Watch Disenchantment

Disenchantment is an adult animated television series that was created by Matt Groening, the man behind The Simpsons and Futurama. The show premiered in August 2018 on Netflix and features 20 episodes over two seasons, with a third season set to air in 2021. The show is set in a medieval fantasy kingdom called Dreamland and follows the adventures of a hard-drinking princess named Bean, her elf companion Elfo, and her personal demon Luci. Bean is the daughter of King Zog, who dreams of marrying her off to a wealthy and powerful prince to secure the kingdom's future. However, Bean is not content with that fate and instead seeks out to live her own life on her own terms.

The concept of the show is not entirely new, as many animated shows have tackled the classic medieval fairy tale setting before. However, Disenchantment manages to distinguish itself from similar shows by mixing in elements of modern pop-culture references and humor, as well as the signature absurdist humor that Groening's shows are known for.

The first thing that stands out about Disenchantment is its animation style. While it shares similarities with its predecessors, the show employs more detailed and textured visuals, allowing for a greater sense of immersion in the fantasy world. The world of Dreamland is richly imagined, with vast landscapes, elaborate cityscapes, and a range of colorful characters and creatures that add to the show's vibrant setting.

The show's humor is also a major draw, with plenty of witty one-liners, sight gags, and running jokes that keep the episodes entertaining from start to finish. The show also has a knack for cleverly subverting fantasy tropes, often poking fun at the genre's more clichéd elements.

In terms of characters, Disenchantment features a wide range of interesting and often flawed characters. Bean is a relatable protagonist, rebellious yet genuinely caring. Her companions Elfo and Luci offer a solid contrast to her character, with Elfo being the wide-eyed innocent, and Luci serving as the devilish troublemaker.

The show's supporting cast is similarly diverse, with characters ranging from Bean's bumbling, yet lovable father King Zog, to the tough and competent warrior woman Mora, who becomes a love interest for Elfo.

One of the show's strongest points is how it manages to balance comedic moments with more serious storylines and character development. While it is primarily a comedy, Disenchantment doesn't shy away from tackling more mature themes, including addiction, death, and toxic relationships.

Despite its strong points, however, Disenchantment is not without its flaws. While the show does have its own unique identity, its humor can sometimes feel overly familiar and repetitive, especially when compared to Groening's past work.

Additionally, while its mythology is rich and imaginative, the show often feels somewhat disjointed in how it handles its overarching story. The plot often meanders, with seemingly important storyline and character developments leading nowhere, and the show's pacing can often feel rushed and uneven.

Overall, Disenchantment is an enjoyable and entertaining addition to the adult animation genre that offers a fresh take on a familiar setting. With its unique blend of humor, strong characters, and imaginative world-building, it is a show that is sure to appeal to fans of Matt Groening's previous work, as well as newcomers looking for a fun and irreverent fantasy story.

Disenchantment is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (50 episodes). The series first aired on August 17, 2018.