00:00
00:00
Newgrounds Background Image Theme

CapacitorCat just joined the crew!

We need you on the team, too.

Support Newgrounds and get tons of perks for just $2.99!

Create a Free Account and then..

Become a Supporter!

Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited?

741 Views | 37 Replies
New Topic Respond to this Topic
First
Prev
Page 1 of 2
Next
Last
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 07:11:10 (edited 2025-09-21 07:14:29)

A good number of adult cartoons nowadays are cynical, serious, and mean-spirited. I know life can be rough, but when I watch animated shows, I want to escape the drama and serious stuff. I want to be happy and relaxed. I want to laugh, damn it! Heck, I love comedy. It makes life more fun and cheerful. If I had the money, connection, and resources, I would be happier to create a fun, light-hearted adult cartoon series.

…
Czyszy
Member since: Nov. 21, 2011
Offline.
Supporter Level 56 Musician

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 09:53:59 (edited 2025-09-21 09:54:20)

Cause, unlike kids (who are generally more sensitive), adults are more likely to take cynism and mean spiritedness with a grain of salt and still enjoy the series?

BBS Signature
…
Czyszy
Member since: Nov. 21, 2011
Offline.
Supporter Level 56 Musician

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 09:56:15

At 9/21/25 07:11 AM, ALewis36 wrote:I want to be happy and relaxed. I want to laugh, damn it! Heck, I love comedy. It makes life more fun and cheerful. If I had the money, connection, and resources, I would be happier to create a fun, light-hearted adult cartoon series.


The original 3 seasons of Lupin III totally fit your criteria. You're gonna love it, if you haven't seen it already. It's quirky and fun but it also doesn't shy away from slightly crass and violent moments.

BBS Signature
…
YourWorstDirector
Member since: Mar. 2, 2023
Offline.
Member Level 16 Melancholy

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 11:56:41

Truth to be told, there hasn't been an adult (or action) cartoon that wasn't a comedy, and we simply don't need any more.

…
Czyszy
Member since: Nov. 21, 2011
Offline.
Supporter Level 56 Musician

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 13:54:14

At 9/21/25 11:56 AM, YourWorstDirector wrote:Truth to be told, there hasn't been an adult (or action) cartoon that wasn't a comedy, and we simply don't need any more.


Castlevania?

BBS Signature
…
SnSQRS
Member since: May. 3, 2021
Online!
Supporter Level 17 Artist

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 13:58:34 (edited 2025-09-21 13:59:57)

Because sometimes it's crap aimed at raising funds and targeting teenagers, not actual adults. Teens may think that mean shitty jokes are funny, or I have no explanation why such stuff is popular.

I exist.

Pm me here I'm bored as fuck, also my discord: teh_snsqrs

BBS Signature
…
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 20:35:32

At 9/21/25 01:54 PM, Czyszy wrote:
At 9/21/25 11:56 AM, YourWorstDirector wrote:Truth to be told, there hasn't been an adult (or action) cartoon that wasn't a comedy, and we simply don't need any more.

Castlevania?

That's a good example. I love that show.

…
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 20:37:11

At 9/21/25 09:56 AM, Czyszy wrote:
At 9/21/25 07:11 AM, ALewis36 wrote:I want to be happy and relaxed. I want to laugh, damn it! Heck, I love comedy. It makes life more fun and cheerful. If I had the money, connection, and resources, I would be happier to create a fun, light-hearted adult cartoon series.

The original 3 seasons of Lupin III totally fit your criteria. You're gonna love it, if you haven't seen it already. It's quirky and fun but it also doesn't shy away from slightly crass and violent moments.


I love the Lupin the 3rd series. They're fun. I have a few movies, and the 2nd season on DVD.

…
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 20:39:09

At 9/21/25 09:53 AM, Czyszy wrote:Cause, unlike kids (who are generally more sensitive), adults are more likely to take cynism and mean spiritedness with a grain of salt and still enjoy the series?

Okay. I suppose so. I just prefer animated shows that are more upbeat, adventurous, and funny. Not being all depressing and full of drama.

…
DigitalCasualties
Member since: Jan. 8, 2024
Offline.
Supporter Level 11 Artist

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 20:47:37

Kids cartoons since '91 have also been like that. Not everything has to be Carebears.

As long as you don't make the viewers say the 8 deadly words it's okay to make your show dark. If anything, it's kinda toxic to want everything to be happy.

I don't need a music scene to tell me who I am

CasualtyX Illustrative Generation Gallery - Digital Casualties

BBS Signature
…
VGMGambit
Member since: May. 15, 2004
Offline.
Member Level 08 Audiophile

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 21:28:40

At 9/21/25 07:11 AM, ALewis36 wrote:A good number of adult cartoons nowadays are cynical, serious, and mean-spirited.


Cartoon that aren't targeted at kids have been cynical af ever since Homer Simpson became a household name; that's not a "nowadays" things. It's just a proven formula that works.

(i refuse to refer to e.g. family guy or bojack as 'adult cartoons' bcuz i think its kind of silly to refer to them as such)


I am very curious as to what you mean by "mean-spirited", however; that seems like an awfully specific criticism. What exactly comes to mind re: that?


At 9/21/25 07:11 AM, ALewis36 wrote:I know life can be rough, but when I watch animated shows, I want to escape the drama and serious stuff. I want to be happy and relaxed. I want to laugh, damn it! Heck, I love comedy. It makes life more fun and cheerful.


Sooo, I have news for you.

Not every animation has to, nor should, be made to your liking. Not to mine; not to anyone's.

I know this might be a difficult concept to grasp these day, given our current age of algorithmically-curated media feeds in which we now reside, but it is nonetheless the truth.

if you're finding that too much of your favorite media genre is currently inundated with a trend of things you're not into (and believe me I know what that feeling is like!), it's time to start searching harder. The things you like are most likely out there somewhere being created by some indie artist scraping by, just waiting to be happened upon by you.


At 9/21/25 07:11 AM, ALewis36 wrote:If I had the money, connection, and resources, I would be happier to create a fun, light-hearted adult cartoon series.


Then do it. Start on it now. You don't need money to put together a concept/outline/pilot. All you need is time and a canvas.


NG even has a resources page curated just for you, if you wanna get started. There's plenty of free resources (or as i liek to call them, "freesources"!) for you to choose from.

https://www.newgrounds.com/wiki/creator-resources

"Don't mess with the cajun"

BBS Signature
…
SpyderByter
Member since: Sep. 23, 2023
Offline.
Supporter Level 11 Animator

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-21 22:51:05

I think the problem arises from the fact that either adult shows are long running series that don't have the same energy or spunk they had before and they subverted into just mean, lazy, minimalistic writing that has characters just arguing and saying either dark jokes or some sort of commentary, or they are just calling another character some sort of insult. (*cough *cough FAMILY GUY.)


OR...it's a new series that doesn't know what it's doing, or how adult cartoons usually are meant to entertain. So, they just kind of guessed what it should be like.

BBS Signature
…
DigitalCasualties
Member since: Jan. 8, 2024
Offline.
Supporter Level 11 Artist

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 00:53:42 (edited 2025-09-22 00:56:11)

At 9/21/25 09:28 PM, VGMGambit wrote:Cartoon that aren't targeted at kids have been cynical af ever since Homer Simpson became a household name; that's not a "nowadays" things. It's just a proven formula that works.
(i refuse to refer to e.g. family guy or bojack as 'adult cartoons' bcuz i think its kind of silly to refer to them as such)


Isn't Bojack considered a gold standard? The cynicism in adult animation definitely started with Ralph Bakshi.


I am morbidly curious about how that lighthearted that cartoons series would go...

I don't need a music scene to tell me who I am

CasualtyX Illustrative Generation Gallery - Digital Casualties

BBS Signature
…
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 06:23:17

At 9/22/25 12:53 AM, CIGG wrote:
At 9/21/25 09:28 PM, VGMGambit wrote:Cartoon that aren't targeted at kids have been cynical af ever since Homer Simpson became a household name; that's not a "nowadays" things. It's just a proven formula that works.
(i refuse to refer to e.g. family guy or bojack as 'adult cartoons' bcuz i think its kind of silly to refer to them as such)

Isn't Bojack considered a gold standard? The cynicism in adult animation definitely started with Ralph Bakshi.

I am morbidly curious about how that lighthearted that cartoons series would go...


Bojack is a great adult animated series. They do tackle some serious issues and have some witty jokes. I also recommended American Dad. That show is hilarious. It's one of the fun shows to watch.

…
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 06:25:19

At 9/21/25 10:51 PM, SpyderByter wrote:I think the problem arises from the fact that either adult shows are long running series that don't have the same energy or spunk they had before and they subverted into just mean, lazy, minimalistic writing that has characters just arguing and saying either dark jokes or some sort of commentary, or they are just calling another character some sort of insult. (*cough *cough FAMILY GUY.)

OR...it's a new series that doesn't know what it's doing, or how adult cartoons usually are meant to entertain. So, they just kind of guessed what it should be like.


I think you hit the nail on the head. It would explain a lot. Thank you for answering my question.

…
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 06:28:14

At 9/21/25 08:47 PM, CIGG wrote:Kids cartoons since '91 have also been like that. Not everything has to be Carebears.
As long as you don't make the viewers say the 8 deadly words it's okay to make your show dark. If anything, it's kinda toxic to want everything to be happy.

I understand. I wasn't thinking of Carebears. I was thinking of having cartoons that are fun, zany, and upbeat like Looney Tunes, The Simpsons, Smiling Friends, Tom & Jerry, and American Dad.

…
xeiavica
Member since: Dec. 26, 2023
Offline.
Supporter Level 09 Animator

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 11:26:40

Despite the fact family guy and south park clones are absolute bollocks, you need to look harder to find good stuff that isn't like that or rick & morty.

iu_1464807_20436071.webp

"I don't want excuses. I want results."

~Skipper


Click here to see my art and animation thread postings. Just a note that some of it might be NSFW.

BBS Signature
…
AlexToolStudio
Member since: Dec. 4, 2021
Offline.
Supporter Level 29 Voice Actor

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 11:34:30

It because animation dying and we need more

…
DigitalCasualties
Member since: Jan. 8, 2024
Offline.
Supporter Level 11 Artist

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 12:46:20

At 9/22/25 06:28 AM, ALewis36 wrote:
At 9/21/25 08:47 PM, CIGG wrote:Kids cartoons since '91 have also been like that. Not everything has to be Carebears.
As long as you don't make the viewers say the 8 deadly words it's okay to make your show dark. If anything, it's kinda toxic to want everything to be happy.
I understand. I wasn't thinking of Carebears. I was thinking of having cartoons that are fun, zany, and upbeat like Looney Tunes, The Simpsons, Smiling Friends, Tom & Jerry, and American Dad.


All of those cartoons you just listed have either cynical, mean spirited themes, serious themes, or have drama. You can have fun and relax with something serious and dark as long as it isn't completely bleak. Laughter isn't the only way to enjoy something.

I don't need a music scene to tell me who I am

CasualtyX Illustrative Generation Gallery - Digital Casualties

BBS Signature
…
Cipower3
Member since: Mar. 19, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 09 Musician

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 16:46:45

At 9/21/25 07:11 AM, ALewis36 wrote:A good number of adult cartoons nowadays are cynical, serious, and mean-spirited. I know life can be rough, but when I watch animated shows, I want to escape the drama and serious stuff. I want to be happy and relaxed. I want to laugh, damn it! Heck, I love comedy. It makes life more fun and cheerful. If I had the money, connection, and resources, I would be happier to create a fun, light-hearted adult cartoon series.


what do you mean "Mean Spirited"

BBS Signature
…
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 18:14:22

At 9/22/25 12:46 PM, CIGG wrote:
At 9/22/25 06:28 AM, ALewis36 wrote:
At 9/21/25 08:47 PM, CIGG wrote:Kids cartoons since '91 have also been like that. Not everything has to be Carebears.
As long as you don't make the viewers say the 8 deadly words it's okay to make your show dark. If anything, it's kinda toxic to want everything to be happy.
I understand. I wasn't thinking of Carebears. I was thinking of having cartoons that are fun, zany, and upbeat like Looney Tunes, The Simpsons, Smiling Friends, Tom & Jerry, and American Dad.

All of those cartoons you just listed have either cynical, mean spirited themes, serious themes, or have drama. You can have fun and relax with something serious and dark as long as it isn't completely bleak. Laughter isn't the only way to enjoy something.


Okay. I think I understand. I just got blinded by childhood nostalgia. Thank you for explaining it to me.

…
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 18:15:56

At 9/22/25 11:26 AM, xeiavica wrote:Despite the fact family guy and south park clones are absolute bollocks, you need to look harder to find good stuff that isn't like that or rick & morty.


I love Smiling Friends. I love their style of absurd humor.

…
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 18:18:38

At 9/22/25 04:46 PM, Cipower3 wrote:
At 9/21/25 07:11 AM, ALewis36 wrote:A good number of adult cartoons nowadays are cynical, serious, and mean-spirited. I know life can be rough, but when I watch animated shows, I want to escape the drama and serious stuff. I want to be happy and relaxed. I want to laugh, damn it! Heck, I love comedy. It makes life more fun and cheerful. If I had the money, connection, and resources, I would be happier to create a fun, light-hearted adult cartoon series.

what do you mean "Mean Spirited"


In terms of being depressing and harsh. However, after conducting some research, I was relieved to find that I had been worrying for nothing. I was being blinded by childhood nostalgia.

…
Br00talD00dle
Member since: May. 17, 2021
Offline.
Supporter Level 11 Artist

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-22 20:54:29

Writers write what they know.

BBS Signature
…
hazlenaut
Member since: Dec. 9, 2022
Offline.
Member Level 07 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-25 14:38:27

It could be following Garfield’s cynicism to relate with the audience. Their Schadenfreude may have them over reliant on slapstick. Took me a while to get that word for enjoying misfortune correct. Seeing unfortunate event makes them want to make a snark remark with little consequence.

Writer may have a chip on their shoulder due to a current event. Animation industry just like most working on entertainment seen a lot of messed up stuff.

…
Aalasteir
Member since: Mar. 21, 2022
Offline.
Supporter Level 35 Voice Actor

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-28 18:28:18

I very strongly agree! It is incredibly damaging to my mental health seeing all of these amazing characters getting hurt as it makes me have a mental breakdown. I could very strongly recommend TheMysteriousMrEnter

Who has become my Unofficial Cartoon Therapist.


These are very tough times, but you gotta always stay strong! @ALewis36

BBS Signature
…
ALewis36
Member since: May. 20, 2024
Offline.
Member Level 14 Blank Slate

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-30 06:09:58

At 9/28/25 06:28 PM, PhantonArcade wrote:I very strongly agree! It is incredibly damaging to my mental health seeing all of these amazing characters getting hurt as it makes me have a mental breakdown. I could very strongly recommend TheMysteriousMrEnter
Who has become my Unofficial Cartoon Therapist.

These are very tough times, but you gotta always stay strong! @ALewis36


Thank you PhantonAracade.

…
Czyszy
Member since: Nov. 21, 2011
Offline.
Supporter Level 56 Musician

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-09-30 06:37:54

Damn it. It took me a while to realize that PhantonArcade is actually Aalasteir

BBS Signature
…
Aalasteir
Member since: Mar. 21, 2022
Offline.
Supporter Level 35 Voice Actor

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-10-12 09:47:24

At 9/30/25 06:37 AM, Czyszy wrote:Damn it. It took me a while to realize that PhantonArcade is actually Aalasteir


Wait, I've always been PhantonArcade.

BBS Signature
…
AlexToolStudio
Member since: Dec. 4, 2021
Offline.
Supporter Level 29 Voice Actor

Response to Why so many adult cartoons nowadays are cynical and mean spirited? 2025-10-12 10:05:34

At 10/12/25 09:47 AM, PhantonArcade wrote:
At 9/30/25 06:37 AM, Czyszy wrote:Damn it. It took me a while to realize that PhantonArcade is actually Aalasteir

Wait, I've always been PhantonArcade.


I also thought you one of the FNF creator

…
Wall Art by
Stradomyre

Main Sections

Extra, Extra!

Community

NG Related

©Copyright 1995-2026 Newgrounds, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use