So, you’ve watched Common Side Effects Season 1. Twice. Maybe three times. We’re not judging. We get it. That mix of bizarre government conspiracies, pharmaceutical chaos, and laugh-out-loud moments is wildly addictive. But with no clear drop date for Season 2 yet, what’s a devoted fan supposed to do?
Simple. You fill that oddly-shaped Common-Side-Effects-sized hole in your life with other shows that scratch the same itch. Whether you’re craving more dystopian weirdness, more cynical science, or more characters with poor impulse control, we’ve pulled together five brilliant shows that fit the bill.
Let’s dive in.
1. Inside Job – If You’re into Corporate Conspiracies and Lizard People
If Common Side Effects made you side-eye your pharmacy and question whether birds are real, Inside Job is your next stop. This animated Netflix series is pure, caffeinated chaos in the best way possible.
Set inside Cognito Inc., a shadowy government contractor running the world behind the scenes, it’s like if the Illuminati hired interns and made them cry regularly. Reagan Ridley, our genius but socially awkward protagonist, tries to fix global disasters, navigate office politics, and somehow keep her dad from ruining everything.
Here’s what makes it a killer pick:
- Conspiracies? Check. Every one you can think of—and then some.
- Razor-sharp satire aimed at corporate greed, government control, and tech culture.
- A brilliant, messy female lead who just wants to do science in peace. Relatable, right?
Oh, and the humor? Think late-night Tumblr thread meets your smartest friend during a Red Bull-fueled rant. It’s weird. It’s clever. It’s glorious.
2. Rick and Morty – For the Trippy Science, Wild Humor, and Existential Dread
Let’s be real. If Common Side Effects left you yearning for more “what even IS reality” moments, then it’s time to queue up Rick and Morty. This Adult Swim staple takes the wild science vibe and dials it up to eleven—then rips the knob off and tosses it into another dimension.
Rick Sanchez, alcoholic scientist extraordinaire, and his perpetually panicked grandson Morty, jump through portals, break the universe, and occasionally trigger a mild existential crisis in viewers. So yeah, perfect follow-up material.
Why it works:
- You’ll get your fill of morally dubious science experiments.
- There’s chaos. So much chaos. But somehow, it all works.
- Beneath the anarchy, it asks real questions about identity, family, and the meaning of it all.
And if you’re wondering: yes, there are government conspiracies, alien bureaucracies, and entire episodes that feel like waking up from a stress dream. But funny.
3. The X-Files – When You Want That Vintage Government Paranoia
The X-Files might not have animation or punchy Gen Z references, but trust us—it still hits all the right nerves. This ‘90s classic (and early 2000s, and mid-2010s, and occasionally now) follows FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate everything the government swears doesn’t exist.
We’re talking aliens, secret programs, biological weapons, and the deep state before Twitter knew what that even meant. Plus, there’s a decades-long arc about a shadow government working with extraterrestrials. Sound familiar?
Here’s why it’s still gold:
- The whole “trust no one” theme runs deep—and never gets old.
- The Mulder-Scully dynamic is iconic. Their chemistry basically built modern sci-fi TV.
- Each episode blends creepy mysteries with dry humor and surprising emotion.
So yeah, if you want something that leans more thriller than cartoon chaos, this is your go-to. But fair warning: you may start checking the sky for UFOs. And honestly? We support that.
4. Painkiller – For the Darker Side of Big Pharma
Okay, Painkiller is a tonal shift—but an important one. If Common Side Effects had you squinting at every commercial for allergy meds, then this Netflix limited series will both deepen that suspicion and hit you right in the gut.
Based on real-life reporting by Patrick Radden Keefe and Barry Meier, Painkiller dramatizes the early days of the opioid crisis, focusing on Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. It’s intense, but it’s also got bite—thanks to standout performances and a smart structure.
Why this belongs on your list:
- It shows the chilling real-world version of Common Side Effects’ fictional pharma chaos.
- Matthew Broderick plays Richard Sackler with unnerving charm and coldness.
- You’ll walk away angry, but also deeply informed.
It’s not a laugh-a-minute ride. But if you’re interested in the serious side of the show’s satire, Painkiller brings a gripping and horrifying look at how much damage unchecked power can do.
5. Final Space – Because Sometimes the Universe Needs Saving by Total Weirdos
Want that classic “two unlikely partners bicker their way through a cosmic disaster” energy? Then Final Space is calling your name. Created by Olan Rogers, this animated space saga delivers epic storytelling with a serious heart and serious laughs.
Gary, a loveable idiot with a prison sentence, teams up with Mooncake, an adorable planet-destroying alien, to stop a mysterious force called the Titans. Along the way, they collect a crew of misfits, battle interdimensional threats, and probably make you cry at least once.
Why you’ll love it:
- The buddy-comedy dynamic is strong and satisfying.
- It balances absurdity with genuinely emotional arcs.
- The animation is sleek, and the stakes are sky-high (literally).
Think of it as Guardians of the Galaxy if it was written during a panic attack but animated by dreamers.
While You Wait: Dive In, Geek Out, and Keep the Tinfoil Handy
So yeah, Season 2 of Common Side Effects isn’t here yet. But that doesn’t mean your evenings need to be dull. From absurd comedies to sinister docudramas, this lineup will keep your brain buzzing and your humor dark.
Remember: the truth is out there. But sometimes, it’s also on Netflix. Or Hulu. Or Adult Swim. Or wherever you stream while pretending to do laundry.
Until next season, keep questioning everything—and maybe double-check your medicine labels.
