What appears to be a show encasing the “loosely-related wacky misadventures” of a washed-up, alcoholic, anthropomorphic horse on the surface, is truly a beautiful television series that tackles important real-world issues and prompts viewers to evaluate their morality and identity in the world around them.
"BoJack Horseman," a Netflix Original animated series, hit the streaming service in August 2014 and captivated viewers from the start. The series stars Will Arnett as BoJack, with musical compositions by Patrick and Ralph Carney, and features many celebrity guest stars, often playing themselves in the show as well. Throughout this first season, we are introduced to the titular character, BoJack, and his current lifestyle. After rising to fame as the lead in a family sitcom (think "Full House"), he has spent the last 19 years fueling his various drug and alcohol addictions and reminiscing on his work on said show. He lives with his “roommate” Todd, who is a freeloading 24-year-old that ended up at his house during a party and never left, and early in season one, we see BoJack as he struggles with writing his memoir. During this opening season, we see the strained relationships BoJack has with his on-again/off-again girlfriend (and agent) Princess Carolyn, the former-child actor who starred on "Horsin’ Around," Sarah Lynn and his nemesis Mr. Peanutbutter, as well as his girlfriend, Diane Nguyen. We begin to see a the primary theme of the show, one that endures until its closing, that BoJack is a deeply troubled individual and tends to be self-destructive in almost every aspect of his life.
Though some are quick to dismiss the show due to its animated style and use of animals for some characters, BoJack Horseman introduces issues that the majority of us will interact with at some point, including depression, addiction, divorce, miscarriage and facing the consequence for the actions you have chosen. The characters in this show are designed to make you reevaluate your life on a critical level. At their core, the majority of these characters are likable and relatable, but when we are subjected to seeing them make catastrophic mistakes, as well as how those mistakes affect others, it prompts viewers to consider their own impact. Through the times I have watched (and re-watched), I have taken so many life lessons from this show and always recommend it to my friends when they’re seeking a new Netflix binge. BoJack Horseman delivers poignant messages in a way that you do not realize you are receiving them, much like Todd delivering Mr. Peanutbutter’s medication in a treat, and has bettered me as a person for watching it. Though there are hundreds of noteworthy quotes to reflect on, I close with one from Season 2 Episode 12: “It gets easier. Everyday it gets a little bit easier. But you gotta do it everyday. That’s the hard part.”