This spring, it was a milestone for Disney Channel’s Big City Green as the beloved animated series aired episode 100 on online TV on May 3 and aired on Disney+ on May 7.

Launched in 2018, the show quietly became a cornerstone of modern family animation, blending the wholesome charm of classic sitcoms with creative storytelling and healthy silly.

Founded by brothers Chris and Shane Houghton, the Big City Green Party follows the adventure of Cricket Green, a naughty 10-year-old boy whose family moved from the country to the city. Inspired by Houghtons’ childhood in the country town of St. Johns, Michigan, the series balances Slapsetick’s antics with real emotions. Its endurance is no accident.

“From the beginning, we thought the show could be 100 episodes,” Shane Houghton said. “That was a benchmark: Can the idea extend that far? We believe it could be because the heart of the series is so solid – it’s two-part comedy, part of the heart.”

The heart has always been at the heart of the show’s success. Despite being wrapped in cartoon chaos, “Big City Green” never loses its emotional core. Episode 100 is a full-blown celebration, with huge poultry, coming, and even a cameo by Mark Hamill. But this also includes scenes of original and related emotions, emphasizing the show’s respect for the audience.

“We want that emotional resonance,” Shane said. "We want to feel something when we watch it. It's about making people laugh, but also letting them take care of them."

Chris Houghton echoed this sentiment: "Watching Big City Greens evolves beyond TV series - shorts, movies, live NHL broadcasts, and even Tiktok and Toys. But the characters make all of this possible."

On all platforms, YouTube's nearly 1 billion views are one of the most viewed series of 6-11, and "Big City Green" is not only the longest-running Disney TVA animation series "Phineas and Ferb", but also the longest running series. As Meredith Roberts, executive vice president of Disney Brand TV, said: “It is becoming a classic evergreen collection.”

What makes a part of the “big city green” unique is the refusal to talk to the audience. "The secret seasoning is that cricket can be messy and still face consequences, but never speak," Roberts said. "The show won't try to teach the lessons through messaging. It's happy and never talk to the kids."

Respect for children has always been the guiding principle. "I don't feel like we're doing a show for the kids," Shane explained. "We're trying to make ourselves laugh first, not the kids! But it works because kids are smart and they know when they're helpless."

Roberts attributes Huddon's unique voice to Green's lasting attraction. "They just became clearer as comedians. They embraced the music, explored these wonderful family dynamics, and while staying true to the tone of the first day, they've done it all."

Behind the scenes, the series benefits from Class A crew, which includes producer Michael Coughlin (“Muppets”) and co-executive producer Stephen Sandoval (“The Owl House”).

As "Big City Green" continues into season 5, the Hodges are also spreading their creative wings. In an extensive deal with Disney, the brothers are now developing live projects and adult animation.

"We're more picky than ever," Chris said. "But it's a dream. We still love working on the green greens of the big city. Season 5 is shaping our funniest."

For Roberts, giving artists like Houghtons growth is a top priority: "We want them to blossom within the company. We balance their schedule carefully. We don't want them to burn. If they feel like they've already done everything they can with a series, we want them to keep and thrive in other forms."

It was a profound personal adventure for Houghtons. “We’ve been on this show for 9 years,” Shane said. "When I look back at the old episodes, I see the time capsule of my life. The conversation we have, the things we are going through - everything is there. It's special."