Netflix’s Strip Law Is the Most Demented Adult Animated Debut Since Rick & Morty

Netflix debuted the 10-episode adult animated comedy series Strip Law on February 20. The show is already drawing comparisons to the groundbreaking animated series Rick and Morty, which launched thirteen years ago on Adult Swim and redefined the landscape of adult animation.

A New Voice in Adult Animation

While distinct in its premise, Strip Law is being hailed as the first series since Rick and Morty to offer a truly fresh and innovative approach to the genre. Rick and Morty, a sci-fi riff on Back to the Future, explored themes of sadness, grief, and healing through the adventures of a scientist and his grandson. Strip Law, in contrast, centers on the world of lawyers in Las Vegas.

Did You Know? Strip Law’s first episode features a montage set to “Cleveland Rocks,” the theme song from The Drew Carey Show.

The Premise of Strip Law

The series follows Lincoln Gumb (Adam Scott), the son of a popular Las Vegas lawyer, who is fired by his mother’s partner, Steve Nichols (Keith David), after her death. Forced to forge his own path, Lincoln finds himself navigating a surreal and spectacle-driven legal landscape. He teams up with Sheila Flambé (Janelle James), a street magician, to tackle cases in a city where appearances often outweigh the law.

Satire, Parody, and the Pace of Modern Life

Strip Law distinguishes itself from other reference-heavy comedies like Family Guy by using its references to elevate the characters rather than simply evoke nostalgia. The show leans into satire, using references to make a point, rather than parody, which merely presents them as is. The show’s touchstones are rooted in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a shift from the 1980s references prevalent in Rick and Morty.

Expert Insight: The show’s deliberate referencing and fast pace suggest an awareness of the modern media environment, potentially mirroring the experience of “doomscrolling” through social media.

The show’s creators, including former Late Show with Stephen Colbert writer and showrunner Cullen Crawford, have crafted a series that is instantly engaging, with well-defined characters and clear motivations. Supporting characters, such as Lincoln’s niece Irene (Aimee Garcia) and Glem Blorchman (Stephen Root), are also immediately impactful.

A Familiar Yet Distinct Style

While comparisons to Rick and Morty are inevitable, Strip Law also shares similarities with classic Adult Swim series like Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law and Space Ghost Coast to Coast, embracing an “anything goes” aesthetic. The show balances its rule-breaking tendencies with a strong focus on its core characters and their stories, even when exploring outlandish plots, such as a virtual HR seminar hosted by an AI Rat Pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strip Law about?

Strip Law is an adult animated comedy series about Lincoln Gumb, a lawyer in Las Vegas, who must navigate a surreal legal landscape after being fired by his mother’s partner.

Who stars in Strip Law?

The series features the voices of Adam Scott as Lincoln Gumb, Janelle James as Sheila Flambé, and Keith David as Steve Nichols.

How does Strip Law compare to Rick and Morty?

While very different in plot, Strip Law is being compared to Rick and Morty for its innovative approach to adult animation and its instantly engaging characters.

Given the show’s strong character work and imaginative storylines, what kind of audience do you think will be most drawn to Strip Law?