Common Side Effects is an adult animated thriller-comedy created by Joseph Bennett and Steve Hely for Adult Swim, executive produced by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels through their Bandera Entertainment. The story follows Marshall Cuso, an eccentric, burned-out mycologist who discovers a rare mushroom capable of healing almost any ailment — even reversing death. When he reconnects with a former high-school classmate now working at a pharmaceutical giant, his miraculous find sets off a dangerous chase as powerful interests scramble to control, suppress, or exploit it.
Rendered in a lush, hand-drawn style far removed from typical adult cartoons, the series pairs paranoid conspiracy-thriller plotting with dry humor and surprising sincerity about health care, grief, and corporate greed. Dave King and Emily Pendergast lead the voice cast as Marshall and the conflicted pharma executive Frances, with Mike Judge, Danny Huston, and Joseph Lee Anderson among the supporting players, giving the show both comedic bite and genuine tension.
Debuting on Adult Swim in early 2025 and streaming on HBO Max, Common Side Effects became one of the most acclaimed animated series of the year, earning a rare wave of critical enthusiasm and a second-season renewal before its first season had even finished airing. It streams on HBO Max.
"The Yogi Bear Show" is an American animated television series that debuted in 1961. The show follows the adventures of a bear named Yogi, who lives in Jellystone Park and constantly schemes to steal picnic baskets from unsuspecting visitors. Yogi is joined by his best friend Boo Boo, as well as other animal friends such as Cindy Bear and Ranger Smith.
The show is known for its humor, catchy theme song, and iconic characters. Yogi Bear has become one of the most recognizable animated characters in history, and the show's popularity has led to numerous spin-offs, merchandise, and even a feature film. The show also helped to establish Hanna-Barbera as one of the leading animation studios of its time.
Despite being created over 60 years ago, "The Yogi Bear Show" remains a beloved classic of American animation. The show's timeless humor and lovable characters have helped it to endure through the decades. It continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and its influence can be seen in countless other animated programs and films.
"The Smurfs" is an American animated television series that premiered in 1981. The show follows the adventures of a group of small blue creatures called Smurfs, who live in a magical forest hidden away from humans. The show was based on a popular comic series created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo.
The Smurfs are known for their distinctive blue skin, white hats, and friendly personalities. The show features a large cast of characters, including Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy Smurf, and many others. The Smurfs face various challenges and obstacles throughout the series, often relying on their teamwork and ingenuity to overcome them.
"The Smurfs" was a massive success, becoming one of the most popular animated shows of its time. It ran for nine seasons and over 250 episodes, as well as numerous spin-offs, movies, and merchandise. The show's catchy theme song, "La La Song," became a cultural phenomenon, and the Smurfs themselves have become iconic characters in pop culture.
"Superman: The Animated Series" is an American animated television series that premiered in 1996. The show is based on the iconic DC Comics character Superman and follows his adventures as he fights for truth, justice, and the American way. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and was a spin-off of the popular "Batman: The Animated Series."
The show features the voice talents of Tim Daly as Superman, as well as a talented cast of actors who bring to life many of Superman's famous friends and foes, such as Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, and Brainiac. The show is known for its action-packed episodes, engaging storylines, and stunning animation. The series also introduced many new elements to the Superman mythos, such as the character of Mercy Graves, Luthor's bodyguard.
"Superman: The Animated Series" was a critical and commercial success, running for four seasons and 54 episodes. The show won numerous awards, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, and has been praised for its sophisticated storytelling and strong characterization. The show's legacy can be seen in the many other animated shows and movies that have followed in its footsteps, as well as in the ongoing popularity of the Superman character.
"Young Justice" is an American animated television series that premiered in 2010. The show is based on the DC Comics superhero team, the "Young Justice" and follows their adventures as they work together to save the world from various threats. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network.
The show features a diverse cast of young superheroes, including Robin, Superboy, Miss Martian, and Kid Flash, as they take on a wide range of villains and battle to protect the world from harm. The show is known for its intricate storytelling, engaging characters, and impressive animation. It explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and what it means to be a hero.
"Young Justice" has been praised for its sophisticated storytelling, well-developed characters, and compelling action sequences. The show has developed a strong following and has been credited with helping to usher in a new era of animated superhero shows. It has won numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program, and has been praised for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Ben 10: Alien Force is an animated TV series created by the Man of Action team and produced by Cartoon Network Studios. It is a darker follow-up to the original Ben 10 series and takes place five years later. The show premiered in the US on April 18, 2008, and ended on March 26, 2010, after three seasons and forty-six episodes. It was nominated for four Emmy Awards, winning one for Outstanding Sound Mixing.
The show follows Ben Tennyson, now a teenager, as he once again dons the Omnitrix to protect the Earth and other parts of the universe from evil alien activity. The Omnitrix is a device in the shape of a wristwatch that allows Ben to transform into various alien forms and inherit their unique abilities. With the help of his cousin Gwen and his friend Kevin, Ben faces off against a variety of alien villains.
Throughout the series, the trio faces off against the Forever Knights, Xenocytes, DNAliens, and the Highbreed, among others. The show takes a more serious tone than its predecessor, with more complex storylines and character development. The final episode of the series aired on March 26, 2010, but a sequel titled Ben 10: Ultimate Alien was released afterward.
Aquaman is an animated television series produced by Filmation Associates, based on the DC Comics superhero of the same name. The show follows the adventures of Aquaman, the King of Atlantis, as he defends his underwater kingdom and the surface world from various threats.
The series first aired in 1968 and has since become a classic of the superhero genre, known for its colorful animation style and exciting action sequences. The show is aimed at children, but has also been enjoyed by older audiences who appreciate its nostalgic charm and campy humor.
Aquaman explores themes such as environmentalism, friendship, and the responsibilities of leadership. The show encourages children to value the natural world and to consider the impact of human actions on the environment. The series has been recognized for its positive messages and its contributions to popular culture, as Aquaman remains a beloved and enduring character in the DC Comics universe.
Batman Beyond is an American animated television series created by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett. The show takes place in the future, where an elderly Bruce Wayne is forced to retire as Batman due to his age. He takes on a new protégé, Terry McGinnis, who becomes the new Batman and fights crime in a high-tech suit.
The series first aired in 1999 and has since become a cult classic, known for its dark and edgy storytelling, as well as its unique and futuristic animation style. The show is aimed at older audiences, who appreciate its mature themes and complex characters, but has also been enjoyed by younger audiences, who are drawn to the action and adventure.
Batman Beyond explores themes such as redemption, identity, and the consequences of one's actions. The show challenges its viewers to consider the moral implications of vigilantism and to question what it truly means to be a hero. The series has been recognized for its impact on the Batman franchise and its contributions to the evolution of the character. Batman Beyond remains a beloved and influential part of the animated television landscape.
