Solar Opposites

Solar Opposites
Genre	Animated sitcom Science fiction
Created by	Justin Roiland Mike McMahan
Voices of	Justin Roiland Thomas Middleditch Sean Giambrone Mary Mack Dan Stevens
Composer	Chris Westlake
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No.of seasons	5
No.of episodes	52(list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers	Justin Roiland (seasons 1–3) Mike McMahan Josh Bycel Anthony Chun (season 2–present)
Producers	Sydney Ryan (seasons 1–2) J. Michael Mendel(seasons 1–2) Joe Saunders (season 3–present)
Editor	Lee Harting
Running time	21–25 minutes
Production companies	Important Science Justin Roiland's Solo Vanity Card Productions!(2020–2022)
Original release
Network	Hulu
Release	May 8, 2020(2020-05-08)– present

Solar Oppositesis an Americanadult animatedscience-fictionsitcomcreated byJustin RoilandandMike McMahanforHulu.Originally created for theFox Broadcasting Company,the project was shelved before being bought by Hulu and given a two-season order consisting of eight episodes each with the first season premiering on May 8, 2020. In October 2022, the series was renewed for a fifth season which premiered on August 12, 2024.In July 2024, the series was renewed for a sixth season.

Premise

Solar Oppositescenters around Korvo, Terry, Jesse, and Yumyulack — a family ofalienswho crash land on Earth and are forced to stay there, often disagreeing on whether this is a good thing. The family comes from Planet Shlorp, an advanced alien world that sent out one hundred ships — each carrying 2 adults and their replicants — tocolonizenew planets shortly before their home planet was destroyed by an asteroid.

The show also features parallel storylines, the most prominent of which follows a society of humans shrunk by the replicant Yumyulack and imprisoned in a terrarium known as "the Wall".Starting in the third season, another storyline follows a group of intergalacticcorrupt police officers,known as the SilverCops, that routinely arrest andbrutalizeShlorpians fleeing from the destruction of their homeworlds.

Voice cast and characters

Main

• Justin Roiland(seasons 1–3) andDan Stevens(season 4–present) as Korvo, an intelligent Shlorpian scientist who hates Earth and wants to leave as soon as possible. He is the designated leader of their mission to find a new world and later becomes Terry's husband.
• Thomas Middleditchas Terrance "Terry", Korvo's evacuation partner and later husband, and the pupa specialist who enjoys being on Earth and is fascinated with human culture.
• Sean Giambroneas Yumyulack, Korvo's replicant/son who is a self-proclaimed scientist and bounty hunter. As a hobby, he shrinks adult humans at will and keeps them inside a terrarium in his bedroom known as "the Wall". In the fifth season, Giambrone also portrays a fictionalized version of himself.
• Mary Mackas Jesse, Terry's replicant/daughter who is generally kind and wants to fit into human society.
• Sagan McMahanas The Pupa, an infant, color-changing alien who will one day evolve into its true form and terraform the Earth into a copy of the Shlorp homeworld for the Shlorp ruling class, using the data stored in its DNA.

Supporting

Alien associates

• Tiffany Haddishas A.I.S.H.A., the Shlorpian's sassyartificial intelligencebuilt into their ship
• Justin Roiland(seasons 1–2) andEric Bauza(season 4) as Chris the Red Goobler, a "red goobler" produced from Korvo via Terry-induced stress. His only purpose is to kill Korvo. He becomes engaged to a human woman and is portrayed as a "bro" archetype, often expressing his fondness forThe Hangovermovie,Joe Rogan,and tight polo shirts, later opening his own bar after Korvo turns his fiancée into a rat.
• Wendi McLendon-Coveyas P.A.T.R.I.C.I.A. (season 1), a robot created by Korvo to serve as his wife. Their name stands for "Patricia Automated Television Retro‐fitted Intelligent Companion In Action."
• Tony Haleas Little Buddy (seasons 3–4), an artificial alien that hatched from an egg laid by the Pupa
• JK Sevens (JK-7) (season 5), a robot from the planet Clervix-3 who follows the Shlorpians back to Earth
• Dan Bakkedahlas Commander Zarck (season 5), the Shlorpian's original mission leader who was jettisoned out of their ship as part of a What If scenario and seeks revenge against them

Human associates

• Kari Wahlgrenas Ms. Frankie (seasons 1–3, 5), a teacher atJames Earl JonesHigh School who is openly prejudiced against Yumyulack and Jesse and is engaging in a secret affair with Principal Cooke.
• Rob Schrabas Principal Principal Cooke, the principal at James Earl Jones High School, who is openly prejudiced against Yumyulack and Jesse and is engaging in a secret affair with Ms. Frankie. His first name is revealed to also be "Principal", making his full name and title "Principal Principal Cooke".

The Wall

• Andy Dalyas Lindsey Tim Weekly (seasons 1–3), one of Yumyulack's captives, shrunk down since he was wearing a red shirt, who goes by his middle name. Tim becomes a scavenger and resistance leader against the Duke's regime, before taking his place.
• Christina Hendricksas Cherie, a formerBenihanachef placed in the Wall by Yumyulack for serving him shrimp he didn't want. She becomes one of Tim's allies in his fight against the Duke before getting betrayed by Tim. She later gives birth to her and Tim's daughter, Pezlie, the first human to be born tiny. She then seeks to expose Tim for his crimes and later saves her daughter when she's kidnapped by the Bowinian Church before moving to the Backyard.
• Alfred Molinaas Ringo / The Duke (seasons 1–2, 5), the corrupt ruler of Yumyulack's Wall, who maintains order and control by hoarding the supplies given to the Wall's inhabitants by Jesse. In the fifth season, he is unintentionally resurrected by Terry using the make-alive ray.
• Tom Kennyas:
  • The Janitor (seasons 1, 3), the first person to be placed in the Wall who later hunts mosquitos in the lower levels
  • Mark (season 3), a deliveryman and Allie's boyfriend
• Miguel Sandovalas Enrique (seasons 1–2), the father of Pedro and a member of Tim's resistance movement. After getting insulin from the Duke, he betrays Tim and Cherie and becomes one of the Walldermen.
• Andrew Matarazzoas Pedro (season 1), Enrique's son who is trying to get his father insulin
• Jeannie Elias as Sister Sasha (seasons 1, 3), the first head of the Bowinian Church, who worship Jesse as their god
• Maurice LaMarcheas Sonny (seasons 1–2), one of the Wallderman working for the Duke
• Nat Faxonas Bryson (season 1), a member of Tim's resistance movement
• Rainn Wilsonas Steven (seasons 1, 3), the former CEO ofAT&Twho becomes a mouse milk farmer with his pet mouse, Molly, in the lower levels. After Molly's death during the Great Wall War, Steven retreats to the lower levels and gradually goes insane, eventually learning how to control the mosquitoes living in the Wall.
• Phil LaMarras Jean-Pierre (season 1), a prisoner of the Duke and cellmate of Tim who joins his resistance movement
• Sterling K. Brownas Halk Hogam (seasons 2–3), A haunted war hero from the Great Wall War, member of Tim's resistance movement, and a formerBonesexecutive story editor trying to solve a string of grisly murders. He later joins the Wall Council and becomes Cherie's ally.
• Kari Wahlgrenas:
  • Nova / Sister Blista (seasons 2–4), Halk's girlfriend, later wife, and the third head of the Bowinian Church
  • Pezlie (season 2–present), Cherie and Tim's infant daughter
  • Allie (season 3), the owner of a confectionery shop and Mark's girlfriend
  • Platinum Stevie (season 3), the leader of the Muck People, a group of cannibals living in the lower levels
• Vanessa Marshallas Mia (seasons 2, 5), the greeter of new arrivals to the Wall and later a citizen of Basketballburgh in the Backyard
• Jon Dalyas Declan (season 2), a new arrival to the Wall and later one of Ethan's victims
• Nick Reczynski as Steve (season 2), a nutritionist who delivers fresh food to people in the Wall and later one of Ethan's victims
• Jimmi Simpsonas Ethan (season 2), a depraved serial killer with agod complexwho murders people in the Wall
• Sutton Fosteras Sister Sisto (seasons 3–4), the second head of the Bowinian Church, who takes over and claims Pezlie as their messiah
• Eric Bauzaas:
  • Blaine / Eyepatch Guy (season 3), a member of the expedition to the lower levels
  • Anthony (season 5), the leader of Sandbox Town in the Backyard
• Nolan Northas:
  • Albert (season 3–present), the head of the Wall Council and later the leader of Basketballburgh in the Backyard
  • Joe Sanders (season 3), a member of the expedition to the lower levels
  • Pat (season 4), an enforcer for the Bowinian Church
  • Jerry (season 4), a disciple of the Bowinian Church who works in the market
• Lauren Tomas Nicole (season 3), the power minister and member of the Wall Council who joins the expedition to the lower levels
• Steve Hytneras Avocado Eggrolls (season 3), a member of the Muck People
• Carlos Alazraquias Montez (season 4–present), the chief enforcer of the Bowinian Church who is secretly a spy working with Cherie and later escapes with her to the Backyard
• Lamorne Morrisas Benny (season 4), an enforcer for the Bowinian Church
• Tim Heideckeras Garth (season 4), a farmer who discovers that the Wall is slowly getting colder
• Spencer Grammeras Lynette (season 4), a member of the Heathens, who joins Cherie to help save Pezlie from the Bowinian Church
• Fred Tatascioreas:
  • Jimmy (season 4), a member of the Heathens, who joins Cherie to help save Pezlie from the Bowinian Church
  • Little Richard / The Bounty Hunter (season 5), a ruthless killer working for Albert who travels across the Backyard on his pet lizard
• Clancy Brownas Gavin (season 5), a drifter who travels across the Backyard on his pet hedgehog, Hedgey, and is hired by Oscar to escort precious cargo
• Charlotte Nicdaoas Sofia (season 5), Oscar's niece who joins Gavin on his journey in the Backyard
• Oscar Nunezas Oscar (season 5), the owner of a saloon in the settlement of Gutterville in the Backyard
• Troy Bakeras McManus (season 5), a loanshark in the Backyard who Gavin is in debt to

The SilverCops

• Kieran Culkinas Glen Kumstein / Dodge Charger (season 3–present), a neighbor of the Shlorpians who is later shot into space and joins the SilverCops. In the fourth season, after becoming a wanted man, he changes his DNA to become a dog-like humanoid. In the fifth season, he joins the GoldCops to get justice against the SilverCops.
• Christopher Melonias LoneSun (season 3), the leader of a squad of SilverCops who recruit Glen
• Carlos Alazraquias Ventrez (season 3), the second-in-command of LoneSun's squad
• Blake Perlman as:
  • Glorgax (season 3), an insectoid alien and member of LoneSun's squad
  • Quigonowski (season 5), an insectoid alien and a SilverCop grunt during the war against the Equinites
• Sutton Fosteras Pobo (season 3), a floating canine alien and member of LoneSun's squad
• Clancy Brownas Cromus (season 3), an officer of the SilverCops, later revealed to be an undercover GoldCop
• Skyler Gisondoas:
  • Zylenol "Zy" Peehem (season 4), a bat-like alien who befriends Glen and member of the Holo Thieves
  • Gex (season 5), a SilverCop grunt during the war against the Equinites
• Gideon Adlonas Gragger (season 4), a squid-like alien and member of the Holo Thieves
• Algee Smithas Skunt (season 4), a hamster-like alien and member of the Holo Thieves
• Daveed Diggsas Skeletom (season 4), a skeletal hologram alien and leader of the Holo Thieves, later revealed to working with the SilverCops
• Jack Quaidas Tomblr Crundle (season 5), a turkey-like alien who befriends Dodge and a trainee at the SilverCop bootcamp
• Chris Diamantopoulosas Zobert (season 5), an overconfident SilverCop trainee who bullies Tomblr
• Stephen LangandRon Funchesas Sergeant Argent (season 5), the two-headed drill instructor at the SilverCop bootcamp
• Morgan Spectoras Buttercup (season 5), the leader of the Equinite Resistance, a race of horse-like aliens whose planet is under invasion by the SilverCops

Episodes

Main article:List ofSolar Oppositesepisodes

Season	Episodes		Originally released
1	8		May 8, 2020(2020-05-08)
2	8		March 26, 2021(2021-03-26)
	Special		November 22, 2021(2021-11-22)
3	11		July 13, 2022(2022-07-13)
	Special		October 3, 2022(2022-10-03)
4	11		August 14, 2023(2023-08-14)
	Special		February 5, 2024(2024-02-05)
5	11		August 12, 2024(2024-08-12)
	Special		October 7, 2024(2024-10-07)

Production

Development

On August 28, 2018, it was announced thatHuluhad given the production a series order for two seasons consisting of sixteen episodes. The series was created byRick and MortycocreatorJustin RoilandandMike McMahan,who were also expected to serve as executive producers. It is distributed by20th Television.On June 18, 2020, Hulu renewed the series for a third season consisting of 11 episodes.On June 22, 2021, Hulu renewed the series for a fourth season consisting of 12 episodes.On October 6, 2022, Hulu renewed the series for a fifth season.On July 26, 2024, Hulu renewed the series for a sixth season.

Writing

The Wall in Yumyulack's room where he imprisons shrunken-down people was, as Roiland has noted, one of the duo's initial ideas for the series, as they were interested in a "B-story" that lasted the entire first season.Some of the animation is made with assistance from Film Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

Casting

Alongside the series first order announcement, it was confirmed that Roiland,Thomas Middleditch,Sean Giambrone,andMary Mackwould voice the lead characters in the series.

On January 25, 2023, Roiland was removed from the show, alongside sister showKoala Man,after he was charged with felony domestic abuse. Both shows are distributed by20th Television,via their20th Television Animationdivision.On June 20, 2023, it was announced thatDan Stevenswas officially taking over as the voice of Korvo.

Release

The first teaser for the series was released on March 25, 2020.The official trailer was released on April 15, 2020.On May 8, 2020, the first season was released. In January 2021, along with a second trailer, it was revealed that the second season would premiere on March 26, 2021, onHulu.Internationally, the series premiered onDisney+under the dedicated streaming hubStaras anoriginal serieson February 23, 2021.On June 18, 2020, ahead of the season two premiere, Hulu renewed the series for a third season consisting of 11 episodes,which was released on July 13, 2022.The fourth season was released on August 14, 2023.

Syndication

The series premiered onFXXon July 30, 2022.

Reception

Viewership

Hulu announced thatSolar Oppositesbecame both the most-watched program and the most-watched Hulu Original comedy premiere on the platform following its debut from May 8-12, 2020.According to market research company Parrot Analytics, which looks at consumer engagement in consumer research, streaming, downloads, and on social media, the series was the second-largest gainer in global demand during the week of May 3-May 9, 2020. It saw a 326.7% spike in demand, making it one of the most popular new series at the time.Nielsen Media Research,which records streaming viewership on U.S. television screens, announced that the show ranked as the tenth most-streamed original series in the U.S. with 196 million minutes of watch time during the week of March 22–28, 2021.It rose to seventh place with 171 million minutes of watch time the following week, March 29–April 4, 2021.In April 2021,Solar Oppositesexperienced a 40.3% month-on-month increase in U.S. demand, according to Parrot Analytics.Whip Media's viewership tracking appTV Time,which tracks viewership data for the more than 21 million worldwide users of its app, calculated that the series was the fourth most anticipated returning television series in July 2022.It ranked as the seventh most-streamed original series in the U.S. for the week of July 24, 2022.Nielsen Media Research further reported that the show was the tenth most streamed original series across in the U.S. during the week of August 14 to 20, 2023.

Critical response

Season 1

OnRotten Tomatoes,season 1 has an approval rating of 92% based on reviews from 37 critics, with an average rating of 7.60/10. The website's critical consensus states, "Charming, hilarious, and surprisingly sincere,Solar Oppositesrevels in the ridiculousness of life while finding a few fresh things to say about humanity along the way. "OnMetacriticit has aweighted averagescore of 72 out of 100, based on reviews from 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Dan Fienberg ofThe Hollywood Reporterpraised the animation of the series, acclaimed the performances of the voice actors, and complimented the humor of the show, writing, "Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan's new Hulu animated comedySolar Oppositeshas enough loopy sci-fi elements to appeal toRick and Mortyfans and a distinctly adult sensibility. "Alison Foreman ofMashablepraised the dynamic and strong relationships between the different characters, drawing comparisons with other families coming from adult animated sitcoms such asThe Simpsonswhile complimenting the humor of the show, calling it a "spectacular gem worthy of its own fanbase."Joe Matar ofDen of Geekrated the series 5 out of 5 stars, praised the show for its classic sitcom format, acclaimed the performances of the voice actors, and applauded the comicality, stating that despite the comparisons withRick and Morty,the series manages to stand on its own.Alex McLevy ofThe A.V. Clubgave the show a B grade and called it "a mischievous cousin of3rd Rock from the Sun"while saying it doesn't stray too far from the template Roiland set withRick and Morty.McLevy feels the show is still finding its feet, but "Luckily, the humor is so reliably strong, the pacing so breakneck as it races from one plot to the next, that it's hard not to be won over bySolar Opposites'avalanche of charm. "Joyce Slaton ofCommon Sense MediaratedSolar Opposites3 out of 5 stars, writing, "Solar Oppositesis an animated show by the brains behindRick and Morty.It has the same style and vibe, including lots of edgy humor, cheerful gory violence, surreal visuals and plot twists, and wall-to-wall language. "

Season 2

On Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has an approval rating of 100% based on reviews from 14 critics, with an average rating of 8.10/10. The website's critical consensus states, "Solar Oppositessuccessfully shoots for the moon in an ambitious sophomore outing that manages to build on the first season while adding plenty of fun surprises. "

Jess Joho ofMashablefound that the second season givesSolar Oppositesits own identity, writing, "Roiland and otherRicky and Mortytalent finally releasing themselves from the creative shackles of what works for that show, to find their own uniquely satisfying rhythm. "Joe Matar ofDen of Geekrated the second season 5 out of 5 stars, found it to be a "bigger, crazier, and funnier" season compared to the first one, and gave praise for its cursed language, references to pop culture, and level of violence depicted across its episodes.Davis Opie ofDigital Spyrated the second season of the series 4 out of 5 stars, stating, "Everything that worked in season one is intensified here for the better," and claimed thatSolar Oppositesmanages to be distinct fromRick and Mortyacross its humor and story lines, saying, "Solar Oppositesis very much its own beast. "Ethan Anderson ofSlashFilmgave the second season a grade of 8 out of 10, stated it brings back the humor of the first season with a dark storytelling, and claimed it manages to be "bigger, crazier, and even more confident" than the first season.

Season 3

On Rotten Tomatoes, the third season has an approval rating of 100% based on reviews from 7 critics, with an average rating of 8/10.

Lex Briscuso ofSlashFilmcalled the third season ofSolar Opposites"bright, bold, and, frankly, bananas in the best way," writing, "Solar Oppositeshas established itself as a spicy animated situational comedy that pulls from the best parts of its predecessor,Rick and Morty,yet doesn't get stuck looking for its place outside of the Adult Swim hit's shadow. The show is self-assured with a unique vibe and tone all its own, and that continues to shine in the third season. By leaning into the more human elements of what the series has to offer — both the base exploration of those concepts with the aliens and the desperate attempt at a reclamation from the wall people — season 3 ofSolar Oppositesreminds us that clever structure can give way to everything else you love about a story: clever writing, brash jokes, and pure cathartic connective tissue. "Anthony Orlando ofBuzzFeedrankedSolar Opposites10th in their "17 Shows And Characters That Absolutely, Positively Should Have Received Emmy Nominations," saying, "Sure, this show may not be as good asRick and Morty,butSolar Oppositesis very much its own comedic beast. Co-creator Justin Roiland and his team inject the same amount of hilarity and creativity into this alien-centric show as he did with the former series. Also, the side-adventures in The Wall should've garnered some nominations by themselves, as they made for an outstanding show within the show. "

Season 4

On Rotten Tomatoes, the fourth season has an approval rating of 100% based on reviews from 8 critics, with an average rating of 7.8/10.

Ross McIndoe ofSlant Magazinecalled the fourth season ofSolar Opposites"a mad blend of pop-cultural references and meta-gags, some of which land and some of which don't," also adding that season four is "true to the scatological, self-awareness of the show's prior ones."Nate Richard ofColliderhas called season four "the series' most entertaining to date" and "one of the better original comedy series that Hulu has to offer," though the show "start to get repetitive at points".Praising Dan Stevens voice replacing Justin Roiland's, Tessa Smith ofMama's Geekywrote, "Dan Stevens steps in without missing a beat as the voice of Korvo."

Accolades

Year	Award	Category	Recipient(s)	Result	Ref.
2021	Clio Awards	Audio/Visual Social Single Video	Solar Opposites	Bronze
2022	BMI Film & TV Awards	BMI Streaming Series Awards	Chris Westlake	Won
	Clio Awards	Special Event	Solar Opposites	Gold
2024	Annie Awards	Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Media Production	Dan Stevens	Nominated

Merchandise

On January 27, 2021, it was revealed at the 2021 Funko Fair that new figures based on the series would be made, which were released on June 25, 2021.On November 17, 2021, Hulu launched an online storefront which featured merchandise based on select shows from its service, withSolar Oppositesbeing one of them.

On July 22, 2022, atSan Diego Comic-Conthat a 192-page art titled "The Art of Solar Opposites" will be released in early 2023 for $49.99 and will be published byDark Horse Books.However, as of September 2024, the book has not been released.

Tie-in media

Music video

A music video, titled "WTF is Christmas? (A Solar Opposites Song ft.Darren Criss) "and written by Tony Ferrari, was released on November 11, 2021, where Korvo tries to remember what Christmas is all about.

Video game

Solar Oppositeswere featured character players in the crossover racing gameWarped Kart Racers,released to Apple Arcade in May 2022, along with characters fromFamily Guy,American Dad!,andKing of the Hill.

External links

• Solar OppositesonHulu
• Solar OppositesatIMDb