Hoops

Hoops from Netflix, first released in 2020, is a quintessential adult-oriented animated series, relentlessly filled with mature humor. The show, in a nutshell, is an audacious, free-wheeling and ribald comedy that boldly traverses into adult animation territory.

The storyline distinctly revolves around Coach Ben Hopkins, a small time, hilarious, and hot-tempered high school basketball coach. Coach Ben is on a relentless mission, a mission to turn around his severely underperforming, lackluster, and, quite frankly, awful team. His dream of making it big, reaching out to the big time leagues, and walking among the best in the field of basketball coaching, is what fuels his determination and aspirations. Amid his dream, he's caught between handling his responsibilities as a coach, dealing with personal life matters, and strategically transforming his team for victories.

The show presents a vividly honest, often exaggerated, and potentially polarizing depiction of the life of a lower-rung sports coach who, while grappling with personal and professional disappointments, firmly maintains his aspirations and dreams. The resonating theme underlying Hoops is the undying spirit and its portrayal of determination against all odds. The core character of Ben Hopkins, portrayed with sharp, acerbic humor, embodies this spirit.

What makes Hoops stand apart in the vast universe of animated shows is its unapologetic audaciousness. The series explores mature and often controversial themes with a refreshingly comic outlook, ensuring belly laughs with each episode. Much of the humor, understandably, is derived from situations arising from Ben's inefficiency as a basketball coach, kickstarting chain reactions of chaos and hilarity that transform every episode into an unpredictable rollercoaster ride.

Hoops owes its uniqueness and unconventional approach to comedy to its creators - Ben Hoffman, who is better known for his work on the show "Archibald's Next Big Thing" and his team of writers who paint meticulously detailed yet hyperbolic imagery of high school life, sports politics, and personal struggles. Each writer has effectively employed their comical craft, translating it into genuinely amusing punchlines, stand-alone gags, and deeply ingrained funny narratives.

Additionally, Hoops takes full advantage of having the talented and versatile Jake Johnson (of "New Girl" fame) in the prime role of Coach Ben, his vocal charisma, and distinct comedic timing breathing life into the befuddled character. Also present is a superbly chosen ensemble cast supporting Johnson, including big names like Rob Riggle and Natasha Leggero. Their noteworthy voice acting input pulls together a unique variety of characters each distinct in their attributes.

The artistic aspect of the show resonates with vintage charm, giving it an appealing, distinctive aesthetic. The animation style, while edgy and sharp, is also richly detailed, further augmenting the series' overall appeal. As for its viewing audience, Hoops is a strictly adult-oriented show, incorporating themes and language that are unsuitable for a younger audience. Nonetheless, this series has won hearts in its defined audience niche owing to its bold, brutally hilarious scripting.

Despite its short run and the pacing of the show being a tad uneven, Hoops has managed to attract viewership owing to its relentless humour and unconventional portrayal of high school basketball. Its comedic situations are often pushed to absurd extremes, with no tranquil moment, keeping the audience entertained throughout.

In conclusion, Hoops from Netflix (2020) is a wildly audacious and mature animated comedy, thriving on its explicit humor and raw, unfiltered view of a coach's life steeped in ambition and disappointments. While the show's edgy humor and mature language limit its viewership to a strictly adult audience, it still finds its charm in being brutally honest and unapologetically bold. Its essential spirit, undergirded by persistence, is what makes this a comedy worth watching for fans looking for a laugh with no holds barred.