10 Shows & Movies Like Archer (2009)

Description: As one of the pioneers of adult animation, 'The Simpsons' shares with 'Archer' a sharp wit, satirical edge, and focus on character-driven humor. Both shows use their settings—Springfield and the ISIS agency—as microcosms to explore broader societal issues.

Fact: 'The Simpsons' is the longest-running American sitcom and animated program. The show has predicted numerous real-world events, including the presidency of Donald Trump. It has won 34 Emmy Awards, more than any other animated series.

Description: Both 'Futurama' and 'Archer' blend clever writing with a mix of high and low humor. They share a similar satirical edge and a focus on character-driven stories, though 'Futurama' leans more into sci-fi tropes while 'Archer' focuses on espionage.

Fact: Created by Matt Groening, the show was initially canceled after four seasons but was revived due to fan demand. The show's writers included several PhD holders, leading to scientifically accurate jokes. 'Futurama' has won multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program.

Description: Both 'Family Guy' and 'Archer' rely on rapid-fire jokes, pop culture references, and a mix of high and low humor. They share a similar irreverent tone and a focus on dysfunctional family dynamics, though 'Family Guy' is more episodic in nature.

Fact: Created by Seth MacFarlane, the show was initially canceled after three seasons but was revived due to strong DVD sales and syndication. The character Stewie was originally intended to be a villain but evolved into a more complex character. The show is known for its cutaway gags, which often reference obscure pop culture moments.

Description: Both 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' and 'Archer' thrive on absurdity, non-sequiturs, and a disregard for conventional storytelling. The shows share a similar irreverent tone and a focus on bizarre, often surreal humor.

Fact: The show was part of Adult Swim's original lineup and became one of its longest-running series. The characters were originally conceived as detectives, but the premise was quickly abandoned. The show's infamous 'Mooninite' marketing campaign caused a bomb scare in Boston.

Description: Like 'Archer', 'The Boondocks' is known for its sharp social commentary, witty dialogue, and satirical take on contemporary issues. Both shows feature morally ambiguous protagonists and a mix of highbrow and lowbrow humor.

Fact: The show is based on a comic strip by Aaron McGruder. It was initially met with controversy for its portrayal of African American culture. The show's theme song is performed by Asheru, and the opening sequence is highly stylized and iconic.

Description: Like 'Archer', 'American Dad!' features a mix of political satire, absurd humor, and a focus on dysfunctional family dynamics. Both shows use their protagonists' flaws as a source of comedy and share a similar animation style.

Fact: The show was created by Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker, and Matt Weitzman. Unlike 'Family Guy', 'American Dad!' focuses more on serialized storytelling and character development. The character Roger the Alien is known for his numerous disguises and personas.

Description: Both 'Metalocalypse' and 'Archer' feature over-the-top, hyper-violent humor and a focus on a dysfunctional group of characters. The shows share a similar aesthetic with stylized animation and a penchant for absurdity, though 'Metalocalypse' leans more into heavy metal culture.

Fact: The show's creator, Brendon Small, also composed all the music for the series. The band Dethklok, featured in the show, released real albums that charted on the Billboard

Description: This show shares 'Archer's' rapid-fire dialogue, dark humor, and satirical take on superhero tropes. Both series were created by Adam Reed and share a similar animation style and comedic timing, making them feel like spiritual siblings.

Fact: 'Frisky Dingo' was the precursor to 'Archer', with many of its voice actors and writers moving on to work on 'Archer'. The show was canceled after two seasons but developed a cult following. It features the iconic line 'Boosh!' which became a fan favorite catchphrase.

Description: Like 'Archer', 'Rick and Morty' combines sharp, witty dialogue with absurd humor and a focus on dysfunctional relationships. Both shows feature protagonists who are highly skilled but deeply flawed, and they share a penchant for pop culture references and satirical takes on genre tropes.

Fact: Co-created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the show was originally pitched as a parody of 'Back to the Future'. The iconic burp speech of Rick was improvised by Justin Roiland during recording sessions. The show has won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program.

Description: Like 'Archer', 'Sealab 2021' features a dysfunctional cast of characters in a high-stakes environment, with humor derived from their incompetence and interpersonal conflicts. Both shows use a mix of satire and absurdity to great effect.

Fact: The show was created using footage from the 1970s series 'Sealab 2020', with new dialogue and plots. It was one of the first shows to popularize the 'random humor' style that became a hallmark of Adult Swim. The character Captain Murphy, voiced by Harry Goz, became a fan favorite for his chaotic energy.