China, IL (2011)
Brad Neely's anarchic Adult Swim animated comedy set at a fictional Illinois university, built from his beloved cult web series.
China, IL - Series Information
- Original Title: China, IL
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Created by: Brad Neely
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 2, 2011 (United States - TV-14), October 2, 2011 (Canada - 18+), October 2, 2011 (Germany - 12), October 2, 2011 (France - 12), October 2, 2011 (Brazil - 14), October 2, 2011 (Mexico - B-15), October 2, 2011 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: Adult Swim
- Production Companies: Working For Monsters, Neely Comics, Titmouse, Williams Street
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 东方大学 (CN)
China, IL - Plot
China, IL – meaning “China, Illinois” – is an animated television series for the cable network Adult Swim. The series is created by Brad Neely, and features Neely's existing characters from the China, IL web series and special. Characters include Frank and Steve Smith, aka “The Professor Brothers,” and Mark “Baby” Cakes. Neely provides the voice for all three characters. The series is produced by Williams Street and animated by Titmouse, Inc. China, IL has been renewed for a second season with the possibility of a new half-hour runtime.
On May 25, 2008, Adult Swim ran The Funeral, an 11-minute special which was streamed on the now defunct Super Deluxe website. The special combined Brad Neely's Professor Brothers and Baby Cakes webseries, which were also streamed at Super Deluxe, and established a larger environment for the characters. The special, as well as Brad Neely's other videos, can be viewed at Neely's YouTube page.
Where to Watch China, IL
Looking for where to watch China, IL?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
China, IL - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Brad Neely
Main Cast
- Brad Neely
- Greta Gerwig
- Hulk Hogan
- Jason Walden
- Jeffrey Tambor
- Gary Anthony Williams
- Chelsea Peretti
- Hannibal Buress
- Ryan Flynn
- Dave Coulier
Writers
- Brad Neely
- Jack Kukoda
- Rebecca Addelman
Executive Producers
- Daniel Weidenfeld
- Keith Crofford
- Brad Neely
- Walter Newman
- Nick Weidenfeld
China, IL - FAQs
Who are the main voice actors in China, IL?
Brad Neely voices the three central characters — Frank Smith, Steve Smith, and Baby Cakes — all by himself. The supporting cast is surprisingly star-studded, featuring Greta Gerwig, Jeffrey Tambor, Hulk Hogan, Chelsea Peretti, Hannibal Buress, Kate McKinnon, Evan Peters, and Dave Coulier, among others.
Is China, IL based on Brad Neely's earlier web series?
Absolutely. The show grew directly out of Neely's cult web series Professor Brothers and Baby Cakes, which originally streamed on Super Deluxe. A 2008 special called The Funeral merged both web series into a shared world, laying the groundwork for the full Adult Swim series that launched in 2011.
Where can you stream China, IL?
China, IL is available to stream on YouTube TV and Adult Swim (including a free tier). If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Spectrum On Demand also offers free access for eligible subscribers.
What is China, IL actually about?
Set at a fictional university in Illinois, the show follows the chaotic lives of Frank and Steve Smith — two absurdist professors known as the Professor Brothers — alongside their perpetually bewildered neighbor Baby Cakes. Expect surreal humor, bizarre campus politics, and the kind of anarchic storytelling that made Neely's web work a cult phenomenon.
How many seasons and episodes does China, IL have?
China, IL ran for three seasons on Adult Swim, with 10 episodes per season for a total of 30 episodes. The show also has a collection of specials — including the original web shorts and the 2008 crossover special The Funeral — that fans consider essential viewing alongside the main series.
Why did China, IL end after three seasons?
Adult Swim did not renew China, IL beyond its third season, which concluded in 2015. No official explanation was given, though the show's niche, experimental style likely limited its mainstream reach. Creator Brad Neely has continued working in animation, but a revival of China, IL has not been announced.
How was China, IL received by critics and audiences?
The series earned a devoted cult following drawn to its deadpan absurdism and Neely's singular creative voice. Critics appreciated its commitment to weird, uncompromising comedy, comparing it favorably to other Adult Swim oddities. It never chased mainstream approval, which made it a cult gem rather than a ratings powerhouse.
What shows are similar to China, IL?
If China, IL hits the right nerve, try Robot Chicken, Squidbillies, Ugly Americans, or Drawn Together for similarly irreverent Adult Swim-adjacent comedy. Close Enough and The Life & Times of Tim offer a slightly more grounded but equally offbeat animated sensibility for viewers who enjoy character-driven absurdist humor.
More About China, IL
Explore further details about China, IL on these authoritative resources.