Rugrats Reboot: A Look At Betty DeVille's New Role And Fan Reactions

Rugrats has met the ultimate fate of all '90s TV shows and got itself a reboot, which began airing on Paramount+ on May 27. According to members of the voice cast, this CGI version introduces a number of changes, including more diverse families. One significant change that has captured the internet's attention is that Phil and Lil's mom, Betty DeVille, is now openly gay.

This revelation was hinted at late last year in an interview that actor Melanie Chartoff, who voices Didi Pickles, gave to the Back to the Best podcast. "One of the characters is now a lesbian," Chartoff revealed. She added that the reboot will feature more characters from various minority and ethnic backgrounds, making it a show with a broader and more liberal perspective.

The move was confirmed by Natalie Morales, the new voice of Betty, who noted that fans of the original series might have sensed Betty's LGBTQ+ identity. "Betty is a single mom with her own business who has twins and still has time to hang out with her friends and her community," Morales said. She emphasized the importance of representation, stating that having an openly queer character like Betty serves as a beacon for young queer people who need positive examples of living authentically.

Many fans reacted positively to Betty's coming out, expressing that they had always perceived her as gay. One viewer tweeted, "I was today years old when I learned that Betty from Rugrats wasn't always gay." Others echoed similar sentiments, saying, "We knew it all along." Some fans even humorously remarked that they always felt Betty was coded as a lesbian character, suggesting that her portrayal had long hinted at this identity.

However, not all reactions were enthusiastic. Some commenters accused the reboot of being overly "woke," stating that Betty's character shift feels performative. One critic tweeted, "Making Betty gay on Rugrats is just performative wokeness, and I'm so tired." They argued that the character's original subversive nature had already broken stereotypes, and simply changing her sexuality doesn't truly advance representation.

Additionally, Betty's new role as a single mother sparked concerns among fans about the fate of Phil and Lil's father, Howard. One Twitter user expressed frustration over his potential absence, writing, "If they’re going to go with stereotypes, then make Howie gay too. Two gay parents out, not another dead parent." Although there has been no official confirmation regarding Howard's status, fans are left wondering how this change will affect the family dynamics in the reboot.

As a long-time fan of Rugrats, I find it interesting to witness the evolution of characters we grew up with. The reboot offers a fresh perspective while maintaining the essence of the original show. It is a testament to how television can adapt and reflect the changes in society, paving the way for more inclusive narratives.

The Rugrats reboot is currently streaming on Paramount+, and it will be fascinating to see how audiences continue to react to these changes in character dynamics and representation.