Why Rick & Morty Fans Must Watch Dan Harmon’s New Greek Mythology Show

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As a keen movie critic, I must say that, despite their distinct differences, both Dan Harmon’s creations, notably “Krapopolis” and the renowned “Rick and Morty,” merit your undivided attention. With the upcoming premiere of “Rick and Morty” season 8, there’s no denying the significant cultural impact that this sci-fi comedy series has made.

Originating as a critical darling on Adult Swim, “Rick and Morty” transformed into a cult hit, then a mainstream success story, eventually reaching massive popularity to secure renewals all the way through to a tenth season. Even facing the departure of its former star, Justin Roiland, following battery charges, the series has persevered, demonstrating an enduring appeal and resilience.

Remarkably, the final episode of season 7 for “Rick and Morty” was one of its most critically acclaimed episodes to date. The series maintains its momentum, demonstrating that Dan Harmon’s past difficulties in securing funding and the turbulent history of his NBC sitcom “Community” are now behind him. However, there is another animated family comedy series with genre elements created by Harmon that some “Rick and Morty” viewers might not be aware of, and it has successfully completed two seasons.

Krapopolis Is Dan Harmon’s Second Animated Family Sitcom

Krapopolis Transports Rick and Morty’s Setup To Ancient Greece

The animated series titled Krapopolis, created by Dan Harmon, is currently airing on FOX. This show focuses on King Tyrannis’ endeavor to build civilization in ancient Greece, but his mother, the goddess Deliria, father the Minotaur Shlub, and half-sister Stupendous create numerous obstacles as they navigate their unconventional family of gods, demigods, mythical creatures, monsters, and humans trying to coexist. Unlike Rick and Morty, Krapopolis lacks sci-fi elements, but it compensates with the chaos found in its family dynamics and incorporates tropes from sword and sorcery fantasy and historical epics instead.

In the animated series, Krapopolis, we find a unique blend of gods, monsters, and humans living together under one chaotic roof, steering clear of the buddy comedy formula often seen in shows like Rick & Morty. The character Tyrannis exhibits cunning similar to Morty but falls short of being as powerful as Rick. With numerous zany deities populating the series, Krapopolis offers a fresh supply of myths to delve into. By merging real-life Greek mythology with comedic ingenuity, this show mirrors the anarchic humor of early Rick and Morty episodes but sets it in a prehistoric era.

Instead of the eccentric and character-centric structure of “Rick and Morty”, “Krapopolis” follows a more traditional family sitcom format, distributing attention among its diverse cast. The series primarily revolves around members of the family, particularly Hippocampus, an inventive Atlantean played by Duncan Trussell. Unlike the political intrigue and machinations seen in “Game of Thrones”, power struggles are a significant aspect of life in “Krapopolis”. However, those anticipating complex betrayals and underhanded schemes should brace for farcical, outlandish storylines that share a similar unpredictable tone with “Rick and Morty”.

Krapopolis’s Dysfunctional Family Outdoes Rick & Morty’s Smiths

The Ancient World Setting Makes Krapopolis’s Fantasy Satire Sing

In contrast to the series Rick and Morty, which features a protagonist who often leads his family into absurd situations, the show Krapopolis presents a central family that finds itself in equally ridiculous predicaments. Unlike the adventures of Rick and Morty, which are primarily driven by Rick’s actions or inventions, the chaos in Krapopolis stems from its diverse cast of demigods, mythical creatures, and aquatic beings. In Krapopolis, everyone seems to be focused on their own interests, unlike the Smith family whose wild escapades are facilitated by Rick’s technology or his elaborate schemes.

In the fictional city named Krapopolis, it’s often observed that the Smith family might prefer a tranquil life, but Rick consistently disrupts this peace. On the other hand, the characters from Krapopolis are usually responsible for stirring up most of the chaos in their city. As for Tyrannis, he aspires to establish civilization, yet he doesn’t hesitate to put his own wishes before the welfare of the citizens. Deliria’s antics align with her name, always concocting outlandish schemes. Lastly, Shlub is a perpetual instigator of mayhem, not only within the family but also in the city, as well.

Krapopolis Mixes Mythology History and Satire In Its Comedy

The FOX Series Boasts An All-Star Cast

The acclaimed Matt Berry lends his voice to Shlub in Krapopolis, ensuring a voice cast that rivals that of Rick and Morty. Yet, the spotlight also falls on Hannah Waddingham, who impressively matches Berry’s performance as Deliria. Not to be overlooked is Richard Ayoade’s Tyrannis, who manages the challenging role of the straight man amidst these humorous historical characters. Ayoade’s side-splitting deadpan delivery, honed over decades in iconic British comedy roles, makes his performance stand out.

Given that season 2 of Krapopolis introduced numerous new demigods and monsters to its roster, it’s no surprise that its supporting characters hold their own against the stellar cast of Rick and Morty. Notable additions include James Admonian, a comedic legend, portraying both Pan, ruler of the Wild, and Chronos, master of Time. Additionally, Keith David, known for his role as President in Rick and Morty, takes on the character Asskill, the leader of a barbarian tribe.

In addition to the aforementioned stars such as Kevin Michael Richardson, Cedric Yarbrough, Paget Brewster, Alison Brie, Stephanie Beatriz, Jane Lynch, Dove Cameron, Steve Buscemi, D’Arcy Carden, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Auli’i Cravalho, and Daveed Diggs making cameos, the series also features Chris Parnell from Rick and Morty in a role as Ares, the god of War. Meanwhile, Community’s Jim Rash is seen playing Dionysus, the god of Wine and Parties.

Krapopolis’s Renewal Ensures Harmon’s Latest Series Will Last

Krapopolis Shares Rick and Morty’s Longevity

Krapopolis, unlike Community, won’t have to worry about repeated cancellations due to its confirmed 5-season run. For fans of Dan Harmon’s work who were disheartened by the rollercoaster ride of Community’s on/off broadcasting, this is a significant relief. According to Deadline, Krapopolis was already renewed for season 5 in May 2025, despite the fact that season 3 won’t air until later in the same year. This indicates that FOX has high hopes for the Ancient Greek satire and starry family sitcom, ensuring its continued presence on our screens for quite some time to come. This is fantastic news for anyone who hasn’t yet had a chance to catch up.

For fans of witty, subversive humor who appreciate shows like “Rick and Morty” and Dan Harmon’s earlier sitcoms, “Krapopolis” is a must-watch on network TV. With many modern animated comedies struggling to maintain long runs compared to established series such as “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy”, it’s refreshing to see a show like “Krapopolis” securing a lasting presence on network TV, while “Rick and Morty” continues to strengthen Harmon’s legacy in adult animation.

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2025-05-25 15:11