234 reviews
I don't normally feel the need to add my 2 cents to the review pages here but Archer has motivated me to do so.
This is definitely one of the best animated comedy series I've seen in a while and had me laughing all the way through; if anyone can make being a real s**t funny then it's Archer. I'm not familiar with Jon Benjamin who supplies Archer's voice but he's perfectly cast and his comic timing is spot on. The rest of the cast is strong too, especially Chris Parnell who's voice I immediately recognised from his very funny Dr Spaceman (or Spe-che-man) in 30 Rock.
In a world where other offerings are losing their shine (Family Guy, American Dad and even South Park are not as fresh as they used to be and of course the Simpsons jumped it's shark years ago) Archer shows that there's still plenty of good material being written out there.
This is definitely one of the best animated comedy series I've seen in a while and had me laughing all the way through; if anyone can make being a real s**t funny then it's Archer. I'm not familiar with Jon Benjamin who supplies Archer's voice but he's perfectly cast and his comic timing is spot on. The rest of the cast is strong too, especially Chris Parnell who's voice I immediately recognised from his very funny Dr Spaceman (or Spe-che-man) in 30 Rock.
In a world where other offerings are losing their shine (Family Guy, American Dad and even South Park are not as fresh as they used to be and of course the Simpsons jumped it's shark years ago) Archer shows that there's still plenty of good material being written out there.
- marktcards
- Feb 16, 2010
- Permalink
This show is the best thing that's happened to modern day TV. It is animated, yet hits serious topics right at the spot. It makes it look like a kid's show, but definitely with adult situations, which is great. The characters are light and well situated. The dialog is outrageously funny and naughty, containing serious amounts of irony and masked profanities. The plot of the show revolves around a secret agency (ISIS) and the relations between the people working there. The main character is the confident, arrogant and self-involved, yet not that adequate secret agent Sterling archer - a handsome hedonist man, that never cares about anyone but himself. Hilarious. 10/10
- sniffthemonkeys
- Dec 25, 2018
- Permalink
Having just seen the special sneak preview of 'ARCHER' on the FX network, I have to say that this was possibly the most entertaining, most ribald, most disturbing and just plain hysterical thirty minutes of television I have ever seen. Think 'Venture Brothers' meets James Bond meets a truck load of self-obsessed heroine addicts and you'll begin to get an idea of what awaits us all in January when this series comes to the masses in prime time. Fans of H. Jon Benjamin will love him as he brings his own dead pan cadence to Sterling Archer, a character that is arguably the most narcissistic is television history. The writing is quick and sharp, the animation is stylized and hip and the laughs come faster than you can catch them.
In short, watch for this amazing show to come to your TV in January and prepare to be amazed. Seriously, watch this show!
In short, watch for this amazing show to come to your TV in January and prepare to be amazed. Seriously, watch this show!
"Archer" is a cartoon with no redeeming social values...none. It features dialog peppered with obscenities, there is quite a bit of sex and sexual situations, the 'heroes' have absolutely moral compass and there are drugs, drugs, drugs galore. So, it clearly is a great little cartoon to watch...just don't let your kids, your mother or your preacher know you enjoy this show. And, there is plenty to enjoy-- mostly because the characters are funny, strange and like nothing you've ever seen. As for the stories, initially they are about a strange agency which does spying...for money. In other words, they are like mercenaries of the spy world. And, when that doesn't work out well (mostly because all their agents are idiots and have questionable sanity), they resort to selling cocaine. All in all, one of the most morally reprehensible yet funny cartoons you can watch. Just don't say I didn't warn you!
- planktonrules
- Mar 10, 2016
- Permalink
finally a funny entertaining show! lately it seems the other short 30 min comedy shows have become lazy and stale. and with south park not starting for another month i was very happy to find this show down right hilarious from start to finish. sure its simple. but the characters are so funny and its pretty well written.
the humor comes quickly and many times unnoticed. i have watched every episode at least twice. i like the style of animation and the voice acting is well done. they have also had some big actors show up as voices of minor roles. Thomas Lennon showed up as a gay guy (big surprise).
Anyway, everyone should at least watch the first five episodes. 100 minutes of enjoyable chaos.
the humor comes quickly and many times unnoticed. i have watched every episode at least twice. i like the style of animation and the voice acting is well done. they have also had some big actors show up as voices of minor roles. Thomas Lennon showed up as a gay guy (big surprise).
Anyway, everyone should at least watch the first five episodes. 100 minutes of enjoyable chaos.
- dalearyous
- Feb 18, 2010
- Permalink
Archer is quite possibly the funniest show on television, rapid fire jokes about whore island, a hungry hungry hippo, and baby crazy ex girlfriends, all that plus the brilliance of stir Friday. I am a total TV alchoholic and this show is incredibly funny. Though there is a slight issue with the comedy, if you take yourself too seriously and or you can't laugh at sheer stupidity the show might not be for you. Anyways you won't know if you like the comedy or not without watching and episode yourself. So I strongly incourage everyone to sit down watch an episode or two and I bet you will be rolling on the floor due to the doucheness that is Sterling Archer. Alright Andy I know the fact that arrested development got canceled still hurts but it doesn't mean you should start bashing a different kind of comedy. Archer is incredibly funny, and yes it is basic raunchy humor, but it is the sheer ridiculousness of each situation that allows the comedy to turn in literal loll. so open your mind laugh at a Russian roulette joke and enjoy the brilliant stupidity that is Archer.
- greendaylink
- Feb 5, 2010
- Permalink
Before watching archer I would watch cartoons like Family Guy, American Dad and Futurama. These sort of animated shows are good but old and don't change the formula of a successful show. They are all the same, a family/ group of friends getting into mischief everyday and each day is completely different but with the same people.
At first I though Archer was just going to be another comedy cartoon like Family guy. I thought it would be loads of random jokes (not saying random jokes aren't funny but Seth Macfarlane has been doing the same routine over and over) and hardly any story, but I tell you now I was wrong, so terribly wrong.
Archer is pure brilliance. It's like James Bond became an abusive alcoholic and that everyone he works with are insane. It looks pretty and is well animated, it's full of funny jokes and most importantly of all it has a story line that runs through out the whole series!
I love Archer because it doesn't have a new story every episode and forgetting what happened last time. You get to know the characters and see them develop as episode go on. The show doesn't shy away from changing things up, one minute you think that it's just an ordinary mission and the next minute something massive happens which leads to a character changing and this is who the character will act from now on.
The jokes are funny and always make me laugh and sometimes the situations they get in are funny. The character are horrible people, if you met them in really life you would hate them but in the show you can't help but love everyone. The show also introduces loads of new characters that stick around or return every now and again for a episode.
I have loved watching every episode and I've just started season 5 which is insane. The best animated TV show I have ever watched! 10/10 Highly recommend watching if you like shows like South park, American Dad, Bobs Burgers, Robot Chicken and Frisky Dingo.
At first I though Archer was just going to be another comedy cartoon like Family guy. I thought it would be loads of random jokes (not saying random jokes aren't funny but Seth Macfarlane has been doing the same routine over and over) and hardly any story, but I tell you now I was wrong, so terribly wrong.
Archer is pure brilliance. It's like James Bond became an abusive alcoholic and that everyone he works with are insane. It looks pretty and is well animated, it's full of funny jokes and most importantly of all it has a story line that runs through out the whole series!
I love Archer because it doesn't have a new story every episode and forgetting what happened last time. You get to know the characters and see them develop as episode go on. The show doesn't shy away from changing things up, one minute you think that it's just an ordinary mission and the next minute something massive happens which leads to a character changing and this is who the character will act from now on.
The jokes are funny and always make me laugh and sometimes the situations they get in are funny. The character are horrible people, if you met them in really life you would hate them but in the show you can't help but love everyone. The show also introduces loads of new characters that stick around or return every now and again for a episode.
I have loved watching every episode and I've just started season 5 which is insane. The best animated TV show I have ever watched! 10/10 Highly recommend watching if you like shows like South park, American Dad, Bobs Burgers, Robot Chicken and Frisky Dingo.
- drummergareth
- Jul 3, 2014
- Permalink
In only 22 minutes, Archer gets away with referencing dirty sex every scene, showing off the backside of a woman with the sting of a ping pong paddle still red, and being a very funny, witty new show! It gets away with them because it is funny and also happens to be animated. The animation really works with the style of the show.
Who said comedy is best when it's offending at least one body of people? There's something for everyone to love in this show and probably something for everyone to hate in this show. The first episode I saw last night was very promising. I haven't seen a quirkier show in a long time. It really moves to the beat of its own drum. The pace is very fast and what struck me was, besides the absurd situations and hilarious dialog, the basic plot line has actually been very coherent and interesting.
Don't miss this show. It's got a lot going for it.
Who said comedy is best when it's offending at least one body of people? There's something for everyone to love in this show and probably something for everyone to hate in this show. The first episode I saw last night was very promising. I haven't seen a quirkier show in a long time. It really moves to the beat of its own drum. The pace is very fast and what struck me was, besides the absurd situations and hilarious dialog, the basic plot line has actually been very coherent and interesting.
Don't miss this show. It's got a lot going for it.
I was a fan of the hit and miss show Sealab and later on Frisky Dingo which was less hit and miss and quite entertaining. If you like rank shows. I am also a fan of Venture Bros and I don't see how you cant draw the similarities between the two. I am also happy to see Jon Benjamin get some steady voice work and he was great in Dr Katz and Home Movies. I would recommend it to anyone to watch the first episode before making your judgment. This is the best pilot I have seen in a while and usually their pretty lame even on shows I think have promise.
The show involves a super spy whose boss happens to be his mother. He has an ex lover as a fellow spy that is currently dating some guy in accounting. You have a blabby HR lady and some other people thrown into the mix like a secretary who is in love with Archer. The situations and under the breath comments are laugh out loud to me and my friends. I can't wait for more.
The show involves a super spy whose boss happens to be his mother. He has an ex lover as a fellow spy that is currently dating some guy in accounting. You have a blabby HR lady and some other people thrown into the mix like a secretary who is in love with Archer. The situations and under the breath comments are laugh out loud to me and my friends. I can't wait for more.
A once brilliant and provocative show could now be slotted into any family friendly programming on any channel. Not a single joke in season 13 even made me smile. Not once. This cult of anti humour, please let's not offend anyone anywhere by being too funny nonsense has robbed FX of one of the best shows it ever had. What we have now is a G rated Hallmark romcom sitcom masquerading as Archer. Really seems like it should have stopped after season 12. It would have taken a lot to recover from the loss of Jessica Walters, but it seems like the show wants to be buried along side her. Rest in piece.
- matthewtaylor69
- Mar 27, 2024
- Permalink
This show caught me off guard. I dismissed it without giving it a chance at first, but then went ahead and watched it on demand. I am sure glad that I did. Archer is an over the top raunchy fest based on the doings of a supposed spy firm. You have Sterling, an insecure guy who thinks very little, does very many, and says just enough to keep us laughing...mainly because he is so stupid. You have Malory, an unhappy boss who loves an enemy, hates being Sterling's mom at times, and has shown more than once to be off her rocker. You then have Lana(L-a-n-a), Sterling's Ex who isn't over Sterling. She is also a no nonsense, ass whipping babe. This show nails it. I highly recommend it.
- Marinerman1979
- Feb 8, 2010
- Permalink
Archer is James Bond in sitcom form. Unlike Bond, Archer's mother is the head of the secret service agency he works for. And this mother and son couple do not get along at all. They find joy in the other's humiliation and/or pain. This show is incredibly entertaining, and while the animation is impressive in detail it feels weird to watch at times because it doesn't have the same 'flow' as cel-animation. That's probably because it's done on Adobe After Effects and/or Flash.
Spy fiction is a creative pool writers can screw around with endlessly: they can dig into the many clichés of James Bond films, The Bourne Films, and just being all-round nostalgic for films of the 60s. It's like if Ian Fleming teamed up with Mel Brooks, Trey Parker and Matt Groening.
Very good stuff, and guarantees your full attention and enjoyment.
Spy fiction is a creative pool writers can screw around with endlessly: they can dig into the many clichés of James Bond films, The Bourne Films, and just being all-round nostalgic for films of the 60s. It's like if Ian Fleming teamed up with Mel Brooks, Trey Parker and Matt Groening.
Very good stuff, and guarantees your full attention and enjoyment.
- Johnny-the-Film-Sentinel-2187
- Apr 27, 2017
- Permalink
if you don't like this show, then you have no sense of humor or you take your movies and TV shows far too seriously. this is a very funny and in your face comedy. lots of laughs, stupid jokes, just impossible situations. all of this creates an out of this world event. the premise if just a ridiculous secret agency that never gets the right things done. Archer is just a high school jock that never grew up. i showed this show to a few friends who'd never heard of it and we continued to rewind just to hear the jokes because they were just too funny. these jokes take it right to the edge without ever stepping over the line. its a must see for adults who still love their teenager side.
- mudvaynelife24
- Jan 29, 2011
- Permalink
That's all I gotta say, Archer is EPIC. I can watch the same episode 10 times and never get tired of it. All the characters are hilarious.
- samvelgasparyan
- Jun 4, 2018
- Permalink
Sterling Malory ARCHER, Code name Duchesses
the over needy, sexist, mama's boy of a man.
One of the best adult animations ever, with the outrageousness and crudeness of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia but with the surprising allure and quick wit of Modern Family and Community.
This show may not be for everyone, but its brilliance and quick dialog. This show speaks for itself and the animation style is perfect for the genre and the type of humor it exudes.
It has the greatest quotes! And it's not as crude as you think once you actually listen to the conversation. It's really clever.
One of the best adult animations ever, with the outrageousness and crudeness of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia but with the surprising allure and quick wit of Modern Family and Community.
This show may not be for everyone, but its brilliance and quick dialog. This show speaks for itself and the animation style is perfect for the genre and the type of humor it exudes.
It has the greatest quotes! And it's not as crude as you think once you actually listen to the conversation. It's really clever.
- copperncherrio
- Mar 12, 2011
- Permalink
Great adult themed show. Have watched each season multiple times; still hilarious.
- jjlawler-98324
- Feb 21, 2019
- Permalink
Season 1: Great
Season 2: Better
Season 3: Amazing
Season 4: Fantastic
Season 5: Amazing
Season 6: Great
Season 7: Amazing
Season 8: Bad
This is probably one of my favorite TV comedies, its weird callbacks and jocks may drive off some viewers at first, but drive in and you'll find an instant cult classic. Of them all, Season 3 would have to be my favorite, I don't know why but people think that the Archer Vice change wasn't a good idea, but I think it absolutely was. It shook it up so it didn't stay the same for too long. Season 8 could be described by one word: Boring. I was only able to get to episode 2 before having to take a break and watch the good Archer episodes. This may seem like a lot to you, but I have binge-watched an entire season in one sitting, that shows how boring it is. All in all, this would have gotten a ten if it wasn't for Season 8.
This is probably one of my favorite TV comedies, its weird callbacks and jocks may drive off some viewers at first, but drive in and you'll find an instant cult classic. Of them all, Season 3 would have to be my favorite, I don't know why but people think that the Archer Vice change wasn't a good idea, but I think it absolutely was. It shook it up so it didn't stay the same for too long. Season 8 could be described by one word: Boring. I was only able to get to episode 2 before having to take a break and watch the good Archer episodes. This may seem like a lot to you, but I have binge-watched an entire season in one sitting, that shows how boring it is. All in all, this would have gotten a ten if it wasn't for Season 8.
- davematherson
- Dec 26, 2017
- Permalink
Most of the reviews here are good but seem to be from fans of animated shows (Family Guy, Southpark etc). I'm not. But this show is the freshest, funniest and near (past?) the knuckle show i've seen in years. Sexist and sexy, racist and racey, sizist and er well you know, ageist (pretty much every "ist" going) but gets away with it due to the quality of the writing and delivery and i guess because is animated.
I've never felt sexual feelings for a cartoon character before (excluding Smurfette obviously) but Lana (Aisha Tyler) does it for me every time. It IS literally LOL funny. And when was the last time you could say that about a show animated or live action?
Do yourself a favour. By the DVD now. Then buy copies of the DVD for all your friends. Because if you don't and they discover Archer later when it becomes a worldwide phenomenon and that you knew about it and you didn't tell them....well they will KICK YOUR ASS! and get *TOTALLY NINJA!!!
* Archer catch phrases....
I've never felt sexual feelings for a cartoon character before (excluding Smurfette obviously) but Lana (Aisha Tyler) does it for me every time. It IS literally LOL funny. And when was the last time you could say that about a show animated or live action?
Do yourself a favour. By the DVD now. Then buy copies of the DVD for all your friends. Because if you don't and they discover Archer later when it becomes a worldwide phenomenon and that you knew about it and you didn't tell them....well they will KICK YOUR ASS! and get *TOTALLY NINJA!!!
* Archer catch phrases....
- eddieknocker
- Jul 29, 2011
- Permalink
When watching the show, I get the impression that one (or possibly several) of the project writers is one of those people who lives to Aggravate even the people they care about. I have an uncle who was like that.
- kirkh-26247
- Jul 22, 2021
- Permalink
First few seasons are fantastic, but ever since they stopped being a spy agency and did all this alternate timeline stuff it has become garbage.
Hope the show goes back to the spy genre next season, or I'm just going to have to drop it.
Edit:
6/16/19.
Really? Now its a space show rehashing the same old lines?
Dropping it.
Might come back if they all go back to being spies again. Last few seasons - and what I saw of this one - garbage.
Hope the show goes back to the spy genre next season, or I'm just going to have to drop it.
Edit:
6/16/19.
Really? Now its a space show rehashing the same old lines?
Dropping it.
Might come back if they all go back to being spies again. Last few seasons - and what I saw of this one - garbage.
I absolutely adore this show.... I love the voice cast, the concept and execution.
I'll deeply miss Jessica Walters, the magnificent voice for Malory Archer who passed away earlier this year. But she is only part of what makes this show so incredible.
H. Jon Benjamin is fantastic as the main lead, and the other actors make amazing additions to the cast.
The show's concept is really refreshing. A spy agency that sort of exists in its own realm where all spy tropes can exist, where the problems range from basic office issues to world-ending problems. The bond that the characters have with each other is unusual because they clearly care for each other in a sort of love-hate way.
The humor is amazing, the jokes are in my wheelhouse of incredibly sarcastic, mean and very dry. I will probably say "phrasing" for the rest of my life along with "holy shitsnacks!" and "aw dukes!" I wish they didn't stop with ONLY 14 lol but it was a good run while it lasted.
I'll deeply miss Jessica Walters, the magnificent voice for Malory Archer who passed away earlier this year. But she is only part of what makes this show so incredible.
H. Jon Benjamin is fantastic as the main lead, and the other actors make amazing additions to the cast.
The show's concept is really refreshing. A spy agency that sort of exists in its own realm where all spy tropes can exist, where the problems range from basic office issues to world-ending problems. The bond that the characters have with each other is unusual because they clearly care for each other in a sort of love-hate way.
The humor is amazing, the jokes are in my wheelhouse of incredibly sarcastic, mean and very dry. I will probably say "phrasing" for the rest of my life along with "holy shitsnacks!" and "aw dukes!" I wish they didn't stop with ONLY 14 lol but it was a good run while it lasted.