So, you’ve finally done it. You’ve plunged headfirst into the wonderfully messy world of Bojack Horseman. You’ve laughed at the sharp wit, winced at the existential dread, and maybe, just maybe, found yourself relating a little too much to a washed-up animated horse. It’s a show that really gets under your skin, right? It’s like that one complicated friend who’s always dramatic but you can't help but love them.
But now you’ve reached the end, or you’re pacing yourself, and you’re wondering… what now? Where do you find that same blend of humor, heartbreak, and surprisingly profound observations about life? Don’t worry, fellow traveler on the road of televised melancholy, I’ve got you. Here are five shows that might just scratch that Bojack itch, offering you more of that delicious, uncomfortable, and ultimately human (even if they’re not all human) experience.
1. Flaked
Think of Flaked as Bojack’s slightly less famous, but equally troubled, cousin who lives in Venice, California. Will Arnett, the voice of Bojack himself, plays Chip, a man who’s perpetually trying to stay sober and fix his life, but keeps tripping over his own feet. It’s got that same laid-back West Coast vibe that Bojack’s LA often has, but with a more grounded, less surreal edge.
Chip is a charmer, a weaver of half-truths and outright lies, and he’s constantly trying to convince everyone (including himself) that he’s got it all figured out. Sound familiar? It’s like watching someone at a party tell a story that’s clearly embellished, and you’re just there, sipping your drink, thinking, "Oh, buddy, I see you." The show isn’t afraid to linger in awkward silences and explore the messy aftermath of poor decisions. If you enjoyed the moments in Bojack where you felt a pang of sympathy for even the most flawed characters, you’ll find that here too.
It’s a show that understands that sometimes, the biggest battles are the ones we fight with ourselves, and the victories are just surviving another day without completely messing things up. It’s less about the grand, Hollywood-esque drama and more about the quiet desperation of trying to build something real in a world that often feels superficial.
2. Master of None
Aziz Ansari’s Master of None is another gem that dives deep into the anxieties and absurdities of modern life, particularly for those navigating their late twenties and early thirties. Our protagonist, Dev, is an actor in New York City, and the show follows his career struggles, dating woes, and the hilarious, sometimes poignant, observations he has about everything from family to relationships to finding the perfect ramen.
What makes this show so akin to Bojack is its honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness of human connection or the feeling of being a bit lost. Remember when Bojack was grappling with his legacy and his relationships? Dev is doing something similar, but from a slightly different vantage point. It’s like that feeling when you’re scrolling through social media and see everyone else’s seemingly perfect lives, and you’re just there, eating cereal for dinner, wondering if you’re doing life wrong.
The show excels at capturing those fleeting, everyday moments that can be both incredibly funny and deeply moving. One episode might be a laugh-out-loud exploration of the dating app landscape, and the next might be a quiet, heartfelt tribute to parents. It’s the kind of show that makes you feel seen, like the creators peeked into your brain and decided to make a TV show about it. And that, my friends, is a powerful thing.
3. Russian Doll
Okay, hear me out. Russian Doll is a bit of a wild card, but stick with me. Nadia Vulvokov, played with magnificent cynicism by Natasha Lyonne, is stuck in a time loop, reliving her 36th birthday party over and over. It’s dark, it’s funny, it’s philosophical, and it’s absolutely brilliant.
While the premise is sci-fi, the heart of the show is pure human drama. Nadia is a character who’s guarded, witty, and deeply scarred, much like our favorite horse. She’s trying to make sense of her life, her past, and why she’s found herself in this bizarre predicament. It’s like being stuck in a really bad day, but instead of just a bad day, it’s your entire existence, and you have to figure out how to break the cycle.
The humor in Russian Doll is sharp and often bleak, but beneath the surface, there’s a profound exploration of trauma, connection, and the search for meaning. It’s the kind of show that makes you think, "Wow, this is messed up… but I can’t stop watching." If you appreciate Bojack's ability to blend existential crises with laugh-out-loud moments and a surprising amount of heart, you’ll find that magic here. It’s the existential dread you didn’t know you were craving.
4. You’re the Worst
If you’re looking for characters who are fundamentally flawed, often self-destructive, and yet somehow… likable, then You’re the Worst is your jam. This show centers on Gretchen and Jimmy, two narcissists who have a disastrous one-night stand and somehow fall in love. It’s the anti-rom-com, a love story for people who are kind of terrible.
It’s Bojack-esque in its unflinching look at unhealthy coping mechanisms, dysfunctional relationships, and the general messiness of being an adult. Think of Gretchen and Jimmy as the slightly more outwardly chaotic versions of Bojack and Diane, constantly navigating their own internal storms while trying to maintain some semblance of a relationship. They’re the couple you see at the bar, having an intense conversation that’s half argument, half confession, and you can’t help but be fascinated.
The show has a brilliant way of making you root for these deeply imperfect people. You’ll find yourself wincing at their choices, but also feeling a strange sense of understanding. It’s about the struggle to be a better person, the fear of intimacy, and the often-hilarious ways we sabotage ourselves. It’s relatable because, let’s be honest, who hasn’t felt like they were the worst at some point?
5. Undone
Now for something a little different, but with a core that will resonate deeply with Bojack fans. Undone is a visually stunning animated series that uses rotoscoping to create a dreamlike quality. It follows Alma, a young woman who, after a near-fatal car accident, discovers she has a new relationship with time.
This might sound a bit abstract, but at its heart, Undone is about mental health, trauma, and the search for healing. Alma is dealing with immense grief and anxiety, and her newfound ability to perceive time differently becomes a way for her to try and make sense of her past and potentially alter her future. It’s like Bojack’s desperate attempts to rewrite his history, but with a more mystical, yet equally personal, approach.
The show is incredibly empathetic and tackles heavy themes with a surprising lightness and beauty. It’s the kind of show that can make you feel profoundly sad and then, in the very next moment, fill you with a sense of wonder. If you appreciated Bojack's exploration of mental illness, the impact of trauma, and the struggle for self-acceptance, then Undone is a must-watch. It’s a beautiful, melancholic journey that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there’s a glimmer of hope and the possibility of understanding.
So there you have it! Five shows that, in their own unique ways, capture some of that special Bojack Horseman magic. Whether you’re looking for more cynical humor, deeply flawed characters, or profound explorations of the human condition, one of these is bound to become your next obsession. Happy watching!
