The Origin: Gravity Falls
The "City Boy! City Boy!" clip that spawned millions of memes comes from one of the most beloved animated series of the 2010s. Here's the complete story.
Network
Disney Channel / Disney XD
Original Run
June 15, 2012 – Feb 15, 2016
Episodes
40 episodes (2 seasons)
Creator
Alex Hirsch
The Original Scene
The original Gravity Falls scene that launched a thousand memes
What is Gravity Falls?
Gravity Falls is an American animated mystery-comedy series created by Alex Hirsch for Disney Channel and Disney XD. The show follows twins Dipper and Mabel Pines who spend their summer vacation with their great uncle ("Grunkle") Stan in the fictional town of Gravity Falls, Oregon.
The town is filled with supernatural creatures and paranormal occurrences, which Dipper investigates using a mysterious journal he finds in the forest. The series is known for its intricate plot, hidden codes and ciphers, and appeal to both children and adults.
🏆 Critical Acclaim
Gravity Falls won two Emmy Awards and developed a massive cult following. Its influence extends far beyond its 40-episode run, with fans continuing to create content, theories, and yes, memes like "City Boy" — over a decade after its premiere.
Breaking Down the Scene
Episode Context
In Season 1, Episode 1: "Tourist Trapped", Dipper and Mabel have just arrived in Gravity Falls. They're city kids from Piedmont, California, clearly out of place in this rural Oregon town.
The Character: Deputy Durland
Deputy Durland (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson) is one of the two deputies in Gravity Falls, along with his partner Sheriff Blubs. They're known for being incompetent, easily distracted, and more interested in each other's company than actual police work.
The Moment
When Deputy Durland sees Dipper, he mockingly yells "City Boy! City Boy!" while pointing at him. It's a quick gag playing on the classic small-town suspicion of outsiders from the city — Durland is essentially calling out Dipper as an obvious non-local.
Why It Works as a Meme
The clip is perfect meme material: it's short, punchy, features an expressive animated character, and the phrase is instantly quotable. The over-the-top delivery and Durland's ridiculous enthusiasm make it ideal for reaction content.
From Animation to Viral Meme: Timeline
June 15, 2012
Gravity Falls Premieres
"Tourist Trapped" airs on Disney Channel, introducing the world to Deputy Durland's iconic "City Boy!" moment.
2019
"City Boy Summer" Slang Emerges
The phrase "City Boy" gains new meaning in internet slang, separate from the Gravity Falls context.
June 2022
The Meme is Born
TikTok users combine the Gravity Falls clip with "City Boy" slang scenarios. @thaboyzbible's video gets 7.1M views in 5 days.
January 2026
The Great Revival
The meme makes a massive comeback with an ironic twist. Millions of new searches as Gen Z and Gen Alpha discover it fresh.
🎬 A Note on Gravity Falls' Legacy
It's somewhat ironic that Gravity Falls — a critically acclaimed show with complex storytelling, hidden mysteries, and emotional depth — is now known to millions primarily through a 3-second clip of a side character yelling "City Boy!"
But that's the beauty of internet culture. A throwaway gag from 2012 can become one of the biggest memes of 2026. If you haven't watched Gravity Falls, the meme is just a tiny taste of its humor and creativity.