Common Side Effects has been renewed for a second season by Adult Swim

Engadget - Mar 28th, 2025
Open on Engadget

Adult Swim has announced the renewal of its animated series 'Common Side Effects' for a second season, just before the airing of the first season's finale. The show is known for its unique blend of thriller and comedy elements, driven by the creative forces of executive producers Mike Judge and Greg Daniels. The plot revolves around two former high school lab partners who discover a mystical mushroom with life-saving properties, prompting a chase by the DEA, big pharma, and shadowy entities. The voice cast includes notable figures such as Mike Judge and Martha Kelly, along with Joseph Lee Anderson, Dave King, and Emily Pendergast. Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen lauded the show for pushing boundaries and praised its fans for their enthusiastic support on social media.

'Common Side Effects,' created by Steve Hely and Joe Bennett, has been described as a genre-defining piece of television. The creators aim to transform the world and restore the human spirit through their storytelling, even if they jest about settling for a second season. The animation style of the series is distinctive, contributing to its unique appeal. The renewal signifies Adult Swim's confidence in the show's potential and the strong viewer reception it has garnered, making it a significant player in the network's lineup and a noteworthy development in the animated television landscape.

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RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and accurate account of the renewal of *Common Side Effects* for a second season. It effectively highlights the show's unique elements, creative team, and fan engagement, making it a timely and engaging piece for its target audience. However, the lack of direct source attribution and transparency regarding information gathering slightly detracts from its overall quality. While the article is unlikely to provoke significant controversy or drive societal change, it succeeds in capturing the interest of fans and those interested in animation. The balanced presentation and readability contribute to its effectiveness, though a broader exploration of critical perspectives could enhance its depth.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story is highly accurate, with its main claims well-supported by multiple sources. The announcement of the second season of *Common Side Effects* by Adult Swim is corroborated by several external reports, confirming the renewal ahead of the first season's finale. The description of the show's premise, involving mystical mushrooms and a comedic thriller genre, aligns with the show's creators' intentions and other media descriptions. The involvement of notable figures like Mike Judge and Greg Daniels as executive producers is also verified. The only slight area for verification might be the subjective claim about the animation style not being for everyone, which is inherently opinion-based.

8
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by highlighting both the unique aspects and potential limitations of the show, such as its unconventional animation style. It provides perspectives from the show's creators, Adult Swim's president, and mentions the voice cast, offering a comprehensive look at the show's elements. However, it primarily focuses on the positive aspects, such as the show's renewal and creative team, without delving into any critical reception or viewer criticisms, which could have added more depth.

9
Clarity

The article is clear and concise, effectively conveying the key points about the show's renewal, premise, and creative team. It uses straightforward language and maintains a logical flow, making it easy to understand for readers unfamiliar with the show. The tone is neutral, and the structure allows for a seamless reading experience. The only potential improvement could be a more detailed explanation of the show's genre, which is described as a 'comedic thriller.'

7
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources, which affects its score in this dimension. However, the information presented is consistent with widely available reports and statements from credible figures involved in the show, such as Mike Judge and Adult Swim's president. The lack of direct source attribution is a minor drawback, but the reliability of the content suggests that it is based on credible information.

6
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of direct source attribution and does not provide explicit details about how the information was gathered. It does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or methodologies used to obtain the news. While it effectively communicates the show's renewal and key details, the lack of transparency regarding its sources and potential biases is a limitation.

Sources

  1. https://bleedingcool.com/tv/common-side-effects-season-2-adult-swim-renews-bennett-hely-series/
  2. https://uproxx.com/tv/common-side-effects-season-2-max-adult-swim/
  3. https://www.joblo.com/common-side-effects-season-2/
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTgcc1gMJRQ
  5. https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/common-side-effects-has-been-renewed-for-a-second-season-by-adult-swim-173256630.html