Thanks to shows likeSouth ParkandThe Simpsons, adult cartoons have become a staple. There are now numerous cartoons on streaming services aimed at adults.
While there are plenty of imitators, there are also some trailblazers who are not being as heavily advertised. Adult animation can be about more than sitcoms and comedy. There’s science fiction, superheroes, and even conspiracy thrillers. It’s no longer just about cartoons being for kids; it’s now about cartoons being more than one genre.
2023
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12
Status
Ended
Based on a short film,Scavengers Reigncenters on a starship crew’s dark and thrilling survival adventure. Marooned on the planet Vesta, the cargo ship Demeter 227’s survivors struggle to live in this uncertain environment. As they explore, they discover odd and telepathic creatures that could aid or threaten their journey home.
With breathtaking 2D animation,Scavengers Reignhas the look and feel of cracking open an indie comic book. Its pacing is atmospheric and wonderfully weird in its surreal, bizarre setting. This is a must-watch show for anybody who wants their sci-fi series to have extra helpings of the psychological, gritty, and mysterious.
Creators Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner had hoped to develop the show for Adult Swim, the Cartoon Network block where the short film originally aired. Although Adult Swim didn’t pursue the show, HBO Max picked it up with animation by Titmouse. After acquiring the first, Netflix had shown interest in a second season, but ultimately backed out, making this atmospheric sci-fi series one that was short-lived.
MAX
Scavengers Reignis a mature sci-fi adventure for adults who crave a survival adventure on strange planets.
2020
8
The Midnight Gospelis part podcast and partAdventure Time, not just because it comes from creator Pendleton Ward. Based onThe Duncan Trussell Family Hour, Duncan voices podcaster Clancy Gilroy in the surreal void of Chromatic Ribbon. Each episode features real interviews with notable figures, including Drew Pinsky, Damien Echols, and Caitlin Doughty.
While the show does give the interviewees memorable character roles, the conversations are genuine. This is especially true in the final episode, where Duncan interviews his cancer-stricken mother. The show is playful with its visuals, insightful discussions, and is surprisingly emotional. It’ll invest you with the podcast format and rip your heart out with the emotional honesty on display.
For those who grew up loving the wonder ofAdventure Time, think of this as the grown-up version of that. It still has Ward’s love of wonderfully unorthodox settings, but isn’t afraid to delve deeper into existential subjects. It’s focused and free-flowing at the same time, unlike any other animated show on streaming, and essential viewing for those who love philosophically stimulating chats.
Netflix
The Midnight Gospelblends podcast interviews with surreal animation to create an entirely original adult animated show.
3
35
Ongoing
If this adult animated anthology seems like the TV version of thecomic magazineHeavy Metal, it was intentional. Producers Tim Miller and David Fincher originally planned to adapt it, but they ultimately created a similar series:Love, Death & Robots. This show doesn’t carry the same name, but it has all the sex, violence, and profanity expected from the source material.
Each episode features different stories, utilizing various animation mediums and fantastical elements. Some episodes are genuinely funny, as in the sequence of three robots exploring a post-humanity Earth. Some are intense displays of cosmic horror, as intergalactic soldiers pierce the unknown. And some episodes are just fantastically mesmerizing, as with the story about a pool-cleaning robot that becomes sentient and evolves to find its purpose.
What makesLove, Death & Robotsso exciting is that you never get one type of adult animation. The variety in tone, running times, styles, and animation formats keeps each season fresh and engaging. So, if you didn’t enjoy the CGI story about a killer vacuum cleaner, you might love the 2D story of archeologists finding Dracula. There’s a little something for everybody, and watching this show brought back the thrill of thumbing through a new issue ofHeavy Metal.
Love, Death & Robotsis an adult animated anthology featuring stories that span multiple genres and animation styles.
10
Produced by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels (King of the Hill),Common Side Effectsis an off-beat conspiracy thriller akin toTwin Peaks. The story centers around a mysterious mushroom that can cure any human suffering, including death. However, there are lingering mysteries about its effects, while environmental, commercial, and governmental forces vie for control over the wonder drug.
Despite the exaggerated design of characters with big heads and small hands,Common Side Effectsis very effective as a serious thriller. Creators Joseph Bennett and Steve Hely take this concept and run with it, bringing cleverness and quirkiness to an intriguing premise. It’s highly recommended for thriller fans, and the building mystery has so many lingering secrets that you’ll want to brush up on the episodes for the upcoming season.
Common Side Effectsis a conspiracy thriller that features surreal detours in its animation about mortality and drugs.
7
Creature Commandostakes place in the newer and giddier DC Comics universe helmed by James Gunn. Similar to Gunn’sThe Suicide Squad, the show follows the adventures of misfit monsters forced to work for the government, ranging from the stitched-together Bride to the radioactive Dr. Phosphorus. The monsters become more sympathetic as they progressively unravel a conspiracy of imperialism.
Based on the comic book ensemble, the show boasts dark humor and a wild Eastern European soundtrack. While the roster boasts numerous new characters for the DCU, it also features some familiar faces fromThe Suicide Squad, including Amanda Waller (played by Viola Davis) and Weasel (portrayed by Sean Gunn). For any DC Comics fans who loved Gunn’s work on thePeacemakerTV series (which he also wrote), this same style of anti-heroes should carry you over until the new season.
Creature Commandosfeatures more of James Gunn’s misfit ensemble approach to DC Comics with wry humor and brutal action.
2015 - 2021
5
44
Set in 1970s suburbia,F is for Familyis one of the most adult-oriented animated sitcoms, willing to explore some dark and unconventional themes. Bill Burr voices Frank, an overworked and easily aggravated father struggling to keep it together. His life becomes a chaotic mess of work worries, clashing neighbors, and the generational disconnect with his kids.
Armed with vicious satire of the 1970s,F is for Familyhas a fearless style of writing that plays like a grittier version ofAll In The Family. With its balance of dark comedy and blunt drama, the show is so intoxicating to watch it unfold with every anxiety of the working class. But the biggest reason to watch is that Bill Burr is at his blustering best, especially since he wrote a handful of the scripts. It’s one of thebest animated Netflix originals.
F is for Familytakes a blunt approach to 1970s suburban life with an intense performance by Bill Burr.
22
Created by Michael Cusack ofSmiling Friendsfame,YOLOtakes place in a cartoonish version of Australia. The vulgar Sarah and innocent Rachel are best friends who seek out the wildest parties. Their friendship is tested as they are pursued by the odd stalker, Lucas, and encounter the weirdest of transmundane villains.
YOLOshares much of the fast-paced comedy present inSmiling Friends, but with a distinctly Australian level of humor. So if you may’t wait for the next season ofSmiling Friends, this show should tide you over. The bizarre depiction of the outback and the mismatched chemistry of the two friends make each season such a strange journey to get lost within.
YOLOis a fast-paced animated comedy from the co-creator ofSmiling Friendswith a distinct Australian sense of humor.
2020 - 2024
50
Lower Decksis set in theStar Trekuniverse and takes an almost-parody approach to the long-running sci-fi franchise. As the title suggests, the show follows the adventures of the crew members of the starship Cerritos who don’t work on the bridge. Their friendship is tested as they face alien threats to the ship and the challenges of promotions that keep them apart.
As the most comical ofStar Trekshows,Lower Deckswas tailor-made for astuteTrekfans. It doesn’t just feature familiar cameos of actors like George Takei and Jonathan Frakes. It also manages to poke fun at the lore ofStar Trekwhile still adding to the franchise’s history, including a crossover episode withStrange New Worlds. It’s the type ofStar Trekshow that can laugh at itself while still feeling likeStar Trek.
Paramount Plus
Star Trek: Lower Decksis a fun sci-fi adventure cartoon that was built for adult fans with a wealth ofTrekin-jokes.
57
Based on the DC Comics character,Harley Quinnfollows the adventures of Joker’s sidekick, striking out on her own. After escaping a toxic relationship with the Joker, Harley assumes the role of a primary Gotham villain with Poison Ivy by her side. Harley and Ivy will have their bond tested as they try to define themselves in a world of villains and occasionally superheroes.
Initially airing on the short-lived DC Universe streaming app,Harley Quinnbecame such a breakout hit that it carried over to Max. The series has garnered high praise for its postmodern portrayal of familiar DC Comics characters. The success has also led to a spin-off series,Kite Man: Hell Yeah, also airing on Max, which is ahidden gem TV show.
Harley Quinnparodies familiar DC Comics characters while also offering a grounded portrayal of relationships.
53
From the team behindRick & Morty,Solar Oppositesfollows the absurd adventures of space aliens living in suburbia. Conflict arises between the aliens, who want to terraform the Earth or embrace its pop culture, resulting in humorous arguments about Christmas movies and sci-fi shenanigans of humans being turned into wine bottles. The animated series was initially developed for Fox, but stalled long enough to find a home on Hulu (it’s one ofthe best shows on Hulu, animated or otherwise.)
Although it contains some of the meta humor present inRick & Morty,Solar Oppositesdiffers in its positive portrayal of a gay couple. The show is also worth noting for its dramatic diversions into stories of humans either shrunk down by alien technology or launched into space. This show was made for those who loved the humor ofRick & Mortybut want an added dash of spicy romance in their adult animation.
Hulu
Solar Oppositesis an absurd alien animated sitcom with wry humor, pop culture mockery, and surprising detours of drama.
These adult animated shows are superb, but they’re not as widely known asSouth ParkorBob’s Burgers. Without much notoriety, some of these series have been unceremoniously canceled or struggled to secure another season. So don’t miss out on the adult animated shows currently airing to ensure they continue. You never know which one might be your new favorite series.
