Season Review: Jeff & Some Aliens Season One

We put a bow on Comedy Central’s newest series with a season review, our thoughts on Jeff & Some Aliens’ freshman series and whether or not it should get a second season.

Jeff & Some Aliens spawned from TripTank sketches and blossomed into one of Comedy Central’s best series. The first season saw a 10-episode run that was equally hilarious, thought-provoking, and masterfully acted.

On the surface, Jeff & Some Aliens features a bizarre plot. Three aliens, Jimmy, Sammy, and Ted (Alessandro Minoli) are sent to earth to study the most average guy. This turns out to be Jeff Mahoney (Brett Gelman). Jeff is a little dull, a big stoner, and constantly messing up every situation. So much so that Jeff would fit well in a Shakespearean tragedy. He’s a poor version of P.G. Wodehouse’s Bertie Wooster, and the alien trio is his Jeeves, constantly swooping in to fix his bungled situations.

In its humor, Jeff & Some Aliens exhibits similarities to the likes of South Park and Family Guy. It’s more adult humor, aimed at a mature audience. But Jeff & Some Aliens is increasingly clever. Amidst the comedy, there’s ample social and political commentary. When the credits roll after each 22-minute long episode, there’s a thought-provoking takeaway. “Jeff & Some Childlike Joy & Whimsy” touches on the growing trend where retro has become popular. Series such as Stranger Things achieve massive critical acclaim. Although this is in part due to excellence (I won’t deny that I loved Stranger Things), there’s an undeniable element of pure nostalgia. South Park analyzed this in its “Member Berries“ episode. Yet Jeff & Some Aliens probes this notion more thoughtfully.

It’s this subtlety that makes Jeff & Some Aliens so effective and entertaining. Additionally, themes are incredibly relevant and relatable. “Jeff & Some Confidence” analyzes the correlations between happiness and success. There’s a lot commentary on dating and love as well, notably in the season one finale “Jeff & Some Love Simulations.” While Jeff & Some Aliens features a hearty dose of humor, the true brilliance is its careful societal critique. By framing the plot through the lens of extraterrestrials studying humanity the audience sees aspects of society as alien, or foreign. It’s a spectacular plot device that forces the viewer to reevaluate their own beliefs.

Moreover, Jeff & Some Aliens succeeds because we are all Jeff. Ok, so maybe most of us aren’t quite THAT much of a disheveled mess. But the character of Jeff Mahoney is far from perfect. He’s flawed, his love life is a clusterfuck, he’s out of shape, and works a job he’s overqualified for. Jeff & Some Aliens thus provides a refreshing respite from the unrealistically perfect characters so prominent in film and television. Plus, it’s simply relieving to watch a character that makes us feel better about our own lives and decisions.

Animation and voice acting were spectacular throughout the entire first season. I liked retro style of the artwork which felt like the 2d cartoons from the 80s and 90s. Alien tech was inventive and oozed a solid sci-fi vibe. Among the main cast, Brett Gelman played an excellent Jeff, and series co-creator Alessandro Minoli offered distinct voices and personalities for Jimmy, Ted, and Sammy. Recurring guests included Alicia Silverstone as Jeff’s sister, Alison. Christian Slater offered a superb role as a sleazy alien, and Malcolm McDowell lent his immense talents as well. While the majority of episodes are standalone, Jeff & Some Aliens features a few running themes such as Jeff’s continual and ill-fated pursuit of on-again-of-again girlfriend Linda (Natalie Smyka). I enjoyed this format as it allows for dedicated or casual viewings.

Ultimately, Jeff & Some Aliens season one balanced humor and poignant socio-political commentary spectacularly. Its protagonist, Jeff Mahoney, proved the epitome of the everyday human. Engaging, side-splittingly funny, and thoughtful, Jeff & Some Aliens stands as a strong and varied animated series.