Exploring the animated world of ‘Universal Basic Guys’
A fresh take on adult animation
Created by real-life siblings Adam and Craig Malamut, Universal Basic Guys is set in the fictional town of Glantontown, New Jersey. The show centers around Mark and Hank Hoagies, two brothers voiced by Adam Malamut. After being laid off from their jobs at a local hot dog factory, they find themselves part of a new basic income program, receiving $3,000 monthly checks. With plenty of time and money on their hands, the brothers embark on a series of misadventures that are as foolish as they are entertaining.
The premise: A promising start
The show kicks off with Mark questioning the portrait he bought as a birthday gift for his wife, Tammy (voiced by Talia Genevieve). When Tammy receives a luxurious spa certificate from a doctor she works with, Mark feels the need to outdo the gift. He decides to buy her an exotic animal, roping in Hank to help. They visit a Tiger King-like zoo and end up purchasing an ancient, ailing chimpanzee. Predictably, things go awry. The chimp is far from a house-trained pet, Tammy is unimpressed, and Mark ends up in the hospital. This sets the tone for the series, where each episode follows a similar pattern of Mark concocting a plan and Hank foolishly following along.
Characters: A colorful ensemble
In addition to Mark, Hank, and Tammy, the show features a variety of other characters. Tammy’s teenage son, Darren (Brandon Wardell), does his best to avoid his stepfather. The Hoagies’ neighbors include aspiring writer David (Fred Armisen) and his high-powered wife, Andrea (Ally Maki). Mark’s archnemesis, Steve DelVecchio (Tommy Pope), is always looking for ways to one-up him. This ensemble adds depth to the show, although their interactions often fall into predictable patterns.
Episodes: Highs and lows
The 13-episode first season is packed with action, involving creatures, magic, and even the Philadelphia Eagles. In Episode 3, “The Devil You Know,” the brothers, along with Darren, accidentally encounter the infamous Jersey Devil. Episode 8, “Poconcos,” sees Mark, Hank, Tammy, and Darren trapped in a Jumanji-like magical game, leading to chaos due to their inability to communicate effectively. While these storylines are thematically sound, the execution often leaves much to be desired. The show lacks the slickness, clarity, and comedic timing needed to elevate the material.
The humor: A mixed bag
There is certainly a way to make raunchy and even offensive jokes work. Shows like Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and South Park have mastered this art. However, Universal Basic Guys struggles to strike the right balance between crude and comedic. Most of the characters come off as frustratingly stupid, and the comedy isn’t sharp enough to compensate for the show’s overall dopiness and dated dialogue.
The potential: Room for improvement
Adult animation continues to attract viewers by using unique storytelling styles and mature themes. Universal Basic Guys has a decent concept: a group of guys in South Jersey trying to find fulfillment now that they have the funds to do so. However, the show fails to provide enough context about the robot takeover at the hot dog factory or what exactly Universal Basic Income (UBI) entails. This leaves viewers as directionless as the series itself.
Final thoughts: A work in progress
Crass dad humor is a specific genre that doesn’t appeal to everyone. To succeed, newcomers in this genre must be innovative and able to get laughs from those who ordinarily shy away from this style of comedy. Universal Basic Guys falls short in this regard and would benefit from a return to the drawing board.
Universal Basic Guys premieres on September 8 on Fox, with new episodes dropping weekly on Sundays. For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Universal Basic Guys.
For cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, this show offers a glimpse into the potential of adult animation. While it may not hit all the right notes, it provides a starting point for discussions on how to innovate within the genre. Whether you’re a fan of raunchy humor or just curious about new animated series, Universal Basic Guys is worth a watch, if only to see where it might go from here.