A unique and imaginative new project from the creative minds behind some of the most acclaimed animated shows is now available for free streaming.
The first two episodes are currently accessible, with more set to be released weekly, potentially making it the first cartoon sensation of 2025.
Addressing contentious topics such as Big Pharma, corrupt governments, and conspiracy theories, the series follows two high school friends on a bizarre adventure after they stumble upon a magical drug that can cure any disease.
Marshall Cuso (voiced by Dave King) and Frances (Emily Pendergast) quickly find themselves on the run after uncovering a massive government conspiracy to keep the miracle drug hidden from the public.
The initial two episodes of Common Side Effects are now streaming on Adult Swim and Channel 4 in the UK and have already garnered critical praise.
‘Haunting’ animated show that could be ‘the best ever’ now streaming for free (Image: Channel 4)
Joseph Bennett, who recently created the underrated series Scavengers Reign, widely regarded as one of the best animated shows of the 2020s, if not all time, co-created the show.
The creative team also includes Steve Healy, known for his work on 30 Rock and The Office, and it’s executive produced by Mike Judge, famed for iconic animated shows like Beavis and Butt-Head and King of the Hill.
Judge also lends his voice to the character of pharmaceutical CEO Rick Kruger. The Reporter has lauded Common Side Effects, describing it as “furiously relevant, dryly hilarious and strangely haunting.”
The creative ensemble has been lauded as “some of the finest purveyors of workplace comedy” which includes The Office’s Greg Daniels, signifying, “it shows in the series’ knack for finding the comic banality behind all of Marshall’s exotic action-packed escapades.
“Wherever it goes, the result, for now, is a series that feels not quite like anything else on television. It’s unpredictable and genuinely exciting.
Some huge names in animation and comedy are behind this acclaimed new series (Image: ADULT SWIM)
“It’s funny in a dark way but also occasionally in a laugh-out-loud way (thanks, often, to the A+ comic timing of Marshall’s pet tortoise Socrates).
“It’s almost terrifyingly timely, tapping into feelings of fear, exhaustion and boiling rage pulsing through so much of our discourse about drug companies, health insurance and capitalism.”
IGN, another voice in the choir of praise, described the show as “a breath of fresh air within the Adult Swim line-up.”
Their review emphasises the timeliness of the series: “The way its propulsive, gripping plot explores modern healthcare is deeply relevant,” and commented on how “the animation helps to highlight the absurdities of this broken system by mixing elements of psychedelia and horror into an otherwise grounded drama.”
Their expectations are high as they anticipate: “We’ve only seen four episodes so far, but Common Side Effects has the potential to be one of the greatest Adult Swim shows of all time.”
Marshall uncovers a conspiracy to keep a miracle drug a secret (Image: ADULT SWIM)
The general viewership, swift to engage, echo the critical acclaim with a robust reception of their own.
Enthusiasm over the two-episode premiere of the animated sitcom has been high, with one Redditor stating: “This show is amazing so far,” a sentiment echoed by another: “Yeah I definitely am watching this going forward. Great so far and hope the tortoise makes it.”
The praise continued: “I’m really liking the feel of this show. If this brings Scavengers Reign to Adult Swim I’ll be happy.”
Common Side Effects continues Sundays on Adult Swim and the following Monday on Channel 4 in the UK.