Hello everyone! Or as Caboose would say, “Hello everyone!”
The other day someone on Twitter mentioned that there has been little in the way of Red vs. Blue news. Well, that changes now. I've come to give you too much information, both about Red vs. Blue and also about myself. Prepare to hear all about Season 16 and this ingrown hair currently buried somewhere under my beard.
-Let’s start with RvB. As some have guessed from my carefully worded logline, Season 16 is the beginning of a multi-season arc. The arc has a name but I think I'm keeping the name a secret for now. I will say that the beginning of Season 16 takes place moments after Season 15 ends. I'm pulling a Halloween/Halloween 2 thing. Before you start typing, "There he goes with the motherf-ing references again," DON'T PANIC; by Grabthar's Hammer I promise Season 16 will have way fewer of those.
-Several days ago I noticed a skin bump under my beard. I immediately thought, “Oh no, it’s an ingrown hair.” Don’t know if you’ve ever had one of these fucking things but they are really hard to get out. I think if I keep scratching around I can probably pry it out. Fuck, I might need some tweezers.
-I have been working on this new season since September. I began with a handful of ideas, and before I knew what was happening, more layers and ideas started to pour out. I gathered them all into a bucket and realized that one bucket wasn’t enough. Right now it's looking like two buckets’ worth of ideas. I don't want to give away too many details, but I will say this season will be epic, absurd, awesome, and perfectly fitting for the Reds and Blues in brand new ways. I'm taking them into uncharted territory.
-Speaking of uncharted territory, why does hair grow under skin? This is really fucked up. It's never coming out. I'm just going to ignore it. Ignoring it from now on.
-After Season 15 wrapped up, I went and assembled a comprehensive spreadsheet of every critical comment and post I could find, and wrote down what I thought I could learn from each. This was not a fun or easy process, but my life is a quest to become a better storyteller and learning from mistakes is a massive part of that. As a result I've re-tooled my approach to many things. Most things, even. The structure, the storylines, the pacing. I’m not saying that Season 16 will be a magical perfect fit for everyone. I’m am saying that this season, this story that I can’t wait to tell you, will (hopefully) be all the more entertaining and awesome from these lessons learned.
-One change these changes this season is that I want to do bigger episodes, which tell more standalone stories. I want each weekly installment fo feel more dense and fulfilling. More story in less time. This comes with the tradeoff of fewer episodes total, but I think it's a good deal. Important: this is not a shorter season. This season will still be one of the longest in runtime, even with fewer (15 or 16) episodes.
-If you're curious, ignoring the hair is not working.
-Another change this go-around is that I have new responsibilities at RT. Although it's my main focus, RvB16 is not the only thing I'm working on. To assist in the writing of the season, we've brought on Jason Weight (of Starship Goldfish) as my writing partner for the middle/later half of the season. Working with him has been awesome even if we don’t agree on everything (the dumb dumb spells armor with a “u” because he’s “British”).
I'll leave you all with this:
The universe is large. There are new places to explore. Some filled with beings of unspeakable power. Other with creatures of light and creatures of darkness. In the dark corners we can find strange, unfamiliar things – and stranger still, familiar things in unfamiliar shapes. There is so much to explore, both without and within.
Red vs. Blue Season 16 will premiere on April 15th, and I think this ingrown hair will torture me for the rest of my life.
P.S. I forgot to hint about time travel.
P.P.S. I got it! Yippie!
Comments (85)
scallumba7832
2 weeks ago
Is there a trailer for Season 16 yet? Just curious. Afraid that I may have missed it in the midst of figuring out the new RT website.
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jewelchip
2 weeks ago
It premieres on April 15... is that for First members or the cheap seats?
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SSMapleCajun
2 weeks ago
Are we gonna get a trailer before the season airs? Because premier date is coming up fast.
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Jungoguy
1 month ago
April 15th? That's new. Isn't it like Roosterteeth's thing to premiere it on April 1st or something?
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Inconspicuous_account
1 month ago
April 1st is Easter this year, they’re probably taking a break
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trevorrivera
1 month ago
why are some of yall butchin' about it, their coming back, and that's all I need to prevent suicide.
+1 Ditto
Hammerhead2412
1 month ago
Love the galaxy quest reference!
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brenthunt83
1 month ago
ohh soo long to wait
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Sinder433
1 month ago
can't wait yay
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REDbent redbent
1 month ago
This guy went the the Harry Knowles school of writing - not a complaint
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FatherAndSon
1 month ago
He says he tried putting all his ideas into a bucket, realized one bucket wasn’t enough, and decided the ideas are enough to fill two buckets. Should we be replacing the word “bucket” with the word “season”? In which case, we have a two-season arc?
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J.E.Andersmith World's Worst Gamer
1 month ago
He said in the beginning this will be a 3 season arc.
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StirFry1998
1 month ago
Did you just quote Classic Doctor Who right at the end with your talk about the universe?
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sataness
1 month ago
This. I appreciate the hell out of this. Not that I was one of the ones who railed at S15, because I wasn't, because even when I have issues with the writing of something I tend to be quite forgiving (writing is hard). Regardless, it fills me with love and admiration that you did this, because artists put their heart and soul into their creations, and it's terrifying to put it out there for others to see, and even more terrifying to unflinchingly face their feedback. Kudos for having the courage to do so in the name of improving your art.
Can't wait to see what you have in store for us on April 15. Best wishes for the season to come, and for life in general <3
+16 Ditto
CampCamper
1 month ago
Yay! I was starting to worry. My Caboose plush and I will be waiting eagerly. Until then, we will probably take naps and eat snacks.
+2 Cool
2xDouble
1 month ago
Aftershave lotion does wonders for ingrown hairs, as does a healthy combing/brushing. Worst-case scenario, you can pop it like a zit and dig the hair/s out from the pus. I mean last, last resort here, that can permanently scar your face. And not in that rugged, "I wonder how many fights has he been in?", "ugly-becomes-handsome" kind of way. I mean like, "dear God! what flesh-eating bacteria has he wrought upon the world!? Is this the biblical Curse of Boils?" way... what was I talking about? oh yeah. Awesome news about RvB, man. Thanks!
+2 Funny
daemonofwrath
1 month ago
So... Two things.
One: Can I know a release date so I know when to grab my Caboose plushie?
Two: Can we finally know the answer if Grif and Simmons actually did it?
+1 Funny
WolfeyC Lone Wolf
1 month ago
The release date is at the end of the post "April 15"
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GoofOff
1 month ago
I don't like this at all. Everyone always argues about what color Griff's armor is, now we're going to be arguing about what colour Grif's armour is. I can't accept this, not at all!
On a separate note, I'll certainly enjoy longer episodes, so often I would watch the last episode followed by the new one.
+4 Funny
PasvSmkng Worst ever, of all time
1 month ago
It'a quite obviously yellow, duh. By the way? It's Griff with 2 Fs.
+3 Funny
doctormike
1 month ago
With a 'u' in the word is my favourite way to spell it. I like to savour the flavour and the odour of the honourable extra vowel. I heard a rumour that my neighbour pronounced the 'u' as his glamourous saviour from here all the way down to the harbour! Maybe he was high on some vapours, maybe he just has a good sense of humour.
Anyway, I have to go meet my Mum a metre from the shopping centre because my cousin is out of gaol for taking a litre of cola into the theatre.
+3 Funny
AenarTenthSkraeling
1 month ago
Sounds like your beard has been infected by alien parasites. Might want to get that checked out.
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Shadowlell
1 month ago
I am eagerly looking forward to seeing how many ham-fisted political jokes can be haphazardly shoved into the new season.
-7 Flamebait
IlliSprings
1 month ago
I really appreciate you acknowledging the criticisms of season 15 and taking them in stride, Joe. As someone who's been a fan of RvB for the past 7 or so years, I hold very high expectations for this series, especially when new writers take the mantle. I hope you learned what this show is and what it deserves and work as hard as you can to making this show worthy of its legacy. Again, thank you for listening to the fans, Joe.
+6 Ditto
Shadow8254
1 month ago
I can't wait maybe the creature from the darkness itself will come out someday and test the reds and blues this is even more interesting than before keep up the good work I'm a little storyteller as well but you can do it
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Jeypro12
1 month ago
RvB has always been consistent, even when it's inconsistent. I won't be going into this season with anything other than excitement that one of my favorite shows is back. Fast or slow, sad or funny, it's going to be good no matter what. It always is.
+3 Ditto
Reboot404
1 month ago
I've been waiting for this announcement for so long <3
+2 Ditto
Mellz Mellz117
1 month ago
I'm more optimistic after reading this journal, but we'll see what happens. The good parts of S15 were so good, the one on one with Simmons and Caboose warmed my heart. Id love to see more one on ones with characters who don't normally interact. Id love to see more brother/sister stuff with Wash and Carolina.
+6 Ditto
Mellz Mellz117
1 month ago
we'll take all the movie references in the world if you leave out the shipping
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DRF24
1 month ago
If I'd known you were taking constructive criticism I'd have posted about what so depressed me about RvB 15 more often. I hope lots of people said "Red vs. Blue is meant to be funny. The moving parts are moving because the rest was funny!" I can get into more detail if anyone wants, but be sure I'll be tuning in to see how it all turned out. I really wasn't happy with RvB15, but Brick Gulch was adorable and it sometimes takes a new team a while to get their feet under them.
+1 Ditto
Gamer3427 taC terceS
1 month ago
I'm particularly glad to hear that you're taking the time to listen to critical comments and look at how they might help you improve RvB. So many content creators seem to be opposed to looking at negative reception and trying to look at what went right and what went wrong, so that they can improve, and I'm glad to hear that RvB is in good hands in that regard. While I definitely wouldn't say that the past season of RvB was "bad" by any means, it was definitely one of the weaker ones in my opinion. Wile this past year has been great for content, I've kind of felt like maybe the animation department has been stretched a little too thin between all the projects, as the fight scenes in both RvB and RWBY have felt a bit lack luster over all compared to previous seasons/volumes. That's the main aspect I hope to see improvements on with this new season of RvB, as it's what stands out most in my memory as being a little lacking from the past volume. RvB is what first introduced me to Rooster Teeth, back with season five or six, (maybe four? It's been so long I can't really remember), so I'm always happy to hear about how it's progressing and seeing the things to come. Keep up the awesome work, and here's to another spectacular season.....
P.S. I can attest that ingrown beard hairs are definitely the worst......
+3 Cool
inocturne YouTuber
1 month ago
I am so excited i really love Red vs Blue.
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papajohn56 Dulator
1 month ago
Hi Joe!
Thanks for the update and I'm glad to hear RvB is only a month or so away! I asked this question during an AMA you guys did but I was pretty late and it didn't get answered. But it seems relevant again based on your update.
With the exception of Season 14, the dramatic story of Red vs. Blue has always been intertwined with Project Freelancer.
Season 1-5: Freelancers and Command drive all the action/dramatic events (as Wash later points out). The other interaction between the teams is what drives the comedy.
Season 6-8: The Reds and Blues begin to realize their world is bigger than they thought but all the conflict is instigated by Project Freelancer and the conflict between the Director and the Chairman.
Season 9-10: The Reds and Blues (and Carolina) seek revenge against the Director for his manipulation of their lives.
Seasons 11-13: The Reds and Blues are manipulated by the Chairman, who wants to keep and grow his power by cleaning up the loose ends of Project Freelancer.
Season 15: The other sim troopers whose lives were destroyed by Project Freelancer seek their revenge on the "chosen ones".
My question is, do you ever see the RvB story entirely freeing itself from the strings of Project Freelancer? Or has Project Freelancer shaped and changed the Reds and Blues so much that if they were cut free they wouldn't be the same Reds and Blues that we know and love?
Thanks again for all your hard work and I can't wait to see what you, Jason and the rest of the RvB crew have in store for us!
+2 Zing!
J.E.Andersmith World's Worst Gamer
1 month ago
I gotta figure at this point they'd be hard-pressed to make any more connections to Project Freelancer. I mean, Director's dead, Chairman's dead, Counselor's dead, and I'm pretty sure all Freelancers except Carolina and Wash (hopefully) are dead. Really the only thing left would be more sim troopers, but they did that already.
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Arkatox
1 month ago
I've never had ingrown hair. I didn't even know it was a thing. Now I'm scared.
+2 Funny
TariqBlakey
1 month ago
I get ingrown hairs so often, that I HAVE to shave everyday. They're the worst.
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Ta_Shiar
1 month ago
I'm pumped for this new season! Even though Season 15 was not what everyone expected, or what some wanted, I still enjoyed the heck out of it. You respected the characters and the series' best running gags. Season 15 was not perfect, but it showed me you were completely capable of directing this series. Thanks for all you do, Joe!
+10 Ditto
FatherAndSon
1 month ago
I’m glad you’re dialing down on the references, but I honestly hope you reference a scene from another Star Wars movie. I think that’d be a great running gag for your run on the show.
+2 Ditto
sunbuster527
1 month ago
Looks like my schedule for the next few months has been decided
+2 Ditto
bokorember
1 month ago
I really liked the stronger sci-fi vibe of the first couple episodes of last season. I hope we'll see more of that.
Also that
episode was phenomenal!
+1 Ditto
SSMapleCajun
1 month ago
All I hope for is that this arc focuses on Red Team a bunch. They need love too.
+3 Ditto
urbaninja
1 month ago
Consider my calendar marked and I'm very excited! Best of luck to you and the rest of the RvB Crew, I'm sure it will be amazing, and make me laugh. And I'm glad everything worked out with the hair. <3
+2 Ditto
zeitgeistzest She Who Breaks Her Games
1 month ago
Jeeeee!
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Wolfboy762
1 month ago
Yo I loved Season 15 and I am totally looking forward to seeing what you do in Season 16! I can't wait!
+3 Ditto
Ghrelt Dirty Blue
1 month ago
As someone who is/was a) an amateur writer, and b) critical in some ways of season 15 (there were parts I really loved, but it felt uneven to me) I really, really appreciate that you sought out feedback and took the time to try and improve your approach. That is not easy, and speaks of your talent and maturity as a writer. I for one, am very excited about the new season. If everything you said above is true (and I have no reason to think it isn't) this should shape up to be one of the best seasons of RvB so far. Thanks for the update!
+2 Cool
EZ-E590
1 month ago
Well, I gotta make sure to see season 15 before then so I can pick right up! Thanks for the hard work, Joe!
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fightingangels2k
1 month ago
I am hypeRVENTALATING I AN SO FUCKING EXCITED HOLY FUCK I AM THE EMBODIMENT OF THE "HES MEETING ALL MY EXPECTATIONS!!!!" RVB MEME
+2 Ditto
yami-sama
1 month ago
cant wait!! I think I have to set a count down timer for the season premier!
Keep up the hard work Joe!
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Heza
1 month ago
That's the day after my birthday so I'm going to pretend it's a birthday present for me. I'm so excited! <3
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Agent_DC-1 Loremaster
1 month ago
Joe, you are an inspiration to writers everywhere. Keep up the good work!
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AreThereAnyHoles Actual Alligator
1 month ago
APRIL 15TH??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! THAT'S SO SOON! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH MYSELF UNTIL THEN?? AHH!! WHAT!! I'M NOT SCREAMING, YOU'RE SCREAMING!!!
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mjacquez12
1 month ago
Glad to learn you’re switching things up. Season 15 was incredibly solid, despite some arguable missteps. Looking forward to what you bring us next!
Don’t forget to proofread.
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buckeyedon Crackpottist
1 month ago
Those vague references you are sprinkling about are making me moist.
+1 Cool
carltannler HotCarl
1 month ago
Thanks for the update! Looking forward to it!
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sapphirakyra Procrastination Queen
1 month ago
Okay. That's it. This is the best teaser post I've ever seen. Also, a little gross, but mostly funny.... I'm so hyped to see the newest season and learning more about the arc. Much excitement. Much hype. Now excuse me, it's time to go back and rewatch the last couple of seasons.
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AgentWashingtub008 Crackpot of Coffee
1 month ago
Well now I really need to finish my RvB 15 review.
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