5 Underrated Adult Animated Series You Need To Watch!

When you think of adult animation, what mostly comes to mind is shows like "The Simpsons" or "Family Guy", long-running sitcoms focused on comedic bits within a well-known and repetitive domain. However, the genre has a lot more to offer than what you see in the mainstream. There are many hilarious and even profound animated series that fly under the radar. If you don't want to watch kids’ cartoons but also want to avoid overplayed adult animation, here are some recommendations of unique and genuinely enjoyable animated series that you may not have heard of before!

1. "Inside Job" (Netflix)

This Netflix original series did not get as much love as it should have and was tragically canceled after just two seasons. It’s a workplace comedy about a company that creates and manages the world’s conspiracies, one of the most creative and unique premises in recent animation. The eccentric and flawed cast deals with hilarious and exaggerated situations that will make you laugh, tear up, and yearn for more. If you have any interest in adult animation but haven’t watched this show, you need to get on it. 

2. "Krapopolis" (Hulu)

First airing in 2023, this animated sitcom comes from showrunner Dan Harmon, who created shows like "Rick and Morty" and "Community". It follows a dysfunctional family of gods, humans, and monsters running one of the first ancient Greek cities. The cast includes the hilarious Matt Berry, who you might know from "What We Do in The Shadows". Though irreverent and odd, the show offers feel-good endings and comfort, perfect for casual watching. 

3. "Disenchantment" (Netflix)

From the creator of "The Simpsons" comes this offbeat fantasy about the misadventures of an alcoholic princess living in the medieval kingdom of Dreamland. Taking a cynical view on the typical rosiness of fairytales and magic, the weird twists and turns are a great escape from the realities of everyday life. Lovers of comedy, fantasy, and independent female main characters will enjoy this wild ride that, despite its craziness, has emotional moments, character development, and a strong beating heart. 

4. "The Midnight Gospel' (Netflix)

This series is unlike anything you’ve ever watched before. Each episode follows a space podcaster traveling through different psychedelic universes to record his content. With a meditative and trippy vibe, the show explores topics that all circle back to the meaning of life and death, offering colorful visuals paired with podcast-like dialogue. It comes from Pendleton Ward, the creator of "Adventure Time", and will surely make you ponder big questions while also soothing you. Perfect for deep thinkers.

5. "Human Resources" (Netflix)

This spin-off of "Big Mouth" didn’t get as much love as it deserved, getting canceled after only two seasons. Even if you haven’t seen "Big Mouth", Human Resources is still worth the watch as it is arguably better than the source material. This workplace comedy about the creatures that help humans through puberty, parenthood, grief, depression, and more has a stacked cast of voice actors that bring the clever writing to life, including Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph, Keke Palmer, Randall Park, and "SNL" alum Aidy Bryant, to name a few. Like "Big Mouth", this series pushes the boundaries of what’s appropriate to show in cartoons, crude and unrestrained. At the same time, it tackles heavy issues deftly and brings emotional weight and moral lessons.