Greg the Bunny

Greg the Bunny is a unique, avant-garde television show that aired on the Independent Film Channel (IFC) between 2002 and 2004. The series, starring Hollywood heavyweight Eugene Levy, was a reimagining of a local Public-access television cable TV show originally produced by the team of Dan Milano and Spencer Chinoy. The show's premise revolves around the idea that puppet characters, known in-show as fabrications or "fabricated Americans", coexist with human beings in the real world.

At the heart of the show lies Greg the Bunny, a hand puppet rabbit and the titular character, voiced by Dan Milano. Greg the Bunny is characterized as an optimistic, somewhat naive character who has ambitions of becoming a respected actor. In an interesting twist on reality, Greg lands a role in a fictional children's television show titled "Sweetknuckle Junction", reminiscent of real-life classics like Sesame Street or The Muppet Show.

Eugene Levy, one of the show's most prominent human actors, plays Gil Bender, the jaded, world-weary director of "Sweetknuckle Junction". Bender is often put into comically uncomfortable situations as he tries to manage the eccentric puppet cast of his show while trying to maintain his own career and sanity.

The juxtaposition of puppets and humans on this show creates a bizarre yet refreshing mix of humor and social commentary. Notwithstanding their fuzzy, adorable exterior, the puppet characters are not relegated to children's show tropes. They lead their own complex lives, dealing with the same mature issues and day-to-day struggles as their human counterparts. The series uses this context to satirically address and unravel various societal prejudices, showing that looks can indeed be deceiving.

Additional characters flesh out the world of Greg the Bunny. There's Jimmy Bender (Seth Green), Gil's slacker son who shares an apartment with Greg, further blurring the lines between humans and puppets. Dotty Sunshine (Dina Waters), the human lead on "Sweetknuckle Junction", embodies the stereotype of a ditzy, sweet-natured actress, albeit with a darker side. Count Blah (also voiced by Dan Milano), a clear spoof of Sesame Street’s Count von Count, and Warren DeMontague (also voiced by Milano), a thespian ape with a drinking problem, provide an eclectic, engaging ensemble to further enrich the show's offbeat humor and fascinating storyline.

Despite the zany humor and irreverent escapades, the series never loses sight of its foundation – a winter's tale of the 'little guy' holding fast to his dreams despite the odds. There is an undercurrent of warmth and sweetness that is, in part, owing to the titular character Greg - a character whose innocence and unwavering positivity encourages viewers to keep rooting for him.

Resulting from its remarkable combination of satirical humor, social commentary, and the juxtaposition of puppets and humans, Greg the Bunny emerges as a quirky addition to the television landscape. Its blending of parody, sitcom-style storylines, and the classic 'fish-out-of-water' narrative elements creates an experience that is as engrossing as it is unique.

Visually, the show's look can genuinely dishearten viewers anticipating something specifically targeted at young children due to its puppet stars. Adults, on the other hand, will appreciate the clever puns, occasional crudeness, and edgy humor that more than adequately cater to an older audience.

Overall, Greg the Bunny gives us a glimpse into a parallel universe where puppets aren’t just puppeteering tools but believable, fully-fleshed characters. With memorable performances from Eugene Levy and the entire cast, the show offers a unique, cheeky, and – frankly - odd world that pushes the boundaries of conventional television. It serves to both entertain and provoke thought, effortlessly managing to balance its outlandish humor with moments of socio-cultural significance.