Over the Garden Wall

Wirt and his younger brother Greg wake up far from home in a strange, timeless wood known only as the Unknown. Wirt is anxious, cautious, and prone to overthinking, while Greg is cheerful and unpredictable, so their personalities keep clashing as they try to get back. Along the way they meet a guarded Woodsman who seems tied to the forest, and a blunt, talking bluebird named Beatrice who insists she knows the way. Each episode brings a new odd town, peculiar character, or eerie atmosphere, and the brothers have to think fast, bargain when necessary, and rely on one another to keep moving without spoiling the surprises that await.

Released in 2014, the series was created by Patrick McHale with Katie Krentz credited among the creative team, and features voices from Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, and Melanie Lynskey.

Critics and fans rate the show highly, reflected in a strong vote average of 8.566/10 from 1,670 votes. Reviewers praised its blend of dark fairy-tale mood and warm humor, and frequent mentions focus on sibling dynamics, folklore-inspired storytelling, and the show’s careful use of music and visual contrast.

The show left a noticeable mark on animation fans with its autumnal, storybook look and haunting, folk-tinged score. It’s become a seasonal favorite for many viewers, inspiring fan art, covers of its songs, and online discussions about its symbols and mysteries, which helped it stay in the conversation long after broadcast.

Industry observers acknowledged the series with several awards and nominations in animation categories, recognizing its writing, design, and musical elements. Those honors helped raise its profile within the animation community and among genre enthusiasts.