White Lotus Star's Animated Series 'Kevin' Receives Harsh Critical Reception
Prime Video's latest animated comedy offering, Kevin, has launched to overwhelmingly negative reviews, with critics branding the show "irretrievably bad" and suggesting it should "never be allowed to happen again." The series, created by comedy icon and The White Lotus star Aubrey Plaza, represents a significant departure into adult animation but has failed to impress reviewers with its raunchy humour and narrative execution.
Premise and Promising Cast Fail to Deliver
The cartoon sitcom follows the story of a housecat named Kevin, voiced by Jason Schwartzman (Asteroid City), who decides to abandon domestic life after his owners separate. Relocating to the big city, Kevin encounters a gang of eccentric misfit pets who assist him in navigating his new independence. The voice cast boasts considerable talent, including Amy Sedaris (BoJack Horseman), Cary Elwes (Knuckles), and Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary).
Despite this promising foundation and A-list involvement, Kevin's attempts at risqué comedy have largely missed the mark, according to early assessments. The Guardian's particularly harsh one-star review described the series as "depressing" and lamented its lack of effective humour. "Laugh-wise, it's a washout. Punchlines collapse mid-punch. Other jokes make no sense," the publication noted, criticising the show's unwillingness to develop characters and its preference for cruelty over empathy.
Critics Highlight Flawed Execution and Missed Opportunities
Other reviews have echoed these sentiments, though with slightly varied perspectives. The Hollywood Reporter offered a mixed evaluation, describing the humour as "hit or miss" and pointing out inconsistencies in the show's internal logic. "Some of its jokes smack of a series trying too hard to declare that it's Not Your Little Sister's Animal Cartoon," the review stated, highlighting a disconnect in a universe where cats possess opposable thumbs and speak human language yet remain baffled by litter boxes.
Additionally, the publication criticised one subplot involving an equine Broadway star named Patti LuPony, voiced by Patti LuPone, as feeling like a BoJack Horseman castoff. Many punchlines were deemed to "just sort of sit there," failing to provoke either groans or genuine laughter. Screen Rant provided a more tempered view, acknowledging that the gags are "so-so" but suggesting the show excels when embracing raunchy hilarity and animal-focused comedy, featuring numerous drug and sex jokes delivered by its more outrageous characters.
Potential Appeal for Niche Audiences
Fans of similarly boundary-pushing adult animated series such as Rick and Morty and Big Mouth may find elements to appreciate in Kevin. The show's willingness to explore raunchy themes and its focus on animal antics could resonate with viewers seeking unconventional comedy. However, the consensus indicates that this cartoon cat's adventures are clearly not suited for everyone, with the series struggling to balance its ambitious premise with coherent execution.
Kevin is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, offering audiences the chance to judge the controversial series for themselves amidst a backdrop of critical disdain and divided opinions.
