Animation has become a tool to break past the limitations of live action in delivering more mature content in gore, action, and comedy as well as some darker depictions of adult themes. Even on the small screen, there have been plenty of animated series that have proven that animated content can be for adults.

The best animated TV series for adults showcase the format's potential for delivering mature storylines in creative ways, not to mention with unforgettable and often even complex characters that audiences get attached to over time. Viewers looking for must-see adult animated series will be happy to know there's no shortage of excellent shows worth checking out, from award-winning new series to long-running irreverent comedies.

70 'The Boys Presents: Diabolical' (2022)

Image via Prime Video

Taking advantage of the massive popularity that their adult superhero show The Boys had garnered, Prime Video released an animated anthology series taking place in the world of the series right before the release of Season 3. This was Diabolical, comprised of a collection of short stories that expand the universe of The Boys.

Each of the show's episodes has a unique animation style, a fresh sense of humor, and something special to add to this richly intricate world. From the amusing Looney Tunes-like style of "Laser Baby's Day Out" to the game-changing canon prequel that is "One Plus One Equals Two," Diabolical has plenty to offer to all those who enjoyed the original show.

69 'Brickleberry' (2012–2015)

Image via Comedy Central

The Comedy Central slapstick satire Brickleberry is about a group of forest rangers facing the shutdown of their National Park, when a new ranger arrives to help them transform the park and save it. It's a crude, shamelessly vulgar comedy that fans of that kind of humor are sure to find hilarious, full of colorful characters and creative gags.

Far from being provocative just for the sake of it, which many adult animated shows with a similar sense of humor end up doing, Brickleberry most often knows exactly which buttons to push in order to be transgressive, but never obnoxious. Its cancellation after just three seasons broke fans' hearts, but at least they will always have those good old 36 episodes of Brickleberry to look back on.

68 'Digman!' (2023–Present)

Image via Comedy Central

Starring creator Andy Samberg and full of the typical Lonely Island humor that fans expect from any of his projects, Digman! isn't perfect, but it's a criminally underrated adventure show nonetheless. Silly, fast-paced, and reminiscent of many adult animated comedies of the past, it's a perfectly fun time for people looking for a quick show to binge.

The world that the series operates in, where archaeologists are beloved celebrities, serves as the surprisingly solid foundation of a surprisingly good number of surprisingly funny moments and plot points. Goofy, raunchy, and upbeat, it's a must-see for fans of Indiana Jones and other iconic adventure films and shows.

67 'Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist' (1995–2002)

Image via Comedy Central

Comedy Central's Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist is about the titular Dr. Katz struggling with solving the problems of his patients while dealing with the ones in his personal life. Its goal was to repurpose pre-recorded stand-up comedy material, and the way they did it was to base the protagonist's patients on real stand-up stars like Ray Romano, Bob Odenkirk, and Robin Williams.Thanks to its star-studded ensemble of guest voice stars and its clever mixture of fiction and stand-up, Dr. Katz remained one of the most hilarious shows on television throughout its entire run. The crude animation has a distinct charm all of its own, and the stand-up recordings used are guaranteed to get at least a few laughs out of every viewer every episode.

66 'Axe Cop' (2012–2015)

Image via Fox Television

Based on the webcomic of the same name by creators Ethan Nicolle (who was 30 when the show began) and Malachai Nicolle (who was 7 when the show began), Axe Cop is about the adventures of an axe-wielding police officer dedicated to killing the many bad guys he comes across. The fact that the stories are written by Malachai lends the series an air of playful silliness that you can't find anywhere else.

The juxtaposition between the very mature and very high-quality production values (mainly the dynamic animation) and the stories that so very clearly were imagined by a boy who hasn't fully developed a sense of logic yet is an absolute delight. This cult classic is comedy gold, and even though it's not appropriate for kids of the age Malachai was at the time, older viewers are sure to have a blast.

65 'Helluva Boss' (2019–Present)

Image via Spindlehorse Toons

Set in the same universe as creator Vivienne "VivziePop" Medrano's most popular show, Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss was originally released exclusively on Medrano's YouTube channel. Highly acclaimed thanks to its vibrant animation and its edgy sense of humor, it's one of the most underrated adult animation shows currently airing.

Full of memorable characters and character designs, strong queer representation, and iconic voice performances, it's a testament to the inimitable charm of adult animation. The visuals are impressive, and the different storylines are emotionally complex, and even though the jokes don't always land, there's always a hysterical one just around the corner to make up for it.

64 'F Is for Family' (2015–2021)

Image via Netflix

F Is for Family is an animated raunchy comedy series set in the 1970s, which follows the Murphy family's hilarious hijinks. The must-see Netflix original mostly focuses on the struggles of Frank Murphy (voiced by Bill Burr), a gruff yet endearing airport baggage handler, as he deals with the challenges that come with work, family, and life in a tumultuous era.

With its honest and humorous portrayal of the dysfunctions of a typical American family, F Is for Family uses familiar tropes that will appeal to fans of similar adult TV series. Its brutal honesty can come off as abrasive, but fans of that type of humor will definitely enjoy it. While the series doesn't do much to offer anything new in the adult animated space, it sticks with what works and adds a nostalgic '70s feel to help it stand out in the genre.

63 'Aggretsuko' (2018–2023)

Image via Netflix

An unconventional animated series that Netflix was quick to adapt from the original Japanese version, Aggretsuko follows the relatable yet somehow also completely wild character of Retsuko (Erica Mendez). She starts as a seemingly mild-mannered red panda with a mundane office job, but it's soon revealed that she copes with the repetitive daily grind by singing her heart out with death metal karaoke. It's certainly a one-of-a-kind way to deal with workplace sexism and the frustrations that come with late-stage capitalism.

The Netflix original's unique mix of cuteness (kawaii) and the harsh nature of the modern workplace garnered it a large fan base. It offers up an adorable slice-of-life series that soon turns into commentary about the absurdity of the quest for work-life balance. Its unique kawaii style mixed with death metal may not appeal to most, but those who enjoy this unique mix are likely already hooked.

62 'Ugly Americans' (2010–2012)

Image via Comedy Central

Goofy, dryly funny, and sometimes even a bit morbid, Ugly Americans is one of the most underrated animated sitcoms out there. It's about a New York City where every horrifying beast, sci-fi freak, and fantasy creature coexists. In this world, Mark is a social worker going about his daily life. It's far from a perfect show, but it was consistently funny and strangely endearing throughout its run.

Similar to Futurama but a hundred times more grotesque and with a much more twisted sense of humor, Ugly Americans benefits from a setting that's a gold mine for amusing ideas and creative set-ups. Its protagonist is an exquisitely fun everyman, its refreshing animation style is enjoyable, and the side characters all provide for some really entertaining situations.

61 'Gary and His Demons' (2018–2023)

Image via Mondo Media

The hilarious fantasy sitcom Gary and His Demons asks the question of what would happen if the archetypal Chosen One didn't care for the position. Indeed, the titular aging demon slayer has nothing left to lose, and burdened by his "Chosen One" status, he struggles to keep interest in the Earth-saving duty he never asked for and doesn't really want.

Gary and His Demons is one of the most entertaining fantasy shows for fans of adult animation. With fantastic animation, a surprisingly compelling exploration of nihilism and carelessness, and improv-heavy voice acting that gives the show an air of amusing authenticity, it's a criminally underrated gem that a lot more people should definitely check out. There are no details on a long-overdue third season, but fans are anxiously hoping that it'll come sooner rather than later.