Summary

Strange Planet is a kind and wholesome show that emphasizes the importance of kindness and support for others, which is consistent with the message of Nathan W. Pyle’s comic. The transition from comic to animated series may not have been smooth, as the show feels like a collection of comics rather than a cohesive narrative. The intensely literal language that made the comics funny becomes tiresome when used in every episode. Fans of Dan Harmon’s other shows, like Rick and Morty, may be disappointed by Strange Planet, as it lacks the dark humor and sarcasm typically associated with his work. The show offers a charming and positive look at humanity, but it may not attract a strong fan base.

Strange Planet is the loveliest new show on Apple TV+. But perhaps it’s a bit too lovely. The cartoon adapts Nathan W. Pyle’s long-running comic of the same name, and it was created with the aid of Dan Harmon (Community, Rick and Morty). By all rights, the show should be an incredible success. But audiences have returned with harsh responses, and critics’ reviews are wavering.

Strange Planet is a kind show. Pyle’s message in the comic comes through well in the animated series. It’s odd to be human, and no matter what you might feel or experience, it’s important to be kind and support your fellow beings. Perhaps this isn’t what some fans expected from Strange Planet when they saw Dan Harmon’s name attached as an executive producer—a curious thing since many of Harmon’s shows share that same message.

Maybe Strange Planet actually gives us too much of what we wanted. This TV show might have been better digested as a comic, not extended to half-hour segments of jokes normally taken one at a time. It isn’t a bad show. It’s just that instead of being a show, it’s more like a bunch of comics pushed together until they make a story. Here’s why Strange Planet might not work.

Strange Planet Is a Better Comic
Apple TV

Nathan W. Pyle quickly accrued millions of followers after he launched his webcomic on Instagram in 2019. His funny blue aliens took mundane situations and made them exotic with a hyper-literal vocabulary and an ironic existential lens.

When you read one of his comics, you felt that someone out there might be able to empathize with you, even if they were on another planet. But what made Pyle’s comics especially unique was how a reader might walk away with an increased mindfulness of everyday situations. Pyle had a talent for revealing the absurdity in something as simple as making a cup of tea: “Mmm, hot leaf liquid.”

But Pyle’s foray into the world of animation may not have been an easy transition. The comic book writer may have been too used to composing his work inside four tiny frames and not over half an hour. Pyle’s work didn’t necessarily require him to create a narrative or use recurring characters. Unfortunately, that’s the best part of his animated series. We just don’t get enough of it.

When first watching Strange Planet, you find many of the situations are pulled straight from the comics. And longtime fans of the Instagram account no doubt love these little winks and nods. The intensely literal language is the biggest part of the comic that made it funny. But when you translate that into a language that every character is using in this sustained, animated world, it becomes tiresome. It’s like being told the punchline of a joke for 25 minutes. The Guardian may have been right when they called it too much of a good thing. Pyle comes through best in the isolated, relatable moments that could have been told in his comics.

The advantage of turning those into an animated series is the ability to create recurring characters and involve the audience in a growing, long-term narrative, which Pyle does – to an extent.

The problem is that most of these stories are self-contained adventures, which you think would lend itself to Pyle’s storytelling abilities. But the more gratifying parts of Strange Planet come when a narrative arc finds its way through the episodes. This may be the signature of writer Dan Harmon. But the show, in general, becomes too much of what Pyle is good at and not enough of what he isn’t.

Related: 10 Best Rick and Morty Episodes for People New to the Show

Not for Fans of Rick and Morty
Adult Swim

Strange Planet got a big marketing boost from having Dan Harmon’s name attached to it. Harmon has maintained a consistent and loyal following of fans since the early days of his career. Community cemented that following, and Rick and Morty roped in the massive crowd of 13 to 35 Adult Swim watchers that drive the market for adult animation. Unfortunately, most fans of Rick and Morty want only one thing from Dan Harmon: more Rick and Morty.

Related: 10 Adult Animated TV Shows that Got Their Own Feature Length Film

But that Lovecraftian Sci-Fi paired with dark humor isn’t what you’ll find in Strange Planet. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. What you’ll get is exactly what makes the show worthwhile: a wholesome, comfortable adventure with cute, loveable aliens. But putting Harmon’s name on the series may have attracted some of those viewers looking for something to tide them over while they waited for the next season of R&M.

Strange Planet lacks the distinct attitude of Harmon’s other shows. Here there’s no sarcasm or harsh irony; if there is, it’s softly delivered in a way where no particular character is punished. Viewers won’t get that again until Harmon releases Krapopolis.

The easy-going, calm attitude of Pyle’s comics is expressed well on this show. And that’s exactly what you should be expecting; no massive space battles or incredible Sci-Fi technology, just a charming, positive, and slightly absurd look at humanity. Unfortunately, this might not be enough to wrangle a fan base.