“Common Side Effects,” the new animated series on Adult Swim, has dropped a midseason trailer presenting what to expect in the final episodes of its debut season.
Since its premiere on February 2, 2025, the show has garnered significant attention for its distinct fusion of comedy and thriller elements. From Joe Bennett and Steve Hely, with executive producers Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, the series explores a new world in which a miraculous mushroom that can cure (nearly) anything has been found. That leads to a cascade of pursuers, all interested in possessing or containing the find.
Plot Overview
The story follows Marshall Cuso, who discovers a mysterious mushroom in Peru. This mushroom can heal serious injuries and diseases. Realizing its potential, Marshall teams with his former high school lab partner, Frances Applewhite, to place this natural remedy on the world stage. But their mission is complicated as the DEA, big pharmaceutical companies and international businessmen all try to stop them from protecting their interests. The series deftly balances comedy with life-or-death stakes, presenting a wry critique of the healthcare system and the challenges of launching a groundbreaking medical advancement.
Midseason Trailer Highlights
The new midseason trailer gives us a look at the rising tensions and trials that Marshall and Frances face. As they journey through threats fueled by big-time organizations, the duo’s drive to make the healing mushroom available to everyone is put to the test. The trailer suggests more hidden conspiracies at play, unlikely alliances, and the moral question of opposing established systems. Viewers can look forward to exploring these themes further in the upcoming episodes, mixing suspense with the show’s signature comedic undertone.
Critical Reception
Since it premiered, “Common Side Effects” has received praise for its creative storytelling and incisive social commentary. The series is a different take on the healthcare industry, presented in a mix of engaging animation and narrative character progress. It has been praised by reviewers for its ability to use humor and wit to address serious subjects, and has all but taken its place in Adult Swim’s lineup. The show offered a different take and has captivated audiences, raising dialogues about the moral complexities behind medical advances and the powers at play behind them.
How to Watch
“Common Side Effects” airs Sundays on Adult Swim at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT. For streaming users, new episodes stream the next day on Max. With the second half of the season coming up, it’s a great time for new viewers to get caught up and join the journey ahead. With availability across various platforms, audiences can easily access and enjoy the show at their convenience.
Potential for Season 2
Both the creators and the SPD themselves are excited about season one, but as the creators have said, they want to take the story much further. Steve Hely, who co-created the series, recently told me that they had already planted the seeds for a second season and had pitched ideas for it. With official confirmation still pending but nonetheless a generally positive reception and growing fanbase, feel normal to poisson the series burgeoning can confirming. To this end, the show is able to blend humor, intrigue, and social commentary, which bodes well well for future seasons of the show.
Sources: Adult Swim
More: Anime