As we grow up, the content we consume changes and with it, the themes. What begins as an appetite for simple, happy cartoons that teach us about life, like Strawberry Shortcake, Noddy, or Bob the Builder, turns into an eagerness to consume animation that embraces darker themes. Before I introduce my main argument, I would like to clarify that I think the medium of animation – especially 2D animation – is timeless, and the fact that it is not only used for children’s content is incredible. I hope that this trend never dies.
My issue with some adult animation is not the dark themes. There are shows that artistically craft impactful narratives alongside creating memorable characters. Invincible is one such show where it is clear that despite the often uncomfortable themes (akin to shows like The Boys), each episode is written with a deeper meaning, and every scene works to form a bigger, impactful narrative where the tension increases by the minute. Bojack Horseman is a dark comedy that resonates with many people, bringing up a cocktail of emotions that include happy, sad, existential, inspired and more. It’s realistic, with great attention to its characters and setting, showing a clear intention of crafting the show to appeal to the audience’s emotions; that, to me, is what good stories are made of. Shows like this demonstrate that adult themes can be used for compelling storytelling that has you clicking ‘next episode’ without hesitation.
Animated sitcoms have evolved into several categories in the last couple of decades. You’ve got your wacky and dark sci-fi Rick and Morty, which makes you wince just as much as it makes you laugh (if not more than). Aside from the explicit jokes, the grotesque animation – much like Invincible – ensures that no child will have ever seen Rick and Morty. Science fiction isn’t all comedy and gore, however; Futurama is a sitcom that is perhaps quite niche due to its science fiction elements – however this genre allows the creators to write episodes about anything their imaginations can conjure up. However, the fantastical sci-fi elements of the show don’t prevent it from seeking, successfully, to have viewers empathise with its characters, with some of its most loved episodes being the emotional ones, such as when Fry moves the stars for Leela, or when Leela delves into her family’s history. It's these moments which focus on friendship and love that serve to be the most impactful, and which pushes me to hold this series in a higher regard to its cousin, The Simpsons, which shares its creator with Futurama. The Simpsons is a long running American sitcom that is famous for both its prediction of the future and its unique humour. While The Simpsons has its heartwarming moments dotted throughout the seasons, the common consensus is that it peaked within its first decade of being on air. Unfortunately, the plots have become less impactful and inspiring. Moreover, its comedy is often played through the contempt the characters have for each other – take Homer strangling Bart, for example. It also has proved to rely on utilising stereotypes for comedy, such as with the character of Apu.
Other shows that lack a compassionate tone more often than not are South Park and Family Guy. While very successful in their own right, I would hardly be doing my job as a critic if I ignored that most of their humour is built upon anger and conflict between the family and other characters, and on hurtful and explicit punchlines, both in language and themes. They try to outdo their wacky antics episode by episode, culminating in an unrealistic show that comes off as trying too hard.
There is one animation, however, that completely breaks the mould.
Bob’s Burgers is an animation starring the Belcher family. Linda and Bob run a small-scale burger restaurant with their three children: Tina, Gene and Louise. They face financial instability and everyday problems, as the parents work in the restaurant to provide for their family while the children involve themselves in various shenanigans across the series. This creates a relatable, realistic comedy with a low-key but effective sense of humour. Its unpredictable one liners can make you laugh out loud, and everyone can find something to love about the Belchers. Bob and Linda are patient, loving parents who try their best for their children, and there have never been any punchlines that involve insulting or putting anybody down. The series is based around compassion and kindness – everybody in town looks out for the Belcher children, bringing truth to the old adage of ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. Even Mr Fishoeder, the antagonistic landlord, isn’t painted as a character to hate. He’s aggravating, and the Belchers often struggle to pay rent, but there are occasions where his fondness for the Belchers shines through, which further emphasises the show’s focus on compassionate characters.
This animation is the most underrated of those mentioned in this article, providing heartwarming plots where you always find yourself rooting for someone. Each episode feels like a hug, and the Belcher’s love for each other is so tangible, all the way through to the children sharing traits with their parents, like Bob and Tina’s nervous sweats or groaning. There’s even an episode where Tina’s favourite toy horse is stolen from her at a convention, and Bob learns every detail of the toy’s lore to ensure he can get it back from the super fans – even to the extent of being tattooed! They support their children and never try to put them down or take away from what makes them unique, even if they don’t fully understand it, or even disagree: nobody was on board with Gene’s heinous loaded baked potato lasagne that somehow included every ingredient that doesn’t belong in lasagne. However, he brought up his F+ grade in science to a B-, and his parents made a promise!
It’s this love and compassion for each other that allows Bob’s Burgers to carve itself a unique space in the world of adult animation. If you’re ever stuck for something to watch, I implore you to give it a chance. Streaming on Disney+ – hopefully forever – the show will remind you of the importance of a loving environment, and renew your hope in humanity.
