10 Adult Animated Sitcoms Better Than The Simpsons

by

The Simpsons is a hugely popular and important animated show for adults. It’s also the longest-running American sitcom, with nearly 800 episodes! However, despite still being a familiar presence on television and a significant part of our culture, many viewers feel the show isn’t as good as it used to be and that other animated series now offer better entertainment.

Maintaining consistent quality for over three decades is incredibly difficult, so it’s understandable that The Simpsons isn’t as consistently strong as it once was. As a result, many adult animation fans have found other shows to enjoy, and some of these newer series have received a lot of positive attention and critical praise – even being considered by some to be better than The Simpsons.

I remember everyone talking about how Family Guy almost didn’t make it! But it quickly found its own voice, becoming way different – and funnier – than anything else Seth MacFarlane was doing. And honestly, a huge part of why the show became so popular is Roger the alien. He’s seriously one of the funniest characters on television, in my opinion.

Roger is a truly unpredictable character, meaning anything can happen when he’s involved. His ability to play any role creates opportunities for funny and surprising stories, especially when combined with other episodes.

I’ve always loved how Bob’s Burgers handles its stories. While they sometimes give individual characters their own adventures, the show truly shines when it’s all about the Belcher family. Bob and Linda have such a wonderful relationship, and the kids are constantly getting into trouble – it’s perfect! The show really knows how to keep the focus on them, and honestly, even when they pair characters up in unexpected ways, it always leads to some of the funniest episodes.

Bob’s Burgers is an animated comedy that stands out because it builds a consistent world, which is different from many other shows for adults. A great example of the show’s clever writing is the sidewalk crack, which appeared in episodes long before the Bob’s Burgers movie. With plenty of running jokes and a lot of genuine emotion, Bob’s Burgers is definitely one of the best.

As a big animation fan, I remember when Family Guy first came out – it really had a tough time! It was constantly being compared to The Simpsons and the ratings weren’t great, leading to a few near-cancellations. But the creators kept tweaking things, and eventually, they hit on a formula that worked. I think a big part of that was really leaning into Stewie Griffin – they developed him into this hilariously evil, yet brilliant, character, and he totally became the show’s star. He really put Family Guy on the map!

Family Guy is known for its recurring jokes, references only fans will get, and humor that often acknowledges itself as a TV show. This style isn’t for everyone, but it’s what sets it apart. The show fearlessly satirizes all sorts of topics, and many viewers appreciate its often dark and edgy comedy.

The show completely reinvented the sci-fi formula. By portraying one of the world’s smartest scientists as a flawed, self-absorbed alcoholic, the creators opened up endless possibilities. And teaming him with his unassuming grandson, Morty, was a stroke of genius – their differences create hilarious situations.

I absolutely love Rick and Morty – it’s so much more than just crazy adventures! Yes, the worlds they visit are incredible, but what really gets to me are the surprisingly heartfelt moments, especially when they focus on Rick and his family. It’s a show that really respects its audience too; you’re rewarded for paying attention because everything connects. And honestly, it’s perfect if you love to come up with theories and dive deep into a show’s details – I can spend hours doing that with this one!

It’s hard to imagine another show quite like BoJack Horseman. It successfully blended comedy and drama, offering both laugh-out-loud moments and genuinely moving emotional depth. No one really anticipated that a show centered around a depressed, alcoholic horse could be so funny and so profound, but BoJack Horseman managed to deliver on both fronts, and then some.

I remember when BoJack Horseman first came out – it didn’t exactly set the world on fire with the critics. But wow, did that change. As the show went on, it really dug deep, using its often hilarious exterior to tackle incredibly tough stuff like depression, past trauma, and addiction. It quickly became clear we were watching something truly special, a real masterpiece. There’s honestly nothing else quite like BoJack Horseman, and it continues to be one of the…

It’s clear that South Park has had a huge influence on both television and popular culture. Even now, new episodes often become viral sensations almost immediately, using dark humor to offer insightful and often critical commentary on current events. People frequently anticipate the show’s take on major news stories, and with good reason.

Even after nearly thirty seasons, South Park remains incredibly funny and relevant. While the show is known for its consistently hilarious stories and running jokes, it’s its ability to cleverly parody current events that truly keeps viewers engaged. South Park hilariously reflects society, and shows no signs of losing its witty observations or dark, satirical humor.

Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, also created Futurama. While his previous success should have helped the show, it actually led to a lot of comparisons. Despite sharing a similar comedic style with The Simpsons, Futurama quickly established its own unique identity, starting with the very first episode.

Many fans consider Futurama to be the superior show. The series was remarkably well-planned, even including a long-running secret that wasn’t revealed for several seasons. Despite multiple cancellations, Futurama consistently returns stronger than ever.

The Great North is a surprisingly funny and sweet animated sitcom. It follows a dad and his kids living in a made-up town in Alaska. While the show has plenty of hilarious moments, it’s really about the loving bond between family members.

Unlike some adult animated comedies that rely on shock value or complex jokes, The Great North is a warm and inviting show that’s simply fun to watch. It’s got a lovely setting and funny characters, making it a heartwarming family sitcom in the same vein as Bob’s Burgers or Modern Family.

Often described as a hilarious send-up of Jonny Quest and other classic cartoons, The Venture Bros. is widely considered one of the greatest adult animated sitcoms ever made. Originally conceived as a show ‘about failure,’ it has evolved into something much richer, offering a unique blend of adventure, heart, and humor that distinguishes it from other shows of its kind.

With a struggling scientist, his two clueless sons, an overly-macho bodyguard, and a villain who’s also a butterfly, The Venture Bros. boasts a wonderfully weird cast of characters. The show is surprisingly both over-the-top and realistic, featuring well-developed personalities and a ton of funny, recurring jokes and references, making it one of the best animated comedies around.

It’s rare for a show to blend action-packed spy thrills with laugh-out-loud comedy, but Archer does it seamlessly. The series began as a parody and a funny workplace comedy, but it evolved over time into a more traditional animated sitcom with standalone episodes and increasingly wild plots.

Even after changing its format, Archer remained consistently funny, with lines that viewers loved to quote. The show’s humor came from its many pop culture references and its tendency to comment on itself. Because it was set in the world of spy thrillers, Archer could also playfully poke fun at the conventions of that genre. Over time, the show built up a lot of inside jokes and recurring gags that were especially appreciated by its most dedicated fans.

Read More

2025-11-27 05:38