Been thinking about this lately, how animated sitcoms and sitcoms in general can usually have a very hit or miss first season that often determines if the show gets picked up for more seasons and what direction the show takes after that. The examples given in the poll are the shows that have the absolute strongest first seasons in terms of "adult" animated comedy shows, in my opinion. All of them share the qualities of having fresh ideas in the genre, genuinely funny moments and gags, and average very solid or even great episodes throughout their first year on the air.
Futurama's first season has a fantastic art style and extremely emotive animation, original plot devices and hooks, and a ton of absolutely classic and rewatchable episodes. The pilot itself is such a good episode! Futurama also had the task of differentiating itself from Groening's previous timeless animated series and I think it succeeded in a way nobody expected, and lives on its own legacy rather than in the shadow of The Simpsons. Most importantly, it took off because it had a ton of heart and characters you cared about from the very first episode.
For me, Bob's Burgers first season is still the absolute highlight of the series. I like modern BB too but all the characters were so much more organic in season one. The humor style was so fresh and loose, it's no wonder it took off when FOX was famous for shows getting cancelled after one season. It's even got my favorite episode of the series, Bed & Breakfast. I still lose my shit every time I see that episode, and most of the episodes in the season.
Rick and Morty season one gets major points because it so effortlessly mixed hilarious sci-fi trope gags and concepts with morose and nihilistic overtones. From season one, it has had this interesting ability to take itself both very lightly and extremely seriously by being incredibly self aware while also having consequential and dark story beats. In this way it's somewhat of an analogy for existence and the human condition itself. Also, it helped to fill the sci-fi cartoon gap that Futurama left behind while being a very original type of show on its own. All in all it had a very strong first season.
Anyways, interested to hear your thoughts! If you think another series takes the cake with its first season then please post why you think so.
Futurama's first season has a fantastic art style and extremely emotive animation, original plot devices and hooks, and a ton of absolutely classic and rewatchable episodes. The pilot itself is such a good episode! Futurama also had the task of differentiating itself from Groening's previous timeless animated series and I think it succeeded in a way nobody expected, and lives on its own legacy rather than in the shadow of The Simpsons. Most importantly, it took off because it had a ton of heart and characters you cared about from the very first episode.
For me, Bob's Burgers first season is still the absolute highlight of the series. I like modern BB too but all the characters were so much more organic in season one. The humor style was so fresh and loose, it's no wonder it took off when FOX was famous for shows getting cancelled after one season. It's even got my favorite episode of the series, Bed & Breakfast. I still lose my shit every time I see that episode, and most of the episodes in the season.
Rick and Morty season one gets major points because it so effortlessly mixed hilarious sci-fi trope gags and concepts with morose and nihilistic overtones. From season one, it has had this interesting ability to take itself both very lightly and extremely seriously by being incredibly self aware while also having consequential and dark story beats. In this way it's somewhat of an analogy for existence and the human condition itself. Also, it helped to fill the sci-fi cartoon gap that Futurama left behind while being a very original type of show on its own. All in all it had a very strong first season.
Anyways, interested to hear your thoughts! If you think another series takes the cake with its first season then please post why you think so.
