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The Year the Trix Rabbit Finally Won: When a Fictional Character Gains National Support
- TalkTeaV
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Tour De Trix Judges argue over whether Trix Rabbit wins the Cereal prize-1991. Image used for editorial context
When a fictional character is truly loved, people react. In 2013, fans of Family Guy flooded social media after Brian Griffin was killed off, pushing the show to reverse course within weeks. It was a message that animated characters can sometimes have a real emotional connection and real loyalty.
For decades, kids watching Saturday morning cartoons knew exactly how every Trix commercial would end. The Trix Rabbit would spot the cereal, make a plan, and fail. Every time. The message never changed. Trix were for kids, not silly rabbits.
The Rabbit first appeared in 1959, and the joke became part of the routine. You still watched, even though you knew the ending. Even when help arrived, it did not matter. In 1986 and 1987, Bugs Bunny tried to help the Rabbit by having him dress up as Bugs himself. The plan failed, and the Rabbit went without a taste once again.
The Rabbit had only tasted Trix a handful of times, in 1968, 1976, 1980, and 1987, brief moments in a long streak of losses. By the 1990s, many kids had either forgotten or never seen him win at all. That changed with the Tour de Trix bicycle race commercial.
(Source: Celebrating 60 years of the Trix Rabbit by Natasha Bruns)
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Screenshot from a 1991 Trix cereal commercial depicting the Tour de Trix bicycle race trophy presentation. Image used for editorial context.
The Rabbit enters a colorful race packed with cyclists and commentary. At one point, he sighs, "I've tried everything. I'll never get to taste Trix." As the race heats up, the Rabbit calls out the flavors as he passes competitors. "Lemony yellow. Orangey orange. Grapedy purple." Against all odds, the Rabbit pulls ahead. "The Rabbit wins by an ear, one announcer declares."
The prize is a silver bowl trophy full of Trix. But the victory pauses before the first bite.
Judges argue over the rules. "I say he gets it." "I say he’s a rabbit." Instead of the usual punchline, the commercial stops and turns to the audience. Kids were asked to decide. Ballots appeared on cereal boxes. "Kids, you can decide," the announcer says. "Does the Rabbit get the Trix?"
When the votes were counted, kids chose yes.
Commercials aired showing the Rabbit finally eating a full bowl of Trix. "All for me," he cheers. "I'll never be the same." After decades of losing, the rule was broken.
The victory did not last forever. The familiar ending eventually returned. Still, the moment mattered. In 1991, a character who always lost finally won one, and for many watching at home, that brief TV moment felt like everything.
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