Let's be real, the best places to watch adult cartoons are networks and services that don't normally air them. TBS, MTV, FX, IFC, they geared out underrated classics, or at the very least edgy shows that actually gave you something to think about.
So IFC
Say what you will about IFC, sure they mostly strayed from what they used to be, but unlike other similar networks, they had content worth giving a damn about, whether it be reruns of cult programs, movie broadcasts or unique comedy programs. When it comes to cartoons, one may think Out There was their only hurrah, and you'd be wrong. Though I assure you that's coming soon.
In 2005, IFC released their actual first original cartoon, Hopeless Pictures. The show ran for nine episodes and basically petered out of existence. The show starred Michael McKean, who I never heard of but apparently others did, and also featured Bob Balaban, Lisa Kudrow and retroscripting mainstay Jonathan Katz. This is looking to be an obscure rip-off of Dr. Katz, but hold that thought.
While not interesting actor wise, it's certainly interesting production wise. The animation was produced at World Leaders Entertainment, whom you may recognize for some obscure Adult Swim cartoon, Venture... dudes who happen to be blood related. It was produced by an imprint of Trigger Street Productions, ran by a child molester who happens to be an actor, or Kevin Spacey if you prefer. I'd go more into that but-
Pop Quiz!
What was the first Netflix original series? If you guessed House of Cards, you'd be wrong. Apparently, Netflix co-produced this show back when they were just a rental service. I don't know what led to this, but there you go. Ironically, Trigger Street would co-produce House of Cards.
Apparently the show is available on DVD and streaming, but don't quote me on that. When it comes to shows that end at an abrupt episode account, it means either it died early or was self-contained to a certain amount of episodes.
Premise
For better or worse, the structure of the show fits the aesthetic IFC once aimed for, an indie-flick affair. The show centers on the inner workings of Hollywood, but rather than lampoon Hollywood culture and cram in enough references to make Family Guy blush, it's a more realistic look into Hollywood producer culture.
As this goes for a more realistic approach, characters are either at their most raw or most limited based on the conventions of their character. So prepared for an agent who wears his son and co-worker to the narrowest thread and some cheating here and there. Aside from them, Katz tries his hand at therapy again and acts as a guide for those who call. I can't tell if he doesn't like his clients or is just generally aloof, or it's another statement I'm not realizing.
There is a gimmick to this, where a majority of the dialog is handled on the phone, often scripted conversations, along with whatever improvisation need apply. It's funny how most non-cartoon cable network's first foray into animation always relies on this, well, always as in this is how FX got its start with animation.
It's all well and good, but there's just one problem, the audio is inconsistent. Sometimes we get real interference with the phone audio, other times they just use a direct recording. Minor nitpick, but consistency's always welcome.
Animation
One of the most interesting things about the show is the animation. It utilizes oil-painting, or something of similar visage with the characters, abstract environments, and it looks as though paper is being pulled along the background to simulate animation. It really gives off that indie feel and yeah, it suits what IFC initially stood for. Think early Adult Swim animation, but with a little more life.
Final Thoughts
It's hard to recommend a show with an otherwise minimalist presentation. If you're into studio politics, I mean then again I have few episodes on my person to go by. But personally, I'd prefer to watch this over The Critic any day of the week.
Out There
Now we come to IFC's supposed first original animated production. Out There reared its head into the ring in 2013, as the golden age of adult animation persisted. Like Hopeless Pictures, it wasn't around for long, but got one more episode out of it.
The show was created by Ryan Quincy, who was previously involved with South Park. It sorta reminds me of Neighbors from Hell, which was also created by a former South Park staffer, Pam Brady. You'd think IFC would buckle down and go the edgelord route, but here, Quincy embodies the more thoughtful side of South Park, as you'd soon find out.
Out There was produced by Bento Box Entertainment, long before they became a contributing factor to why so many new adult animated sitcoms are practically interchangeable. Here, this was their humble beginnings, helping to introduce future juggernaut Bob's Burgers to the world, also Allen Gregory, which if you're curious, I watched a good amount of it... I hated it. I'd defend the Napoleon Dynamite cartoon, but everyone was right about Allen Gregory.
Plot
Out There is a slice-of-life affair, and that was an unintentional rhyme. It centers on the comings and goings of a bunch of furry animals, such as our lead, the socially awkward defier of the name Chad, the obligatory lame friend, and whoever else. Set in the ever common setting of Ne.... braska? Nebraska? Finally, change. For the record, Quincy was a Kearney native.
One thing this show has going for it that overtakes the rest is its vibe. It has an oddly familiar feel to it, a bleak, nostalgic, lack of urgency feel. The kind of feel that's common place in indie flicks, and as something so late in the game for IFC, it works wonders. Funny thing is, I did watch IFC a bit at this point, and though I don't remember the show, it feels very familiar. Maybe I have seen it before, or maybe I just relate to the feeling of adolescence that either slipped away or is forever bound to me.
Food for thought.
For whatever edgy joke is thrown out there, given that this is a slower affair focusing on the character's day to day lives, it's a little forgivable and like Hopeless Pictures, adds an extra layer of realism. Not to mention it captures the high school experience to a tee. Let's just say it's a cliche I can never debate. Also the show doesn't have a soundtrack, or much of one, which adds to the overall experience.
Animation
While they didn't try anything fancy here, the simple animation and dour color palette helps add to the casual, nostalgic feel the show's going for.
Final Thoughts
For a show that's not even ten years old as of this writing, it somehow feels just as nostalgic. Check it out and see how many bells can be rung.
Overall
I think it's safe to say IFC slayed when it came to their animated programs. They were very unique shows or took predictable premises and made them interesting, and they had an indie vibe that the network once stood for.
As someone who used to adore adult animation, it disgusts me to see what had become of the genre. We live in a paradox where the worst shows survive, people push for ended shows to continue while ignoring the fact they would complain about a show going on for too long, I'd just like to go back to when there was meaning to edgy humor or hidden depth, and escape from the usual suspects.
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