Gary Larson’sThe Far Sideis known for its quirky characters, bizarre situations, and perfectly offbeat humor, all packed into single-panel comics. But some of Larson’s most iconic creations feel like they’re only a few frames away from becoming full-blown animated adventures.
Whether it’s cows living like suburban humans,confused aliens visiting Earth, or scientists causing strange accidents, these comics hint at entire worlds worth exploring. With the right creative team,aFar Sideanimated show could transform these brief, hilarious glimpses into full episodesfilled with absurdity and charm. These ten entries aren’t just memorable; they’re practically begging to make the leap to animated television.
10Larson’s Bumbling Aliens Are ICONIC
The Far Side’sSpace Visitors Are Ready to Star in the Galaxy’s Funniest Animated Disaster
Gary Larson’saliens are a staple ofThe Far Sideand easilyrank among the most hilarious recurring characters in the series. These extraterrestrials are often at the center of absurd misunderstandings involving Earth and its confused inhabitants. Far from being majestic or menacing, Larson’s aliens are clumsy, curious, and just as baffled by humans as we are by them.
This reversal of expectations is what makes them so funny, and with the sheer number of comics that feature them,they’re a perfect fit for an animated comedy series.A show that follows these aliens as they bungle their way through Earth’s customs and logic could bring Larson’s offbeat humor to life in the most entertaining way possible.
9When Cavemen Were the Smartest Dumb Guys Around
Gary Larson’s Tool-Wielding Oafs Accidentally Shaped Science and Comedy
Just likeThe Far Side’saliens,Gary Larson’s cavemen are hilariously inept, making prehistoric life far more entertaining than anyone would expect. From their ridiculous misuse of tools (and each other) to their bizarrely inventive but completely illogical problem-solving, these characters are perfect for animated comedy. Larson’s cavemen also have a surprising scientific legacy.
One of his most iconic comicsintroduced the termThagomizerfor the spikes on a dinosaur’s tail, named after the fictional Thag Simmons. The scientific community later adopted the term,giving these goofy characters a lasting real-world impact.With their blend of slapstick humor and unexpected influence, Larson’s cavemen are more than ready for the small screen.
Why Frankenstein’s Long-Suffering Assistant Is the Workplace Underdog We All Relate To
While this might be a slightly niche pick among recurringFar Sidecharacters who deserve their own animated series,Igor the Assistant absolutely earns his spot. He may not appear as frequently as Larson’s aliens or cavemen, butevery comic featuring Igor is comedy gold.
What makes him such a great candidate for his own animated show is the dynamic between him and his overbearing boss, the Mad Scientist. The premise of Igor dealing with bizarre, impossible demands in and outside of the lab is not only funny but surprisingly relatable.Many viewers would likely see a bit of their own workplace frustrations in Igor’s struggles, making this oddball duo perfect for serialized chaos.
7Meet theFar Side’sBest (& Only) Detective
Why ThisFar SideInvestigator Is Perfect for an Adult Swim Comedy
Almost everyone loves a good detective noir, but mix inThe Far Side’ssignature absurdity, and you might have the perfect recipe for the next animated Adult Swim hit. Some might be surprised to see Larson’s recurring detective labeled for mature audiences, but it makes sense. This character starred in one ofLarson’s most controversial comics, wherehe investigates the mysterious death of Sesame Street’s Big Bird.
While not explicitly R-rated,the comic sparked outrage among parents who found the joke tastelessand potentially traumatic for children. This edgy blend of dark humor and absurd mystery makes Larson’s detective a strong candidate for a mature animated series that pushes boundaries.
6Udderly Devious: The Cows Plotting to Take Over Your Screen
HowThe Far Side’sBovine Geniuses Are Ready to Milk Comedy for All It’s Worth
When it comes to recurring characters, few are as iconic asThe Far Side’s cows. These bovine troublemakers are clearly some of Gary Larson’s favorites, appearing nearly as often as his human characters.What sets them apart is their surprising intelligence, often rivaling or even outsmarting humans.
They’re famous for scheming mischief, whether it’s starting the Great Chicago Fire or playing pranks like ding-dong ditching farmers.Their endless antics would easily fuel an entertaining animated series packed with humor and chaos.With so many classic, comedy-rich strips featuring these cows, each one could serve as the perfect inspiration for a hilarious episode full of unexpected bovine shenanigans.
5When Hell Is Just Another Office Job
Why Gary Larson’s Devil Would Nail the Ultimate Workplace Comedy
Gary Larson was often ahead of his time, especially when it came to his devil-themed comic strips. Many of these strips portray the devil in a boss-like role, with Hell itself humorously depicted as an office environment. Viewed through a modern lens, these comics evoke a vibe similar to the sitcomThe Office, where absurd workplace antics and dry humor take center stage.
This notable parallel suggests that Larson’s devil could shine in an animated series modeled afterThe Office,blending supernatural chaos with relatable office satire.Such a show would likely resonate with audiences, turning Larson’s devilish humor into a fresh, hilarious hit.
4From Baking Earth to Smite-by-Click: God’s Day Job Gets a Comedy Upgrade
The Far Side’sTake on the Almighty That’s Perfect for Prime Time
IfThe Far Side’sdevil deserves his own animated series, then Larson’s God certainly does too. Larson’s portrayal of God is filled with iconic strips that have become central to the comic’s unique humor.What makes this version of God so entertaining is the way Larson adds a mundane, everyday twist to divine acts.
For instance, creating Earth is shown like baking a cake, complete with burning it.And when it comes to smiting sinners, God simply hits a“smite”button on a computer.These hilarious, relatable takes on divine power would translate perfectly into an animated series full of clever humor and unexpected twists on celestial life.
3Straight-A for Awkward: The Rise ofThe Far Side’sNerdy Kid
The Far Side’sNerdy Kid Might Be TV’s Next Quirky Hero
The Nerdy Kid has becomethe unofficial mascot ofThe Far Side, so it only makes sense that he deserves his own animated series. Few characters from Larson’s comics are as instantly recognizable as he is. While he doesn’t appear as frequently as the cows, aliens, or cavemen,the Nerdy Kid stars in what is arguably the most famousFar Sidestrip ever.
Said strip is the one where he struggles to push open a door labeled“pull”at the School for the Gifted. That single panel secured his place in pop culture. With his awkward charm and endless misadventures, a series about him trying to survive adolescencecould easily appeal to fans ofDiary of a Wimpy Kid–style comedy.
2It’s a Dog-Eat-Mailman World
The Far Side’s Funniest Feud Deserves an Animated Turf War
If you’re a fan of Mad Magazine’sSpy vs. Spy, then you’ll instantly recognize the comedic gold inGary Larson’s ongoing feud between dogs and mailmen.This recurringFar Sidetrope is ripe for an animated series, one that follows a never-ending turf war between determined postal workers and overly territorial canines.
Much likeSpy vs. Spy, each episode could offer new battles filled with traps, tricks, and ridiculous standoffs. Larson’s comics have already given us plenty of hilarious source material, including the unforgettable strip wherea towering kaiju-sized mailman lays siege to the city, and dogs are humanity’s last line of defense.It’s absurd, action-packed, and perfectly primed for TV comedy.
Why Gary Larson’s Clueless Lab Coats Deserve Their Own Animated Series
Gary Larson’s scientists are someof the most frequently recurring characters inThe Far Side, and for good reason, they are hilariously inept. Whether they are building absurd contraptions or accidentally blowing something up in the name of"research,“these white-coated weirdos practically beg for their own animated series.
Much likeDexter’s Laboratorywith a more adult and absurdist twist, a series following a rotating cast of bumbling scientists could deliver a steady stream of hilarity. Between bizarre inventions and failed experiments of theseFar Sidecharacters, there’s more than enough material to fuel a comedy that explores the limits of human curiosity and stupidity.
