BoJack Horseman has garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim since its debut. The show follows the life of its eponymous character, an anthropomorphic horse and former sitcom star, as he navigates through his personal and professional struggles in Hollywood. BoJack Horseman’s success lies in its ability to tackle deep and sensitive topics with a perfect balance of humor and pathos. The series explores themes of depression, addiction, existential crisis, and the pursuit of happiness in an imperfect world.
If you’re a fan of BoJack Horseman and are craving more shows that delve into similar themes and storytelling styles, we’ve curated a list just for you. Our handpicked selection of shows like BoJack Horseman will take you on emotional roller coasters, offering poignant reflections on life, identity, and human nature. Get ready to dive into these thoughtfully crafted series that capture the essence of BoJack Horseman’s brilliance while exploring their own unique narratives.
List of TV Shows Like BoJack Horseman
- Rick and Morty
- Inside Job
- Undone
- Tuca and Bertie
- Daria
- Moral Orel
- The Good Place
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- 30 Rock
- Arrested Development
- The Other Two
- Barry
- Master Of None
- Mad Men
- Fleabag
- Flowers
- Archer
- Californication
- South Park
- Final Space
1. Rick and Morty (2013)
Rick and Morty is an animated sci-fi sitcom created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. The show follows the adventures of Rick Sanchez, a mad scientist, and his grandson Morty Smith, as they travel through different dimensions and parallel universes. The show is known for its dark humor, satirical take on pop culture, and exploration of complex philosophical themes.
If you are a fan of shows like Bojack Horseman, you might enjoy Rick and Morty for its similar approach to exploring serious themes through humor. Both shows use absurdity and satire to tackle topics like mental health, addiction, and the meaning of life. Additionally, both shows have flawed and relatable characters that audiences can empathize with.
2. Inside Job (2021)
Inside Job is an animated series created by Alex Hirsch for Netflix. The show follows the story of a government agency known as the “Department of Unexplained Phenomena” (DUP), which is responsible for covering up supernatural occurrences and conspiracies that threaten to destabilize the world. The main character, a brilliant but cynical scientist named Reagan Ridley, works for the agency and must navigate the complex politics and absurd situations that arise in her line of work.
The show shares similarities with Bojack Horseman in its use of dark humor and satirical take on contemporary issues. Both shows feature flawed protagonists who struggle with personal demons and societal pressures, and both explore themes of addiction, mental health, and relationships. Additionally, both shows use clever writing and visual gags to subvert audience expectations and highlight the absurdities of the world around us.
3. Undone (2019)
Undone is a critically acclaimed animated series that explores the mind-bending journey of Alma, a young woman who gains the ability to manipulate time after a near-death experience. The show’s unique visual style combines rotoscoping animation with intricate hand-drawn backgrounds to create a dreamlike world that blurs the line between reality and illusion.
Fans of Bojack Horseman would enjoy Undone for its exploration of complex themes such as mental illness, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Both shows share a similar dark humor and use animation to delve into the emotional turmoil of their characters. Undone also offers a unique narrative structure that challenges the viewer’s perception of time and reality, much like Bojack Horseman’s nonlinear storytelling.
4. Tuca and Bertie (2019)
Tuca & Bertie is an animated comedy series that revolves around the lives of two bird best friends, Tuca and Bertie, who are navigating their way through the ups and downs of adulthood. The show explores themes such as friendship, career, sexuality, mental health, and feminism through its quirky and colorful characters.
Fans of Bojack Horseman, a similar animated series, would enjoy Tuca & Bertie as it is created by the same team and shares a similar visual style and humor. Moreover, like Bojack Horseman, Tuca & Bertie also tackles serious issues while still managing to deliver laughs and emotional moments.
5. Daria (1997)
Daria is an animated television series that premiered in 1997 and ran for five seasons. The show revolves around the life of Daria Morgendorffer, a smart and sarcastic high school student who often finds herself at odds with the shallow and vapid culture around her.
Daria, along with her best friend Jane, navigates the challenges of adolescence while grappling with social hierarchies, family dynamics, and the expectations placed on young women. The show is known for its dry humor, satirical commentary, and clever writing, making it a cult favorite among viewers.
6. Moral Orel (2005)
Moral Orel is an American stop-motion animated series created by Dino Stamatopoulos that aired from 2005 to 2008. The show follows the life of a young boy named Orel Puppington, who lives in the fictional, conservative town of Moralton.
Moral Orel shares many similarities with Bojack Horseman, another adult animated series that deals with heavy themes such as addiction, depression, and trauma. Both shows use dark humor to tackle serious topics and feature flawed, complex characters who struggle to find meaning and purpose in their lives.
7. The Good Place (2016)
The Good Place is a comedy-fantasy TV series that follows the afterlife journey of Eleanor Shellstrop (played by Kristen Bell), a morally challenged woman who finds herself mistakenly admitted to the Good Place after her death. With the help of her assigned soulmate, Chidi, and her new friends Tahani and Jason, Eleanor tries to become a better person in order to avoid being sent to the Bad Place.
Fans of Bojack Horseman, another critically acclaimed animated series, may enjoy The Good Place due to its similarly philosophical and existential themes, as well as its blend of humor and emotional depth. Both shows deal with complex questions about morality, identity, and the human condition, while also utilizing surreal and imaginative elements to create a unique viewing experience.
8. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime series that follows the story of a young boy named Shinji Ikari as he is recruited to pilot a giant bio-machine called an Evangelion to fight mysterious creatures known as Angels. As the series progresses, it delves into complex themes such as the nature of consciousness, the effects of trauma, and the human condition.
Similar to BoJack Horseman, this series uses animation as a medium to explore these deeper themes and issues in a way that allows for a greater degree of creativity and freedom in storytelling. Additionally, both series are known for their unique and nuanced portrayals of complex characters who struggle with personal demons and the complexities of human emotion.
9. 30 Rock (2006)
30 Rock is a TV series that follows the life of Liz Lemon, a successful writer and producer of a fictional sketch comedy show called “The Girlie Show.” The show’s cast includes eccentric actors, a narcissistic boss, and an unstable comedian, resulting in hilarious situations and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of television production.
Similar to Bojack Horseman, 30 Rock uses humor to explore serious issues such as mental health, addiction, and the entertainment industry’s toxicity. Both shows also feature flawed and complex characters that often struggle with personal demons, resulting in a deep exploration of the human psyche. However, 30 Rock leans more towards satire and absurdity while “Bojack Horseman” is more dramatic and introspective.
10. Arrested Development (2003)
Arrested Development is a comedy television series that premiered in 2003 and follows the dysfunctional Bluth family, who must navigate their way through various legal and financial troubles after their patriarch is arrested for embezzlement. The show is known for its clever writing, intricate plot lines, and absurd humor.
Fans of Bojack Horseman, another popular animated series, may enjoy Arrested Development for its similar approach to humor and storytelling. Both shows use satire and sarcasm to comment on society and explore themes of family dysfunction, identity, and personal growth. Additionally, both shows feature complex characters who are flawed, relatable, and often make mistakes that have lasting consequences.
11. The Other Two (2019)
The Other Two is a comedy television series that premiered on Comedy Central in 2019. The show follows two siblings, Cary and Brooke, whose lives are turned upside down when their 13-year-old brother Chase becomes an overnight sensation after a viral video makes him famous. As Chase’s star rises, Cary and Brooke navigate the ups and downs of their own careers and personal lives while trying to keep up with their younger brother’s newfound fame.
Fans of Bojack Horseman, another popular animated comedy series, may enjoy The Other Two for its irreverent humor and sharp commentary on the entertainment industry. Like Bojack Horseman, The Other Two combines comedy with poignant moments of introspection, making it a must-watch for fans of smart, witty television.
12. Barry (2018)
Barry is a dark comedy television show that premiered on HBO in 2018. It follows the story of Barry Berkman, a former marine turned hitman who travels to Los Angeles to carry out a job, but instead finds himself drawn to the city’s vibrant theater scene. As Barry begins to pursue a new career in acting, he struggles to leave his violent past behind and deal with the consequences of his actions.
The Barry series shares some similarities with Bojack Horseman in terms of its exploration of complex and flawed characters, as well as its use of humor to tackle serious themes such as trauma, addiction, and the consequences of one’s actions. However, while Bojack Horseman focuses on the entertainment industry and the struggles of a former TV star, Barry delves into the criminal underworld and the personal struggles of a hitman attempting to change his life.
13. Master Of None (2015)
Master of None is a critically acclaimed television series created by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang. The show follows the personal and professional life of Dev, a 30-year-old actor living in New York City. Throughout the show, Dev navigates the challenges of dating, work, and adulthood, while also exploring issues such as race, gender, and cultural identity.
Fans of Bojack Horseman may enjoy Master of None for its similar approach to tackling serious themes with humor and heart. Both shows also explore the complexities of modern life through the lens of flawed and relatable characters. However, Master of None has a more optimistic tone and a lighter touch, making it a refreshing and uplifting watch.
14. Mad Men (2007)
Mad Men is a critically acclaimed drama series that aired from 2007 to 2015. Set in the 1960s, the show follows the professional and personal lives of the employees at a New York advertising agency, Sterling Cooper. The series explores themes such as gender roles, social change, and the American Dream, as well as the struggles and conflicts of the characters.
Both Mad Men and Bojack Horseman are character-driven shows that explore complex themes and examine the human condition. They both offer nuanced portrayals of their respective time periods and settings, and use their characters’ personal struggles to comment on larger societal issues.
15. Fleabag (2016)
Fleabag is a British television series created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The show follows the witty, irreverent, and emotionally complex life of a young woman (known only as Fleabag) living in London. Throughout the series, Fleabag navigates her relationships with family, friends, and lovers, while also dealing with the grief of losing her best friend and the guilt of causing her own failures.
Similar to “Bojack Horseman,” “Fleabag” explores the dark and often messy aspects of human relationships and the struggle to find meaning and happiness in life. Both shows use humor to tackle serious topics such as depression, addiction, and trauma, and both feature flawed and complex characters who are trying to come to terms with their past and present selves.
16. Flowers (2016)
Flowers is a British comedy-drama TV series that follows the eccentric and dysfunctional Flowers family as they navigate through their struggles and conflicts. The show explores complex themes such as mental health, creativity, family dynamics, and unconventional love relationships.
Fans of “Bojack Horseman” might enjoy “Flowers” for its similar exploration of dark and heavy themes in a comedic and artistic way. Both shows also feature flawed and relatable characters who face deep emotional struggles and make questionable decisions. Furthermore, “Flowers” showcases a unique and visually stunning style of animation and cinematography, which might appeal to “Bojack Horseman” fans who appreciate experimental and creative storytelling.
17. Archer (2009)
Archer is an American adult animated sitcom created by Adam Reed. The show follows the adventures of Sterling Archer, a highly skilled and self-absorbed spy working for an international espionage agency called ISIS. The series is known for its fast-paced and irreverent humor, as well as its pop culture references and clever wordplay.
In many ways, Archer shares similarities with another popular adult animated sitcom, “Bojack Horseman”. Both shows explore the struggles and neuroses of their flawed protagonists, delving into themes such as identity, relationships, addiction, and mental health. They also share a penchant for satire and social commentary, often using their absurd premises as a vehicle for commentary on contemporary issues.
18. Califronication (2007)
Californication is a popular TV series that aired from 2007 to 2014 on Showtime. It revolves around the life of Hank Moody, a struggling writer living in Los Angeles, who is trying to find success in his career while dealing with his personal demons. The show explores themes such as love, sex, drugs, and fame, and how they can affect a person’s life.
Both Californication and Bojack Horseman are known for their dark humor, complex characters, and exploration of the human condition. They both provide a commentary on the pitfalls of fame and the struggles of living in Los Angeles. While the shows differ in their format, they both provide a deep and emotional look at the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of success.
19. South Park (1997)
South Park is an animated television series that revolves around the lives of four boys, Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, who live in the titular town of South Park, Colorado. The show is known for its dark humor and satire, often touching on controversial topics such as politics, religion, and social issues. The series has been praised for its sharp writing and ability to address sensitive topics in a humorous way.
Fans of Bojack Horseman may enjoy South Park because both shows use humor to explore complex societal issues. While Bojack Horseman focuses on mental health, addiction, and the entertainment industry, South Park tackles a wider range of topics. Both shows also employ a unique animation style and feature well-developed characters with flaws and complex personalities.
20. Final Space (2018)
Final Space is an animated sci-fi comedy-drama series that revolves around the adventures of Gary Goodspeed, a prisoner aboard a spaceship named the Galaxy One. The show follows Gary and his crew as they journey through the galaxy, battling evil forces and discovering the secrets of the universe.
Fans of Bojack Horseman would enjoy Final Space because both shows explore complex themes and emotions through humor and character development. Final Space tackles topics like loss, trauma, and redemption, much like Bojack Horseman does, but in a different setting. The animation style and sci-fi elements of Final Space also add a unique flair that sets it apart from other shows in the same genre.
Honourable Mentions
Here are a few shows like Bojack Horseman that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless:
- F is For Family
- Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Flaked
- The Office (USA)