Why Bojack Horseman Is The Best Show Of The 2010s

Okay, so you know how some shows just grab you and don't let go? And then you tell everyone about them? That's how I feel about BoJack Horseman. Honestly, it's the best show of the entire 2010s decade. Seriously, the whole thing!

Now, I know what you're thinking. It's a cartoon about a talking horse. What's so special about that? Well, it's SO much more than just a talking horse. It's hilarious, but it's also incredibly smart and surprisingly deep. It’s like a really good stand-up comedian who can also write Shakespeare. And then cry about their feelings later.

At its heart, BoJack Horseman is about a washed-up 90s sitcom star. He's a horse, obviously. He lives in Hollywoo (yes, with an 'O' at the end, because this is Hollywood, but a bit broken). BoJack is basically a giant, depressed child in a horse's body. He’s famous, rich, and utterly miserable. Sounds like a fun time, right?

But here's the magic. Even though BoJack is a total mess – and believe me, he is – you can't help but feel for him. The show does this incredible job of showing his flaws. We see all his bad decisions, his self-sabotage, his addiction. It’s hard to watch sometimes, but it’s also very real. It feels honest.

And it's not just BoJack. The supporting cast is fantastic. There’s Diane Nguyen, a smart, kind writer trying to make sense of the world and BoJack’s chaos. Then there's Mr. Peanutbutter, BoJack's eternally optimistic and slightly clueless rival, also a dog. He's like the golden retriever of show business.

We also have Princess Carolyn, BoJack's agent and ex-girlfriend. She's a cat, and she's always hustling, trying to get BoJack his next gig. She's super driven, but also carries her own set of struggles. And let's not forget Todd Chavez, BoJack's freeloading roommate. He’s a lovable goofball who is often the most sensible person in the room, despite being completely bizarre.

What makes the show so entertaining is the sheer absurdity of it all. The jokes are rapid-fire. You’ll be laughing out loud one second, and then the next, a wave of existential dread might wash over you. It's a perfect blend of silliness and seriousness. Imagine a joke about a talking toilet, and then a conversation about the crippling weight of regret. That's the vibe.

The animation style is also really cool. It’s not super flashy, but it’s distinctive. It’s got this slightly retro feel that fits perfectly with the 90s sitcom theme. The character designs are memorable, and the way they animate BoJack’s slumped posture or Mr. Peanutbutter’s wagging tail is spot on.

But beyond the laughs and the animation, BoJack Horseman tackles some really important stuff. It explores themes of mental health, depression, addiction, and the search for meaning in life. It doesn't shy away from the dark parts of being human. It shows how hard it can be to be a good person, even when you want to be.

Think about it. BoJack constantly messes things up. He hurts the people he cares about. He struggles with his own demons. And the show doesn't try to neatly tie everything up with a bow. It's messy, just like real life is messy. This realism is what makes it so special.

There are episodes that will genuinely make you think. Like the one where BoJack visits his childhood home. Or the one where Diane struggles with her own sense of purpose. These moments are delivered with such heart and honesty. They stay with you long after the credits roll.

The writers are geniuses. They create these incredibly complex characters. You see their motivations, even when they're doing terrible things. You understand why they act the way they do. This isn't always the case with TV shows, even live-action ones!

And the callbacks! Oh, the callbacks are amazing. If you pay attention, little jokes or character quirks from early episodes will come back in unexpected ways later on. It’s like a puzzle that keeps fitting itself together. It rewards attentive viewers.

One of the most impressive things is how the show handles BoJack’s redemption arc. Or rather, the lack of a simple redemption arc. He tries to be better, he really does. But it’s a constant struggle. It’s not a straight line to happiness. This is what feels so authentic.

It shows that change is hard. It shows that past mistakes can have lasting consequences. And it shows that sometimes, even with the best intentions, things don't work out perfectly. And that’s okay, in a weird, sad, funny way.

The show is also brilliant at satirizing Hollywood and celebrity culture. It pokes fun at the superficiality, the entitlement, and the constant pursuit of fame. It’s a sharp critique, delivered with a wink and a nudge.

The way they incorporate animal traits into human-like behaviors is also incredibly clever. A dog who is always happy, a cat who is always busy. It's not just for laughs; it sometimes mirrors their personalities in meaningful ways.

You'll find yourself rooting for these characters, even when they're being their worst selves. You'll want them to succeed, to find happiness, to overcome their problems. And when they falter, you’ll feel it too. It creates a real emotional connection.

Consider the episode where BoJack is trying to get sober. It's raw and uncomfortable, but it's also incredibly compelling. It shows the reality of addiction. It's not glamorous; it's a fight.

And the humor! Don't forget the humor. It's so witty. The wordplay is top-notch. There are running gags that evolve over seasons. The show is constantly surprising you with its jokes.

I remember watching certain episodes and just being stunned by the writing. The emotional depth, the comedic timing, the sheer creativity. It’s a masterclass in storytelling. It’s not just a cartoon; it’s art.

Even the smallest side characters have depth. They're not just props; they have their own stories and struggles. This creates a rich, believable world, even though it’s populated by anthropomorphic animals.

So, if you're looking for a show that will make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even make you cry a little, then you have to watch BoJack Horseman. It’s smart, it’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s utterly unforgettable. It’s easily the best thing to come out of the 2010s.

Seriously, give it a shot. You won't regret it. It’s a wild ride through the ups and downs of life, seen through the eyes of a talking horse. And that's something truly special.

"That's the thing, though. That's the thing about depression. It's like you're drowning, and everyone else is just walking around on the sand, having a picnic."

That quote, from the show itself, kind of sums it up. It's a show that understands the hard stuff. But it also knows how to make you smile. It’s a perfect, messy, beautiful package.