Gravity Falls Season 3: Everything We Know So Far
If you are a kid of the 2000s, then you would fondly remember the animated adventure-mystery series: Gravity Falls. This Disney Channel show was created by Alex Hirsch and directed by Mike Rianda.
It was aired for the first time on Disney Channel in June 2012 and aired for two seasons till February 2016. The plot of the series was very simple: twin siblings, Dipper and Mabel Pines go to a small town called Gravity Falls for summer vacation.
The summer was supposed to be another boring vacation for the twelve-year-olds but it turned out to be a mysterious adventure for them. The show’s creator, Alex Hirsch, intended the show to be a fun summer adventure of two siblings.
Something that they would probably look back on with fond memories. Hence, the storytelling, the plot, the humour, etc., set the tone of an old village-style tale with new-age, city-slicker humour.
The show’s protagonists are the twins Dipper Pines and Mabel Pines, voiced by Jason Ritter and Kristen Schaal. They come to Gravity Falls to visit their great-uncle, Grunkle Stan, who is voiced by Alex Hirsch.
The rest of the important characters include Wendy Corduroy, Soos Ramirez, Stanford Pines and Bill Cipher. The charm of this Disney series earned it many awards and accolades. It won two Emmy Awards, three Annie Awards and a BAFTA Children’s Award along with multiple other nominations.
The writing, direction, voice acting, and humour of the show were critically praised by all.
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Official Announcement on Gravity Falls Season 3
Alex Hirsch intended Gravity Falls to be a short series about a summer of adventure. With this in mind, he envisioned it as a two-season show. The finale of season two explained the mysteries and answered the questions that were raised at the start of the show.
In 2015, Hirsch announced that Gravity Falls would end with just two seasons. Despite the successful run, the high ratings, and Disney’s readiness to renew a new season, the creator of the show was firm on his stand.
He felt that his vision of a summer adventure would be wrecked if he added more seasons. Although there were only two seasons in the series, Hirsch and Disney created 14 short series that were aired between 2012 and 2020.
Gravity Falls was not cancelled, but it completed its intended course and finished its run. Based on the positive public interest, Alex Hirsch and Disney contemplated making a movie on Gravity Falls.
However, the show was not successful enough to warrant a film, as per a few Disney executives. Hence, the plan was scrapped. If you are a big fan of the series, Disney has published a series of books on Gravity Falls.
There were many comic books, sticker books, activity books, and more for fans.
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Previous Seasons and Episodes of Gravity Falls
The first season of the series opened with the two twelve-year-olds setting off on a summer vacation to their grand-uncle, Stanley Pines’s home. Initially, they expected the vacation to be a boring and mundane vacation as usual.
When they approach the town of Gravity Falls, the siblings chance upon a journal that lists out all the abnormalities, mysteries, and suspicious characters in the town. This journal picks the interest of the nerdy boy, Dipper Pines.
This sets them on a path of curiosity, adventure, and fun. The first and second seasons were 20 episodes each with a runtime of 20-24 minutes per episode. They brought to life many weird and quirky characters, episodes and themes that became popular and memorable.
While the series had an average rating of 8.9, there were many episodes that were rated far above it. Here are a few of the highest-rated episodes: “Not What He Seems” (S2 Ep11), “Weirdmageddon 3: Take Back the Falls” (S2 Ep40), “A Tale of Two Stans” (S2 Ep12), “Dipper and Mabel vs. the Future” (S2 Ep 17), and more.
Apart from the regular episodes, Gravity Falls also released many short series between 2012 and 2020.
Where to watch the show Gravity Falls
The series was created for Disney Channel and later Disney XD. If you reside in the United States of America, Canada or the United Kingdom, you can watch the series on any of the Disney streaming apps like Disney Plus, Hulu, or Disney Now.
Users of Fubo and Spectrum streaming can watch the first season of Gravity Falls.
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Google Trends Data Analysis
The series of Gravity Falls has consistently maintained a high interest among netizens. The show’s humour, plotline, and weirdness have entertained fans and regular viewers alike. If you specifically look for terms like ‘Gravity Falls season 3’, the interest has been oscillating between high to average; it never goes low.
This shows the affection of the viewers. If we try to analyse the reason for the continued interest, one of the reasons could be the short videos that have been released despite the end of the series.
Whatever the reason, Gravity Falls continues to enjoy the love and affection of netizens. The characters of the series, like Bill Cipher, Stan, etc., continue to be memorable and attract a new generation of viewers afresh.
Social media engagement
Social media engagement for the animated series Gravity Falls is on the lower end. It swings between average to low. We can see that most of the discussions and shares occur on Facebook and X (Twitter).
There are many videos and memes of Gravity Falls that are shared on X and Facebook. They are mostly fan-made videos or fan-fiction plots for season 3. They make interesting suggestions and storylines for fun.
You can enjoy fan-made videos and shorts, lists of favourite characters, fan fiction and more on social media.
Expected Plot of Upcoming Season
It is difficult to predict or guess a possible plot for Gravity Falls season 3. The finale of season 2 closed all doors for a future season by answering all conflicts and questions.
It was a decisive end to the series by Alex Hirsch. However, as a fan, we can always hope, so here are a few plot ideas that fans and critics hope to see in its revival.
One idea would be to bring the adult siblings, Dipper and Mabel Pines, back to Gravity Falls. They could come back to reminisce about the summer adventure and relook at the events from an adult perspective.
Another idea could be to bring back the adult siblings to the town and create another supernatural adventure for them to set off on. This could take a completely new route with the relatable style of writing that Alex Hirsch followed.
Top 5 Characters of Gravity Falls
Here is the character description and information on the most memorable characters of this animated series.
1. Dipper Pines
Dipper Pines, a protagonist from the animated series, is a curious and resourceful 12-year-old. With his trademark blue pine tree cap, Dipper spends his summer unravelling the town’s supernatural mysteries alongside his twin sister, Mabel.
Driven by his thirst for knowledge, he often consults a mysterious journal for guidance. Despite his initial awkwardness, Dipper grows into a brave and strategic thinker, facing eerie creatures and enigmatic puzzles head-on.
His genuine care for his sister and his determination to uncover the truth make Dipper an endearing character. He was voiced by Jason Ritter.
2. Mabel Pines
Mabel Pines, a central character in “Gravity Falls,” is a quirky, lively 12-year-old known for her colourful fashion sense and boundless optimism. With her signature sweaters, Mabel embraces the supernatural adventures of her summer in the mysterious town.
Her infectious enthusiasm and creative spirit often provide comic relief and heartwarming moments, balancing the show’s eerie undertones. Mabel’s unconditional love for her twin brother Dipper, her pursuit of romance, and her pursuit of various hobbies, including knitting and matchmaking, add depth to her character.
Her joyful and compassionate nature infuses “Gravity Falls” with warmth and a sense of wonder. She is voiced by Kristen Schaal.
3. Grunkle Stan
Grunkle Stan, also known as Stanford Pines, is a pivotal character. He’s the great-uncle of twins Dipper and Mabel. Stan is the enigmatic owner of the Mystery Shack, a tourist trap in the peculiar town.
With his cantankerous demeanour, he often scams visitors with bizarre and fake attractions. Beneath this façade, Stan is a complex figure with a mysterious past linked to the supernatural phenomena of Gravity Falls.
He was voiced by Alex Hirsch. As the series unfolds, his role deepens, revealing his connection to the town’s secrets and his pursuit of uncovering hidden truths. Grunkle Stan balances his gruff exterior with moments of vulnerability and genuine care for his family, making him a compelling character.
4. Bill Cipher
Bill Cipher is the main antagonist in Gravity Falls, an all-powerful and malevolent interdimensional being. With a triangular form and a mischievous eye, Bill exudes a charismatic yet unnerving aura.
He seeks to merge the supernatural realm with the human world, spreading chaos and exerting control. Bill is known for his chaotic humour, cryptic speech, and reality-warping abilities that defy the laws of physics.
His manipulation and mind games challenge Dipper and Mabel. As a symbol of deception and unpredictability, Bill Cipher embodies the show’s eerie and mysterious undertones. His presence intensifies the series’ overarching narrative, highlighting the struggle between good and evil in the quirky and enigmatic world of Gravity Falls.
He is also voiced by Alex Hirsch.
5. Ford Pines
Ford Pines, short for Stanford Pines, is a pivotal character. He’s the long-lost twin brother of Grunkle Stan. Ford is a brilliant scientist and researcher credited with discovering the town’s supernatural secrets.
He was voiced by J. K. Simmons. After spending years trapped in an otherworldly dimension, he returns to confront the mysteries he uncovered. His expertise aids in unravelling complex enigmas, but his intensity and obsession with the unknown strain his relationships.
Ford’s presence adds depth to the show’s lore, as his history with Bill Cipher and his determination to thwart him become central to the overarching plot. His journey involves redemption, reconciling with family, and safeguarding Gravity Falls from malevolent forces.
Important Crew Members and their Work
Apart from the cast, the crew of Gravity Falls have also contributed greatly to the success of the series. Here is a list of the important crew members who left the biggest mark on the show.
1. Alex Hirsch (Series Creator)
Alex Hirsch created the animated series “Gravity Falls,” serving as its creator, writer, and voice actor for key characters. Hirsch’s work brilliantly blended humour, supernatural elements, and intricate plotlines, appealing to both kids and adults.
His attention to detail, cryptic codes, and hidden messages fostered an engaged fan base, leading to internet sleuthing and fan theories. Apart from this, he also worked in Spider-Man: Into The Spiderverse, The Angry Birds Movie 2, Phineas and Ferb, Rick and Morty, etc.
Hirsch’s popularity grew due to his unique storytelling, relatable characters, and ability to infuse darker themes beneath the show’s surface, solidifying “Gravity Falls” as a cult favourite and elevating Hirsch’s status as a celebrated creator in animation circles.
2. Series Directors – Various
“Gravity Falls” had several directors throughout its run, but two notable directors were Aaron Springer, John Aoshima, and Joe Pitt. Aaron Springer brought a wealth of experience from working on shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Dexter’s Laboratory.” His direction on “Gravity Falls” contributed to the show’s energetic pacing, creative visual gags, and comedic timing.
Joe Pitt, known for his work on “Adventure Time,” lent his talents to shaping the show’s unique animation style, fluid character movements, and visually engaging sequences. Both directors received praise for their contributions, as their combined efforts played a crucial role in bringing the show’s distinct blend of humour, mystery, and charm to life, earning “Gravity Falls” accolades and a devoted fan base.
3. Series Writers – Various
The writing team of “Gravity Falls” was led by creator Alex Hirsch himself. He infused the show with intricate plot arcs, witty dialogues, and a balance of humour and darker themes that captivated audiences of all ages.
Michael Rianda, a co-producer and writer, contributed to the show’s character development and comedic elements. The writing duo Shion Takeuchi and Mark Rizzo crafted memorable episodes that showcased the series’ blend of supernatural intrigue and heartwarming moments.
Collectively, these writers received acclaim for creating a show with layered storytelling, clever references, and emotional depth. Their work on “Gravity Falls” resulted in a dedicated fan following and critical acclaim for its innovative narrative approach within the animated TV landscape.
4. Storyboard artists and Animators
“Gravity Falls” boasted a distinctive animation style that combined detailed and expressive character designs with a quirky small-town setting. The team at Disney Television Animation, led by art director Ian Worrel, visualised creator Alex Hirsch’s vision impeccably.
The animation team, including director of animation Stephen Sandoval and numerous talented artists, brought to life the show’s fluid and dynamic movements. The series’ signature blend of humour, mystery and supernatural elements was enhanced by the team’s attention to detail, intricate background art, and seamless integration of visual gags.
This animation style, marked by its unique character expressions and atmospheric environments, contributed significantly to the show’s appeal and helped it stand out as a visually captivating and engaging series.
Similar shows and where to watch them
As the animated series Gravity Falls appears to have caught the fancy of so many viewers, let us look for similar shows to entertain us.
1. Steven Universe
“Steven Universe ” follows the titular character, Steven, a half-human, half-Gem boy, as he navigates his identity and powers within the Crystal Gems, a group of magical beings defending Earth.
Created by Rebecca Sugar, the show explores themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery through its engaging plot and diverse characters. The voice cast includes Zach Callison as Steven, Estelle as Garnet, Deedee Magno Hall as Pearl, Michaela Dietz as Amethyst, and Tom Scharpling as Greg Universe.
The show’s innovative storytelling and progressive themes garnered praise while its crew, led by Rebecca Sugar, broke new ground in animation by openly addressing LGBTQ+ representation and mental health topics.
You can watch it on HBO Max, Hulu, Cartoon Network, etc.
2. Star vs. the Forces of Evil
“Star vs. the Forces of Evil” follows Star Butterfly, a magical princess from another dimension, who is sent to Earth for safety. Teaming up with Earth teen Marco Diaz, they battle supernatural creatures while navigating high school.
Created by Daron Nefcy, the show combines magical adventures with teenage challenges, offering humour and growth. The cast includes Eden Sher as Star, Adam McArthur as Marco, and Alan Tudyk as Ludo.
The crew, led by Nefcy, crafted a blend of action, comedy, and coming-of-age themes. The series gained a following for its unique storytelling, character development, and imaginative world-building. Stream this series on Disney Plus and Hulu portals.
3. Rick and Morty
“Rick and Morty” centres on eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez and his timid grandson Morty Smith as they embark on interdimensional adventures. Created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, the show combines sci-fi, dark humour, and philosophical themes.
Their journeys explore family dynamics, existentialism, and alternate realities. The cast features Justin Roiland voicing both Rick and Morty, along with Chris Parnell, Sarah Chalke, and Spencer Grammer. The crew, including writers like Ryan Ridley and directors such as Bryan Newton, crafts intricate narratives while maintaining irreverent humour.
The show’s cult following lauds its clever writing, intricate plotlines, and Roiland’s distinctive voice work. Stream the show on Hulu, HBO Max, DirecTV, etc.
