Animated comedies are probably the most combative lists that we have and the year 2022 was no exception. Numerous new kids on the block will be found on this list, and to show the genre’s increased sophistication, an adult animated comedy NOT made in America is topping the list. Note, we didn’t even bother doing a best “new” animated comedy this year, mainly because the answers are largely the same on this list and doing another one would’ve featured franchises not deserving to be on our lists. That said, if you’re not watching what’s on this list, you’re not a fan of animated comedy, or animation in general, because there are some true heroes here.
15) Archer
Network: Hulu
Season 13 of Archer ends with newfound confidence as everyone–at least for now–pulls themselves together, Mallory’s legacy intact, and Sterling exhibits some level of what might actually be satisfaction. As normal as all of this may sound, it’s exciting, uncharted territory for the show that’s been everywhere and done everything. If this marks the end of the series then Archer will go out on one of its best seasons in years, but it also feels more prepared than ever before to march forward and keep this ship sailing. That’s a rare thing to claim for any series that’s getting on its run, but it’s practically impossible for a series that’s considering a 14th season. If Archer sticks to this formula then they’ll have at least a few more years in them and will get to celebrate 150 episodes of spy schtick and beyond.
14) Beavis and Butt-Head
Network: Paramount+
Mike Judge reached “god” status a long time ago for his contributions to adult animation and that will only get bigger as his Bandera Entertainment looks to offer up more franchises with his thumbprint, but Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head return season certainly shows that he’s not giving up that title anytime soon, and that these characters are still iconic, contemporary, and most importantly, downright hysterical. One drawback, the show isn’t a completely uncensored series which is an issue that I’ve also noticed on Star Trek: Lower Decks and I think that needs to change for this series to continue to grow in different ways and truly exhibit not just staying powers, but elite prowess.
13) Central Park
Network: AppleTV+
Season three of Central Park remains effortless, optimistic, charming television that’s the perfect comfort food for adults and children alike. This series is perhaps not appointment television, but it’s harmless and hopeful, which is hardly the worst offense for a show to commit. Those who aren’t already Central Park fans are unlikely to suddenly jump on board, but it remains pleasant, easy viewing and those who have bought tickets to this performance will be content to return to their season seats and continue to be entertained by these lovable characters. These new episodes preach the importance of being able to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of life. That’s the purpose of Central Park, the institution, and the pride of Central Park, the television series.
12) Rick and Morty
Network: HBO MAX
In a lot of ways Rick and Morty season six sets up the show’s seventh season, but I kinda like not everything being biblical in terms of canon. I like the freedom of the episodes that DON’T mean anything as it gives us some solid efforts. When the writers become more self-serving, clearly evidenced in episodes like “Rick: A Mort Well Lived” and “Full Meta Jackrick”, those are the episodes that bother me the most, but I guess I’m willing to sacrifice a couple of lambs now and again if it allows the producers to recharge their batteries and get on with the good stuff.
11) Tuca & Bertie
Network: HBO MAX
Three seasons is more than many series receive and if this happens to be the end of Tuca & Bertie’s story then it will still manage to have had a fulfilling run and gone out with a satisfying finish. That being said, it also feels like Tuca & Bertie has only scratched the surface of its characters and their world in certain areas and the developments experienced in the second-half of season three all point towards a deeper and more challenging fourth season. A premature death because of a nebulous corporate merger shouldn’t be the conclusion of Tuca & Bertie’s story, but it’s also a fate that’s oddly fitting of the show’s themes.This hopefully isn’t the last that audiences have seen of Bird Town, but if it is then Tuca & Bertie has crafted a graceful three-season flight-plan.
10) Little Demon
Network: Hulu
Little Demon is one of the funniest comedies of the year, animated or otherwise, but it also exudes creativity and ambition out of every gaping wound.The horror genre has been long overdue to have a playground of this size to experiment in and the first season of Little Demon does not hold back with the Satanic staples that it sarcastically satirizes. As Archer becomes increasingly long in the tooth, Little Demon feels like the fresh animated series that FXX should champion as the face of its future.
9) Bee and Puppycat: Lazy In Space
Network: Netflix
Bee and PuppyCat’s real winning formula is that there is an underlying anger across the board, no matter how cute or cuddly the characters seem, and PuppyCat exemplifies this more than most. Yeah, sure, Bee and PuppyCat may not feature a heavily-embedded plot that keeps you engrossed from episode to episode, but you’re going to be lost in the whimsical atmosphere all-the-while laughing your ass off at every PuppyCat one-liner, so you should have enough to keep you engaged.
8) South Park
Network: HBO MAX
Are some of the voices changing? Sure. Trey Parker isn’t getting any younger and he does 100 voices for this franchise. The Simpsons are going through a similar change. But, the difference is, the writing is still just as good as anything else on television. Future seasons could start to open those COVID-restricting doors and really see this franchise for years to come. New seeds have been planted where I’m not sure a serialized season or trio of episodes couldn’t happen in the future, but if we weren’t going to go that route, South Park is still the kings of episodic adult animation.
7) Solar Opposites
Network: Hulu
Season three of Solar Opposites builds upon the strong foundation of its first two seasons to deliver another standout collection of episodes. Anyone who loved the previous seasons will be fully on board with Solar Opposites as it continues to evolve and challenge its characters and storytelling. There’s never been a stagnant or inauthentic quality to Solar Opposites and its ability to eschew sitcoms and television as a whole, but it’s rewarding to see the show’s themes and sense of humor sharpen over time rather than regress. A fourth season of Solar Opposites is already on the way and it has the potential to be the best year yet if season three’s quality is any indication.
6) Fairfax
Network: Prime Video
It’s unclear if season two of Fairfax will serve as the animated series’ swan song, but it’d be an absolute tragedy for a show that has so much more to say, continues to feel impossibly fresh, and only continues to thrive through the development of its supporting characters and setting as a whole. If this does mark the end of Fairfax then these two seasons will function as an exceptional time capsule of the era as well as a complete story that’s infinitely easy to revisit. Fairfax has accomplished more in two seasons of eight episodes than what most series do in double that amount of time. Amazon Prime Video is slowly establishing an impressive library of adult animated programs and Fairfax can easily become the crown jewel of this treasure if it’s given the proper time to grow. As it stands, Fairfax is two seasons of successful and subversive animated comedy, but it has the potential to become the voice of a generation with the right push and support.
5) The Gimmicks
Network: Self
Ultimately, The Gimmicks is 20 five-ish minute episodes of hilarity. If you’re a fan of pro wrestling, or satire shows like Metalocalypse and Robot Chicken (Seth Green actually made an appearance, and the robot chickens are a recurring nuisance), you will absolutely love this show.
4) Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell: The Cartoon
Network: Adult Swim’s YouTube
“Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell: The Cartoon” is another massive win for Adult Swim. It’s gross and disgusting and absolutely hilarious. If you at all love any of Adult Swim’s other shows, you owe it to yourself to take a trip to their youtube channel and watch this series right now. It may be short, but I think I don’t really want more. I think it’s great as is. It’s so short you can watch the whole thing in a lunch break. It’s so short you can probably watch it on your daily commute. It’s so short that you can probably watch it in the time it took you to read this review of it. And you should. Because it’s awesome.
3) Inside Job
Network: Netflix
Inside Job is a blast to watch. It is a bingeable and anything-but-predictable show that pokes fun at just about everything. Liberal? Conservative? Lizard Person? People who freeze-frame cartoons? No matter what you are, this show will crack a joke at your expense and you’ll laugh along with it. Inside Job Season One Part Two is an excellent follow-up to Part One and is sure to continue to build up its back channel network of dedicated fans and shadow supporters. After finishing this season you’ll have only one thing on your mind: Consume Consume Consume Consume Consume Consume…
2) Harley Quinn
Network: HBO MAX
Season three of Harley Quinn hits the ground running with a rejuvenated sense of energy that comes from Harley and Ivy finally getting to embrace each other as a couple. Regardless of the story that’s being told, Ivy and Harley’s love comes across as so honest and sweet that it automatically bolsters whatever is going on. This fresh perspective and dynamic is purely fun in a chaotic evil capacity, but it digs into real relationship issues of substance. Ivy struggles with teamwork and finding her confidence in a new leadership role as she helps Harley’s team pull off heists, while Harley attempts to find the right balance between work and romance. Harley Quinn has never been more of a full-on rom-com, but this fresh angle pushes the series to its best and most satisfying episodes yet.
\
Network: All4 (UK)
Every episode of the first season of Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared is stronger than the last, but “Family” is an astonishing standout that I would put up against anything produced anywhere else, no question. Various animation sequences in a number of different styles are also used throughout the series on-top of puppetry that gives the show a mixed-reality take that is so damn good it makes me angry, but I get hugs, so I don’t get scared.