If you’re hooked on Adult Swim’s psychedelic satire Common Side Effects, you’re in good company. Over recent months, creators and cast members have spilled juicy behind-the-scenes secrets, making fans even more obsessed. From the quirky origins to voice-acting secrets, here’s a round-up of the coolest revelations straight from the people who make the show tick.
1. Origins: From Alien Planets to Magic Mushrooms
Before Joe Bennett finished his acclaimed sci-fi animation Scavengers Reign, he already had something new simmering. Teaming up with Steve Hely, Bennett dove into a totally different kind of wild storytelling. Inspired by the mind-bending works of famed mycologist Paul Stamets and the twisted humor of the Coen brothers, the duo cooked up Common Side Effects—a series that hilariously yet pointedly skewers the pharmaceutical industry.
But Bennett didn’t stop at mere satire. He and Hely actively wanted to shake things up, setting ambitious goals to push Adult Swim’s animation limits. The show’s unique blend of thriller, dark comedy, and psychedelia quickly turned heads and secured its spot as a fan favorite.
2. Season 2: A Done Deal Early On
Interestingly, Adult Swim didn’t even wait for Season 1 to wrap before committing to more chaos. The creators pitched their ideas for a second season remarkably early—and got immediate enthusiastic feedback. Fans breathed a sigh of relief, knowing their favorite psychedelic mushroom drama wouldn’t be a one-season wonder.
This early renewal didn’t just energize the creative team; it reassured viewers that there’s plenty more to explore. So, expect the upcoming episodes to dig even deeper into absurd corporate conspiracies and trippy misadventures.
3. Mike Judge Channels Pharma Exec Realness
Veteran comedy icon Mike Judge voices the chillingly detached villain, Rick Kruger, CEO of Reutical Pharmaceuticals. But where did Judge find inspiration for this corporate antagonist? Apparently, he drew heavily from real-life pharma exec personalities—imagine the aloofness and unsettling charm of actual corporate leaders but cranked up to cartoonish heights.
Judge’s deadpan performance makes Kruger unforgettable. Fans quickly latched onto the character’s authenticity, eerily familiar despite the cartoonish absurdity. So next time Kruger’s unsettlingly calm voice creeps you out, remember that reality sometimes is the best inspiration for satire.
4. Emily Pendergast and Frances’s Moral Maze
Emily Pendergast’s character, Frances Applewhite, began as a minor assistant role. Yet, she quickly evolved into one of the show’s emotional centers. Frances’s journey from loyal company employee to a person deeply conflicted about ethics provided the series with surprising emotional depth.
Pendergast explained in interviews how Frances grapples with tough moral choices, and her portrayal resonated deeply with fans. Because many viewers related to Frances’s internal struggles, the character became a powerful reflection of the personal vs. professional conflicts people often face. Thanks to Pendergast’s nuanced performance, Frances emerges as a relatable anchor in the show’s wildly surreal universe.
5. Grounded Absurdity Through Real-Life Details
What makes Common Side Effects work so well is its clever balance of absurdity and authenticity. To achieve this, the creators did extensive research, even consulting with retired DEA agents. This helped them blend outlandish humor with believable details, keeping even the most surreal scenarios oddly grounded.
And that’s exactly why fans love it. By carefully anchoring the comedy in real-world problems, the show never loses its relevance or punch. It’s a biting critique of big pharma, wrapped in a delightfully ridiculous package, that feels both hilarious and disturbingly accurate.
Peeking Behind the Curtain
All these behind-the-scenes gems don’t just make watching Common Side Effects more enjoyable—they deepen our appreciation for the creativity and hard work behind it. Each interview, every anecdote, and quirky detail shared by the creators and cast adds another layer of richness to this weird and wonderful show.
As anticipation builds for Season 2, fans now have an insider’s view of just how much thought, humor, and genuine passion goes into making each episode. So buckle up, because it seems the madness is only just getting started.
