Common Side Effects (2025)
An Adult Swim animated dark comedy that sends two unlikely investigators deep into a pharmaceutical conspiracy hiding nature's most powerful secret.
Common Side Effects - Series Information
- Original Title: Common Side Effects
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Joseph Bennett, Steve Hely
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 23 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 2, 2025 (United States - TV-MA), February 2, 2025 (France - 16), February 2, 2025 (Australia - MA 15+), February 2, 2025 (Brazil - 16), February 2, 2025 (Mexico - B-15), February 2, 2025 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: Adult Swim
- Alternative Titles: الآثار الجانبية الشائعة (SA), Частыя пабочныя эфекты (BY), Загальні побічні ефекти (UA)
- Production Companies: Bandera Entertainment, Green Street Pictures, Williams Street, Tell Me More
- Production Countries: United States of America
Common Side Effects - Plot
Former high school lab partners Marshall and Frances begin to unravel a conspiracy involving big pharma and the federal government to suppress knowledge of a rare mushroom that may hold the key to curing all the world's diseases.
Common Side Effects - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the conspiracy unfold from the very first frame:
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Common Side Effects - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Joseph Bennett
- Steve Hely
Main Cast
- Dave King
- Emily Pendergast
- Mike Judge
- Martha Kelly
- Joseph Lee Anderson
- Sue Rose
- Shannon Woodward
- Ben Feldman
- Sydney Tamiia Poitier
- Shalita Grant
Writers
- Jon Foor
- Sophie Kriegel
- Steve Hely
- Karey Dornetto
- Emma Barrie
Executive Producers
- Steve Hely
- Suzanna Makkos
- Benjy Brooke
- Kelly Crews
- Joseph Bennett
Common Side Effects - FAQs
What is Common Side Effects about?
Common Side Effects follows Marshall and Frances, former high school lab partners who stumble onto a sweeping conspiracy involving the pharmaceutical industry and the federal government. At the center of it all is a rare mushroom that may hold the power to cure every disease known to humanity — and powerful forces want it buried.
Where can you stream Common Side Effects?
Common Side Effects is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) and through the Adult Swim platform. It can also be accessed via HBO Max on Amazon Channel and YouTube TV. For purchase or rental, it is available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Is Common Side Effects renewed for a second season?
Yes, Common Side Effects has been renewed for a second season. The series currently holds a status of Returning Series, and production is ongoing. Season 1 consisted of 10 episodes, while Season 2 is in development with episode details yet to be announced.
Who are the main voice actors in Common Side Effects?
The principal voice cast includes Dave King as Marshall Cuso, Emily Pendergast as Frances Applewhite, and Mike Judge as Rick Kruger. Supporting voices are provided by Martha Kelly, Joseph Lee Anderson, Sue Rose, Shannon Woodward, Ben Feldman, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, and Shalita Grant.
Is Common Side Effects based on a true story?
Common Side Effects is not based on a specific true story. It is an original animated series created by Joseph Bennett and Steve Hely. However, its themes of pharmaceutical industry corruption, government suppression of natural remedies, and corporate conspiracy draw on real-world anxieties and contemporary distrust of big pharma.
Who created Common Side Effects?
Common Side Effects was created by Joseph Bennett and Steve Hely. The series is executive produced by Bennett and Hely alongside Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, Suzanna Makkos, Benjy Brooke, Kelly Crews, James Merrill, Sean Buckelew, and Dustin Davis. It airs on Adult Swim.
What is the content rating for Common Side Effects?
Common Side Effects is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains content that may be unsuitable for viewers under 17. It has also received age ratings of 16 in France, Brazil, and Spain, and MA 15+ in Australia.
How was Common Side Effects received by critics?
Common Side Effects earned strong critical praise upon its debut, with reviewers highlighting its sharp satirical edge, inventive premise, and darkly comedic tone. Critics noted the series as a standout entry in adult animation, praising its blend of conspiracy thriller plotting with absurdist humor and a distinctive visual style.
More About Common Side Effects
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