Best-Reviewed Animated Series 2020

With the big streamers throwing plenty of cash around, some of the biggest names in recent adult-targeted animation released new series this year: Bob’s Burgers creator Loren Bouchard put out Central Park on Apple TV+, Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland gave us Solar Opposites on HBO Max, and Adventure Time’s Pendleton Ward co-created The Midnight Gospel for Netflix. All were hits with critics and make our list below. But it was season 4 of Netflix’s Big Mouth, the no-holds-barred dive into the horrors of puberty, that critics loved most, followed by DC Universe’s playful and excellent Harley Quinn in its second season.

The order of the rank below reflects the Adjusted Score as of December 31, 2020. Scores might change over time.

Big Mouth: Season 4 (2020)
100%

#1

Adjusted Score: 101581%

Critics Consensus: Big Mouth's fourth season is another tour de force of empathetic cringe comedy that manages to get even better by finally giving Missy the storyline she deserves.

Starring: Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Jessi Klein, Jason Mantzoukas

Directed By: Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett

Harley Quinn: Season 2 (2020)
100%

#2

Adjusted Score: 101688%

Critics Consensus: Harley Quinn maintains its frenetic energy and humor while doubling down on the shenanigans and giving its titular anti-heroine even more room to play.

Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Lake Bell, Jim Rash, Tony Hale

Directed By: Justin Halpern, Colin Heck, Patrick Schumacker, Vinton Heuck

Central Park: Season 1 (2020)
94%

#3

Adjusted Score: 98051%

Critics Consensus: With warmth, wit, and a pitch perfect ensemble, Central Park is a joyously hilarious musical love letter to the Big Apple.

Starring: Josh Gad, Leslie Odom Jr., Kristen Bell, Tituss Burgess

Directed By: Josh Gad, Loren Bouchard, Nora Smith, Sanjay Shah

Solar Opposites: Season 1 (2020)
92%

#4

Adjusted Score: 95086%

Critics Consensus: Charming, hilarious, and surprisingly sincere, Solar Opposites revels in the ridiculousness of life while finding a few fresh things to say about humanity along the way.

Starring: Justin Roiland, Thomas Middleditch, Sean Giambrone, Mary Mack

Directed By: Justin Roiland, Mike McMahan, Josh Bycel

The Midnight Gospel: Season 1 (2020)
91%

#5

Adjusted Score: 93764%

Critics Consensus: The Midnight Gospel's strange brew won't be for all tastes, but those willing to drink deep will find a wealth of vibrant visuals and illuminating insights.

Starring: Duncan Trussell, Phil Hendrie, Dr. Drew, Joey Diaz

Directed By: Antonio Canobbio, Ben Kalina, Chris Prynoski, Duncan Trussell