– “Harley Quinn” (2019- Present) – DC Comics’ favorite villainess gets her own series in this action-comedy that explores Quinn’s journey after breaking up with her infamous ex-boyfriend, the Joker. This show features R-rated humor, violence, and a stacked voice cast including Kaley Cuoco as Harley and Lake Bell as Poison Ivy.
– “Disenchantment” (2018- Present) – From the mind of Matt Groening (“The Simpsons,” “Futurama”) comes this fantasy-comedy series about a hard-partying princess named Bean, her sidekick Elfo, and her personal demon, Luci. While the show’s first season received mixed reviews, it has steadily grown in popularity and will release its fourth and final season in 2022.
– “Solar Opposites” (2020- Present) – Co-created by “Rick and Morty” alum Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan, “Solar Opposites” follows a family of aliens who are forced to live in suburban America after their home planet is destroyed. The show features Roiland’s signature humor and bizarre worlds, but with a slightly more optimistic outlook than its spiritual predecessor.
– “Close Enough” (2020- Present) – Created by “Regular Show” alum J.G. Quintel, “Close Enough” follows a millennial couple as they navigate parenthood, careers, and the challenges of growing up. The show features a mix of surreal humor and relatable, slice-of-life storytelling.
– “Big Mouth” (2017- Present) – Possibly the raunchiest show on this list, “Big Mouth” explores the awkwardness and confusion of puberty through the lens of a group of middle schoolers and their Hormone Monsters. The show features a talented voice cast, including Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, and Maya Rudolph, and has been praised for its frank discussions about sexuality and mental health.
– “Hoops” (2020) – This short-lived Netflix series follows a hot-headed high school basketball coach named Ben Hopkins as he tries (and often fails) to lead his team to victory. While “Hoops” received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, it features a standout performance from Jake Johnson as Hopkins and a variety of comedic guest stars.
– “The Midnight Gospel” (2020) – Co-created by comedian Duncan Trussell and “Adventure Time” creator Pendleton Ward, “The Midnight Gospel” combines psychedelic animation with thought-provoking conversations between Trussell and a variety of guests. The show’s unique approach to storytelling earned it critical acclaim, although its heavy themes and graphic violence may not appeal to everyone.
– “Invincible” (2021- Present) – Based on the comic series by Robert Kirkman, “Invincible” follows Mark Grayson, a teenage superhero who inherits his father’s powers and responsibilities. The show features an impressive voice cast, including Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, and Sandra Oh, and has earned praise for its mature take on the superhero genre.
– “Tuca & Bertie” (2019- Present) – This charming and surreal series follows two bird best friends, Tuca (voiced by Tiffany Haddish) and Bertie (voiced by Ali Wong), as they navigate the ups and downs of adulthood. Despite earning critical acclaim for its animation style and performances, the show was canceled after just one season by Netflix, but was later revived by Adult Swim.
Overall, the 2020s have already proven to be a promising decade for adult animation, with a variety of unique and challenging shows for audiences to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of surreal humor, heartfelt storytelling, or R-rated jokes, there’s something on this list for everyone.