Much to the delight ofDCfans,Harley Quinnwas renewed for a third season, which resumed on HBO Max in July 2022. This animated series, by Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker, and Dean Lorey, taps into the nostalgic charm of olderBatmancartoons and adds a comedic, dark, and almost nihilistic twist.
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This is rather fitting, givenHarley Quinn’spersonality—which, like her villainous boyfriend Joker, is eccentric, devious, and rather dark herself. While new episodes continue to be released, many fans might be seeking shows that similarly tap into creative themes while bringing a humorous edge, and a cast of zany characters to the fold
10The Boys
Based on the comic book by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson,The Boysfast became a hit when its debut season was released in 2019 on Amazon Prime Video, thanks to its fun and wild premise that highlights various antihero rogues. Initially conceived as a feature movie, the series has blossomed into its own, with a gripping premise and dynamic cast of many off-kilter heroes.
Despite its bombast and often absurd comedy,The Boysmaintains a human element with its character interactions, social satire, and flawed-yet-well-meaning “Supes;” which is the cheeky tag they’re given. While fairly distinct in style, this live-action romp has plenty of parallels withQuinn—given their humorous, off-color takes on the classic “super team” formula.
9Samurai Jack
Cartoon Network’sSamurai Jack, created by Genndy Tartakovsky, has had quite a run since its 2001 debut, becoming a fan favorite before riding off into the sunset in 2004. It officially concluded in 2017 after one last hurrah, with an even darker fifth season aimed at an older audience.
The award-winning animation is renowned for being in-depth and thrilling (while staying kid-friendly), as well as its likable characters and imaginative setting of a retro-future feudal Japan. This tale is partly a classic myth of good clashing with evil, though Tartakovsky runs with unique elements that draw from eastern mythology, samurai culture, andquasi-sci-fi dystopia.
With emotional storylines and styles and premises that vary each episode—from mecha fights to chicken transformations—Samurai Jackentices from beginning to end.
8Watchmen
Much likeQuinn, this dystopian superhero romp by Damon Lindelof thrills and entertains with its cast of cool renegades, who have been cast aside on account of their “unorthodox” brand of justice. Based on the then-obscure DC Comics series and piggybacking off the ‘09 film,Watchmenpacks tons of action, drama, and social commentary into its nine-episode run.
The show is a blend of old and new; of fiction (such as alien-squid monsters) and real sociopolitical history. Taking place a few decades after the comics, Lindelof draws from pastWatchmenlore in addition to historical and current events for various plotlines, including the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, and the looming threat of nuclear war. This miniseries should be an entertaining watch forHarleyfans looking for a similarly edgy—yet far more serious—take on the superteam.
7Justice League And Justice League Unlimited
While the tone and subject matter divert quite a bit,Harleyfans should find much to like about this animated superhero show on Cartoon Network. It explores the same rich, expansive cinematic universe of DC; with a slightly more mature tinge than typical Saturday morning cartoons. Both theJustice Leagueand its even more dynamic follow-up were highlights of Toonami until their emphatic end in 2006.
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Justice LeagueandUnlimitedfeel like watching an epic comic book play out in real-time—with a vast, likable cast of prominent DC figures, great animation, and captivating plots rife with clever twists. The shows go beyond the flashy-surfaces level tropes many associate with superheroes. It stresses emotional depth, world-building, and a moral core as the heroes try to balance power with responsibility and inner conflicts.
6The Venture Bros.
The fan-favoriteVenture Bros.was largely ahead of its time—with its satirical nature and an edgy, zany twist on the superhero formula. But likeQuinn, this apparent ‘surface level’ parody and wackiness is balanced with ample heart, depth, and introspection. The show follows the antics and quests of the insecure, ethnically-questionable Venture family. The cast includes mad scientist “Rusty” Venture, reformed villain Sergeant Hatred, and secret agent “murder machine” Brock Samson.
Put simply, there’s a reason this remains one of the longest-running shows on Adult Swim. It holds up in terms of age and still resonates with fans today. Creator Jackson Publick looks to cap off this epic run with a direct-to-video film, which will act as the series finale and premiere on Adult Swimand HBO Max.
5Futurama
FromSimpsonscreator Matt Groening,Futuramahelped pioneer a more imaginative brand ofadult cartoons with its sci-fi premise; a foundation shows likeHarley QuinnandRick and Mortywould run with full-throttle. Premiering on Fox in 1999, the show was revived and given a home on Adult Swim, where it fits the network’s goofy, (moderately) adult-oriented humor like a glove.
The show features a slew of quirky characters, human and otherwise, but hones in on ‘everyman’ space delivery boy Philip Fry. Fry brings a more grounded ‘work sitcom’ sensibility that contrasts and clashes with this sci-fi future locale. The show is largely a self-contained world, but also references real-world culture—Fry being enlisted by “General ColinPac-Man” to evade evil ghosts and fight Invaders, for instance.
4Bayman Beyond
As fans might expect, this Kids’ WB hit doesn’t evenapproachthe same level of violence or raunchy humor found inHarley Quinn.Still, it should surely whet the appetite of fans, with its similarly dark, detailed exploration ofBatmanand DC lore at large. The show features many of the same colorful heroes and villains, including the iconic Joker, Two-Face, Riddler,Poison Ivy, and a few cameos by Quinn herself.
The show takes place afterJustice League Unlimitedchronologically. It features a teenage Batman residing in a futuristic, megalopolis Gotham rife with towering buildings and flying cars zipping by. The show proved a bit divisive, but garnered a cult following with its cyberpunk settings, darker motifs, and deep, personal premises that explored the psychology of an elderly Bruce Wayne.
3Rick And Morty
Justin Roiland and Darn Harmon’s sci-fi comedy can be likened toHarley Quinnin a number of ways. Sure, that DC cartoon may not quite have the existential, mind-bending concepts of this Adult Swim show. Yet itdoesbring a similar sense of cynical humor, off-the-wall premises, and memorably zany characters that one can’t help but love.Rick and Mortyfeatures a caricature mad scientist whose depth becomes more apparent as viewers learn more about his quirks and conflicts.
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Playing counterpart to the arrogant nihilist Rick is the timid, naive Morty—who reluctantly tags along for most of Rick’s wild adventures. One never knows what to expect when watchingRick and Morty, whether it’s a look into a dystopian citadel full of Ricks and Mortys—or just Rick turning himself into a pickle to occupy himself.
2Batman: The Animated Series (1992)
It perhaps goes without saying thatQuinnfans would enjoy another series prominently hosting the Dark Knight and Harley. Though it does seem necessary to touch on just what makes this series so renowned and iconic to this day.
Airing on Fox Kids in 1992, Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm’sBatman: The Animated Seriesbrought a grittier sensibility than most kid-friendly cartoons of the era, with tastefully done animation and great voice acting. This quasi-film noir style would be partly emulated byHarley Quinn, as that show, much like the ‘92 cartoon, resides in the shadowy streets of Gotham—and brings plenty of intense action to boot.
1Invincible
BothHarley Quinnand Simon Racioppa’sInvinciblecan be described as “adult-oriented takes on the Saturday morning cartoon,” though for largely different reasons. Drawing from the Image Comics franchise of the same name, this Prime Video show follows teenager Mark Grayson, who becomes an ultra-powerful superhero,guided by his omnipotent dad and mentorOmni-Man.
Fans and critics have praised the cartoon’s faithful adherence to the source material while expanding on it—enhanced by ample action, detailed animation (as well as CGI), and emotional moments.
