Follows former high school lab mates Marshall and Frances as they unravel a conspiracy involving big pharma and the government to suppress knowledge of a rare fungus secret that may contain ... Read allFollows former high school lab mates Marshall and Frances as they unravel a conspiracy involving big pharma and the government to suppress knowledge of a rare fungus secret that may contain the solution to cure all world's diseases.Follows former high school lab mates Marshall and Frances as they unravel a conspiracy involving big pharma and the government to suppress knowledge of a rare fungus secret that may contain the solution to cure all world's diseases.
- Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
- 3 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
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.
It's baffling how this animated series hasn't received the attention it truly deserves. With its unique storytelling, stunning animation, and well-developed characters, it stands out in an industry saturated with formulaic content.
The world-building is immersive, pulling viewers into a universe that feels alive and thoughtfully crafted. Each episode balances emotion, action, and humor seamlessly, keeping you invested from start to finish. Unlike many mainstream shows, this one takes creative risks, offering a refreshing break from the predictable tropes we've come to expect.
The voice acting is top-notch, perfectly bringing each character to life. The animation quality is exceptional, with every frame showcasing a level of detail and artistry that reflects the passion behind the project. The writing is intelligent and layered, rewarding attentive viewers with clever nuances and deeper themes.
It's a shame that this series hasn't reached a wider audience yet, but hopefully, more people will discover it in time. If you're looking for something truly special, give this a watch-you won't regret it.
The world-building is immersive, pulling viewers into a universe that feels alive and thoughtfully crafted. Each episode balances emotion, action, and humor seamlessly, keeping you invested from start to finish. Unlike many mainstream shows, this one takes creative risks, offering a refreshing break from the predictable tropes we've come to expect.
The voice acting is top-notch, perfectly bringing each character to life. The animation quality is exceptional, with every frame showcasing a level of detail and artistry that reflects the passion behind the project. The writing is intelligent and layered, rewarding attentive viewers with clever nuances and deeper themes.
It's a shame that this series hasn't reached a wider audience yet, but hopefully, more people will discover it in time. If you're looking for something truly special, give this a watch-you won't regret it.
This show is outstanding. The fact that an adult swim animated series is this well written and executed is fairly surprising, The last show they had that was at this level was The Venture Bros, and this show leans significantly further towards the drama side of the aisle. It's highly impressive how good the storytelling and serialization for a late night animated series. The animation style is offbeat yet visually appealing. The voice acting is top notch and well suited for each character in the series. I cannot wait for new episodes, and I'm fairly confident in their ability to wrap up the season. Go watch this now!!
10xfxkxgv
I'd give it an 11/10 if I could! Common Side Effects is an incredible mix of drama, comedy, and action, and it completely exceeded my expectations. I even made an HBO Max account just to watch it! I saw the first episode on YouTube and was instantly hooked-the writing, art style, acting, and storytelling are all top-tier. The characters feel real, the humor is sharp, and the action keeps you engaged. We need more shows like this, and I really hope it gets a second season. If you haven't watched it yet, you're missing out! Adult swim really hit a home run with this one. I genuinely am praying it gets a season 2.
Every aspect of this show is top-notch. The presentation, cinematography, animation, music, acting, dialogue, and story are all simply amazing. The story has just the right amount of sci-fi elements while still being grounded and believable.
If a mushroom like the one in the show existed in real life, I can definitely see some shady things going down by big pharma and the insurance companies to prevent it from reaching the public. This aspect of the show's storyline is very believable, and it's a scary aspect of modern civilization. I can't wait to see where the story goes next.
This show will definitely go down in the history books as a cult classic!
If a mushroom like the one in the show existed in real life, I can definitely see some shady things going down by big pharma and the insurance companies to prevent it from reaching the public. This aspect of the show's storyline is very believable, and it's a scary aspect of modern civilization. I can't wait to see where the story goes next.
This show will definitely go down in the history books as a cult classic!
Did you know
- TriviaThe pilot was screened at Annecy Festival 2024 and at San Diego Comic Con 2024 (as part of Adult Swim's annual festival event).
- ConnectionsFeatured in WatchMojo: Top 10 TV Shows of 2025 So Far (2025)
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