Best New Web Series on [Platform]: Binge-Worthy Shows

Best New Web Series on YouTube: Binge-Worthy Shows

YouTube, the ubiquitous video-sharing platform, has evolved far beyond cat videos and amateur vlogs. It’s now a legitimate hub for high-quality, original web series, boasting diverse genres, compelling narratives, and impressive production values. Navigating this vast landscape can be daunting, so we’ve curated a list of some of the best new web series on YouTube, guaranteed to keep you glued to your screen.

1. Helluva Boss (Animation/Adult Comedy)

Created by Vivienne Medrano (VivziePop), Helluva Boss is an adult animated web series set in the same universe as her other popular series, Hazbin Hotel. However, Helluva Boss stands alone with its own unique story and characters. The series follows the Immediate Murder Professionals (I.M.P.), a for-profit assassination company in Hell, staffed by imps and one hellhound.

• Concept: The premise is darkly comedic, exploring the moral ambiguities of killing humans on Earth for clients in Hell. Each episode typically features a different mission gone awry, highlighting the dysfunctional dynamic between the I.M.P. employees.
• Characters: The cast is brimming with memorable personalities. Blitzo, the erratic and often incompetent founder of I.M.P., is voiced by Brandon Rogers. Moxxie, the weapons expert and Blitzo’s long-suffering subordinate, is voiced by Richard Horvitz. Millie, Moxxie’s wife and a ruthless killing machine, is voiced by Erica Lindbeck. Loona, the perpetually grumpy hellhound receptionist, is voiced by Erica Lindbeck as well.
• Animation Style: VivziePop’s signature animation style is vibrant and expressive, with fluid movements and detailed character designs. The series makes liberal use of visual gags and over-the-top violence, contributing to its dark humor.
• Why it’s Binge-Worthy: Helluva Boss is undeniably addictive. The sharp writing, hilarious voice acting, and visually stunning animation create a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. Each episode is relatively short, making it easy to consume multiple at once. The episodic nature allows for a variety of self-contained stories while also developing overarching character arcs. The series tackles mature themes with a darkly comedic lens, appealing to audiences who enjoy adult animation with a touch of the macabre. Furthermore, the dedicated fanbase and active online community contribute to the overall experience, fostering discussions, fan art, and theories.

2. Meta Runner (Animation/Sci-Fi)

Meta Runner, created by Luke and Kevin Lerdwichagul of Glitch Productions, is a CGI animated web series set in a futuristic world where video games are the ultimate form of entertainment. The story centers around Tari, a cyborg girl with the unique ability to “warp” into video games.

• Concept: Tari struggles to understand her powers and her place in a world obsessed with gaming. She becomes entangled with a group of outcast gamers who believe that the powerful corporation, TAS Corp, is manipulating the gaming industry for their own nefarious purposes.
• Characters: Tari is the heart of the series, portrayed as a kind and naive character who is slowly learning about her capabilities. Theo, a friendly and energetic gamer, becomes Tari’s first friend. Sofia Porter, a skilled hacker and strategist, is the brains of the group. Lamar Williams, a laid-back and humorous character, provides comedic relief.
• Animation Style: The CGI animation is visually impressive, particularly the in-game sequences, which are often rendered in a distinct, stylized aesthetic. The character designs are unique and memorable, contributing to the series’ overall appeal.
• Why it’s Binge-Worthy: Meta Runner offers a compelling blend of action, adventure, and sci-fi elements. The storyline is engaging, exploring themes of identity, corporate greed, and the power of friendship. The animation is top-notch, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The series also incorporates elements of gaming culture, making it particularly appealing to gamers. The mystery surrounding Tari’s origins and the true nature of TAS Corp keeps viewers invested, eager to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy.

3. Epithet Erased (Animation/Mystery)

Epithet Erased, created by Brendan Blaber (JelloApocalypse), is an animated web series based on a tabletop role-playing game of the same name. The series follows a group of individuals who possess “Epithets,” words that grant them supernatural abilities.

• Concept: The story takes place in Sweet Jazz City, where a powerful artifact known as the “Keystone” has been stolen. A ragtag group of Epithet users, including the amnesiac Molly Blyndeff, are drawn into a complex mystery as they attempt to recover the Keystone and unravel the secrets surrounding its disappearance.
• Characters: Molly Blyndeff, who has the Epithet “Dumb,” is the protagonist. Giovanni Potage, with the Epithet “Soup,” is a flamboyant and eccentric character who becomes Molly’s unlikely ally. Sylvie Paulauskas, with the Epithet “Sundry,” is a mysterious and powerful individual with her own agenda.
• Animation Style: The animation style is simple yet effective, utilizing expressive character designs and dynamic action sequences. The series relies heavily on visual gags and comedic timing to enhance the overall viewing experience.
• Why it’s Binge-Worthy: Epithet Erased is a charming and engaging mystery series with a unique premise. The characters are quirky and memorable, and the plot is full of twists and turns. The series expertly blends humor and suspense, keeping viewers guessing until the very end. The unique Epithet system adds a layer of creativity to the world-building, allowing for a wide range of imaginative powers and abilities. The series is also relatively short, making it easy to binge-watch in a single sitting.

4. Lackadaisy (Animation/Adult Comedy/Drama)

Lackadaisy, created by Tracy Butler and animated by Iron Circus Animation, is an adult animated web series based on Butler’s webcomic of the same name. Set in a Prohibition-era St. Louis, the series follows the exploits of a struggling speakeasy and its colorful cast of characters.

• Concept: The Lackadaisy speakeasy is on the brink of collapse after the death of its founder. A group of employees and associates, including the charismatic Rocky Rickaby, the meticulous Mordecai Heller, and the resourceful Ivy Pepper, must band together to keep the business afloat amidst rival gangs and the ever-present threat of the law.
• Characters: Rocky Rickaby, a talented musician and troublemaker, is a central figure in the series. Mordecai Heller, a stoic and deadly enforcer, is a complex and intriguing character. Ivy Pepper, a young woman with a sharp wit and a hidden past, is a valuable asset to the Lackadaisy crew.
• Animation Style: The animation is visually stunning, with meticulously detailed character designs and backgrounds that capture the atmosphere of the 1920s. The series utilizes a blend of traditional and digital animation techniques to create a unique and immersive viewing experience.
• Why it’s Binge-Worthy: Lackadaisy is a visually arresting and narratively compelling series that transports viewers to a bygone era. The characters are richly developed and the plot is full of intrigue and suspense. The series explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world. The attention to detail in the animation and the historical accuracy of the setting make Lackadaisy a truly immersive and unforgettable viewing experience. The slow-burn romance and complex relationships between the characters add another layer of depth to the series.

5. Cliffside (Animation/Horror/Mystery)

Cliffside, created by Ursula Vernon (also known as T. Kingfisher), is an animated horror/mystery web series that draws heavily on Mexican folklore and mythology.

• Concept: Set in a small, isolated town in Mexico, Cliffside follows the story of a young woman named Magda, who returns to her childhood home after the death of her grandmother. As Magda begins to investigate her grandmother’s past, she uncovers a dark secret that threatens to consume the town.
• Characters: Magda is the protagonist, a determined and resourceful young woman haunted by her past. The series features a cast of supporting characters drawn from Mexican folklore, including La Llorona, a weeping woman who haunts the waterways, and El Cucuy, a boogeyman figure.
• Animation Style: The animation is simple but effective, with a focus on creating a sense of atmosphere and suspense. The series utilizes a muted color palette and eerie sound design to enhance the horror elements.
• Why it’s Binge-Worthy: Cliffside is a chilling and atmospheric horror series that draws viewers in with its compelling mystery and its exploration of Mexican folklore. The series is well-paced and suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers guessing. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the series tackles mature themes with sensitivity and nuance. The unique setting and the incorporation of Mexican mythology make Cliffside a truly original and unforgettable viewing experience. The focus on psychological horror rather than jump scares makes the series particularly effective.

These five web series represent just a small sampling of the high-quality content available on YouTube. Each series offers a unique blend of storytelling, animation, and character development, making them well worth a binge-watching session. The