‘Common Side Effects’ Trailer Offers Satirical Healthcare Jabs

Adult Swim has released a trailer for Common Side Effects, a satirical thriller from Joe Bennett (Scavengers Reign) and Steve Hely (Veep, American Dad!, The Office), and executive producers Mike Judge and Greg Daniels (King of the Hill).

A preview of the animated series first appeared at Annecy in June, followed by a six-minute clip that screened on Youtube during Comic-Con in July.

Back-to-back episodes will premiere on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 11:30pm ET/PT on Adult Swim, followed by a new episode every Sunday. New episodes will also stream Mondays on Max.

The story – which follows two former high school lab partners who stumble on a mushroom that can heal almost anything, apart from the corporate interests of the DEA, big pharma, and international businessmen – has struck a chord with pop culture critics following the killing of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month. One Youtube pundit noted, “The timing for this trailer couldn’t be any more perfect.”

Although not directly addressing the zeitgeist topic, Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen stated in the series press release:

Joe and Steve have created something incredibly original with a series that is thrilling, beautiful, and deeply funny. It’s top-level television that challenges expectations and raises profound questions. It’s a truly special series and unlike anything you’ve ever seen. I’m trying not to be hyperbolic, but it’s true.

To wit, Bennett and Hely wrly added: “We hope Common Side Effects will be enjoyed by anyone who’s ever taken a pill.”

Common Side Effects is produced by Green Street Pictures and Bandera Entertainment. The founders of both companies were profiled on Cartoon Brew’s 2024 U.S. Animation Power List. On the list, we described Green Street Pictures as “the most exciting new independent studio in Los Angeles.”