Out There

Out There is an American adult animated television series that debuted on the Independent Film Channel (IFC) in 2013. It is an extraordinary show that combines humour, heart, and a unique animated style to tell authentic adolescent stories.

Created and predominantly written by Ryan Quincy, a former animator, and producer on South Park, Out There depicts the coming-of-age misadventures of socially awkward Chad, his little brother Jay, and his best friend Chris. Living in the small regular town of Holford, the boys wander its surreal, bleak landscape waiting out their last few years of adolescence.

Emerging from the creative mind of Quincy, who leans heavily into his experience growing up in rural Nebraska, the boys experience everything from their first experiences of love, to the requisite battles with local bullies. The show, in its delicate exploration of the innocence, joy, and pathos of childhood, expertly combines realism and surrealism in its storytelling.

The tone of Out There is melancholic, often weighty, and manages to convey the emotional turmoil of those awkward teen years without being overly sentimental. With a surreal twist on the mundanity of small-town life and the agonies and ecstasies of adolescence, the show paints the normalcy of teen life with an undefined melancholy that gets you right in the guts. The dull, monochromatic aesthetic of the animation mirrors the bleakness and homogeneity of the fictional town Holford, reinforcing the sense of boredom and isolation of the characters.

Each of the main characters is a study in adolescent extremes. Chad Stevens, voiced by Ryan Quincy, is the sensitive and introspective protagonist who is, in every sense, the 'average teenager' with a distinctively average appearance. His best friend Chris, voiced by Justin Roiland of Rick and Morty fame, is the runt of his massive blue-collar family who has a good heart despite his family’s constant ridicule. Jay Stevens, voiced by Kate Micucci, presents as an immaturity juxtaposed with certain wisdom, distinct in his colorful and quirky appearance and his unhinged enthusiasm for life’s simple pleasures.

Out There also has an impressive line-up of supporting characters - each one fascinating in their idiosyncrasies. These include the somewhat intimidating yet affable school bully, the mysterious and wise Wayne (voiced by Fred Armisen), the ambiguous Megan (voiced by Linda Cardellini), and a host of other colourful personas.

Adding value to the show is the stellar list of guest stars from the world of comedy and television. These include Selma Blair, Pamela Adlon, Jason Schwartzman, John DiMaggio, and others. Their exceptional voice acting skills add richness and depth to the characters, blending effortlessly with the overall atmosphere of the show.

One of the strengths of Out There is its ability to be respectful towards the turbulent emotions of adolescence and weave them into the storytelling without trivializing them. It captures the disillusionment, loneliness, hope and humor of those turbulent years, making it feel relatable and timeless.

Unlike most coming-of-age shows, this doesn't glorify adolescence or resort to overused cliches about teenage life. Instead, it presents it in an idiosyncratic and heartfelt way with threads of humor, innocence, romance, and bittersweet nostalgia.

Moreover, Out There captures the dichotomy of growing up in a seemingly boring small town brilliantly. Through its animation and storyline, it showcases how mundane everyday scenarios are laden with far-reaching implications for the protagonists – exploring themes like family, friendship, first-love, loss, and heartbreak.

Over its ten episodes, Out There maintains a consistent charm, breathed into life by a perfect blend of heartwarming episodes, relatable characters, and witty dialogue. Despite being unapologetically unconventional and gloomy in its narrative style, Out There has a certain draw to it.

You can't help but feel for Chad, Chris, and Jay as they try to navigate muster courage to face the occasional harsh realities and frequent absurdities of life on their way to adulthood.

In its essence, Out There is a wonderfully crafted show – an offbeat, oddly charming, deeply introspective portrayal of teenage life that doesn't shy away from the harsh or uncomfortable nuances, making it feel real, grounded, and wildly touching. It is a must watch for anyone who appreciates the complexities of the journey into adulthood, expressed with candor, wit, and warmth.