The Cuphead Show: Season 1 Review

This animated series is a delightfully chaotic and surreal cartoon that brings the beloved video game to life by brilliantly blending classic animation styles with contemporary comedic timing and wit. While devoted Cuphead gamers might notice the absence of the game's signature finger guns and yearn for a more direct adaptation, the show delivers an incredibly entertaining experience, emphasizing vibrant characters, comedic situations, and stunning visual artistry. Following in the footsteps of Arcane, this series further cements Netflix's reputation for creating exceptional video game adaptations.

Drawing inspiration from the critically acclaimed Cuphead game and paying homage to 1930s rubber hose animation, particularly the masterworks of the Fleischer brothers and Silly Symphonies, The Cuphead Show transports viewers to the enchanting Inkwell Island. Here, we follow the misadventures of siblings Cuphead (voiced by Tru Valentino) and Mugman (Frank T. Todaro) as they navigate increasingly wild and perilous situations.



The series consists of 12 episodes, each running approximately 11 minutes, making it unique in today's streaming animation environment. Each episode stands independently, showcasing the brothers' whimsical mishaps as they find creative ways to avoid their household responsibilities. The sole exception is a compelling two-part episode that introduces the season's main storyline: Cuphead's accidental soul-binding contract with the Devil (yes, you heard correctly - the Devil appears as a hilariously memorable character). While the episodic nature might not encourage binge-watching, the entertaining scenarios and authentic sibling dynamics make it irresistibly engaging.

While The Cuphead Show embraces the visual style of Depression-era animation, it maintains a consistently lighthearted tone. Though it includes some period-appropriate dark elements - inevitable when featuring the Devil as your primary antagonist - the show's humor and timing are distinctly modern. The series channels an Animaniacs-style approach, masterfully bridging past and present with its over-the-top expressions, physical comedy, and wonderfully bizarre characters. A prime example is an episode where Cuphead and Mugman become reluctant caretakers to an abandoned baby bottle, only to discover their charge is a destructive menace who delights in causing chaos - reminiscent of Who Framed Roger Rabbit's Baby Herman sequence, albeit more family-friendly.

The show's most striking feature is undoubtedly its animation, which brilliantly delivers on its promises. While slightly more polished than its video game counterpart, the series remains visually spectacular, masterfully combining traditional techniques with modern technology. Animation enthusiasts will find themselves delighting in the numerous visual treats and clever references that rival even Marvel's most Easter egg-laden films. The show's artistic prowess shines through in various sequences, from an expertly crafted rotoscope-style dance number paying tribute to the legendary 1932 Betty Boop cartoon Minnie the Moocher, to an entire episode that serves as a loving homage to Silly Symphony's The Skeleton Dance. These elements are woven together with otherworldly imagery and innovative stereoscopic shots that blend live-action miniatures with 2D animated characters, creating an enchantingly eerie atmosphere.

While the series somewhat tones down the unbridled zaniness characteristic of 1930s cartoons to appeal to contemporary audiences, it maintains the essence of the "rubber hose" animation style through its characters' expressive noodle-like limbs. Whether you're a devoted fan of Fleischer cartoons or appreciate their influence in shows like Ren & Stimpy, Animaniacs, or SpongeBob, The Cuphead Show stands as a heartfelt tribute to animation history. Even newcomers to the genre will find themselves captivated by its humor, distinctive characters, and stunning visuals.

Though the animation initially draws viewers in, it's the rich character dynamics that make the show truly binge-worthy. The Inkwell Islands are populated by an ensemble of relatable, endearing, delightfully despicable, and utterly unforgettable characters. The relationship between Cuphead and Mugman forms the heart of the show, showcasing their genuine brotherly affection while highlighting how their pursuit of fun sometimes leads them to abandon each other, even in situations as dire as losing their souls to the devil over carnival games.

The introduction of Ms. Chalice, a character slated to appear in the upcoming game DLC, adds another compelling dimension to the series as she perfectly counterbalances the brothers' dynamic. However, Elder Kettle (Joe Hanna) emerges as the standout character, portraying a loving father figure desperately seeking moments of tranquility amidst constant chaos. The voice performances are exceptional throughout, with Todaro and Valentino capturing their characters' spirits perfectly, while Hanna brings just the right balance of gravitas to these wonderfully whimsical adventures.


The Cuphead Show successfully translates the game's distinctive spirit into an animated series, offering viewers a delightful blend of whimsical madness, vibrant energy, and nostalgic cartoon charm with compelling characters and masterful animation. Following the success of Arcane and Castlevania, Netflix continues to prove its expertise in transforming video games into exceptional television.