Like a less intense and somewhat grayer BoJack Horseman, Animals follows anthropomorphic animals in New York City as they mull over everything from heartache to existential dread. It sounds bleak, but there’s a lightness to it thanks to the improvisational nature of the series. Instead of a script, creators
Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano, who also voice most characters in the show, do a comedic stream-of-consciousness back-and-forth based on the episode’s plot. They also mine specific jokes out of their characters, whether it’s a caterpillar performing “the caterpillar” or a rat hailing crackers as the ultimate party food. Though a subplot each season focuses on humans, it never feels high-stakes enough to be serious viewing. Instead, it’s a nice light watch, alternately funny and real while providing an amusing sketch of urban life.
"This isn't a show that's trying overly hard to impress you with its technical achievements; the visuals are there primarily to give you something to look at while you listen to the charmingly loose and surprisingly subtle vocal performances."
— Abraham Riesman
"In a sea of new television offerings, it's hard to dismiss something with as strong and focused a voice as this, even if it may not be your cup of tea."
— Ben Travers
An animated comedy focusing on the downtrodden creatures native to Earth’s least-habitable environment: New York City. Whether it’s lovelorn rats, gender-questioning pigeons or aging bedbugs in the midst of a midlife crisis, the awkward small talk, moral ambiguity and existential woes of non-human urbanites prove startlingly similar to our own.
Follows different NYC animals as they go about their days in the city.
The animation, which perfectly encapsulates both the bleakness and charm of the city.
East Coast BoJack Horseman is unsurprisingly grayer.
