The Animated Show With 100% on RT Was the Perfect Follow-Up to Netflix’s Best Series of All Time

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Netflix used to be the leader in streaming, and its success was built on great original shows. A big part of that was thanks to Cindy Holland, who previously led original content and took risks on creative projects like Stranger Things, Orange Is the New Black, and House of Cards. Although Holland now works at Paramount and some feel Netflix’s shows aren’t as good as they once were, the platform still offers glimpses of its former quality.

Many consider Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s BoJack Horseman to be one of Netflix’s best and most surprising original series. This adult animated comedy followed a former 90s sitcom star – a horse, to be exact – struggling with life in Hollywoo. Though BoJack Horseman concluded after six seasons, Bob-Waksberg recently released Long Story Short, which received a perfect 100% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes in August 2025. Years later, this new show is a fantastic continuation of Bob-Waksberg’s unique style, offering a fresh and compelling story for fans of his previous work.

Why BoJack Horseman Fans Need to Watch Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s Long Story Short

BoJack Horseman, which first aired in August 2014, stars Will Arnett as a former Hollywood star struggling with his past. While the show initially appeared to be a satire of celebrity culture, creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg (with illustrations by Lisa Hanawalt) soon developed it into a surprisingly profound and emotionally resonant series.

Over six seasons, the show cleverly used dark humor to tackle serious issues like depression, addiction, and the impact of trauma across generations. Its most memorable episodes – including “Escape from L.A.”, the silent “Fish Out of Water”, and the highly acclaimed “The View From Halfway Down” – were often bold and experimental, fearlessly exploring the complex inner life of its surprisingly relatable main character. The talented supporting cast, featuring Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul, and Paul F. Tompkins, created a vibrant world of characters who represented the common struggles and personalities of the time.

Five years after his previous show, Bob-Waksberg is back with Long Story Short, which explores similar ideas but in a new way. Instead of focusing on one troubled character, this series follows the Schwooper family and many related characters across different time periods, showing how even small choices can have big consequences that affect generations. Fans of BoJack Horseman will recognize the creator’s unique combination of silly humor and thoughtful, sometimes dark, themes. Like BoJack, this new series blends comedy with difficult emotions, often highlighting the tragic or awkward parts of everyday life. While BoJack looked at fame and self-destruction in Hollywood, Long Story Short takes a wider look at ordinary life – how friendships fade, goals change, and life rarely goes as planned.

Few shows feel like a more natural successor to BoJack Horseman than this one. Creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg again blends charming animation and comedy with a surprisingly thoughtful and complex exploration of characters. Just as family choices have lasting consequences in the show, decisions made early on by Cindy Holland continue to shape Netflix’s content even after she left. Critics consistently praise the show’s quirky humor, realistic characters, and relatable stories – all evidence that this hidden gem is a worthy follow-up to the acclaimed BoJack Horseman.

As a critic, I’m still fielding the question: is BoJack Horseman Netflix’s greatest achievement in original programming? It’s a tough one! I’d love to hear your take. Head over to the ComicBook Forum and let’s discuss – join the conversation now!

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2026-03-16 20:43