10) Solar Opposites
In an age where there has never been more adult animated series to consume, Solar Opposites still stands out among the pack and justifies its existence. Its second season is just as smart and ambitious as the first, but these new episodes feel a little sillier and more scattered now that Solar Opposites arguably has less to prove and has established itself better. This isn’t a problem, but it does make these eight episodes incredibly easy to binge through in one or two sittings and will leave audiences wishing that there were more (at least a holiday special is arriving at the end of the year). Solar Opposites continues to refine its formula and whatever it does is bound to delight, whether its introspective character studies or glorious non-sequiturs about Succession cereal, Lake House time travel decides, and hell hounds that turn their victims into bottles of wine,
The most important thing about American Dad’s 16th season is that it ultimately leaves the audience wanting more and gives the impression that there are still lots of stories to tell within this series. Not every episode is a gem, but it’s clear that American Dad is far from tapped dry and recent elements like the presence of Rogu and the increased focus on Hayley and Jeff’s relationship have helped rejuvenate the show where it’s needed. At this point it feels like American Dad has done literally everything, but the characters remain entertaining and lovable and the universe continues to become more fluid and unpredictable. There’s a feeling of unpredictable excitement that still takes over the viewer when they turn on an episode of American Dad, which is something that’s increasingly difficult to do on television, especially with a series that’s been on for nearly two decades. American Dad should be allowed to continue to indulge their craziest impulses until that magical energy vanishes, which seems like it’s still years away from being a concern.
8) Archer
It’s not easy for any series that’s in its 12th season to turn out their strongest material or for there to be a strong justification for why it needs to return to continue this story. Most would argue that anything that Archer has to say has already been said, but season 12 is proof that there’s still more to be done with these characters. Audiences may prefer Archer’s earliest seasons, or its weirder coma years, but season 12 of Archer attempts something special and leaves the series in a place where it’s actually encouraging that it will have at least one more season to mess around in the danger zone, thwart off tinnitus, and get lost in appropriate phrasing.
7) Rick And Morty
Rick and Morty season five may have been an off-year or the beginning of the end; only time will tell. The fact of the matter is that the series still has a lot of life still left in it, and it is still one of the most intelligent shows on television. A few slower episodes are not enough to break the franchise. Especially when they are equally counteracted with some stand-out pieces. We will settle with calling this an up-and-down season and see where the franchise plans to take us next.
6) Tuca & Bertie
There are few shows that feel as genuine and self-assured as Tuca & Bertie, with this exceptional second season only proving that this animated series is no fluke. In a perfect world, Tuca & Bertie will get the opportunity to grow and evolve just as much as BoJack Horseman did. The series’ first two seasons give every indication that Tuca & Bertie will only develop into a more beautiful and earnest piece of television. It feels like the best has yet to come for these birds, which is extremely exciting. There’s so much more to explore before these birds fly the coop.
5) Birdgirl
Birdgirl may not be for everyone, but it’s a program that marks a fresh step forward for Adult Swim as they attempt to establish themselves for a new generation. Birdgirl doesn’t lean too hard into nostalgia, lazy superhero tropes, or reboot culture and it manages to navigate through this minefield relatively unscathed. It’s an animated series that benefits most from an open mind and zero expectations. There’s something weird and special in Birdgirl that absolutely deserves time to grow.
4) The Harper House
The first season of The Harper House begins in a super confident manner, but it’s surprising just how quickly it finds its footing and steps up its game in the remainder of season one. It usually takes a show at least two seasons to establish its voice and learn how to go past it. These episodes are hilarious, heartwarming, and deeply layered in a way that once again brings vintage Simpsons and South Park to mind. It’s thought-provoking without being obnoxious and every episode turns the Harpers into a family that the audience will want to spend time with.
The second season of Animaniacs is totally insane-y for all the right reasons. It didn’t allow the show to showcase more original sketches outside of the Warners and Pinky and the Brain. Other than that, I highly enjoyed the kooky characters’ return as much as I enjoyed their revival in the first season. The voice cast was great, and the animation was cartoonishly vibrant and suitably unique regarding the original shorts. Plus, the episodes were mostly filled with clever humor and charismatic energy. These qualities proved that the Warners are still going strong, even after their 30-year absence. We’ll have to see if their upcoming third season is as random and crazy as this collection of zany shorts.
2) Ten Year Old Tom
It’s extremely rare that a series comes so fully formed out of the box as Ten Year Old Tom, but this comedy knows exactly what it is and goes about it in the best way possible. It doesn’t feel like there’s a minute of fat on any episode and each 15-minute story is the best distillation of the wild predicaments that Tom winds up in. It shouldn’t be this entertaining to watch an average kid learn about the cynical nature of the world, but Ten Year Old Tom is one of the most purely enjoyable comedies on HBO Max, animated or otherwise. Any segment from an episode thoroughly highlights what this series is all about and there’s no wrong place to jump in. Ten Year Old Tom’s theme song poetically croons, “Remember there’s a lot of good omens supplying the proof that our life is the best joke ever told. Remember it’s a joke, and leave it alone.” In Ten Year Old Tom, it’s impossible for Tom to just leave it alone and God bless him for it.
1) Inside Job
Truthfully, in the pyramid of adult animated sitcoms, Inside Job is sitting at God tier. The series is doing everything right. Conceptually it is as strong as Rick and Morty but in an approachable way that may not be so overwhelming for new audiences. Additionally, Inside Job balances relatable stories with thought-provoking themes in a package that is recognizable yet unique.