Bob’s Burgers has a long history of recruiting rock royalty to sing songs about butts, burgers, and more—but every once in a while, the FOX sitcom takes on a cover. The Belcher family’s latest? Joy Division’s “Transmission,” which Bob Belcher (H. Jon Benjamin) and his son, Gene (Eugene Mirman), performed live from Gene’s bedroom on the series’ March 27 episode. The rousing rendition featured Gene on a synth keyboard and Bob on vocals (after more than a few false four-count starts). All in all, channeling their inner Ian Curtis looks good on the duo. Watch the video, directed by Brian LoSchiavo, below.
Joy Division now officially join the host of artists who have featured on the show, including Sleater-Kinney, the National, and St. Vincent. (Fiona Apple even sung the closing credits for a 2019 Halloween-themed episode.) In 2017, the show released a collection of covers and originals from the show as a 106-track compilation, The Bob’s Burgers Music Album. A follow-up, The Bob’s Burgers Music Album Vol. 2, arrived in 2021.
Currently in the middle of its 16th season, Bob’s Burgers returns to a Sunday night slot on FOX on April 26th. Last year, the show was also renewed for a 17th season, which will air from 2028 through 2029 (and provide ample air time for a “Love Will Tear Us Apart” cover.)
Revisit the feature Bob’s Burgers’ Creator on the Show’s 7 Best Music Moments.
