Critics label the new Prime Video series as irretrievably bad, questioning its humor and character development.
Category: Arts & Culture
Aubrey Plaza and Jason Schwartzman star in the new adult animated comedy series Kevin, which premiered on April 20, 2026, on Prime Video. The show has been met with overwhelmingly negative reviews, with critics branding it as "irretrievably bad" and questioning its comedic merit.
As seen in a trending post on r/television, the series follows Kevin, a domestic tuxedo cat voiced by Schwartzman, who moves out after his human owners, Dana and Dan, separate. Instead of continuing life with Dana, Kevin opts for a new beginning at a chaotic pet rescue center called Furrever Friends in Astoria, Queens.
Created by Plaza and Joe Wengert, the show features a star-studded cast, including Amy Sedaris as Brandi, John Waters as Armando, Whoopi Goldberg as Cupcake, and Cary Elwes. The series consists of eight episodes, yet its execution has drawn harsh criticism.
The Guardian's Sarah Dempster delivered a particularly scathing review, stating, "It's so irretrievably bad it must never be allowed to happen again," awarding the show just one star. She described the script as "blunderingly crude" and criticized its sluggish attempts at emotional depth, asserting that it favors cruelty over empathy.
Critics have pointed out that the humor in Kevin often misses the mark. Dempster highlighted the lack of coherent punchlines, with jokes that either fall flat or make no sense within the show's universe. One example she cited was a character's nonsensical explanation of why she is named Cupcake: "Because if you like what's on the bottom, you are insane!" This, according to Dempster, is not a joke but merely a collection of words.
In a similar vein, Clint Worthington from RogerEbert.com found Kevin inferior to its stylistic influences like Bojack Horseman and Tuca & Bertie, criticizing the quality of animation and repetitive humor. He noted that the series struggles to balance raunchy humor with meaningful storytelling.
Meanwhile, some reviews offered a more tempered perspective. The Hollywood Reporter acknowledged the humor as "hit or miss," noting that the show occasionally attempts to declare itself as "Not Your Little Sister's Animal Cartoon." It also pointed out that some jokes, such as those about a duck's corkscrew-shaped penis, feel forced and out of place.
Screen Rant provided a slightly more favorable take, stating that the humor, though inconsistent, does not necessarily equate to a lack of quality. They highlighted the show's strength when it embraces its raunchy and absurd elements, which may resonate with fans of other boundary-pushing adult animated series like Rick and Morty.
Kevin is set in a fictional version of New York City where anthropomorphized animals interact with humans in a relatable yet bizarre manner. This blend of reality and absurdity is not new to animated series but is often a balancing act that can lead to mixed results. The series attempts to capture the essence of a hangout comedy, akin to shows like Friends or Seinfeld, but through the lens of a cat's perspective.
Plaza, known for her roles in Parks and Recreation and The White Lotus, brings her unique brand of humor to the project, which was produced through her production company, Evil Hag Productions, in collaboration with Titmouse, Inc. and Amazon MGM Studios. The initial buzz around the series stemmed from its intriguing premise and talented cast, but the execution has left much to be desired.
Critics have noted that the series suffers from a lack of character development and emotional engagement, which are often hallmarks of successful animated comedies. Instead of exploring the inner lives of its characters, Kevin opts for crude humor and shock value, alienating viewers who might have appreciated a more heartfelt narrative.
As the series is now available for streaming, its future may depend on viewer reception and engagement metrics. With a growing trend toward adult animation, there remains a chance for the series to find an audience that appreciates its offbeat humor. Yet, the overwhelming negative feedback from critics could hinder its potential for renewal or expansion into subsequent seasons.
Fans of Plaza and Schwartzman may still tune in to see their performances, but the series' reputation could deter casual viewers. The mixed reviews suggest that the show might struggle to maintain a solid viewership base, especially when compared to other successful animated series that have mastered the blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling.
In the coming weeks, the series will likely continue to attract attention, both for its creative ambitions and its controversial reception. As Plaza and Wengert navigate the world of adult animation, they may need to reassess their approach to humor and character development if they wish to resonate with a wider audience.
As of now, Kevin stands as a cautionary tale in the world of animated comedies, reminding creators of the delicate balance required to engage viewers meaningfully.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not always be independently verified.