The Angry Video Game Nerd (2004)
The legendary web series where James D. Rolfe reviews gaming's worst disasters with profane, hilarious fury.
The Angry Video Game Nerd - Series Information
- Original Title: The Angry Video Game Nerd
- First Air Year: 2004
- Created by: James D. Rolfe
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 20
- Number of Episodes: 232
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 25, 2004 (United States - TV-MA), May 25, 2004 (United Kingdom - 18), May 25, 2004 (Australia - MA15+)
- Networks: YouTube
- Alternative Titles: The Angry Nintendo Nerd (US)
- Production Companies: Cinemassacre, GameTrailers.com, ScrewAttack
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Angry Video Game Nerd - Plot
The Angry Video Game Nerd is an adult web television series of comedic retrogaming video reviews created by and starring James Rolfe. The show's format revolves around his commentary and review of older, but unsuccessful video games which are deemed to be of particularly low-quality, unfair difficulty or poor design. The series began as a feature on YouTube and later became a program on ScrewAttack Entertainment before moving to GameTrailers exclusively. The show was renamed The Angry Video Game Nerd to prevent any trademark issues with Nintendo and due to the fact he started reviewing games from non-Nintendo consoles such as those made by Atari and Sega. Rolfe's character, "The Nerd" is a short-tempered and foul-mouthed video game fanatic. He derives comic appeal from excessive and inventive use of anger, profanity, and habitual consumption of alcohol while reviewing video games.
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The Angry Video Game Nerd - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- James D. Rolfe
Main Cast
- James D. Rolfe
- Mike Matei
- Kyle Justin
- Kevin Finn
- Craig Skistimas
- Steven J. Klaszky
- Pat Contri
- Lloyd Kaufman
- Nathan Barnatt
- Macaulay Culkin
Writers
- James D. Rolfe
The Angry Video Game Nerd - FAQs
Why did the show change its name from Angry Nintendo Nerd?
The series originally launched as The Angry Nintendo Nerd, but a name change became necessary to avoid potential trademark conflicts with Nintendo. As James Rolfe expanded his reviews beyond Nintendo consoles to cover Atari, Sega, and other platforms, the broader title The Angry Video Game Nerd better reflected the show's evolving scope.
Is The Angry Video Game Nerd still making new episodes?
The show is still going strong. Currently in its 20th season with over 232 episodes produced since 2004, The Angry Video Game Nerd remains an active, returning series. James Rolfe continues to release new episodes through the Cinemassacre YouTube channel, making it one of the longest-running web series in internet history.
What kind of games does the Angry Video Game Nerd review?
The Nerd specializes in notoriously bad retro games — titles plagued by unfair difficulty, broken mechanics, or baffling design choices. From infamous NES disasters like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to Atari catastrophes and obscure licensed games, the show celebrates the worst the gaming world has ever produced, turning pain into comedy.
Where can you watch The Angry Video Game Nerd?
The Angry Video Game Nerd is primarily available on YouTube through the official Cinemassacre channel, where most episodes are free to watch. For a full breakdown of streaming options and regional availability, JustWatch provides an up-to-date overview of where you can catch every episode.
Who are some notable guest stars on the show?
Over the years, AVGN has attracted some memorable guest appearances. Macaulay Culkin, Lloyd Kaufman of Troma Entertainment, and comedian Gilbert Gottfried — who played the unforgettable character Fred Fucks — have all appeared on the show, adding unexpected star power to its irreverent, low-budget charm.
How was The Angry Video Game Nerd received by critics and audiences?
The series is widely regarded as a pioneering force in internet video culture. It helped define the online review genre and inspired countless creators. Audiences have embraced it as a nostalgic, hilarious institution, and it maintains a devoted fanbase more than two decades after its debut — a remarkable achievement for any web series.
Did The Angry Video Game Nerd ever get a feature film?
Yes — Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie was released in 2014, crowdfunded by fans and produced by Cinemassacre. The film follows The Nerd reluctantly reviewing the infamous E.T. Atari game while uncovering a government conspiracy. It became a cult favorite among fans of the series and retrogaming culture.
What are some shows similar to The Angry Video Game Nerd?
If you enjoy AVGN's blend of comedy and gaming nostalgia, shows like Good Game, Icons, and Playing with Power: The Nintendo Story offer engaging gaming-focused content. For similar irreverent comedy formats, Adam Ruins Everything and Penn & Teller: Bull! deliver that same sharp, entertaining mix of humor and subject-matter expertise.
More About The Angry Video Game Nerd
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