Planet of the Japes

There are countless social media platforms out there, attracting a wide range of audiences. But chances are that no matter which ones you frequent, you've come across the internet comics of Nathan W. Pyle. You know -- those cartoons with the blue aliens, who talk about everyday things using non-everyday terminology? In a way, it's kind of a one-note joke. But if you're anything like me, it's a joke that regularly makes you at least smile.

In that spirit, I was receptive to a television adaptation of Pyle's work. Strange Planet is a 10-episode animated sitcom on Apple TV+. Co-created by Pyle and sitcom/animation veteran Dan Harmon, the show is exactly what you'd expect it to be: Pyle's comics extended to a 20-minute-ish format.

To build out the mundane backbone of the comics, Strange Planet draws fun inspiration from the well of "sitcom plots that sound cliche." One episode centers on a someone trying to get in with a potential love interest by caring for their "vibrating creature" (cat). Another episode follows a child who doesn't want to grow up to take over their life-givers' ink stain business (parents' tattoo parlor). Of course, peppered throughout these charmingly simple plots are loads of the weird turns-of-phrase that characterize Pyle's work.

The voice cast is an eclectic mix of comedians and past collaborators of Dan Harmon. The regular cast is Tunde Adebimpe, Demi Adejuyigbe, Lori Tan Chinn, Danny Pudi, and Hannah Einbinder -- but the show only "mostly" stays focused on a group of central characters. Plenty of guest actors swing in for one episode to feature in a big subplot; the list makes for a sprawling and surprising IMDb page.

I have written so often about "reasons you should subscribe to Apple TV+" that by now, you've probably either done that, or you're past annoyed with me. In this instance, I can't claim that Strange Planet is a reason to subscribe. Rather, it's an entertaining add-on once you're there. In the era of "prestige television," everybody seems to have a list of multiple hour-long appointment series that feel like work -- shows that may be great, but leave you feeling wrung out after you watch them (or, heaven forbid, if you watch several in one sitting). Strange Planet is a lovely sorbet after the heavy meal, an easy watch to put you in a calmer headspace before bed.

I'd say Strange Planet rates a B. If any of Pyle's internet comics have ever made you smile, certainly his TV series will too.