The 10 Lesser-Known Animated TV Shows for Adults

1. "Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law" (2000-2007)

What happens when a superhero retires and becomes a lawyer? You get "Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law." Harvey Birdman, a washed-up superhero, now works at a law firm representing various Hanna-Barbera characters. The series is a delightful mix of nostalgia, comedy, and absolute absurdity.

Each episode is packed with blink-and-you-miss-it gags and pop-culture references. It's like watching your childhood Saturday morning cartoons go through a midlife crisis, and it's every bit as hilarious as it sounds.

2. "Superjail!" (2007-2014)

If you're a fan of psychedelic visuals and absurd humor, "Superjail!" is your go-to animation. Set in a brutal and fantastical prison, this Adult Swim series thrives on chaos and mind-boggling scenarios. Think of it as "Alice in Wonderland" if Wonderland were a maximum-security prison. The warden, an eccentric and sadistic character, provides constant laughter while simultaneously making you feel like you're on a bad acid trip. But hey, who needs LSD when you've got "Superjail!"?

3. "Aeon Flux" (1991-1995)

"Aeon Flux," a series born from MTV's experimental animation showcase "Liquid Television," is a wild ride. Its protagonist, Aeon Flux, is a leather-clad, dominatrix-like secret agent from a dystopian future. The narrative is surreal, often foregoing traditional storytelling for abstract symbolism and psychological complexity. It's an animated David Lynch film with a touch of "Mad Max" – unusual, provocative, and guaranteed to stir up your late-night conversations.

4. "Moral Orel" (2005-2008)

"Moral Orel" is a claymation that starts as a seemingly innocent parody of a 1950s-style sitcom and then descends into a gut-wrenching study of fanaticism, depression, and family dysfunction. Sounds fun, right? It's certainly not for the faint-hearted, but if you're after a show that balances laughs with a hefty dose of existential dread, then meet Orel, your new animated friend.

5. "The Maxx" (1995)

"The Maxx," another offshoot from MTV's "Liquid Television," is a bit like diving headfirst into the psyche of a comic book geek while they're having a fever dream. The series follows the adventures of a homeless man who believes he's a superhero, protecting his 'Jungle Queen' in an alternate reality. It's deep, dark, and confusing as hell, but if you're willing to go along with the weirdness, "The Maxx" rewards with a rich, layered narrative and unforgettable characters.

6. "Home Movies" (1999-2004)

Remember when you were a kid, and you would film hilariously terrible home movies with your friends? Well, "Home Movies" captures that spirit, but with infinitely more wit and humor. The show follows Brendon Small (also the co-creator of the series) who, despite being an elementary school student, aspires to become a filmmaker. With his friends Melissa and Jason, Brendon navigates through childhood while producing bizarre and humorous film shorts. It's a unique blend of nostalgic charm, sarcasm, and the quirky realities of childhood, all in the format of an improvised-script animated show.

7. "The Drinky Crow Show" (2007-2009)

Just the name alone makes you want to watch it, doesn't it? This Adult Swim gem is based on the comic strip "Maakies" by Tony Millionaire. It stars, you guessed it, Drinky Crow – a suicidal, alcoholic crow, and his equally dysfunctional buddy Uncle Gabby, an Irish monkey.

As they embark on their maritime misadventures, you're treated to humor that's as dark as the inside of a pint of Guinness. "The Drinky Crow Show" is a boozy, chaotic trip that somehow manages to be oddly endearing despite the surreal and often grim happenings.

8. "Frisky Dingo" (2006-2008)

Never heard of "Frisky Dingo"? Don't fret, most people haven't. This Adult Swim series from the minds who later brought us "Archer" is a superhero parody that is utterly bizarre, and that's putting it mildly. The main antagonist, Killface, is an alien looking to destroy the Earth but finds himself constantly distracted by the world's mundane aspects. Imagine a would-be world conqueror dealing with insurance issues and voila – "Frisky Dingo." It's witty, absurd, and an absolute hidden gem.

9. "Wonder Showzen" (2005-2006)

"Wonder Showzen" is a show that can be accurately described as "Sesame Street's" evil twin. It's a parody of educational shows for kids but with dark humor and satire that's strictly for adults. From social commentary to surreal sketches, "Wonder Showzen" pushes the boundaries of taste and convention. This show isn't afraid to challenge the viewer and trigger uncomfortable laughter.

10. "Clone High" (2002-2003)

"Clone High" is a satirical high school drama where historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, and Gandhi are cloned and sent to high school together. Yes, you read that right. It's a wacky concept, but it works. The show uses these historical clones to parody teen dramas and the angst-ridden issues they typically deal with, like unrequited love and fitting in. The humor is smart, the characters are endearing, and the absurdity level is off the charts.