It has long been thought that cartoons are for kids. In recent years, there have been a plethora of programs that have proven that antiquated notion false. These are cartoons that have dirty jokes, harsh language, and what programmers like to refer to as adult situations. That means sex. These are 7 animated shows that push the limits of what cartoons are supposed to be, but most importantly, they are funny as hell.
Archer is the latest cartoon to be made that is definitely not fit for Saturday mornings. Sterling Archer is the titular character, a dimwit James Bond type spy who uses his sex appeal to sort of solve cases. I say sort of because his agency is so dysfunctional that they are usually too busy fighting or screwing each other to get any real work done. The first season has been a strong one for Archer, so expect to see this FX original series get more publicity next year.
Aqua Teen Hunger Force is the ultimate irreverent comedy. The 15 minute episodes revolve around a talking milkshake, meatball, and container of fries having misadventures involving the Mooninites, aliens that resemble the old Space Invaders video game, and annoying their next door neighbor Carl. There is no rhyme or reason to their adventures, but for some reason it is impossible to stop watching.
South Park was one of the first well known cartoons that was aimed at an adult audience. Hidden behind multiple fart jokes and other juvenile humor is some real social commentary. That is not what makes South Park a cartoon for adults, although it does help. South Park was quite possibly the first cartoon to imply that a main character’s mother was a crack whore, had a womanizing cafeteria chef, and say the word shit 162 times in a single episode. That is pioneer status right there.
Family Guy mixes irreverent comedy with what can only be described as wacky situations. The Griffin family isn’t afraid to use some salty language, their neighbor Glen Quagmire will hump anything with a skirt, and nobody, whether they are paralyzed or mentally handicapped, is safe from ridicule. Family Guy has raised complaints throughout it’s existence, most recently with a portrayal of a girl with down syndrome and a reference to the Sarah Palin family. There are no signs of Family Guy getting tamer, despite complaints, and for that we are grateful.
Robot Chicken is more of a claymation show, but it focuses on the cartoons of the eighties so it gets a place on the list. It is impossible not to enjoy a show that pokes fun at all the cartoons we enjoyed when we were kids. Skits involving insanely murderous Strawberry Shortcake dolls and angry Smurfs are always entertaining.
Futurama is a cartoon by Simpsons creator Matt Groening. It definitely has his style of somewhat depressing comedy, focusing on a guy who had a terrible life being frozen until the year 3000, where he makes new friends but is still somewhat of a misfit. Futurama is definitely a bit edgier than The Simpsons and has a devoted fan following. When Futurama was cancelled, fans of the series petitioned to bring the series back. That’s devotion.
The Simpsons paved the way for cartoons geared towards adults. While The Simpsons was animated, something usually reserved for children’s shows, the jokes and darker humor were most definitely aimed at an older audience. That is why The Simpsons has become the longest running animated prime time sitcom in the history of television. All the other cartoons on this list can thank The Simpsons for paving the way for them, back when being edgy was telling a principal to eat your shorts.
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