Phineas and Ferb's Three for All

You think this is hard? Try guest-voicing a character on Phineas and Ferb! That's hard!

Readers of this blog (or Twitter followers, or people who know me in real life, or some combination of the three), probably know that I'm a big fan of Disney's Phineas and Ferb. I'm not going to go into why- partly because it would take too long, partly because I already have- but either way it's a very funny show that's head, shoulders, and platypus tail above the rest of the TGIF-level tripe the Disney Channel offers. Seriously, though (which is something the show never takes itself as, oddly enough), it's probably not just one of the best-written animated shows on TV, but possibly one of the best-written shows on TV period. But you don't have to take my word for it. (Cue that Reading Rainbow sound effect.)

Jane Lynch, whom you might know as the curmudgeonly Sue Sylvester from Glee- or a number of other curmudgeonly characters (seriously, that seems to be all she plays- except for those Activia ads, where I think she's playing Bizarro Sue Sylvester, who is kind to everyone and offers them yogurt)- recently told Entertainment Weekly that "I laugh as much as my daughter when we watch. That is not the case with other kids shows. I fear they are teaching her bad comedy! Phineas is clever and delightful, with just enough cynicism to keep me coming back." And if there's one thing Ms. Lynch knows, it's cynicism. But she's not just a fan of Phineas and Ferb, she's also a guest voice! Yes, she's joining the long list of well-known names- a number of whom are admitted fans of the show- to lend their vocal chops to Phineas and Ferb's wonderfully wacky world. EW has four video clips from one of the episodes that will debut next month when the show returns for its third season, which features not only Ms. Lynch, but Tina Fey, Joan Cusack, and returning guest voice Vicki Lawrence.

Three is a magic number: the legendary Regis Philbin alongside Phineas and Ferb co-creators (and voices for two of the funniest characters) Dan Povenmire (left) and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh.

Disney is so certain that the two kids with unusually large brains contained in their unusually-shaped heads will be their next big marketing icons that they're spreading them out as well, including giving them their own two-minute talk show segment. Space Ghost Coast to Coast it's not (nothing ever could be), but it occasionally amuses. Case in point: this Friday's outing, which features television legend in his own right Regis Philbin. Rapping. Specifically, a song called "Squirrels in My Pants." Seriously, what's not to love? Clearly, he's a good sport. As are all the big-name guests who have made their way to the tri-state area...and hopefully there will be more to come.



In conclusion, if you're not watching Phineas and Ferb, why not?

PHINEAS AND FERB ©Disney. No ownership intended or implied. Photo credit: Rick Rowell/Disney XD