The Midnight Gospel
Netflix | Release Date: April 20, 2020
8.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 60 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
49
Mixed:
2
Negative:
9
Watch Now
Stream On
Review this TV Series
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
stevesdropApr 30, 2020
Absolutely must see. Stunning dance of visual imagination and profound conversations.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
9
JhwaldoJul 29, 2020
One of the things I like about Midnight Gospel is its premise. The setting is itself an interesting commentary on a number of contemporary phenomena: consumer/spectator culture, humanity's engagement with virtual reality/simulated spaces, andOne of the things I like about Midnight Gospel is its premise. The setting is itself an interesting commentary on a number of contemporary phenomena: consumer/spectator culture, humanity's engagement with virtual reality/simulated spaces, and my personal favorite, the concept of the "influencer/DIY podcaster.” The juxtaposition of these zeitgeist themes against the deep topics of conversation that flow throughout the season (Along with some wild and spellbinding visual and musical sequences) creates a potent, and yet strangely endearing, sense of irony throughout. And it ends up as really good, one-of-a-kind comedy. Irony is employed all too often in order to discredit/invalidate. It is weaponized. Here, it is just there without an agenda other than pointing out how silly we are… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
Emme_0Apr 22, 2020
Spanish review:
Increíble show! Cada plano de esta serie muestra la creatividad del director y lo mucho que se esmeran los ilustradores y animadores.
Trata de temas transcendentales y tabús, en cada episodio se requiere de un 100% de atenciónSpanish review:
Increíble show! Cada plano de esta serie muestra la creatividad del director y lo mucho que se esmeran los ilustradores y animadores.
Trata de temas transcendentales y tabús, en cada episodio se requiere de un 100% de atención para captar cada detalle y frase importante. También muestra el universo desde diversos puntos de vista contando con el nihilismo, budismo y hedonismo, entre otros. *Una serie que no puede gustar a cualquier persona* pero sin duda se admira poniendo en un hilo de fonambulista la vida misma cuestionando esta.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
DpiontApr 21, 2020
Incrível,0 defeitos, mais perfeita impossível. Alô Netflix já pode renovar ela pra 2 temporada.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
9
AlexApexJan 27, 2021
The art style would most likely turn people away from this show like CN’s Adventure Time but there is a deep meaning in the show’s message. The dialogue is mostly from a podcast from real people as they discuss things like healing throughThe art style would most likely turn people away from this show like CN’s Adventure Time but there is a deep meaning in the show’s message. The dialogue is mostly from a podcast from real people as they discuss things like healing through their hard times while also trying to figure out the meaning of life. It’s heavy stuff; not for kids. Worth watching.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
SadSpinach13Apr 24, 2020
Definitely not what I was expecting but the down to earth, genuine conversations paired with the insanity of the animation are captivating. Its not adult Adventure Time, but it is a show worth watching.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
10
sussumulg2Apr 22, 2020
Incredible series. It manages to present extremely reality-grounded discussion while providing outer-worldly quality animation. In 8 episodes, the series manage to present episodes which have individual value while expanding the world andIncredible series. It manages to present extremely reality-grounded discussion while providing outer-worldly quality animation. In 8 episodes, the series manage to present episodes which have individual value while expanding the world and giving the main character some unexpected but good development. The last episode is marvelous. Gives the whole series an expanded meaning. Can't wait for season 2.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
10
EoghanApr 21, 2020
Irreverent and offbeat, this adult themed left of stream animation is everything you never knew you wanted from an adult Adventure Time.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
10
JackalemoApr 25, 2020
This show is like 2 shows in each episode. Chose to listen to the dialogue and you'll get an interesting conversation about death, life, and everything in between. Chose to watch the chaos on the screen and you'll have some pretty fun andThis show is like 2 shows in each episode. Chose to listen to the dialogue and you'll get an interesting conversation about death, life, and everything in between. Chose to watch the chaos on the screen and you'll have some pretty fun and trippy visuals. It's a masterpiece.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
9
LuizatfmApr 28, 2020
The complexity from having the podcast going on with the crazy cartoon going on is hypnotizing. The calm and good way of how everything is showed is relaxing to the point! Great show!
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
0
anselhelmJul 10, 2020
Despite all the hype over this show, it's dull, slow and storyless. At its core, it's just a tedious, late-evening podcast, which has been slightly adapted then had random animation bolted on to make it look like each episode has a coherentDespite all the hype over this show, it's dull, slow and storyless. At its core, it's just a tedious, late-evening podcast, which has been slightly adapted then had random animation bolted on to make it look like each episode has a coherent story.

I've seen reviews making statements like "it's the opposite of Ricky & Morty". If by this people mean that it's the opposite of interesting and smart, then yes, this is true. Sure, it's less abrasive, but that's due to its slow and dull nature, rather than any qualities worth praising.

This isn't a show you "watch". If you enjoy the narration, you'll probably just listen to it. In that case, you'd be better off actually listening to the original, unedited podcast - Duncan Trussell Family Hour.

At the end of the day, if you really enjoy this, then you do you, boo.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
0
juanititoApr 21, 2020
What a terrible show. Random does not equal brillant. To sum up, this is what happens when you take a very self indulgent podcast, cut it and ask an animation studio to put random images to it. You are left with parts of insufferably mundaneWhat a terrible show. Random does not equal brillant. To sum up, this is what happens when you take a very self indulgent podcast, cut it and ask an animation studio to put random images to it. You are left with parts of insufferably mundane conversation between two stoned people you don't know. This is unwatchable. As boring as it is random.
I really don't understand the professional critics, maybe they were afraid of missing something...
I use psychedelics, but thank god, I don't record the conversations! These guys thought it would be a good idea to broadcast them out of context. This is the proof that Netflix will produce absolutely any half baked concept show if the creator has a remotely recognisable name.… Expand
3 of 7 users found this helpful34
All this user's reviews
0
raorianApr 21, 2020
I was sure I will enjoy this show immensely as it's the type of things that I like... psychadelic and philosophical... but the show fails HORRIBLY where good art succeeds. instead of having a good storyline conveying your message, eitherI was sure I will enjoy this show immensely as it's the type of things that I like... psychadelic and philosophical... but the show fails HORRIBLY where good art succeeds. instead of having a good storyline conveying your message, either directly or through metaphores, this show has two parallel things going on: a minb-numbing ongoing fun yet hollow plot, while the writer of the show preaches to you in a way that sounds cool to the kids.

I know liberal brainwashing is oxymoronic, but if liberal brainwashing existed, this is what it would be.
PS: I mostly agree with the opinions eardrummed in the show and maybe they could be used for educational purposes to kids with parental guidance.

anyway: did not have fun not recommended… Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
All this user's reviews
0
MajidahApr 21, 2020
Terrible show. Its basically 2 cartoons in an interview about nothing, just rambling, while random thing that doesn't matter happens around them. And what they say doesn't really go anywhere nor is it interesting. Its basically a really badTerrible show. Its basically 2 cartoons in an interview about nothing, just rambling, while random thing that doesn't matter happens around them. And what they say doesn't really go anywhere nor is it interesting. Its basically a really bad act of improv.… Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
All this user's reviews
2
NeiruApr 25, 2020
Hm... Definitely do not get the hype. The Midnight Gospel is weird but not in a good way. It seems that Pendleton is overcompensating for doing a kids show previously by making an overly unnecessarily violent and obscene cartoon to conveyHm... Definitely do not get the hype. The Midnight Gospel is weird but not in a good way. It seems that Pendleton is overcompensating for doing a kids show previously by making an overly unnecessarily violent and obscene cartoon to convey some kind of "message".

I get they're trying to do the 'Creature Comforts' style of real interviews to animation but it just comes off as overly pretentious and, more to the point, is just dull spiel that serves no purpose other than making the visual aspect feel like filler.

Other than the excellent character design and animation, which I would expect from Pendleton Ward, it feels very much like an "edgy" student project with shock for the sake of it and shallow rambling.

As a a cartoon enthusiast I'd thoroughly recommend giving it a miss..… Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
All this user's reviews
2
independenttactApr 23, 2020
If you expect some fun loving adventures with quirky ideas and commentary on things, exposing new ideas and making you think -- look elsewhere -- unless you're high. Midnight Gospel has a market and Adventure Time viewers are likely not theIf you expect some fun loving adventures with quirky ideas and commentary on things, exposing new ideas and making you think -- look elsewhere -- unless you're high. Midnight Gospel has a market and Adventure Time viewers are likely not the same one. The bulk of Adventure Time viewers were not the "stoned to watch it" as the 10 season arch had wacky adventures but deep lore and character development. With heavy marketing surrounding Pendleton Wards Adventure Time as a leap off point it's quite the misdirect. While review outlets praise it for it's trippiness and in depth discussions, if you're not watching it high it feels more like asking "why does pizza come in a square box if it's round and all the pieces are little triangles". If you're not stoned these answers are simple. And that's what Midnight Gospel is. A show to watch if and only if you're likely high and want to ask questions no deeper than round pizza in square box. Basically a show that could have been awesome if not a weak stoner source material with as much depth as a sheet of paper. I've never listen to Duncan Trussell's podcast which served as in inspiration and thus not the demographic. This reinforces that I'll likely not listen to his podcast (or I will just to test) because if it is like this it's just surface level what ifs.

Poor stoner writing aside, it still falls down. The main character development is weak to non-existant in some episodes. It's hard to develop a character when their words and the actions are so disconnected (another stoner appeal mechanism). Ricky Gervais Animated HBO show did the concept better because the animated segments related and highlighted what was happening -- it added comedy, context, misdirection, surprise but you knew it was just that on top of the podcast. Midnight Gospel is throwing a misdirect so that the discussion and the visual art are unrelated which means you have to try and follow two unrelated stories -- one visual and one auditory. Not a connecting thread between them.

So if you're stoned it's going to feel interesting and trippy and soooo meta. Midnight Gospel for the non-stoners might well be improved if you watch it with audio off, and then later listened to it. It might actually get better with subtitles re-written for the actual story.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
All this user's reviews
2
Arko777Apr 22, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This made me feel weird and not in a positive way.

I've never seen a show where the visuals and story are disconnected this much. Don't get me wrong, there is some food for thought laying around here and there, but the vast majority of the art presented in the background doesn't correlate with the narrative at all. Why are there fantastic creatures talking about real places and people from our world? Can't they mix both visual and audio to make a compelling, in-universe story with the same morals they want to teach through those interviews?

You can turn off your screen and just listen to those podcasts as the animation is irrelevant except for the out of simulation Clancy stuff and some of the last episode (the Clancy and mother parts and not the random teddy bears).

I was interested in the premise of the show, but it's a disappointment that tries to be deep, but fails to engage the viewer with only half of the medium being used.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
All this user's reviews
2
FimbulApr 27, 2020
to put it simple, utterly boring and wanna be philosophical. you can dive into deep questions way better than this. non sensical episodes, 90s way of computer jokes, just no!
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
All this user's reviews
5
GrizzlyFavMay 13, 2020
Full of trippy, psychedelic imagery that you will find either super imaginative or just silly and random with interviews you will either think are deep or are the writers waxing on or preaching about their own personal philosophies. This is aFull of trippy, psychedelic imagery that you will find either super imaginative or just silly and random with interviews you will either think are deep or are the writers waxing on or preaching about their own personal philosophies. This is a really decisive show and it really depends on the individual if you’ll like it. Ask yourself, do you find listening to listening to a podcast about the meaning of deep topics like life and love with brightly coloured and nearly random imagery in the background interesting or pretentious? Because that will tell you if you’ll like this show or should give it the pass.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
brockcheeseJan 25, 2021
This show can be hard to follow due to the esoteric nature of many of the conversations, but with the nuanced and heartfelt take on the human experience combined with the stunning animation this is a winner.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
elPieroMar 26, 2021
I don't have words for how personal this show hits you. The concept of an animated podcast works amazing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
zoldickJan 13, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's fact that there is a good moment for animations. The popularity of adult cartoons is high and animations for a young audience is taking about themes more matures that is consideraded inapropriate for kids or teenagers. The animation industry is putting faith in animations. The Midnight Gospel, the most recent Pendleton Ward's serie, the creator of Adventure Time, is a retrat of this: a animation produced by the biggest movie and serie streaming of world, Netflix. The animation, now, is consumed like any other arte like cinema, literature or music, with capacity to tell stories and bring ideas and concepts.

The Midnight Gospel is not only possible in XXI century because of the ascention of animation in entretenimaint market, but because of it was produced in a time when the midia formats is intersects, when image and video, audio and draw is mixed, a fenonemo tipic of comunication and information of pos-modernity. In the case of Netflix animation, this intersect happen between image and podcast. In fact, the cartoon was baseaded in Duncan Trussel podcast, humorist that make Clancy voice. The Midnight Gosple is only possible in a frenetic world, when the information is created all the time, when art, culture and entreteniment talking each other thought metalanguage and any references in only episodes. A refletion about the velocity of information, passing in many midia formats like streaming, video, image, news, internet, etc.

In 2010, Pendleton Ward was making his most famous work, Adventure Time, by Cartoon Network, after apresentated a pilot to Nickloadeon. In this time, the cartoon was consideraded frenetic and original because of its fantasy and fiction baseaded in Hayao Miyazaki movies, RPG games and old Cartoon Network works like Flapjack (when Ward already work), besides, obviously, talk about taboos like homossexuality, relationship, death, mental insanity, etc. In exactly after 10 years, in a time interval when news themes are more accept by society and entreteniment industry is growing up with adult cartoons, Ward bring The Midnight Gospel realizing everything that Adventure Time made in 2010 with complex and adult themes.

The Netflix serie talk about this type of themes misturing the Duncan podcast audio and Ward animation, and the transposition of one format in the other is the way like the serie show its has security to talk about this themes in conversations, even knowing the existing risk of, simplicity, mix so different midias, knowing cinema and tv series need a screen with a tecnic prepar and that Duncan show is a talking podcast with espontaneas conversations. This show how the news generations want to brake any taboos; one of them is death, one of the most commented by cartoon, besides, the title of work make references to death. "Midnight" can be interpretated like a simbology to a circle, the end of one thing and the start of other. Even the episodes talk about other themes like drugs, religion, budism, magic and maternity, the death is present parallel with this themes.

The last two episodes of serie (seven and eight), in relation with the constant present of death as discution object of animation, has especial caracterist comparing with other episodes, because of the differente manner to talk, because of approach other theme with it. The episode 7 put Clancy, literally, to have a conversation with death, who are manifested in a physic body, abandoning passivity of old episodes and being a active existence who talk, walk and think like Clancy. The idea is demystify and humanize it, transforming it image in something natural of life and destroy the stereotypes that demonizate it.

The 8th episode is one of the most important to the serie, because, not only Clancy/Duncan talk to him mother, mounths before she die, but is a episode about the life and it challenges, after all the cartoon talk about death. Knowing him mother will die because of her cancer, Duncan Trussel/Clancy experiences on the skin what it is to accept death, after talking about it in 7 episodes.

The Midnight Gospel show that ficction and fantasy can be real, and reality can be imaginous. In the surrealism of the animation, real people bring real ideias and real concepts, including scientist or criminals sentenced to death, and all of surrealism is happen while this people are talking. This constrast between reality and ficction is a union between animation and podcast. The animation transforme the podcast more imaginous while the podcast transforme the animation more real, broking the limits between reality and fantasy, subjectity and objectivy.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
32mazeMar 13, 2022
i think its a good series with a lot of passion put into it. sometimes it's hard to focus on the podcast while watching the animation but overall it's fantastic. Edit: Netflix really likes cancelling good shows and greenlighting terriblei think its a good series with a lot of passion put into it. sometimes it's hard to focus on the podcast while watching the animation but overall it's fantastic. Edit: Netflix really likes cancelling good shows and greenlighting terrible ones. This show deserves more love.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
Current TV Shows
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 92 The Pitt: Season 2
2 90 The Celebrity Traitors UK: Season 1
3 89 Rivals
4 87 Hacks: Season 5
5 87 Industry: Season 4
6 87 Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal:...
7 85 The Beatles Anthology
8 85 The Traitors [UK]: Season 4
9 85 Bait: Season 1
10 84 Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!
11 83 Lord of the Flies
12 83 Riot Women: Season 1
13 83 For All Mankind: Season 5
14 81 The Muppet Show (2026)
15 80 Outlander (2014): Season 8
16 80 The Other Bennet Sister: Season 1
17 80 The Mighty Nein: Season 1
18 80 The Comeback: Season 3
19 80 The American Revolution
20 80 One Piece (2023): Season 2
SEE ALL