Common Side Effects: All we know About the Animated Series with a Magic Mushroom

Get ready for a wild ride in 2025 with Common Side Effects, Adult Swim's newest animated gem that's already creating a buzz. The show has everyone talking, and not just because of its explosive premise. From the creative minds behind King of the Hill and Veep, Mike Judge and Greg Daniels are onboard as producers, ensuring this series has a unique edge. 

Recently, the excitement only grew with a new trailer that offered a first look at the show's intense, unpredictable tone and the wild world it promises to deliver. With an eye-catching visual style and high stakes involving big pharma, secret medicines, and a mysterious fungus, Common Side Effects already seems poised to push boundaries in both animation and storytelling.

Stick around as we uncover everything you need to know about this thrilling series—from the latest updates to key details that are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. Who knows what twists and turns this story will take next? Stay tuned as we update you with all the latest, so you never miss a moment!

Release date & Where to Watch

Common Side Effects will premiere on Adult Swim on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at 11:30 pm ET with back-to-back episodes. After the TV debut, new episodes will air every Sunday, followed by streaming on Max every Monday. 

The series was initially showcased at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024 and officially announced at San Diego Comic-Con on July 26, 2024.

What is Common Side Effects About?

Common Side Effects follows Marshall and Frances, former high school lab partners, who reunite to uncover a groundbreaking discovery: a rare mushroom with the potential to cure virtually any illness. 

However, their journey to bring this miraculous medicine to the world is hindered by powerful forces, including big pharma, the government, and international businessmen, all determined to suppress the truth. The show blends conspiracy, suspense, and character-driven drama in a high-stakes animated thriller.

Who’s in the Voice cast of Common Side Effects?

• Mike Judge (The Office, Beavis and Butt-Head) as Rick Kruger
• Martha Kelly (Baskets, Euphoria) as Agent Harrington
• Joseph Lee Anderson (Young Rock, MacGruber) as Agent Copano
• Emily Pendergast (Veep, Curb Your Enthusiasm) as Frances Applewhite
• Dave King (Parks and Recreation, The Simpsons, The Good Place) as Marshall Cuso

Is There a Trailer for Common Side Effects?

The trailer for Common Side Effects introduces a gripping glimpse into the series' wild and mysterious premise. In it, Marshall makes a striking observation: "We spend more money than ever on healthcare and people are still sick. Think of all the people who make tons of money just by keeping us unwell." 

The trailer hints at a world where a super mushroom could hold the key to profound change, setting the stage for an unpredictable narrative filled with potential for wild visuals and intense storytelling. The trailer teases just a taste of what's to come, with more twists and intrigue waiting on the horizon.

The second trailer for Common Side Effects delves deeper into the unsettling world of the series, offering viewers a closer look at the mysterious drug and its consequences. With powerful visuals and an eerie tone, it teases the super mushroom’s potential to heal — or disrupt — everything in its path. 

As the trailer unfolds, the tension builds, with hints of dark conspiracies and unexpected dangers tied to the medicine. The stakes are high, and the trailer suggests that no one is safe from the far-reaching effects of this groundbreaking discovery. The surreal atmosphere and mounting suspense set the stage for a truly unpredictable ride.

A sneak preview featuring over five uncut minutes from episode one has also been released. Much like a taste of a potent drug, it’s just enough to hook you in and leave you craving more.

Episode Guide

This is the episode guide for now:

• Season 1 Episode 1: Pilot (Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 2: Lakeshore Limited (Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 3: Hildy (Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 4: TBA (Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 5: TBA (Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 6: TBA (Sunday, Mar. 2, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 7: TBA (Sunday, Mar. 9, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 8: TBA (Sunday, Mar. 16, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 9: TBA (Sunday, Mar. 23, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 10: TBA (Sunday, Mar. 30, 2025)

What Inspired the Creation of Common Side Effects?

Steve Hely shared in an interview with Screenrant that the inspiration behind Common Side Effects stemmed from the shared themes he and Joe Bennett were both interested in. They explored topics such as drugs, Ayahuasca, psychedelics, drug companies, wellness, and the drug war. 

One thought experiment they discussed centered around imagining a medicine that could heal nearly anything and how that would impact the world. Joe Bennett added that such a medicine could also disrupt the world. 

Will There be Common Side Effects Season 2?

When asked about the future of the show in an interview with Screenrant, both creators confirmed their plans for more seasons. Joe Bennett shared, "We have plans for the future," while Steve Hely revealed, "We're about to begin some preliminary work on season two. We hope it goes for a long time."

Behind the Scenes

Common Side Effects is an upcoming adult animated series created by Joe Bennett and Steve Hely for Adult Swim. This serialized comedic thriller is executive produced by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, with Bennett and Hely also producing through their animation studio, Green Street Pictures. 

The production team behind Common Side Effects includes James Merrill from Green Street Pictures, along with Greg Daniels, Dustin Davis, and Mike Judge from Bandera Entertainment. Supervising director Benjy Brooke, known for his work on Scavengers Reign, will bring the animation to life. 

Emily Pendergast and Dave King will voice the two lead characters, Frances and Marshall, with King also contributing as a writer alongside Sean Buckelew, who also serves as the show’s director.

“Joe and Steve have created something incredibly original with a series that is thrilling, beautiful and deeply funny,” said Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen in a press statement. “It’s top-level television that challenges expectations and raises profound questions. It’s a truly special series and unlike anything you’ve ever seen. I’m trying not to be hyperbolic, but it’s true,” Ouweleen added.