Adult Swim has given us some downright wacky series since its inception. The network isn't afraid of producing something out there, and that feels even more true when looking at 2025's Common Side Effects.
Common Side Effects premiered on February 2nd, making it Adult Swim's first show to premiere this year and what a way to start it off. This show follows Marshall as he discovers a magic mushroom that basically cures you of whatever disease, sickness, or other ailment you're dealing with. That concept already sounds interesting.
The show has even larger stakes as more people find out about this mushroom. Some are on the hunt for it for selfish reasons, while others are looking to help. Honestly, this moral dilemma makes the show all the more interesting. Coupled with the unique animation style, great writing, and excellent cast, this show feels like something fresh from Adult Swim.
While the trailers might show you one thing, watching Common Side Effects might change what you believe about the series. You might not realize that the plot of the series is much more complex, so before the first season wraps up, we're already thinking ahead to season 2.
Is season 2 in the works for Common Side Effects?
The good news is that the show's creators did an interview with the Television Academy and spoke about season 2. At the very end of the interview, Joe Bennett and Steve Hely were asked about season 2. Hely was quoted as saying: "We pitched out a Season 2 to Adult Swim the other day, and they seemed pretty excited about it. I think they're probably waiting to see how it does, but we would love to keep going." As you can see, Hely gave us the best answer we could hope for.
At the time of posting, Adult Swim has yet to renew or cancel Common Side Effects. However, it's clear Hely and Bennett are excited about the possibility, and rightfully so. The show brings up questions and ideas many would like to ignore. However, that's why it's such an interesting watch as it makes you question things which good TV will do.
In the same vein as other Adult Swim shows like Rick and Morty and The Venture Brothers, Common Side Effects is much more than meets the eye. At this point, it feels like the streaming numbers on Max are going to decide if the series will continue. However, if you haven't watched it, then what better time than the present? If anything, that might be the push Adult Swim needs to decide to renew Common Side Effects.
Common Side Effects is currently streaming on Max.