I love the newest Netflix original show, BoJack Horseman . Its refreshing yet dark comedy make it a must-see cartoon for adults. The story follows a washed-up celebrity trying to survive life’s everyday struggles. BoJack is over-partied, sarcastic, and has lots of issues. He’s the horse that you hate to love, love to hate, and it’s easy to relate to the ennui that plagues his alcohol-fueled, superficial social-life.

Animal Anthropomorphism

If humans lived in the world of the Berenstain Bears, riddled with vices such as sex, booze, and drugs, then this would be BoJack’s world. You will immediately notice that BoJack is a talking horse, his ex-girlfriend/agent is a cat, his roommate is a human, and his annoying frenemy is a dog. It is always endearing to watch personified animals interacting with people and these animal traits translate well for quirky personality traits. Not unlike Amy Sedaris’ brother, David Sedaris’ collection of fables Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, this playful use of talking animals juxtaposes the black humour and bleak themes and it gives the show a unique flavour.

The Story Within The Story

It is established early on that BoJack needs to write a memoir and I believe that this book is metaphor for the entire television series. Reviews for the completed memoir included that it was “surprisingly literate and insightful, but still fun” and the book is also “naked, honest, and revealing” – all of which are my exact sentiments for the television series.

Slow Start Out Of The Gates

I always try to give new shows 3 episodes before dismissing it – and you should too for BoJack. The pilot was underwhelming, but the following episodes quickly pick up on the seeds. It seems to me that whatever shows Will Arnett is in are dubbed as “smart shows.” À la Arrested Development, BoJack is laced with more subtle humour that requires a little more attention and patience. The end of season 1 though is surprisingly climatic and dramatic.

Rich In Theme, Character Development, and Story Arcs

Coming to terms with loneliness, aging, failing careers, and failing relationships are some of the many complex themes that are explored. Past BoJack’s “selfish, narcissistic, and self-destructive” façade, is he still a good person? Is there even a difference between our exterior and interior self? How do we balance life and careers? Friendship and loyalty vs career building and selling out? Bojack, like the rest of his furry friends, have all been delicately crafted to have complex yet relatable personas.

Here is my Buzzfeed list of top 5 reasons why you should watch BoJack Horseman.