5 things we want to see in Bob's Burgers season 15 (and 3 things we don't)

It's hard to believe Bob's Burgers has been around for nearly 15 seasons. It feels like just yesterday we were watching the show's premiere. Since its release in 2011, Bob's Burgers has curated itself as one of the most fun and wholesome adult animated shows out there. Seen as an alternative to its Animation Domination counterparts, the series feels like it's more fun for the whole family.

With season 15, there are a lot of hopes and expectations, especially with the episodes and topics covered in season 14. Even though I've been a fan of the show for over a decade now, I didn't start writing about it until 2016 and I can see the changes from season 7 until now. The show feels the same and different all at once.

Season 15 of Bob's Burgers just premiered on Sept. 29, so in honor of the new season, we're sharing a set of dos and don'ts. Bob's Burgers is one of those shows that's only gotten better with age so there is so much I'd love to see the show carry over into its upcoming season. Let's break down five things we'd love to see in season 15.

1. More episodes not focused on the Belchers

Before Bob's Burgers fans come for me, I will say that the series has taken some leaps with its recent character-driven episodes. In season 14, we got "The Amazing Rudy," which ended up being the show's Emmy-nominated episode. Even though it didn't win, the episode focused on Rudy, a side character in the series and frankly, it was such a beautiful episode.

While I don't want the show to focus entirely on side characters, seeing an episode or two per season focused on them would be amazing. Some of the side characters I'd love an episode on are Marshmallow, Mort, and Randy Watkins as they're such interesting characters.

2. The return of the Boyz 4 Now

As a fangirl at heart, I can't help but Boyz 4 Now. Not familiar with Boyz 4 Now? It's the show's boy band and a clear take on popular bands of the '90s and 2000's including *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and 98 Degrees. Consisting of Boo Boo, Matt, Griffin, and Allen, the band is meant to be a parody but the show does an amazing job, adding them into storylines and including actually catchy songs.

Sadly, the last Boyz 4 Now appearance was in season 11 but we can all cross our fingers that we see more of this fictional boyband in season 15.

3. More heartwarming holiday episodes

If there's one thing we love as Bob's Burgers fans, it's holiday episodes. Since we first started getting holiday episodes in season 3, viewers have always tuned in. Throughout the years, the holiday episodes have been all over the map with some being weird ("Pig Trouble in Little Tina") to heartfelt ("The Plight Before Christmas") to downright epic ("The Bleakening.") On the whole though, I think all of us can agree that the Belchers are best when it's mushy.

This hope is even compounded by the cast when asked about holiday episodes at San Diego Comic-Con. They spoke so highly about their love for "The Plight Before Christmas," so it's clear even the cast wants more heartfelt stories. Overall, the show just seems more genuine when we're able to have those tender and relatable moments.

4. More callbacks to The Bob's Burgers Movie

Despite its poor box-office performance, The Bob's Burgers Movie is one of the most underrated pieces of Bob's Burgers media out there. Sadly, the movie had to go up against Top Gun who completely blew it out of the water. As unfortunate as it was, the movie opened up an entirely new world of storylines which the series has welcomed into the fold.

While there shouldn't be a ton of callbacks to the film, I think alluding to it or including something those who watched the movie would understand is nice. Two recent examples are season 13's "Show Mama from the Grave" in which the family went looking for Bob's mother's grave and "Jade in the Shade" from season 14 which featured the Fischoeder's secret clubhouse. Both of those were excellent as they were subtle enough to be noticed by those who watched the movie while also not being too in-depth for those who haven't watched.

5. The Belchers finally getting a pet!

Most of the time when one thinks of Bob's Burgers, it's all about the struggle. Whether the family is struggling to make rent or struggling to figure out their holiday plans among other things, nothing seems to go right for them. However, that's why I'd love to see the Belchers finally bring a pet into their family.

Louise has tried for a dog in the past but maybe a dog isn't the answer. Instead, the Belchers might add something more low-maintenance like a fish. It would still be a pet and be cheap. Plus a fish could be something to have in the background and not change too much with the family dynamic like a cat or dog would. As fun as it would be, this one is probably the least likely to happen.

Now, these 3 elements can stay off the menu at Bob's Burgers season 15.

After some positivity, it's time to talk about things we don't want to see return to Bob's Burgers. Since the show is on its way to season 15, there are plenty of things the show has tried that haven't worked so let's get into those.

1. Less episodes with B-plotlines

If there's one thing Bob's Burgers shines at, it's focusing on one story. Most of the show's most beloved episodes have only focused on one plot. Sometimes, it can feel like the show is trying to do too much and it's best to keep things simple. Rather than add in a random B-plotline, why not just put more focus on the main storyline and give fans what they want? In particular, "The Amazing Rudy" comes to mind as a great episode, focusing on one storyline so we need more of that.

2. Less romance for Tina

Since Tina Belcher is a teenager among all of her siblings, she's also prone to getting crushes and wants to get noticed. However, I think Tina is best when she's not focused so heavily on Jimmy Junior and what she can do to get noticed by him. Most of us don't enjoy the pairing of Tina and JJ because he just doesn't appreciate her.

If the show does decide to focus on a romance for Tina, why not give her the chance to be with someone for more than one episode or span it into a longer-running thing? Since the show seems to be going in a more complex direction lately, why not extend that to Tina? Even though she's a teenager, I think most of us would enjoy seeing her with someone who actually appreciates her.

3. Let's leave the lack of Mort in the past

Lastly, there is one element of Bob's Burgers that could use some work. While I do love Teddy as the unofficial Belcher family member, we need to see more of Mort. As the Belcher's next-door neighbor, we've gotten less and less of Mort as the show has gone on. He was such a huge part of the series when it first started and it feels like he's disappeared into thin air.

Sometimes, Mort will be in episodes but he won't even speak or he'll have one line and that's it. I just want to know why Bob's Burgers isn't using Mort as much. Like I said, I'm a Teddy girl at heart and I love his character to death but what's wrong with Mort? Maybe it's an issue with David Kindler's schedule but I desperately want to know. All I can say is that I hope the writers of Bob's Burgers listen and decide to make sure the lack of Mort is a thing of the past.

Bob's Burgers season 15 airs new episodes every Sunday night on Fox.