Animation allows the ultimate in creativity. Making shows with animation means that the makers are not bound to any constrictions with complex CGI or ambitious sets. If it can be drawn, it can be animated, and this means it can make a great show. 

Good writing and voice acting come to the fore in these shows. Sci-fi can be explored as it is just as easy to draw an alien planet as anywhere on Earth, and budgets can stay relatively low (though animation is not easy). 

Adult audiences love cartoons and there are a lot of other risque and humorous shows being made and released all the time. 

The Simpsons

Made with adults in mind (proven by some of the dirty jokes and double entendres), The Simpsons is a phenomenon. 

In the 1990s, people went mad for their favorite yellow family, and there were hit CDs with the cast and even a Homer Simpson case for a blocky 90’s Nokia phone. 

A lot of fans think that the show should’ve stopped some time ago and that the recent seasons haven’t been as strong, but that’s up for debate – The series is known for its biting social commentary, clever humor, and memorable characters, making it a great watch. 

35 seasons may be too much in some peoples’ eyes, but that’s not for us to decide. A golden era in the 1990s catapulted the show into the global spotlight, and they’re now one of the most recognizable families in the world, in spite of being yellow and animated! There are hundreds of episodes to explore for those who haven’t seen any of this iconic show. 

Rick and Morty

Strictly for adults, Rick and Morty takes us along on the adventures of the cynical and genius scientist Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty Smith. Dark humor is blended with deep philosophical questions, and though there are some silly jokes (of course) the show is also set upon exploring themes of existentialism and even some philosophy–heavy!

A unique blend of high-concept sci-fi and irreverent humor sets it apart. Each episode delves into complex scientific and philosophical ideas and whimsical, funny characters, often leading to absurd and unpredictable narratives. As it has gone on there are lots of guest stars getting involved, Hugh Jackman even played a part in a recent episode.

BoJack Horseman

“Back in the 90s, he was in a very famous TV show…” This Netflix show follows the life of BoJack, a washed-up actor from a 1990s sitcom, as he navigates his career and personal demons. Oh, and he’s a half-horse, half-human sort of creature, like everyone in this universe. The show doesn’t really explain that, but it does have some amazing characters with pun names as a result. 

Deep character development and emotional depth make BoJack Horseman a top series that resonates on a high level, and the show’s ability to balance humor with poignant social commentary makes it a must-watch. Plus, there’s a character called Lenny Turtletaub who is a turtle! What’s not to like?

South Park

Brave, bold, and strictly NSFW, South Park is a huge show with a massive following, and similar to The Simpsons, it has been going for decades, as we see the lives of Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny—in the small town of South Park, Colorado. Crude animation stylings and even cruder humor help the show to poke fun at itself.

South Park is renowned for its fearless approach to satire, and a speedy production cycle allows it to remain topical, often responding to current events super quickly after they’ve happened. The crude humor is not to everyone’s tastes, but there’s no denying the show has some staying power.

Why These Shows Work So Well

Animated series can feature sophisticated narratives that can rival any live-action dramas, but the fact that the production is different can allow the makers to create even more series of animated shows – stories can have character development and the same kinds of story arcs that keep viewers engaged over multiple seasons, just like hit shows like Breaking Bad or The Walking Dead.

Creators get the ultimate freedom here, allowing them to explore fantastical worlds and concepts that would be challenging or even impossible to film. Check out an episode of Rick and Morty, and you’ll see loads of things that would be impossible to create without billion-dollar budgets. This creative liberty enables shows to push boundaries and experiment with storytelling techniques.

The proof is in the pudding, as the English saying goes. Many of these shows have lasted for many seasons, with The Simpsons and South Park being extreme examples. There’s clearly a huge appetite for these sorts of animated shows and even more being commissioned and produced all the time, especially on streaming platforms.