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Gizmodo Reviews 'The Elephant': A Mixed Bag of Nostalgic Animation and Adult Satire

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 10:10 GMT by gizmodo.com

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The Elephant on Adult Swim: A Gizmodo Review Recap

Gizmodo’s recent review of The Elephant—an adult‑animation series that premiered on Adult Swim as part of Cartoon Network’s broader “late‑night” lineup—offers a mixed‑bag look at the show’s ambitions, style, and execution. The review, which can be found on Gizmodo’s website under the “Adult Swim” tag, takes a close‑eye approach to the series’ premise, animation, humor, and place in the current Adult Swim ecosystem, while also weaving in behind‑the‑scenes details and critical context.

1. Premise & Premise‑Play

The Elephant follows a life‑long‑thirsty, mid‑30s elephant named Mr. G, who has been stripped of his childhood innocence and thrust into the adult world. Set in a stylized, slightly dystopian suburbia, the show has Mr. G navigating everything from corporate mergers to online dating, while often slipping into surreal dream‑scapes that reflect the elephant’s inner anxieties. The reviewer notes that the narrative is intentionally episodic, with each episode offering a self‑contained “slice‑of‑life” that often ends on a twist or a punchline that turns the story on its head.

2. Animation & Visual Tone

The Elephant’s animation is a hand‑drawn, slightly rough cut that draws on the visual vocabulary of early 2000s Cartoon Network cartoons—think The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy and Samurai Jack—but with a modern, edgy color palette. The reviewer describes the visual style as “vibrant yet slightly washed out,” which serves to heighten the absurdity of an elephant dealing with adult ennui. The background art is minimalistic but expressive, and the character designs are unmistakably “cartoony” with a touch of “noir” influences. The GIF‑heavy preview clips included in the review show how the animation team blends hand‑sketch with digital layering to keep the frame rate fluid without sacrificing character fidelity.

3. Humor & Writing

Writing is where the Elephant tries to stand out. According to Gizmodo, the series “leans heavily on absurdist humor” but also intersperses it with satirical takes on corporate culture, technology addiction, and the very act of aging. The reviewer points out that the humor can be hit‑or‑miss: some jokes land cleanly—especially those that parody “Zoom meetings” or “office politics”—while others feel forced or reliant on insider references that might leave casual viewers puzzled. The show’s meta‑humor, however, is its strongest suit; several jokes break the fourth wall, directly addressing the audience with asides that say, “We’re watching a show about an elephant, so stop the confusion.”

4. Voice Cast & Sound

The Elephant boasts a strong voice‑acting lineup. The review highlights Kevin Michael Richardson as the lead, bringing a deep, resonant baritone that gives Mr. G an authentic presence. Supporting roles feature Tara Strong, Billy West, and a cameo from a well‑known comedic actor, all of whom bring a mix of gravitas and comedic timing. The sound design is praised for its “clean, punchy foley” that makes even mundane sounds—like a rubber ball bouncing or a coffee mug clinking—feel almost cinematic. Background music is minimal but effective, with an eclectic mix of synth‑driven tracks that complement the show’s off‑beat vibe.

5. Production & Behind‑the‑Scenes

The review delves into the production background, noting that The Elephant was spearheaded by former Adventure Time writer Dan McGrath. McGrath explains that the show is an attempt to marry the nostalgic feel of Cartoon Network’s early‑2000s line with the “edgy, adult‑centric” direction of Adult Swim. The article also includes an interview snippet with the series’ director, where he mentions that the team drew inspiration from classic satire shows like The Simpsons and South Park while still preserving Cartoon Network’s “creative freedom.”

6. Context in Adult Swim’s Landscape

Gizmodo frames The Elephant in the broader context of Adult Swim’s recent content strategy, which has been oscillating between “edgy, low‑brow” humor and “thoughtful, high‑concept” series. The review cites the show’s attempt to appeal to the platform’s core demographic of 18‑to‑34‑year‑olds who enjoy both nostalgia and novelty. While some fans may enjoy the show’s homage to classic cartoon tropes, others might find it too derivative, especially when compared to more recent Adult Swim hits like Rick & Morty or Solar Opposites.

7. Reception & Verdict

Overall, Gizmodo’s review concludes that The Elephant is an ambitious experiment that is “visually engaging and humorously creative, but uneven in execution.” The reviewer gives the series a solid 3.5/5, praising its ambition and voice work but critiquing its inconsistent pacing and occasional reliance on niche jokes. They note that the show has potential for growth and could benefit from a tighter editorial direction in future seasons.

8. Takeaway

For readers looking to add a new adult‑animation series to their binge‑list, The Elephant offers a blend of nostalgic visual charm and adult‑oriented satire. Gizmodo’s review provides a balanced perspective, encouraging both fans of classic Cartoon Network to check it out and new viewers to keep an eye on how the series evolves. Whether you’re a fan of Kevin Michael Richardson’s deep baritone or simply enjoy the oddity of an elephant navigating corporate America, The Elephant is worth watching for at least the first season.