Over the last few years, Netflix and other streaming services started creating and supporting cartoon shows for adults.
We all remember shows such as South Park, The Simpsons, Family Guy or even Adventure Time (which is also considered as a show for adults due to its details, movies inspirations and topics which wouldn't be understandable for a young audience). Lately, cartoon shows were taken to the next level. Old shows which still had a great audience are being improved from season to season and there are a lot of new shows which won the hearts of the audience. I would like to focus on one of them which had a big impact on me and some of my friends' life.
The show is called Bojack the Horseman, maybe You've heard about it. At first look, it's trivial tv series based in Hollywood, but most of the characters are drawn as animals. Bojack supposed to be a great comedy show for cold evenings but in the end, it turned out to be pastry of modern showbusiness and society. Every character has been written very carefully and animals played by them are selected by their habits, behavior, lifestyle, and profession. After a few episodes, You still see intended jokes, easter eggs, and pop culture inspirations but Bojack the Horseman starts to be something more than casual cartoon comedy.
Below there is a video from TedX conducted by one of the show's designers. She shows how detailed and how much work has been put into this show to make every set alive, why You can see more emotion on those drawn animals than on the actor's face.
Going back to the show's impact. Characters at some time in the storyline are being divided by their personality and thing that scares me the most is that we can rely on almost every one of them. We can see ourselves dealing with problems, but the problem is that there are no happy endings and we see how awful people (animals in this case) can be. We want to see how people like us deal with real life's problems, how sometimes they make mistakes, but when everything is happening under colorful cartoon cover it doesn't touch us, or does it? That's maybe why people love Bojack.
Why does this show get so good ratings?
Because it's supposed to be relaxing and easy series, which turns to be one of the most detailed and emotional cartoons and You wouldn't tell it when You see the first episode.
Questions:
1. Have You been watching any adult cartoon series?
2. What do You think about cartoons which are trying to be something more than just a simple comedy show?
3. What do You think about modern cartoon's boom and where do You think it's going?
1. Yes I have. Futurama, Family Guy, Big Mouth and of course my favorite Rick an Morty.
ReplyDelete2. I think all of those adult cartoon series are something more than just a comedy show, right? Otherwise they would not be so popular. Each of them is trying to send some messages to their viewers, to shed light on some social problems. That is the main point of those series.
3. Is it going somewhere? As far as I know they always were popular. Remember The Simpsons? It's been on TV since 1989 and it still remains one of the most popular sitcoms and there is nothing extraordinary in it. As I mentioned each and every of those cartoon series are trying to shed light on common social or political problems and for some reason people like it. While all the mass media trying to avoid the problem, those series are telling their viewers the truth about what is actually happening in the world. That is the reason of their popularity.
1. Bojack Horseman, South Park, Family Guy, American Dad, Rick and Morty ( new season will be in November!), Futurama, F for family, Big Mouth, Disenchantment, Adventure Time, The Simpsons and many others. I love cartoons, but I think Adventure Time is my favorite. I even have Marceline on my computer as a background.
ReplyDeleteEvery cartoon I mentioned above has a deeper meaning, and is not necessarily a comedic cartoon. I think the best example is Adventure Time, where I cried with emotion for many episodes.
I think creators decide on a cartoon because they can afford political or sexual freedom. Big Mouth presents teenagers' problems with puberty, where presenting such themes in a series with real young actors would be too brave for the audience.
1. Yes, I'm watching Rick and Morty
ReplyDelete2. I think that many of us like to relax a little, that's why they watch cartoons. Some cartoons (like Rick and Morty) have a second bottom :)
3. I think our generation is slowly replacing the old ones, so there are more and more adults watching cartoons. For this reason there are more and more adult players :)
Stories, tales have accompanied people for a long time and usually had aim to tell something more than a simple story. Today we just have new ways of telling them and cartoons are one of them. Nowadays boundary between what is for adults and what is for children is not so clear and also moment when people became mature is later than before. Earlier when somebody was adult just got married, have family. Today people over 30 years have no family and children and have enough time to do something else than work. Cartoons meet their needs.
ReplyDelete1. One animated series for adults who I watch today is sometimes South Park. I have a fondness for him because he still enjoys me and he has no limits whatsoever I like.
ReplyDelete2. It is a good option, the creators can contribute more which is in the plus
3. I draw figures myself and create so I am happy that people accept it and there is something more than just a fairy tale.
The only one cartoon that I watched was Rick and Morty. I watched it out of curiosity because I could hear about it everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't dissapointed. Honsetly I was quite suprised how good this show was. All of that human problems that we face, packed in a abstract, ironic box.
It's quite strange to me that we love to see shows about out problems and messed up reality. As with every boom it will change soooner or later and something new will be trendy.
Have You tried watching animated shows which are subconsciously talking about politics and modern society? If You loved Rick and Morty You shouldn't be afraid to check South Park or Bojack as well, which honestly at first sight looks like simple comedy show, but after few minutes You'll how deep they are and what are they trying to tell us
Delete1. Have You been watching any adult cartoon series?
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I was never psycho about any western cartoon series. I used to watch few episodes of mentioned above The Simpsons, South Park or even Bojack the Horseman but it didn't get me. On the other hand I'm huge fan of Bartosz Walaszek cartoons ( e.x. "Blok ekipa" ) which are also dumb at 1st sign but when you're common with his creation it become much more interesting!
2. What do You think about cartoons which are trying to be something more than just a simple comedy show?
It's nothing new on the market. If you'll think about Disney cartoons that most of us used to watch as kids - their creators also tried to show much more than we can understand as a young audience. It's really interesting, that dualism of interpretations.
3. What do You think about modern cartoon's boom and where do You think it's going?
To be honest I don't have an oppinion on that. It might be nowdays trend and popularity of several streaming platforms. People got really easy access to everything and creators just have to make much more content in different categories.
It's not common opinion for polish people talk in public about Bartosz's work, but I should mention it in my article. Some of his great works are trying to be even honored, such as engraved sign "Robotniczy Klub Sportowy HUWDU" on flagstone in Rzeszów. It's hard to admit but his art got deep into polish culture, but people do not say a lot about it and they should!
DeleteI haven't been watching any adult cartoon series except a few episodes of South Park or The Simpsons. I must admit that I have never looked for a deeper meaning in them. All I was looking for was pure fun. But I can believe that, like in children's films, there are many jokes and references that only adults will understand. I didn't notice any cartoon boom, but I don't watch many TV shows. But if people want to watch cartoons, just let them watch.
ReplyDeleteI personally do not watch cartoons, because I do not have time. But I think it may be interesting, because cartoons are usually intended for children. Sometimes I turn on a fragment, but I don't have the habit of watching entire series.
ReplyDeleteI think it's an interesting idea. Detached from everyday duties and a moment to laugh or relax. I like this form.
I think they like cartoons. I have friends who watch such things and sometimes tell me fragments. It seems to be very funny. I think I will watch one of them at the free time.
I haven't been watching any adult cartoon series. Honestly, this topic doesn’t interest me at all. I have never wondered about their deeper message too. I have no idea what a cartoon boom looks like, I don't even notice that any of my friends would particularly pay attention to this. Unfortunately, I have really little to say in this topic.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I’ve never seen BoJack Horseman but after reading your article I really want to see it!
ReplyDeleteI used to watch Rick and Morty and it was a great fun. It often shows serious problems behind the curtain of silly jokes. I really liked this series.
I guess that cartoons will become more and more popular ever year. Just take a look at such successful companies as Netflix. This service is extremely popular around the world.
1. Have You been watching any adult cartoon series?
ReplyDeleteYes I've watched Rick and Morty, Futurama as an example.
2. What do You think about cartoons which are trying to be something more than just a simple comedy show?
It's great that one can create something which is more accurate for grown-up recipient. The jokes are more accurate, dialogs, I think it's cool.
3. What do You think about modern cartoon's boom and where do You think it's going?
I think more and more will come up, I like watching cartoons since childhood, it's nice mix of popculture and comedy (or fantasy). My last one Love Death and Robots was so cool, I really enjoy it and recommend it to every fan of this genre
Not much but I used to watch Futurama few years ago and lately I've watched Disenchantment which I also enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI support it. I think it's really good and creative way to present a view about some matter which is often different from ours. Cartoon is very flexible medium and I like when it's used in such manner.
To be honest I don't feel any cartoon boom and I think they are quite popular for few years already but I think it's ok. It's better to spend money on well done cartoons than half-baked CGI in most of modern movies.
1. Yes, Rick and Morty, Futurama, Bojack horseman, Disenchanted and probably a few more. Bojack wasn’t my favourite, I never finished the series. My number one still stands with Rick and Morty, love humour combined with some deep topics.
ReplyDelete2. Love the idea. As cartoons some problems can be shown in a different light on different examples. I believe all of them have some kind of deeper meaning to them. They want to give a message or just show how to deal or not deal with different situations we face in life. Comedy gives this easier to understand and sometimes can conceal it too much.
3. They are trying to target older audience with more adult topics to cover with even more bizarre humour that many of us like.
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ReplyDelete1.Of course: Family Guy, American Dad, South Park, Futurama and others but I most like American Dad and Roger (alien who lives in the attic)
ReplyDelete2.Cartoons comment on reality, they often show problems in a rather funny way all the time, however, giving us food for thought. Even cartoons for children try to move smaller or bigger problems. It's definitely not just about laughing.
3. It seems to me that cartoons have always been popular. Today we have more access to them because of the internet, you can watch every cartoon on the internet. We watch cartoons by the fact that political, social and everyday problems are discussed in cartoons. Often also uncomfortable topics that are avoided by the media.
The last time i watched a cartoon was probably in middle school. Not because I don't like them but tv shows are just more appealing to me. I never actually watched adult cartoons. But I believe that an animated story can be as good as a movie. They can have captivating stories, interesting characters, good dialogs or raises important social issues. However I didn't even know that there is a modern cartoon boom so obviously I don't have any opinion on where it is going. I am actually a bit surprised that they are still popular.
ReplyDelete1. Have You been watching any adult cartoon series?
ReplyDeleteYes I did. I used to watch Futurama, Family Guy and Rick and Morty, other then that I enjoy watching anime from time to time, which I think in theory could also fall into that category.
2. What do You think about cartoons which are trying to be something more than just a simple comedy show?
I think its great, I prefer this type of cartoons. Until now I actually thought BoJack was just another silly comedy, but after watching the video you linked I definitely need to give it a try.
3. What do You think about modern cartoon's boom and where do You think it's going?
I think its great that adult cartoons are more and more common. Hard to say what the trend will be, but I feel like it will keep on growing.
Oh yeah! I’m huge fan of Rick and Morty, I’ve watched all of episodes three or four times :D I also know South Park, Futurama, Simpsons and much more. They try to be not just a simple comedy show, but a full-fledged series with characters like real people showing social problems. They seems to become more and more popular and I hope there will be some new series like this. AND remember that new season of Rick and Morty will be this fall :D
ReplyDeleteFor me cartoons are simply a mean of expression, so if authors have anything meaningful to say I will most likely enjoy it. Of course there can be more to it, usage of cartoon style give so much more in terms of character and world creation, its super flexible and is only restricted by our imagination.
ReplyDeleteI have watched man cartoon series in my life, but I think it all started from reading comic books, then watching anime's and Japanese animated movies (I'm huge fun of Studio Ghibli collection) and now there is so much to pick from that I wont even start to point them out :)
Quite frankly I'm happy that cartoons are being more broadly accepted form of expression, keep up good work :)
I am not that much of a cartoon watcher. I never actually enjoyed watching those american cartoons to be honest. When I was a child I used to watch 'Swiat wedlug Ludwiczka' cartoon on a Fox Kids channel and I loved this show very much, but this one was for children mostly. I prefer anime over cartoons. Actually nobody ever said that cartoons are just for laughs. I like that we can find some deeper meaning in these seemingly simple cartoons. I have no opinion as for the current trend of modern cartoons. I can tell that they're gaining in popularity very fast and I think that this will only continue. It is a good thing I believe and I hope to see some cartoons once I find some freetime.
ReplyDeleteQuestions:
ReplyDelete1. Have You been watching any adult cartoon series?
Yes. Bojack Horseman (my favourite show), Rick and Morty, South Park (classic!) and other ones that I can't really remember right now.
2. What do You think about cartoons which are trying to be something more than just a simple comedy show?
I think most of the cartoons for adults are made to be something more than just a simple comedy show. Also some of them are not even that simple, because some jokes require at least minimum knowledge about popculture and other topics. I think it's great, plain simple comedy is good, but deeper meaning is always preferable :)
3. What do You think about modern cartoon's boom and where do You think it's going?
I can't really tell, I don't think I have enough knowledge in the topic. But I think that recent boom is good, I am always keen to watch some more creative and interesting cartoons.
I have seen "Family Guy", "Happy Tree Friends" and "Futurama", unfortunately it was quite a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that the cartoon as a form of artistic expression, allows you to focus on what the characters say, while at the same time flattening the reading of emotions from the characters' facial expressions. Just as a comic strip is inherently not a good means of expression for movement, cartoons do not convey the emotions of characters through facial expressions.
Questions:
ReplyDelete1. Have You been watching any adult cartoon series?
2. What do You think about cartoons which are trying to be something more than just a simple comedy show?
3. What do You think about modern cartoon's boom and where do You think it's going?
1. Yes, some anime.
2. Why do you say cartoons have to TRY to be anything different just a simple comedy show??? There are plenty serious cartoons out there and many of them are great.
3. The cartoon's boom isn't modern but has a tradition and probably it will have still. Cartoons often can show what movies can't and sometimes there is easier to draw something than to record it on a camera or even make a digital graphics effects.
1. Yes, I am a very big fan of the Simpsons. The series contain really really smart references and criticism of almost everything that is going on. Their ability to create so relatable and yet so comically funny characters. The Simpsons mirrors everyday American life, and sometimes the difficult decisions we have to make in order for our families and success.
ReplyDelete2. Yes, some of them try to do something more, as they often contain lot of references to culture, history and politics. Very often the stories have a meaningful message. They have to have a content, that people can relate to and find entertaining to watch.
3. Yes, I think more cartoons are being created, as there is lot of are to comment upon. Social issues are being addressed in tv shows.
Especially with internet and netflix it's easier to popularize a series quickly.
That's how I used to watch South Park and The Simpsons. Such cartoons are simple and funny, but at the same time they show what the world is like today. For me it's quite an interesting presentation of the world and probably that's why people like to watch this kind of cartoons, especially if the main characters aren't people. After all, we see a lot of people every day.
ReplyDeleteIn the past I was watching some adult cartoons (like The Simphons and South Park) – I really enjoyed them, but they cannot be compared with Polish adult cartoon, Kapitan Bomba,created by Bartosz Walaszek. Although no new episode was released since 2013 (Walaszek has not longer rights to this title) – I can still frequently return to my favourite episode. For many people, Blok Ekipa and Egzorcysta, new cartoons of Bartosz Walaszek are still decent, but cannot supercede Kapitan Bomba. At first glance, this cartoon may appear to be very vulgar and primitive (I would call Blok Ekipa and Egzorcysta "lighter" variotions of Kapitan Bomba). But when you delve into Kapitan Bomba universe, you will quickly appreciate how nicely it referred to the political situation in Poland (back then) and laughed at negative features and attitude of Polish people . It is also a great source of quatations that can be used in various situation (but not in every company :)) I find Blok Ekipa pretty boring recently - maybe because Bartosz is slowly running out of ideas (maybe Bomba, with too many episodes, would have faced the same problem)
ReplyDelete1. Have You been watching any adult cartoon series?
ReplyDeleteYes, I enjoyed South Park and also Rick and Morty series.
They're funny and short enough to watch.
2. What do You think about cartoons which are trying to be something more than just a simple comedy show?
It's a good approach, more deeper than just 'edgy' humour and jokes.
3. What do You think about modern cartoon's boom and where do You think it's going?
Nowadays, it's much easier to make them more popular.
We're generation of memes, so it's normal that more similar movies are coming to our screens.
When I was younger I watched a lot of cartoons, especially Disney’s. It’s safe to say that I was raised on cartoons. Unfortunately, when I was older, my enthusiasm for watching stories died. Of course, I heard about the cartoons for adults, but I never saw all season of any of them. I saw a few episodes of The Simpsons, but I didn’t get into it and I have easily forgotten about it. I wouldn’t mind cartoons, which are trying to be something more than just a simple comedy show, only if provide important content. I don’t support stupid TV shows, even if people love it. For me, watching that kind of series is a waste of time. I’m aware that cartoons for adults are becoming more and more popular, apparently, there’s a need. Who knows, maybe I will give them another chance.
ReplyDeleteYes I did. I'm big fan of Rick and Morty. I also tried to watch Bojack but I didn't like it.
ReplyDeleteI like when cartoon tries to give me some more than just tring to make me lough. I respect such cartoons but there is one condition. Show can't try to be to complicated or intellectual. Keep story simple give audience to think about not trival aspect of cartoon.
I don't know where it is going. I hope it is not accidentally genius. I hope such cartoons will have bigger audience, so there will be more series of every of each.
1. Yes, I have for example: Xavier: Renegade Angel (which is really underrated and it had strong potential), Futurama or Adventure Time.
ReplyDelete2. I really enjoy watching them. They may have moral but it’s presented by funny and interesting way. It’s not tiring or boring so that’s why I’m into them.
3. Modern cartoon are getting lots of attention even though cartoons for adults exist since really long time. For example South Park was premiered in 1997 and still it’s not a pioneer. Today on the top of the game is a portal Netflix and from there we will be see how cartoons are going to change.