The Boondocks returned to the airwaves with the first episode of their highly anticipated 4th season last night (April 21, 2014).

The original cast of characters are back including Regina King, the voice of young brothers Huey and Riley, and John Witherspoon, who plays their grandfather.  You may also recognize the voice of Atlanta based rapper Killer Mike during the show and there’s even an appearance by Uncle Ruckus!

The episode, entitled, “Pretty Boy Flizzy,’ spoofs embattled R&B singer Chris Brown and his on-going legal issues and also includes a take on the now infamous beating of Brown’s ex-girlfriend Rihanna, who they refer as ‘Christianna’ in the flick.

Similar to McGruder’s famous takes of R. Kelly’s sex trial and Tyler Perry gay rumors in two of the show’s most popular episodes (“The Trial of R. Kelly” and “Pause”), “Pretty Boy Flizzy” is meant to create controversy and conversation.

[FLASHBACK: EXCLUSIVE: Tyler Perry Responds to ‘Boondocks’ Controversy… (VIDEO)]

Also, fans of the Adult Swim animated series finally get to see how the show fares without it’s creator, Aaron McGruder. who issued a statement recently about his decision to walk away from his creation.

More details + watch The Boondocks Season 4, Episode 1 below…

VIDEO: The Boondocks – Season 4, Episode 1

In case you were wondering, Aaron McGruder released the following statement regarding his absence from the 4th season, stating:

As the world now knows, The Boondocks will be returning for a fourth season, but I will not be returning with it. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Sony and Adult Swim for three great seasons.

I created The Boondocks two decades ago in college, did the daily comic for six years, and was showrunner on the animated series for the first three seasons. The Boondocks pretty much represents my life’s work to this point. Huey, Riley, and Granddad are not just property to me. They are my fictional blood relatives. Nothing is more painful than to leave them behind.

To quote a great white man, “Hollywood is a business”. And to quote another great white man, “Don’t hold grudges”.

What has never been lost on me is the enormous responsibility that came with The Boondocks – particularly the television show and it’s relatively young audience. It was important to offend, but equally important to offend for the right reasons. For three seasons I personally navigated this show through the minefields of controversy. It was not perfect. And it definitely was not quick. But it was always done with a keen sense of duty, history, culture, and love. Anything less would have been simply unacceptable.

As for me, I’m finally putting a life of controversy and troublemaking behind me with my upcoming Adult Swim show, BLACK JESUS.

AM

The Boondocks’ season 4 return episode was good but not great. The Chris Brown/Pretty Boy Flizzy references were predictable but funny nonetheless.

I’ll give it a few more episodes before I mark it off my list.

What did you think of The Boondocks highly anticipated Season 4 return?