Saagar Kote
Netflix’s ‘Mating Season’ is an adult animated romantic comedy series created by Jennifer Flackett, Andrew Goldberg, and Nick Kroll. Set in a lively animal world, the narrative follows a group of animals, including Josh the bear, Ray the raccoon, Fawn the deer, and Penelope the fox. They navigate romance, emotional confusion, and chaotic personal relationships as mating season intensifies. The animals become increasingly desperate to find partners, leading to unusual pairings, awkward situations, and unpredictable consequences. The creatures find themselves in awkward situations where hiding their sexual intentions becomes tough.
With their intimate experiences, the fox, the bear, the raccoon, and the fawn also learn more about the mysteries of life, the value of staying in the present without restrictions, and the freedom to pursue their physical and emotional desires. Through its comedic, exaggerated approach, the series offers a humorous take on relationships and social dynamics in the animal kingdom and is a commentary on sexual liberation. Looking for more adult-themed animated shows similar to ‘Mating Season’ that will keep you hooked? You can check out this list, which features shows that are engaging and chaotic in equal measure.
12. Adventure Beast (2021)
‘Adventure Beast’ follows wildlife expert Bradley Trevor Greive, AKA BTG, as he travels across various terrains and regions studying dangerous animals and attempting risky rescue missions. Accompanying him on these adventures are his enthusiastic niece and junior field assistant Bonnie, along with the constantly anxious senior field assistant Dietrich, who is terrified of nearly everything around him. During their expeditions, BTG shares unusual and provocative facts about wildlife that most traditional nature programs avoid discussing.
As the team repeatedly finds itself in chaotic, life-threatening situations involving unpredictable animals, each journey is shaped by BTG’s eccentric personality and darkly humorous perspective on the natural world. Shaped by the creative vision of Mark Gravas and Bradley Trevor Grieve, the Netflix adult comedy series is a thrilling ride. The show reflects the essence of ‘Mating Season’ through its spirit of adventure, the unexpected behavior of animals, and the uncensored nature of characters’ dialogue.
11. Hoops (2020)
Crafted by Ben Hoffman, Netflix’s ‘Hoops’ is a comedy series that deals with Ben Hopkins, a foul-mouthed and hot-tempered high-school basketball coach who dreams of eventually making it to the professional leagues. However, his ambitions are constantly challenged by his struggling team, whose lack of talent and discipline makes success difficult to achieve. Determined to prove himself despite the odds, Ben pushes his players through intense training and local competitions while trying to hold his chaotic personal life together.
His plans are frequently disrupted by absurd situations, emotional outbursts, and embarrassing setbacks that create constant turmoil both on and off the court. At the same time, Ben also struggles with living in the shadow of his famous father, forcing him to confront his insecurities while continuing to chase the success he desperately wants. Ben’s character energy, his unfiltered, embarrassing, and outrageous style of communication, will remind you of the animals and their hilarious sexual misadventures in ‘Mating Season.’
10. The Life & Times of Tim (2008-2012)
HBO’s ‘The Life & Times of Tim’ is the story of Tim, an ordinary NYC man in his twenties living with his girlfriend Amy. Although he usually tries to behave responsibly and do the right thing, his life repeatedly spirals into uncomfortable and embarrassing situations. Whether at work or in his personal relationships, Tim constantly finds himself trapped in awkward misunderstandings and chaotic encounters, often caused by the questionable people around him. Despite his generally well-meaning nature, he is usually the person blamed whenever things go wrong, while others escape responsibility.
As Tim struggles to maintain a stable life and meet the expectations of those close to him, his everyday experiences turn into a continuous series of humorous mishaps. Steve Dildarian holds the reins of this adult sitcom, which has much in common with ‘Mating Season.’ Both shows are about awkward and adventurous moments in the lives of quirky and humorous characters, who experience unexpected challenges and adrenaline-fueled journeys, in the company of friends.
9. F Is for Family (2015-2021)
‘F Is for Family’ takes place in the 1970s and draws inspiration from the childhood experiences of Bill Burr, who co-created the Netflix adult animated sitcom with Michael Price. The narrative follows the everyday struggles of the Murphy family living in suburban America. At the heart of the story is Frank Murphy, a short-tempered airport employee and war veteran who constantly battles financial pressure, workplace frustrations, and the challenges of raising a family.
His wife, Sue, tries to balance family responsibilities with her own ambitions, while their three children each deal with growing up in very different ways. Through arguments, awkward situations, and chaotic family moments, the series captures the atmosphere of 1970s American life. The adult-themed storyline, along with the character dynamics, visual sensibilities, and slice-of-life theme of the show, make it complementary to the unique world and characters of ‘Mating Season.’
8. Close Enough (2020-2022)
‘Close Enough’ is an adult sitcom that centers on Josh and Emily, a married couple in their early thirties living in LA with their young daughter, Candice. Sharing a duplex with their divorced friends Alex and Bridgette, the group struggles to balance adulthood, parenting, careers, and relationships while adjusting to the pressures of everyday life. Although their problems often begin as ordinary domestic situations, they quickly spiral into bizarre and exaggerated adventures involving surreal, science fiction, and fantasy-like events.
From dealing with strange creatures to surviving absurd disasters, the characters constantly find themselves caught in chaotic situations that reflect the confusion and unpredictability of modern adult life. J. G. Quintel, Sean Szeles, and Calvin Wong form the creative team behind this engrossing show. ‘Close Enough’ and ‘Mating Season’ are both essentially about the disastrous situations that quirky friends and loved ones can put one in. The characters in both shows face hilarious moments, while making awkward and inappropriate jokes that keep the audience entertained.
7. Duckman (1994-1997)
‘Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man’ or simply ‘Duckman’ is an adult animated sitcom from creator Everett Peck, based on the characters he created. Set in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals live together, the show follows Eric Tiberius Duckman, a loud and cynical PI living in LA. Widowed and struggling to manage both his career and family life, Duckman constantly creates chaos through his selfish behavior and reckless decisions. Despite this, he continues his detective work alongside his calm and dependable partner, Cornfed Pig. Duckman’s attempts to raise his children as a single father lead to a mix of dysfunctional family situations and absurd comedic moments, similar to the chaos and confusion that we see in ‘Mating Season’ through the tribulations of the wild creatures who are always desperate.
6. Tuca & Bertie (2019-2022)
‘Tuca & Bertie’ explores the trials of two anthropomorphic bird friends living in the same apartment complex. The carefree toucan Tuca and the anxious song thrush Bertie have very different personalities, yet they remain deeply connected as they navigate the challenges of adulthood together. After recently giving up alcohol, Tuca struggles to maintain stability while moving between temporary jobs. Meanwhile, Bertie balances office work with her dream of building a career in baking.
As their friendship continues to evolve, the series explores complex personal experiences, including relationships, emotional insecurity, trauma, and self-discovery. Shaped by the creative vision of Lisa Hanawalt, her webcomic ‘Tuca the Toucan’ serves as the origin for the Netflix animated sitcom. The elements of surreal humor, emotionally grounded storytelling, the examination of the difficulties of adult life, the chaotic, wild representation of friendship, personal growth, and the mundanity of a desire-fueled life are common to both ‘Mating Season’ and ‘Tuca & Bertie.’
5. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
‘BoJack Horseman’ is set in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist. The Netflix adult sitcom unravels in Hollywood, where former TV star BoJack Horseman struggles to regain relevance. Living in isolation inside his mansion, BoJack attempts to revive his fading career by releasing a revealing autobiography, even as he battles alcoholism, substance abuse, and self-destructive behavior. Surrounding him are people who both support and complicate his life. Raphael Bob-Waksberg is at the creative helm of the show, which, akin to ‘Mating Season,’ is an unfiltered, honest, and hilarious visual representation of the mundanity of reality, the escapism needed to sustain life, the freedom to say what one wants, and the attitude of stoic ignorance.
4. HouseBroken (2021-2023)
‘HouseBroken’ comes from the creative minds of Jennifer Crittenden, Clea DuVall, and Gabrielle Allan. Set in a world where animals can speak to one another, the sitcom follows a group of LA pets who attend a therapy support group led by therapist Honey, a thoughtful poodle. Each animal struggles with emotional problems that are often connected to the humans in their lives. The group includes anxious dogs, insecure cats, and other eccentric pets attempting to manage life’s troubles.
As they discuss their problems and search for meaning, the animals frequently find themselves embroiled in bizarre adventures. Much like ‘Mating Season,’ the show offers a humorous and satirical look at animal behavior and utilizes its animal characters to deliver outrageous commentary on life, emotional vulnerability, and the pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction in unlikely settings and situations.
3. Human Resources (2022-2023)
Netflix’s ‘Human Resources’ focuses on the hidden workplace of emotional creatures who guide human behavior to carry out their daily responsibilities. It follows Hormone Monsters, Depression Kitties, Shame Wizards, and many other beings assigned to help humans navigate different stages of life. While these creatures are responsible for managing human emotions, they also struggle with their own personal problems.
Through absurd humor and exaggerated situations, the adult comedy series explores emotional experiences while revealing that the creatures themselves are often just as flawed and vulnerable as the humans they guide. The show is crafted under the guidance of Kelly Galuska, Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett, serving as a spin-off of ‘Big Mouth.’ The animal character and the absurdities of their chaotic lives, spiritually reflect the realities and wild adventurous spirits of the creatures in ‘Mating Season,’ who also try to balance pleasure and peace.
2. Big Mouth (2017-2025)
‘Big Mouth’ deals with a group of middle school friends, including Nick Birch, Andrew Glouberman, Jessi Glaser, and their classmates, as they struggle through puberty in suburban New York. As the teenagers deal with attraction, insecurity, emotional changes, and social pressure, they are constantly guided and tormented in equal measure by supernatural creatures representing human emotions and instincts. Among them are Hormone Monsters, Depression Kitties, and others who affect the children’s thoughts and behavior in chaotic ways.
Created by Andrew Goldberg, Nick Kroll, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett, the Netflix adult sitcom is an unconventional and raw portrayal of desires, sexual evolution, and psychological growth. While ‘Mating Season’ has sexually desperate animals looking for pleasure and satisfaction at any cost, ‘Big Mouth’ explores the lives of teenagers who find themselves trapped within the clutches of adolescence and the puzzling nature of sexual desire and liberation.
1. Animals (2016-2018)
Crafted by Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano, HBO’s ‘Animals’ or ‘Animals.’ is set in NYC and explores urban life through the perspective of the city’s overlooked animals, presenting their struggles, relationships, and emotional problems in ways close to human behavior. Each episode focuses on different creatures living across the city, including rats, pigeons, cats, and bedbugs, dealing with personal crises related to loneliness and insecurity. The creatures face anxiety and existential uncertainty as they navigate a harsh environment. Using improvised dialogue and dark humor, the comedy series presents a satirical look at modern city life, highlighting how the emotional chaos humans experience is equally evident in the lives of the city’s animal population.
‘Animals’ and ‘Mating Season’ are both commentaries on the mundanity of life and reality, narrated through the ups and downs of diverse and clever animal characters. While the Netflix show focuses more on sexual gratification and meaning, the HBO series delves deeper into the value and meaning of life itself. The character dynamics and the visual styles of the shows also connect them on a deeper level.
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