Jeff & Some Aliens

Jeff & Some Aliens was an American animated comedy series that aired on Comedy Central in 2017. Developed from a short form animated series that was part of TripTank, this show followed the wacky yet relatable misadventures of Jeff, an average guy living an ordinary life, and his alien roommates in the vibrant and extraordinary city of Los Angeles. Jeff & Some Aliens offered a unique blend of comedy, sci-fi, and slice-of-life genres, which made it an intriguing watch for fans of all three.

The eponymous character, Jeff, is just your average, quintessentially 'regular' guy. He's an office worker who is plucked out of his mundane existence by three extraterrestrial beings who decide to live with him. Jeff is a well-meaning but overanxious earthling, trying his best to help out, usually getting himself into a heap of trouble in the process. His relatable struggles offer strong comedic possibilities, providing laughter and empathy in equal measure.

In contrast to Jeff's grounded personality are the three aliens. Using disguises to blend in with human society, the aliens are on a mission to observe and study the human species for research purposes. Despite their advanced technology and intellect, the aliens are hilariously clueless about navigating human culture and social conventions, leading to countless humorous situations. Their interactions with Jeff and other humans test the limits of their understanding, delivering comic gold with their literal interpretations of human situations. The aliens' aloofness and the absurdly funny contrast between their high IQs and their low EQs serves as a running gag throughout the series.

Despite the extremes of its characters, Jeff & Some Aliens resonates with audiences. Yes, the idea of three aliens living with an ordinary man to study human behavior is outlandish, but there's a universal slice-of-life element to it that makes it touching and amusing. It's the misinterpretation of basic human norms, the culture shock, and the mutual misunderstanding that makes the show hilarious and surprisingly poignant at times. No matter where you are from or what species you are, we all struggle to understand each other, and that's the heart of the series.

On the technical front, the animation style of Jeff & Some Aliens stands out with its vivid color palette and detailed character design. The show incorporates an array of brilliantly conceptualized alien technologies and otherworldly situations that are filled with visual wit and imagination. The voice acting of Brett Gelman as Jeff and fellow comedians Alessandro Minoli, Jon Daly, and Richard Kind as the aliens, adds another layer of hilarity with their comedic timing and delivery. The show was created by Sean Donnelly and Alessandro Minoli, both of whom had previously worked on TripTank, bringing their unique brand of irreverent humor to this show.

The humor of Jeff & Some Aliens is smart and edgy, packed with clever pop culture references, slapstick comedy, and a dash of dark humor. Each episode presents a new situation where Jeff and the aliens misinterpret each other's intentions or actions, leading to hilarious and unexpected results. While the humor can be wonderfully absurd and delightfully silly, there's also a distinct undercurrent of social commentary that subtly criticizes various aspects of society, ranging from the media to politics, from culture to history.

Despite its short-lived run, Jeff & Some Aliens made an impression with its unique concept, distinctive animation style, clever humor, and the paradoxically familiar yet strange world of Jeff, his alien roommates, and their extraordinary (mis)adventures. It remained firmly committed to its comedic setting, making it a must-watch for fans of animated comedy and science-fiction, or those who simply enjoy an unusually funny, offbeat sitcom.