Netflix is unleashing a new animated beast into its comedy lineup. From the creators behind the hit series Big Mouth comes Mating Season, an R-rated romp that swaps puberty for primal instincts. The streamer just dropped the first, gloriously unhinged trailer for the series, confirming its premiere date of May 22.
The show follows a group of woodland creatures navigating the treacherous world of modern romance with hilariously poor judgment. At the center is Josh, a socially awkward bear voiced by Zach Woods (The Office), who emerges from hibernation only to be thrust into the dating scene by his hyperactive raccoon best friend, Ray (Nick Kroll). Ray's advice, however, is highly questionable, especially given his own deeply Oedipal relationship with his mother.
A Cast of Creatures with Complicated Love Lives
Josh isn't the only one with romantic woes. The ensemble includes Fawn (June Diane Raphael), a deer dealing with the fallout from a tryst with one of her father's friends, and Penelope (Sabrina Jalees), a lesbian fox seeking romantic guidance from a tarot-card-reading mouse. The series promises to mine comedy from the collision of raw animal impulses with all-too-human insecurities and social faux pas.
The voice cast is packed with comedy veterans. Nick Kroll, who co-created the series, is no stranger to animated adult humor, having led Big Mouth for years. Zach Woods brings his signature awkward charm, while June Diane Raphael and Sabrina Jalees round out the core group with their sharp comedic timing. For fans of edgy animation, this cast is a major draw.
From the Studio Behind Cult Favorites
Mating Season is animated by Titmouse, the acclaimed studio responsible for cult classics like Metalocalypse, The Venture Bros., and Star Trek: Lower Decks. This pedigree suggests the show will have a distinct, vibrant visual style to match its off-color humor. The series is executive produced by Kroll, Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett, and Andrew Goldberg.
With Big Mouth having concluded, Netflix is clearly positioning this as its next big animated comedy for adults. The trailer's unapologetically raunchy humor and focus on the absurdities of dating life fit perfectly alongside other Netflix hits. If you're looking for more binge-worthy tension, check out our list of 10 Netflix Thriller Series That Deliver Edge-of-Your-Seat Perfection.
The premiere of Mating Season on May 22 adds to a packed Netflix slate. It joins a platform known for launching groundbreaking series, much like Orange Is the New Black: The Netflix Drama That Redefined Binge-Watching. While the tone is completely different, both shows represent Netflix's commitment to distinctive, character-driven storytelling.
Will this animal kingdom saga capture the same cultural footprint as its predecessor? The trailer certainly makes a strong case, offering a fresh and furiously funny take on the horrors of hooking up. Mark your calendars for a season of very wild love.
