this season, too.

Bob’s Burgers has only had a handful of hour-long episodes. Most of the time, they air 2 completely unrelated episodes in one night. However, The Bleakening and the season 4 finale proved successful. Hopefully, it will motivate them to create more 2-part episodes and longer episodes in general.

With a new timeslot, it might change the opportunities the show has. Maybe not, but on the whole, their 2-part episodes are beloved. The Bleakening had some of the best ratings of the season and was a unique twist on the regular Christmas special. As for the season 4 finale, it was their first attempt and they seemed to perfect the formula.

It’s unlikely the show will feature Christmas, again. Maybe this year, it will be for Thanksgiving or Halloween. Regardless, Bob’s Burgers has shown so much since the show started. With an upcoming 9^th season, they’ve earned the right to pretty much do some different things and change up the formula.

Season 9 of Bob’s Burgers premieres Sunday, September 30, on Fox at 8:30/7:30c. 

What plotlines do you think Bob’s Burgers should feature this season? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!