During the pandemic, I could not bring myself to watch anything but adult cartoons. The idea of watching a television show with a solidified plot and a serious tone was highly unappealing. For nearly two years, I only watched cartoons, with the exception of Criminal Minds and a few season releases of my favorite Netflix originals. Hence, I feel I am qualified enough to call myself a “cartoon connoisseur.” For any of you looking for a less serious time-waster, here are the cartoons I think you should (and some you shouldn’t) watch!
- Bojack Horseman
Surely everyone knows about Bojack Horseman and can usually come to the consensus that it’s good, but I have a love for Bojack unlike any other. Bojack Horseman is one of the (if not the only) animated series I have ever stumbled upon that sends you on such a violent emotional rollercoaster. The harsh topics and heartbreaking stories will keep you pulled in the entire season. The casting choice is remarkable and will have you laughing just as much as it will have you bawling your eyes out.
- South Park
A controversial pick, but I regret nothing. There are currently 25 seasons released, and I have watched every one of them. The series’ ability to poke fun at all individuals and pinpoint hypocrisy in stereotypes, politics and historical events is truly unique to itself. Although sometimes deemed insensitive, South Park is the most outrageous and hysterical show I have ever seen.
- Futurama
A must-watch. I binged Futurama in a few weeks and loved every second of it. Being written by the same group of men who made The Simpsons, it was destined to be a fantastic show, my favorite of the sci-fi-esque cartoon genre.
- Harley Quinn
I am not a DC movie viewer, nor do I know jack about superhero movies whatsoever. But Harley Quinn… mere perfection. Rather than painting Harley as a villain, the series shows her as a victim of a manipulative relationship who ultimately redeems herself by discovering her self-worth from the outspoken feminist Poison Ivy. Plus, Harley and Ivy are in a relationship which… enough said.
- Big Mouth & Human Resources
If you’re anything like me and have the humor of a 13-year-old boy, you’ll love Big Mouth. The show’s grotesque and sexual nature, as it follows middle schoolers experiencing puberty, will have you peeing yourself laughing while also being a bit nauseous. The spinoff Human Resources shows the lives and perspectives of the hormone monsters and other creatures in the Big Mouth universe. I can not stress enough how good of a spinoff it was, but then again, what can’t Nick Kroll do?
Not My Top 5, But Still Outstanding
- F is For Family
F is For Family was my absolute favorite cartoon for a very long time, but after it took so long to release a new season, it lost its spot. Set in the 1970s and featuring a hot mess of a family headed by a father with a knack for profanity-filled rants, this show makes you feel nostalgic for a decade you weren’t even alive for and close to a family that doesn’t exist.
- Rick and Morty
Everyone loves Rick and Morty, it’s amazing. I don’t need to sit and convince you of that. While for the genre of sci-fi cartoons I still love Futurama more, Rick and Morty is still one of my favorites and should be on everyone’s watch list.
- Bob’s Burgers
Once more, you don’t need me to tell you why Bob’s Burgers is fantastic. It’s the most PG and lighthearted of the list, but still golden.
- Brickleberry & Paradise PD
Lesser known than the majority of the titles, these two are cast by roughly the same individuals and have nearly the same plot. The two series are goofy and highly sexual but hilarious. Brickleberry was the cartoon that sparked my adult cartoon phase, so I owe much to it.
Cartoons I DON’T Recommend
- Family Guy
This is my hot take. Family Guy is one of those series that doesn’t know how to be repetitive and consistently funny at the same time. I tried to get into it but found it impossible to laugh past three seasons. I’m not saying it’s bad, but I would never recommend this above any other.
- Disenchantment (Season 2)
I absolutely loved Disenchantment season 1 and was ecstatic to see it be renewed for a second, but I was largely disappointed. Season 2 was too slow for my liking and by the third episode, I was still confused about the point of the season. Maybe I just need to go back and rewatch it again, but for now, I stand my ground that it is not very good.
- Hoops
I don’t have much to say about this one except for it is not very good. Netflix recognizes the profit margin for their adult cartoons but has seemingly failed in their most recent attempts.
- Inside Job
Another example of a failed attempt by Netflix to create a good cartoon. It isn’t the absolute worst, but I would not consider it good. Makes decent background noise, though!