Adult animated shows cater to a mature audience who enjoy animation with bold and risqué themes. From classics like The Simpsons (1989) and Family Guy (1999) to newer hits like Archer (2009) and BoJack Horseman (2014), several titles have amassed a dedicated global fanbase over the years. Not only that, many new shows are released each year to keep up with the growing demand.
But amidst the onslaught of new choices, it is very common for fans of the genre to overlook hidden gems that are just as hilarious as the popular titles people have come to adore. In fact, many times, underrated adult animated shows have fewer seasons which makes them ideal for weekend binging.
Viewers who enjoy witty puns and eccentric characters should make a point to check out the underrated adult animated shows on this list that have plenty of both.
Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources. It contains some spoilers.
The Tick, Brickleberry and four other adult animated shows that aren't nearly as popular as they deserve to be
1) Duckman (1994)
Based on characters created by Everett Peck, Duckman is set in a world where humans coexist with anthropomorphic animals. The central protagonist of this adult animated show is Eric Tiberius Duckman voiced by Jason Alexander who people might recognize as George Costanza from Seinfeld (1989)
A smart yet egotistical anthropomorphic duck, Duckman works as a private detective. When he is not solving crime, he has to navigate the antics of his eccentric family.
When it comes to well-written jokes, very few adult animated shows will come close to this cult classic. Comprising four seasons and 70 episodes, Duckman has everything that fans of the genre appreciate namely perfectly-timed sarcasm, interesting characters, and plenty of hilarious twists and turns.
Where to watch: Duckman is available for streaming on Plex.
2) The Tick (1994)
Animation fans have seen their fair share of charismatic superheroes but the superhero in this adult animated show is a tad different. The Tick, voiced by Townsend Coleman, is friendly to a fault and always means well but his confusing "inspirational" speeches and laughable plans to defeat his enemies make it clear that he isn't quite top brass.
However, the fact that he is far from perfect actually adds to the humor. For three seasons and 36 episodes, viewers get to follow The Tick on all his zany adventures in the City as he goes head-to-head with amateurish criminals. While the show doesn't have explicit content as such, the dialogue is laced with sarcasm and irony which is better suited for adults.
Where to watch: This adult animated show can be viewed on Prime Video and Hulu.
3) Moral Orel (2005)
Morel Orel may not be everyone's cup of tea but this hilarious adult animated show will appeal to fans who enjoy black comedy. The central character is a 12-year-old resident of Moralton, Orel Puppington, voiced by Carolyn Lawrence. He is determined to follow the Protestant Christian moral code but because of his childish naivety, he always ends up in troublesome situations.
It is not easy to explore sensitive topics but the writers of Morel Orel seem to have a knack for it. While the focus may be on comedy, the narrative also has enough subtext to make viewers think. Morel Orel has three seasons, 31 episodes and one special. Fans of the genre who are particularly fond of stop-motion animation shouldn't miss out on this underrated gem.
Where to watch: Episodes of this adult animated show are available on Adult Swim, Max and Prime Video.
4) Metalocalypse (2006)
As expected from the name, this adult animated show has a heavy-metal influence. In fact, Metalocalypse is the only musical animated show on this list.
Dethklok is an immensely popular melodic death metal band and they can get away with just about anything. But they aren't the smartest bunch which means that they regularly keep getting into misadventures. It also doesn't help that the government is against the band because they hold too much power over the people.
Over the course of four seasons, 61 episodes and two specials, viewers will find themselves warming up to the characters who may be heavily flawed but still quite lovable in their own ways.
Where to watch: This adult animated show can be streamed on Adult Swim.
5) Brickleberry (2012)
Workplace comedies never get old, and the creators of Brickleberry seem to know this all too well. Over three seasons and 36 episodes, the audience gets acquainted with a handful of forest rangers who work at the Brickleberry National Park. However, they are mostly incompetent and crude which does more harm than good.
Fans of the genre who are used to the chaotic and politically incorrect humor of South Park (1997) and Superjail! (2007) will have no problem getting on board with this show's jokes. The writing isn't exactly subtle in this one but that is part of its charm. Brickleberry is fun and fast-paced entertainment, and viewers should keep in mind that it is not to be taken too seriously.
Where to watch: This chaotic and hilarious adult animated show can be viewed on Disney+, Hulu and Prime Video.
6) Close Enough (2020)
Adulting is hard, especially for the central characters in this adult animated show, Josh and Emily voiced by J. G. Quintel and Gabrielle Walsh. They dream of a better life, especially for the sake of their spirited young daughter, Candice. But challenges are aplenty and funds are hard to come by, because of which they are forced to share their living space with a divorced couple.
Like most adult animated shows, Close Enough doesn't shy away from absurd plot twists but even in the middle of all that chaos, the writers are able to infuse thoughtful storytelling elements that help viewers relate to the characters. Close Enough has three seasons and 24 episodes.
Where to watch: This addictive adult animated show can be streamed on Netflix and Prime Video.
Viewers who enjoy adult animated shows that boast witty puns and larger-than-life characters will not be disappointed with these hilarious titles.