There’s definitely no shortage of adult cartoons for any viewers looking for alternatives to Family Guy. By using and often subverting the animated family sitcom format popularized by The Simpsons, Family Guy’s reign began in 1999, and, like its predecessor, appears to have no end in sight. In recent years, however, long-time archetypes of adult animation like Family Guy and The Simpsons have fluctuated in both popularity and quality. This has allowed newcomers like Rick and Morty, Big Mouth, Bob’s Burgers, and Invincible (to name just a few) to contend for the after-dark TV throne.
Indeed, even the most loyal viewers of Family Guy don’t need to search that far in order to find an alternative to Seth MacFarlane’s flagship cartoon. This is because Family Guy isn’t just an animated sitcom. For over 20 years, Family Guy and its contemporaries have gone way beyond what’s expected of a cartoon cast. Shaped by audience expectations and the evolution of both animation and storytelling styles, modern adult cartoons rival live-action series and movies in just about any category. For Family Guy viewers looking to take a break from their favorite show, here are some of the best adult cartoons today, along with where they can be streamed online.
20 Disenchantment (2018– )
- Available To Stream On Netflix
From the genius animation wizard Matt Groening comes Disenchantment, which is a huge change of pace from adult cartoons he has produced in the past. Disenchantment takes place in the fictional world of Dreamland and sees a cast of fantastical characters explore this mysterious kingdom. With a conspiracy slowly getting uncovered, major political themes are at play here, combined with fantasy-bending elements that poke fun at the genre as a whole. It’s a brilliant premise and one that’s enjoyed multiple imaginative seasons, that have not become repetitive in the way that a classic sitcom-style piece like Family Guy has. At the same time, Disenchantment still similarly caters to viewers charmed by the complex dynamics of Family Guy’s Griffin family.
19 Solar Opposites (2020– )
- Available To Stream On Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video
Created by Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan, Solar Opposites demonstrates a number of comparisons to its sister show Rick and Morty, but also goes to great lengths to continue to forge interesting and original narratives based on this unusual family. Centered on a group of aliens that have fled their dying planet and are now creating a home on Earth, it’s fascinating to see humanity from this very extra terrestrial perspective. It’s incredibly meta in its humor, but the setup of these unusual protagonists gives it an edge against the likes of adult cartoons such as Family Guy.
18 Hit-Monkey (2021– )
- Available To Stream On Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video
Marvel Comics boasts a wide range of unusual characters that perhaps could only work in an adult animation series. Hit-Monkey is a fantastic demonstration of that, with the animation team holding nothing back in their portrayal of this murderous primate. The character, who was created by Daniel Way and artist Dalibor Talajić, is bonded to the soul of a hitman, looking to get revenge for his murder. There’s a complexity to the way in which Hit-Monkey chooses his next move, debating whether sheer violence is the way forward. It takes a few episodes to get going, but there’s nothing else like this from Marvel. Family Guy rarely manages to create storylines of such depth.
17 Invincible (2021– )
- Available To Stream On Prime Video
Invincible is based on the much-loved comic book series of the same name from Image Comics and created by Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley. The series allows the incredible twists of the graphic novels to get adapted in all their gory beauty, with the familial conflicts at the heart of the piece getting the main focus. The origin story of the lead is unlike anything else on screen, and Family Guy – alongside most other adult cartoons – don’t boast anything quite as personal in the face of this kind of violence. Not unlike other subversive superhero shows like The Boys or Venture Bros., Invincible takes huge risks and allows the audience to feel the full force of the genre.
16 Final Space (2018–2021)
- Available To Stream On Netflix Or Prime Video
Created by Olan Rogers, Final Space is a full-on space opera, with a tapestry of interwoven beats that paint a galaxy full of adventure and danger. While its duo of unlikely allies trying to save the universe seems basic, it’s that very relationship that allows the show as a whole to bloom. Considering one-half of the duo is the very weapon that could destroy worlds, there’s a tension there that somehow becomes a brotherhood. Relationships like these aren’t created with the same importance in Family Guy, could never match the stakes in adult cartoons like Final Space.
15 American Dad (2005– )
- Available To Stream On Disney+ Or Hulu
Another one of Seth MacFarlane’s creations, American Dad is often noted for its fantastic comedy and great group of characters. It can be argued that it is simply far better than Family Guy, as it possesses stronger storylines and more heart. In terms of creativity, this series tends to always be evolving, which is a necessity for any long-running adult cartoons of any genre. American Dad characters such as Steve and Roger are adult comedy staples, as they bring a lot of marvelous components to the show, whether it be their dialogue or wacky hijinks. For Family Guy audiences looking for something else that doesn’t fall far from the tree, American Dad is the perfect choice.
14 Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2000–2015)
- Available To Stream On Adult Swim And HBO Max
Focusing on a band of anthropomorphic fast food superheroes, Aqua Teen Hunger Force ran on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim from 2000 to 2015. Varied to the point that the show didn’t even bother to keep a consistent name, Aqua Teen was one of the most out-there shows, even when compared to the strangest adult cartoons on Cartoon Network’s late night lineup. Though often more crass than Family Guy in many areas, Aqua Teen arguably offered up a suite of more memorable characters. From the ever-hilarious Master Shake and the quick-to-anger Carl to the straight man Frylock, each and every Aqua Teen character is consistently comical.
13 F Is For Family (2015–2021)
- Available To Stream On Netflix Or Apple TV
A Netflix original series, F is for Family is criminally underrated. This show is truly incisive, and, although it is a comedy, it does a marvelous job displaying the true struggles dysfunctional families face with one another. Set during the 1970s, the show has an emotional, raw feel to it that’s almost totally absent in a series as irreverent and low-brow as Family Guy. What truly differentiates F is for Family from other adult cartoons is that it was created and also stars stand-up comic Bill Burr, who based the stories on his own equally hilarious and traumatic experiences from growing up in the ’70s.
12 Big Mouth (2017– )
- Available To Stream On Netflix, Hulu, Or Disney+
Known for its raunchy comedy, Big Mouth has become one of the most popular adult cartoons today. The way it focuses on gross-out humor is unlike anything viewers have ever seen, which definitely has allowed it to gain a lot of attention. However, what is often not spoken about is the fact that it does an immensely solid job tackling real issues that adolescents experience during puberty. It may be a hard sell due to its unique style, but fans of adult-oriented comedy series owe it to themselves to check this one out.
11 The Simpsons (1989– )
- Available To Stream On Prime Video, Hulu, Or Disney+
For the record, it should be noted that The Simpsons has fluctuated in quality much like Family Guy. However, at the end of the day, it not only objectively remains the superior show, it’s also the trendsetter that put adult cartoons on the map. Both of these television shows were golden when they hit the air, but The Simpsons completely changed the TV landscape and made adult animated content relevant to mainstream audiences. During its prime years, it was a show that possessed so much heart and had some of the funniest writing that we have ever seen. Thus, it clearly deserves the win over the competition.
10 King Of The Hill (1997–2010)
- Available To Stream On Prime Video, Hulu, Or Disney+
Focusing on the relatively mundane lives of the Hill family, King of the Hill may, at first glance, come across as a bit dry. Yet, it is this dry but cutting humor that allows King of the Hill to stand out among the best modern adult cartoons. Series creator Mike Judge did a spectacular job with not only the comedy but also the effective storytelling. This show is as real as it gets when it comes to cartoons, as it stresses the importance of character development, particularly in the father-son relationship between Bobby Hill and Hank. This is simply a hilarious series that is a must-watch for those who have yet to.
9 Futurama (1999– )
- Available To Stream On Prime Video, Hulu, Or Disney+
While The Simpsons popularized adult cartoons and animated family sitcoms, Matt Groening’s Futurama was the one that made it trendy to subvert this format with high concept sci-fi. Fry is a pizza delivery guy who accidentally freezes himself in the ’90s and wakes up in the far future, forming an unlikely family as he struggles to survive epic journeys while still adjusting to everything the future has to offer. There’s no question that Futurama is better than Family Guy, but at the same time, both shows draw from the same well of subverting the family sitcom. Unlike Family Guy, however, Futurama succeeds at crafting both the funniest and most insightful moments in the history of contemporary adult cartoons.
8 The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991–1996)
- Available To Stream On Paramount+ Or Prime Video
Airing in the early ’90s on Nickelodeon, The Ren & Stimpy Show was originally intended for younger audiences. However, the cartoon’s vulgar nature and bleak comedic stylings made it a favorite among parents. Remembered for a slew of boundary-pushing jokes, it’s hard to believe that Ren & Stimpy ever hit the airwaves at all. Frequently featuring gags about politics, religion, substance abuse, and more, it stood out among other shows airing on the network at the time. Additionally, the show later earned a spin-off titled Ren & Stimpy Adult Party Cartoon, which finally received a TV-MA rating.
7 BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
- Available To Stream On Netflix Or Prime Video
Although the title character of BoJack Horseman is extremely agitating at times, it is hard not to root for the charismatic former sitcom star. This is not only what makes the show so popular, but also what makes its biggest twist so effective at driving its point home. While BoJack Horseman is practically saturated with genuinely comedic moments, it dives even deeper into the tragic and dark past of BoJack. When the series finale aired, it left no questions unanswered, cementing Bojack Horseman’s place among the best adult cartoons with a linear storyline. It should be noted, however, that Family Guy viewers watching BoJack Horseman for the first time may not be entirely ready for what this show really tackles.
6 The Boondocks (2005–2014)
- Available To Stream On Adult Swim And HBO Max
Though sometimes shied away from due to its irreverent treatment of third-rail issues, The Boondocks was a major part of Adult Swim’s mid-2000s programming. Focused on social commentary wrapped around the concept of a Black family moving into a predominantly white neighborhood, the show sought to advance conversation surrounding sensitive issues while poking fun at them at the same time. Family Guy frequently makes light of stark situations, but rarely with the grace or intrigue of The Boondocks. While the latter seeks to provoke dialogue, the former rarely evolves beyond the low-brow comedy that’s all too common among adult cartoons.
5 Rick & Morty (2013– )
- Available To Stream On Adult Swim, HBO Max, Or Netflix
Rick & Morty represents the natural evolution of contemporary storytelling in adult cartoons. Focused around the titular duo of a mad scientist and his grandson going on epic adventures, Rick & Morty combines science fiction, family dramedy, meta humor and storytelling, and even improvised comedy to arrive at a truly unique series. Family Guy writers could learn from this series, as they spent a lot of time perfecting their scripts, which naturally leads to longer hiatuses between seasons. Sure, it can be hard for viewers to wait for new seasons, but it is always worth it in the long run, as these episodes are always spectacular.
4 Beavis & Butthead (1993– )
- Available To Stream On Paramount+
Beavis and Butthead, the unfortunately-named protagonists of the Mike Judge-developed series of the same name, were cultural icons in the 1990s. Paragons of MTV culture, the two came to symbolize teenage life at the time. Famous for propelling otherwise-obscure bands like The Butthole Surfers and Morbid Angel to fame, they were a huge part of the grunge and heavy metal movements, which is what makes Beavis & Butthead unique among historic adult cartoons. As a result, these characters are far more significant than even the most recognizable characters from Quahog, Rhode Island. While Beavis & Butthead ended in 2011, it was revived in 2022, and is currently back to being an ongoing series.
3 Bob’s Burgers (2011– )
- Available To Stream On Disney+, Hulu, Or Prime Video
Although this show may not be as popular as Family Guy, in terms of sheer creativity, Bob’s Burgers is on a completely different level. Instead of impossible events, Bob’s Burgers is about a realistic middle class family who run a burger restaurant together. Serving as a bridge between animated and live-action family sitcoms, Bob’s Burgers views absurdity from an ultimately realistic but still often surreal lens, which ultimately arrives at a truly relatatble ensemble of characters. Compared to most other adult cartoons, this deceptively simple caricature of the American family is the one that’s sure to surprise first-time viewers. Based on the series, The Bob’s Burgers Movie was released in 2022 to critical acclaim.
- Available To Stream On Adult Swim And HBO Max
Another mid-2000s Adult Swim staple, Metalocalypse ran for four seasons and depicted the dialed-to-eleven exploits of the fictional death metal band Dethklok. Poking fun at many of the stereotypes surrounding the metal subculture, the rock star life, and the sociopolitical events of the era, Metalocalypse was absolutely one-of-a-kind. It stands apart from the likes of Family Guy thanks to its undeniable identity. While Family Guy tackles many subjects and situations, it rarely settles into a definite rhythm of its own. Metalocalypse, on the other hand, feels like its own thing and never makes an effort to replicate or mimick any other pop culture material.
1 South Park (1997– )
- Available To Stream On Netflix
South Park is essentially the opposite of Family Guy in every single way. It’s true that they’re both comedies, but they’re radically different in terms of approach. What allows South Park to be way better is the fact that their jokes stay within the story, which is a necessity for a show to be not just good, but great. The series has yet to lose its spark despite having initially debuted nearly thirty years ago. Continually relevant and always able to capitalize on and criticize current events, South Park is one of the best in the business. No other adult cartoons in history have achieved what South Park has become.