Whether you're in it for the laughs or love digging into deeper themes and references, there's something in the world of adult cartoons that's bound to capture your interest and keep you entertained.
T V streaming services make it even easier to enjoy these shows. With a vast selection to choose from, you can easily find your favorite animations or uncover new gems to stream at your convenience, no matter where you are.
Using my experience as a TV critic, I've identified 10 of the best adult cartoons that are available for you to start streaming tonight. These selections stand out for their engaging stories, humor, and the clever way they address deeper issues.
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1. The Simpsons
- Genre - Comedy
- Air date - December 17, 1989
- Seasons and episodes - 35 seasons (762 episodes)
- IMDB rating - 8.7/10
"The Simpsons" is set in the made-up town of Springfield and follows the Simpson family as they grapple with everyday issues. Lisa wants people to recognize her smarts. Bart constantly gets in trouble. Marge and Homer work to keep their budget in check, while Homer has all sorts of adventures and even goes into space.
The show cleverly mocks aspects of modern American life, including pop culture and social issues, yet keeps its humor suitable for a PG-13 audience. The adult jokes fly over most kids' heads—at least they did for me—but the characters' over-the-top antics still catch the attention of younger viewers.
Where to stream: The entire series is available on Disney+, alongside some of the best adult shows to watch right now.
2. Bob's Burgers
- Genre - Comedy
- Air date - January 9, 2011
- Seasons and episodes - 14 seasons (271 episodes)
- IMDB rating - 8.2/10
I'd recommend "Bob's Burgers" to anyone who appreciates a mix of absurd and heartwarming humor. Both kids and adults can enjoy the show's jokes since most younger viewers will miss the more mature quips. The series chronicles Bob Belcher and his family as they manage a burger joint in a seaside town.
With its quick-witted humor and hidden jokes, such as the creatively named burger of the day, "Bob's Burgers" has embraced increasingly zany comedy over time, including musical episodes and holiday specials.
Where to stream: You can watch "Bob's Burgers" on Hulu and "The Bob's Burgers Movie" on fuboTV.
3. Rick and Morty
- Genre - Adventure comedy
- Air date - December 2, 2013
- Seasons and episodes - 7 seasons (74 episodes)
- IMDB rating - 9.1/10
"Rick and Morty" is truly unlike any other show on TV. But this adult cartoon is not for children, so don't let any of your little ones watch it! It stands out for its unique blend of science fiction and comedy. Rick, a genius scientist with a penchant for alcohol, drags his shy grandson, Morty, along for wild adventures across the universe.
Back on Earth, Morty's family, including his dysfunctional parents and his sister, Summer, add to the mix of chaos and humor. The animation stands out, with each episode introducing imaginative landscapes and creatures, often using these fantastical elements to satirize our world.
Where to stream: "Rick and Morty" is available to stream on Max and Hulu.
4. BoJack Horseman
- Genre - Comedy drama
- Air date - August 22, 2014
- Seasons and episodes - 6 seasons (77 episodes)
- IMDB rating - 8.8/10
"BoJack Horseman" is another series not meant for little ones. It centers on BoJack Horseman, a horse and former star of a cheesy 80s sitcom, who now grapples with addiction and depression as he tries to find his place in Hollywood.
Humans and animals coexist in this world, adding a unique twist to its storytelling. "BoJack Horseman" takes a satirical look at various aspects of Hollywood life, from the challenges faced by child actors to the dynamics of showbiz relationships.
Unlike some of the other shows on this list, "BoJack Horseman" is dark—there are no fun intergalactic adventures to distract from BoJack's despair. Critics have also praised the series for its authentic portrayal of depression. Not a single character is one-dimensional; their emotions are very human, regardless of their species.
Where to stream: "BoJack Horseman" is available on Netflix.
» Need more options? Try these Netflix alternatives.
5. King of the Hill
- Genre - Comedy drama
- Air date - January 12, 1997
- Seasons and episodes - 13 seasons (258 episodes)
- IMDB rating - 7.5/10
Probably one of the most underrated adult cartoons, "King of the Hill" satirizes Texan and conservative life. The show tracks Hank Hill, a middle-aged propane salesman living in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, with his feisty wife, Peggy, and his son, Bobby, an aspiring comedian.
Most episodes revolve around Hank being embarrassed by either something he has to do or that his family does. The show's humor often comes from the clash between the characters' conservative views and the world around them.
What makes the series work so well is Hank himself. Unlike other animated comedies where the father is somewhat clueless, Hank is a decent guy. He sincerely wants to do right by his family, even if he doesn't always understand them.
Where to stream: You can watch "King of the Hill" on Hulu, Sling TV, and fuboTV.
6. Futurama
- Genre - Adventure comedy
- Air date - March 28, 1999
- Seasons and episodes - 11 seasons (180 episodes)
- IMDB rating - 8.5/10
"Futurama" has seen a few revivals. Yet every time it reboots, it remains as sharp and funny as when it premiered. The plot revolves around Fry, a pizza delivery guy from the 20th century who finds himself in the future.
His circle includes Bender, a sassy robot, and Leela, his one-eyed mutant boss. The show's humor often explores futuristic concepts, like a theme park on the moon, a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, and robots starring in soap operas. "Futurama" also delivers deeply emotional moments, such as the story of Fry's dog and the evolving relationship between Fry and Leela.
Where to stream: "Futurama" is available for streaming on Hulu, fuboTV, and Sling TV.
7. Aggretsuko
- Genre - Comedy
- Air date - April 20, 2018
- Seasons and episodes - 5 seasons (51 episodes)
- IMDB rating - 8/10
"Aggretsuko," a somewhat hidden gem among Netflix's anime offerings, cleverly dives into the everyday challenges of adult life. Set in Japan in a world with anthropomorphic animals, the series depicts Retsuko, a polite accountant. She deals with the frustrations of working for an inept boss (who is a literal pig) by singing death metal at karaoke.
The contrast between Retsuko's gentle demeanor and her intense musical outbursts adds a unique twist of humor, yet it's the ordinary aspects of her life that truly resonate. From repetitive yoga classes to awkward dates and social media pressure, Retsuko's experiences mirror ours.
Where to stream: You can stream "Aggretsuko" on Netflix.
» Find out where to watch anime on streaming services.
8. Harley Quinn
- Genre - Action-adventure
- Air date - November 29, 2019
- Seasons and episodes - 4 seasons (48 episodes)
- IMDB rating - 8.4/10
A welcome addition to the DC canon, "Harley Quinn" follows the titular DC villain as she breaks up with the Joker and tries to make a name for herself. She puts together her own team of villainous characters to show she can be just as evil as the Joker. Her team includes King Shark, Clayface, Doctor Psycho, and Poison Ivy.
Unlike other DC fare, "Harley Quinn" is far more wackadoodle. Batman blows up a smoothie shop after an employee mocks him, and Jim Gordon is an incompetent drunk. So this one is definitely not for the kiddos.
Part of what makes the series so popular is the voice cast, which includes Alan Tudyk, Kaley Cuoco, Tony Hale, Lake Bell, and Christopher Meloni. "Harley Quinn" also won the Critics Choice Award for Best Animated Series in 2023 and is nominated again this year.
Where to stream: Harley Quinn is available on Max and Amazon Prime.
9. South Park
- Genre - Comedy
- Air date - August 13, 1997
- Seasons and episodes - 26 seasons (330 episodes)
- IMDB rating - 8.7/10
What's remarkable about "South Park" isn't just that it's been on since 1997, but that it's remained consistently good over the years. Initially, the show's bold humor—including the foul-mouthed children and the recurring death of Kenny—drew attention.
But as the series continues, it brilliantly tackles aspects of our current society, like gentrification. Since the animation only takes five days to produce, the show's creators target current events quickly, which few others can do.
Interestingly, as the creators have grown up, there's been a shift toward the adult characters, particularly Randy. Fans who grew up with "South Park" find this change relatable, as they now see more of themselves in Randy than in the boys.
Where to stream: If you want to catch up or revisit the series, you can stream "South Park" on Philo and Sling TV.
10. Big Mouth
- Genre - Romantic comedy
- Air date - September 29, 2017
- Seasons and episodes - 7 seasons (72 episodes)
- IMDB rating - 7.8/10
Despite being about the pains of puberty, "Big Mouth" is not for adolescents. It's meant for those of us who already experienced puberty's ups and downs and can now laugh about it.
The show features a group of tweens dealing with the complexities of growing up. Each one gets a "hormone monster" who embodies their new desires and emotions. As the series goes on, the monsters keep piling on. Each represents a different feeling, like the shame wizard and depression kitty. It's like a twisted version of "Inside Out."
Although the series has some crude humor, "Big Mouth" delves into actual situations kids struggle with, like divorced parents, cruel families, racism, and body issues. The series' creators (including Nick Kroll) pulled from their childhood experiences, which may be why "Big Mouth" feels so relatable. As the kids grow up, so do their concerns, mimicking actual adolescence.
Where to stream: You can stream "Big Mouth" on Netflix.
Good News, Everyone!
Since "The Simpsons" first aired in 1989, it's paved the way for various adult cartoons that have become quite popular. This show and others like "King of the Hill" and "BoJack Horseman" tackle more mature themes such as depression and addiction with a unique mix of humor and depth.
And with more TV streaming platforms, like STARZ, SHOWTIME, and Paramount+, it's easier than ever to access these shows. Now, you can enjoy various stories that blend humor, creativity, and meaningful storytelling.
» Learn how to embrace streaming and move beyond traditional cable TV.
