Our take
Based on Nathan Pyle’s famed webcomics of the same name, Strange Planets is a blunt and offbeat series that encapsulates the magic of Pyle’s internet-famous relatable aliens. It uses a sitcom format (complete with recurring characters) to play on the absurdity of these human-like aliens and their human-like problems. With well-delivered jokes, crisp animation, and simple storylines, Strange Planets doesn’t overcomplicate its premise, making it an easy, enjoyable watch. Although the writing and scenarios aren’t entirely original—outside of Pyle’s signature descriptive alien diction, that is—the wholesome, no-brainer vibe is a welcome change in pace for adult animation. Pyle’s original work brought humor to the mundanity of everyday living, and the show (co-created with TV veteran Dan Harmon) doesn’t disappoint.
The story
A hilariously perceptive look at an alien world not unlike our own.
Elsewhere
"Strange Planet is undeniably clever and an easy, amusing watch. But its current iteration lacks much deeper resonance beyond its acute yet surface-level observations about the quirks and paradoxes of modern life."
— Alison Herman
Strange Planet is an animated comedy series that explores the everyday lives of aliens who find human customs and traditions to be strange and amusing.
The matter-of-fact, overly descriptive speech patterns from Pyle's webcomics are preserved and amplified in a way that will surely appease his pre-existing fanbase. Little exchanges like alcohol for mild poison and a vibrating creature for a car are par for the course. It may annoy some, but it's easy to get used to. The writing expands on that trademark, too, with voice talent delivering every line with great banter cadences and comedic timing. Taking it at face value (with its impeccable performances) is the best way to enjoy it.
Everyday human interactions really do make you want to drink "mild poison."
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Who picked it
Kerine Wint is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. When she’s not absorbed in anime and weird docu-series, she reviews speculative fiction for Fiyah Lit Magazine or designs album covers and magazines. As for her film taste, One Cut of the Dead (2017), The Lure (2015), Inu-Oh (2021), and Dear Ex (2018) sum it up pretty well.
