Two former classmates uncover a sinister conspiracy to destroy a mushroom that can cure all the world's diseases.Two former classmates uncover a sinister conspiracy to destroy a mushroom that can cure all the world's diseases.Two former classmates uncover a sinister conspiracy to destroy a mushroom that can cure all the world's diseases.
- Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
- 5 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'Common Side Effects' is a groundbreaking animated series praised for its dark humor, sharp social commentary, and surreal visuals. The show critiques corporate greed and the pharmaceutical industry, provoking deep reflection. Unique animation style and exceptional voice acting are highlighted. However, some note pacing issues and a meandering story. Mixed opinions exist on animation quality, with some finding it crude. Despite critiques, most reviewers highly recommend the show for its originality and engaging content.
Featured reviews
This serie only gets better and better after every episode!! Really excited to see what will happen next. For mi it could be the best adult swim serie in the year. The pacing, soundtrack, the characters... Everything is just perfect. I love the originality of this show man. And the animation is just beautifull. Every scene has a lot of detail and you can see the effort that has put into this show. I love how the characters are made and how after every plot, at the next moment they surprise you with another plot twist. It's just one of my favorite adult swim series and its just starting. Very excited to see what is coming next.
Had no idea about this show so went in totally blind. Seeing Mike Judge attached as the producer gave me high hopes and it does not disappoint. The animation style is really different and took a couple episodes to get used to but I love it now and it suits the tone of the show perfectly. The voice acting is great and the storyline of a guy being hunted down by big pharma for finding a cure all mushroom in the wild is refreshing and not something that has ever been done, especially when it comes to animation. I really hope that Adult Swim continues with this series and stick with the same writers etc. Because they really got a good one here. I give season 1 a solid 10/10 me and my partner both love it, it's really entertaining and the 22-25 minute episode run-times are perfect. Give it a watch, I'd definitely recommend it if you enjoy mature animation. It's also pretty funny at times and the intro is awesome.
It is very good, the animation seems to drop to some really low frame rates, but if you're used to animation/anime then there is nothing to say about that. The art style is just that, like Matt groening /Seth mcfarlane unique. Exposition is pushed in a very natural way, for example we learn about Cusco when the DEA/Francis are researching Cusco. The CEO Rick is voice by Mike Judge (beavis and butthead, Idiocarcy) is always playing a game on his phone never looking at anyone, The DEA duo obviously has a lesbian and I have only seen 2 episodes. I will change my review if they turn into a game of thrones/walking dead because a series is a whole not a collection of episodes you like.
10wfgle
Common Side Effects feels like the next great high-concept adult animation. The first two episodes blend dark humor, sharp social commentary, and surreal visuals in a way that's thought-provoking and inspiring. The story hits on corporate greed, the pharma industry, and human curiosity-but does so in a way that's weird and unpredictable. The writing is clever, the animation is unique, and the voice acting is spot-on. It's the kind of show that sticks with you after watching, leaving you excited for what's next. If the rest of the season keeps this pace, it'll be one of Adult Swim's GOAT shows for sure.
10calahao
This series strikes just the right nerve with me. It portrays two people with an all cure drug fighting against Big Pharma, which in the precise moment this was released it is extremely topical and warranted.
The animation is alright, but it really spikes up during psychadelic scenes, in some ways reminescent of Scavengers Reign. The character designs are a bit of a mixed feeling: most characters have rather large heads that make them look like adult babies. Ah well.
The humor is usually pretty subdued, which is great as it allows for comedic moments to hit harder. The characters are just the right mixture of likeable and self-centered.
A strong recommendation.
The animation is alright, but it really spikes up during psychadelic scenes, in some ways reminescent of Scavengers Reign. The character designs are a bit of a mixed feeling: most characters have rather large heads that make them look like adult babies. Ah well.
The humor is usually pretty subdued, which is great as it allows for comedic moments to hit harder. The characters are just the right mixture of likeable and self-centered.
A strong recommendation.
IMDb Staff's Favorite Series of 2025
IMDb Staff's Favorite Series of 2025
The staff at IMDb is celebrating the end of a great year of TV with a look back at our favorites from 2025.
Did you know
- TriviaMarshall - one of the main characters - is loosely based on a real life mycologist Paul Stamets, who also wears a similar hat entirely made out of mushroom.
- ConnectionsFeatured in WatchMojo: Top 10 TV Shows of 2025 So Far (2025)
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