Drawn Together: Adult Animation, Reality TV Parody

Drawn Together is an animated reality television parody that throws together iconic cartoon characters from different genres into one house. Imagine classic Disney princesses, edgy internet creations, and even beloved video game mascots all living under the same roof, and you've got the basic idea. But trust me, it gets way crazier.

What Makes Drawn Together Hilarious and Controversial

Drawn Together definitely isn't your typical cartoon. It pushes boundaries with its raunchy humor, over-the-top situations, and willingness to tackle taboo subjects. This is adult animation at its most outrageous, so if you're easily offended, this might not be the show for you. But if you're looking for something that's shocking, hilarious, and completely unpredictable, then buckle up!

The show's brilliance lies in its ability to satirize both reality television tropes and the cartoon characters themselves. Each character is a loving, yet brutal, send-up of familiar archetypes. We've got the sweet but secretly twisted Disney princess, the clueless and offensive stereotype, the hyper-violent video game hero, and so on. By exaggerating their flaws and throwing them into absurd situations, Drawn Together holds a mirror up to both the world of cartoons and our own society.

One of the reasons Drawn Together stands out is its unapologetic nature. It doesn't shy away from controversial topics like sex, race, religion, and politics. While this has drawn criticism from some, it's also what makes the show so daring and thought-provoking. It forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and question societal norms, all while making them laugh (or cringe) at the same time. The writers clearly aimed to provoke a reaction, and they definitely succeeded. This is the kind of show that sparks conversations – whether you love it or hate it, you'll probably have something to say about it.

Meet the Housemates: A Wild Bunch of Cartoon Personalities

The cast of Drawn Together is what truly makes the show shine. Each character is a unique blend of familiar cartoon tropes and twisted personality traits. Let's take a closer look at the housemates:

• Princess Clara: A parody of classic Disney princesses, Clara is initially presented as sweet and innocent. However, she harbors deep-seated prejudices and struggles to reconcile her sheltered worldview with the realities of the modern world. Her storyline often involves her grappling with her own internal biases and learning to accept others (though not always successfully).
• Foxxy Love: A blatant parody of Valerie Brown from Josie and the Pussycats, Foxxy is a sassy and street-smart musician who often serves as the voice of reason in the house (though she's not always listened to). Her character plays on Blaxploitation tropes and often tackles issues of race and representation with a satirical edge.
• Spanky Ham: An internet-downloaded pig character, Spanky is crude, lewd, and obsessed with all things gross. He represents the darker side of internet culture and embodies the show's most shocking and offensive humor. Despite his repulsive behavior, he sometimes displays surprising moments of vulnerability (though they're usually fleeting).
• Toot Braunstein: A black-and-white cartoon from the 1920s, Toot is insecure, attention-seeking, and plagued by body image issues. Her character is a commentary on the unrealistic beauty standards imposed on women and the pressures of fame and celebrity culture. She's also prone to self-destructive behavior and often resorts to extreme measures to get attention.
• Xandir P. Wifflebottom: A parody of video game heroes like Link from The Legend of Zelda, Xandir is a naive and effeminate adventurer who struggles to come to terms with his own sexuality. His storyline often involves his quest for self-discovery and his attempts to break free from traditional gender roles.
• Ling-Ling: A Pikachu parody, Ling-Ling is a Pokemon-esque creature who speaks in gibberish and engages in violent outbursts. His character plays on Japanese stereotypes and satirizes the global popularity of anime and manga. He's often the source of physical comedy and unexpected moments of chaos.
• Wooldoor Sockbat: A childlike creature with a hyperactive imagination, Wooldoor is the show's resident innocent (though his innocence is often corrupted by the other housemates). His character is a parody of classic cartoon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and represents the show's more surreal and whimsical moments.
• Captain Hero: A Superman parody, Captain Hero is a narcissistic and sexually perverse superhero who's more interested in his own ego than saving the world. His character satirizes the superhero genre and the often-hypocritical nature of celebrity culture.

The dynamic between these characters is what drives the show's humor. Their clashing personalities, conflicting worldviews, and constant attempts to one-up each other create a chaotic and hilarious environment. They're constantly pushing each other's buttons, exposing each other's flaws, and getting into ridiculous situations.

The Show's Impact and Legacy

Drawn Together may have only lasted for three seasons, but its impact on adult animation is undeniable. It paved the way for other boundary-pushing cartoons like Rick and Morty and BoJack Horseman, proving that animation could be used to explore complex and controversial themes. The show's willingness to tackle taboo subjects and challenge societal norms made it a cult favorite among viewers who were looking for something more than just mindless entertainment.

Despite its controversial nature, Drawn Together also had a surprising amount of heart. Beneath the raunchy humor and shocking situations, there were often moments of genuine emotion and vulnerability. The characters, despite their flaws, were ultimately relatable in their struggles with identity, acceptance, and belonging. This combination of humor and heart is what made the show so memorable and enduring.

Drawn Together remains a significant piece of animation history, remembered for its audacious humor, sharp satire, and unforgettable characters. It's a show that's not afraid to push boundaries and challenge viewers, and that's what makes it so unique and entertaining. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that Drawn Together left its mark on the world of adult animation.

Where to Watch Drawn Together

Drawn Together can be streamed on Paramount+ and is available for purchase on various digital platforms.