The year 2019 will go down as one of the most combative years in which to be a fan of animated series. Streaming services, social networks, TV networks, and everything in between are well-represented. In terms of sheer volume, Netflix and Adult Swim are kings, but a new power is starting to rear it’s ugly head. For years, Rick and Morty and Bob’s Burgers dominated this list, that is not the case this year. This list needs no introduction. It’s the industry standard for the best animated series of the year.
10) Red vs Blue
I think this season was just a good time. Between the serious moments and the funny ones, I found both to be fairly equivalent, neither one overpowering the other. The plot carried things more than hijinks, and with the direction the series is going, that’s a good call. I enjoyed every episode- some were better than others, but all were an enjoyable time. This show isn’t groundbreaking media, but it’s fun. Sometimes, all you need is something silly yet engaging enough to keep you going, and I’d say this season succeeded in that regard.
9) Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn up as a diverse, complex character, and despite her Suicide Squad look, fans will be happy to know that there’s a ton of versatile story content, simply based on episode one. A fantastic depiction of Harley Quinn coming into her own, the first episode of Harley Quinn is about embracing individuality, female bonds (possibly romances), and recognizing the toxicity of a relationship.
The mix between the light-heartedness of the show and the gruesome, more visceral imagery and emotional moments set the scene for a story about finding happiness. It’s full of laughs, and a lot of love — the real kind.
8) Squidbillies
It’s very rare that you get an animated series that gets better after 12 seasons. Most of your idiot fans of The Simpsons will claim that the show hasn’t been good since after the 10th season, ditto for efforts from Family Guy, South Park, and others. And while the results are up for debate on social networks for years to come, there’s no debate on this one. Squidbillies Season 12 is a stellar effort and is quite deserving of it’s already picked up 13th season.
7) RWBY
RWBY’s seasons are either very strong or very weak, but this season has been one of the strongest. While there have been episodes dedicated to worldbuilding or have been less urgent in tone, each episode felt entirely meaningful and moved the plot forward.
6) Big Mouth
Big Mouth returns for its third season and has developed into something bigger than itself. What began as a baby show, gaining viewers through shock and discomfort, has matured into one of the most lovable animated sitcoms available. Once upon a time, this series relied on the stigmas of puberty and adolescent sexuality to be recognized as an entertaining show, a format that would undoubtedly run out of material over time. Self-aware of itself, Big Mouth has grown into something that doesn’t only talk about the subjects that make the pre-teen years difficult, it is addressing topics that are becoming more relevant in today’s generation such as sexual identity, depression, and addiction.
5) Steven Universe
These episodes are filled with a lot of heartache, but they’re stories that should be told.
4)BoJack Horseman
As we stare down the barrel of BoJack Horseman’s final hurrah set to happen on January 31st on Netflix, it will be interesting to see how this one shapes up. Final seasons aren’t always as fondly remembered as final episodes are they? Like who really gave a fuck about The Office without Michael Scott which made his return at that show’s almost-finale a savior to the show’s legacy. And while I don’t give a shit about Game of Thrones, I heard enough about that show’s final season that should keep me comfortable that I never got hooked on the venerable franchise in the first place. Seth MacFarlane has said in interviews in the past that usually, the magic number of when a show starts to jump the shark is around season seven, of which I have to agree (especially when it comes to Family Guy). But, with BoJack Horseman having done so much for the adult animation industry in giving us the likes of Lisa Hanawalt, Kate Purdy, Raphael Bob-Waksberg, and others who have since gone on to create/produce other wonderful examples of intellectual property that are not only taking hold of the contributions that this franchise has made but in some cases even surpassing them in execution, I can’t help but think that if Raph truly had an ending in mind for the show even from the beginning that he would get more out of seeing that come to pass versus being on the wrong side of a popular quote made famous in The Dark Knight…”You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain”.
BoJack Horseman is “hero” status.
3) Tuca & Bertie
This is a show for everyone who has ever felt too small at work, or too big in the mirror, or not enough in general. Tuca & Bertie is about positive vibes, strengthening bonds, and working with the people around us to better ourselves.
2) Primal
Genndy Tartakovsky’s more mainstream works, like the Hotel Transylvania film series, have arguably seen the largest success. However, in a perfect world Primal would be his creation that receives the most acclaim. This is by far Tartakovsky’s most accomplished and mature piece of work. It’s encouraging to see that Adult Swim has maintained a healthy relationship with the creator. If he turns out something like this every other year they’ll have a serious bevy of sophisticated adult-oriented animation. Primal is a one-of-a-kind gem and a serious contender for the best-animated program of 2019.
1) Undone
Looking around at how this show is being received, the majority of viewers and critics are swooned by the beautiful animation and storytelling. And rightly so. This is not just blind entertainment. Undone is one of those shows that get your mind thinking, takes on serious topics, and expands our universal consciousness. It is a series that we will be thinking about for years to come, and should be referenced as one of the greatest examples of how to approach mental health in modern media. Shows like this only come around once in a decade. This masterpiece demands to be watched by as many people as possible. Watch it and recommend it to everyone, even those friends that are so sick of you recommending things and never watch anything you say. Tell them Undone is a series that they cannot afford to miss out on, it’s not just brainless entertainment, it is the art that can impact the way that they look at the world and interact with the people in it.