When Does Archer Get Good?
Fans say Archer has a fast start and within a few episodes a new viewer will know whether or not this is a show they’re going to enjoy. While fans say there are better and worse episodes over the series’ 14 seasons, overall there wasn’t a perceived drop in quality, quite a feat for a show with a run as long as this one.
What Fans Say
Fans of Archer appreciate its unapologetically dark humor, clever writing, and unique animation style. Sterling Archer’s eccentric personality and the show’s self-referential humor are often praised as standout elements, along with the absurd yet endearing relationships among characters. Fans enjoy how the series often breaks spy and action genre conventions, turning typical situations into comedic or awkward moments. The re-imagined seasons and recurring gags like Archer’s “Danger Zone” references are beloved, as they keep the show unpredictable and engaging.
—
—
What Haters Say
While many enjoy Archer’s humor, some viewers find its tone to be excessively irreverent and occasionally abrasive. Critics argue that the characters, especially Archer, can sometimes come off as too unlikable or self-centered, which may alienate certain viewers. The genre-shifting seasons, such as the “Dreamland” and “Archer: 1999” arcs, have been polarizing, with some fans feeling they distract from the show’s original spy-comedy premise. Additionally, a few viewers find the humor too reliant on repetitive jokes or feel that some seasons lack the originality of earlier episodes.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality at Any Point?
Many fans and critics agree that Archer peaked in its early to middle seasons, especially during its original spy agency-focused arcs. However, opinions are divided over later seasons when the show transitioned into genre-specific themes like “Archer: Vice” and the dream sequence seasons. Some fans see these seasons as refreshing, adding creative layers to the storyline, while others view them as a dip in quality compared to the earlier, more cohesive plots. Recent seasons have been praised for returning to more straightforward storytelling while retaining the humor and style that define the series.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
| Season | IMDb Rating | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score | Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 8.1 | 88% | 91% |
| Season 2 | 8.3 | 93% | 100% |
| Season 3 | 8.5 | 94% | 100% |
| Season 4 | 8.6 | 82% | 83% |
| Season 5 | 8.1 | 86% | 89% |
| Season 6 | 8.3 | 85% | 100% |
| Season 7 | 8.1 | 89% | 89% |
| Season 8 | 7.7 | 75% | 83% |
| Season 9 | 7.8 | 84% | 100% |
| Season 10 | 7.7 | 79% | 86% |
| Season 11 | 7.8 | 78% | 80% |
| Season 12 | 7.7 | 82% | 92% |
| Season 13 | 7.6 | 85% | 83% |
| Season 14 | 8.0 | 87% | 91% |
Critics have consistently lauded Archer for its bold humor, distinct animation, and willingness to take risks. The show’s satirical take on the spy genre, combined with sharp writing and well-developed characters, has earned it praise for breaking new ground in adult animated comedy. However, the series’ genre-hopping experiment was met with mixed responses, with some critics praising it as innovative while others felt it disrupted the show’s core appeal. Nonetheless, Archer is generally recognized as one of the best animated shows of its kind, and its influence can be seen in other adult comedies and genre parodies.
Overview of Archer
Created by Adam Reed, Archer is an animated comedy series that first aired in 2009 and follows the chaotic, sometimes dysfunctional, world of Sterling Archer, an international spy with a penchant for sarcasm, recklessness, and personal flaws. Set in a retro-futuristic spy agency, the show combines high-stakes missions with dark humor, witty banter, and complex relationships among the core team. Characters like Malory Archer, Archer’s cold and calculating mother; Lana Kane, his fierce ex-girlfriend and fellow agent; and Cyril Figgis, the office accountant-turned-field agent, contribute to the unique, often chaotic workplace dynamics.
Archer employs a mix of parody and homage to various genres, including espionage, noir, and crime drama, which keeps each season fresh. Over the years, it’s evolved into a blend of spy adventures and genre experimentation, with seasons re-imagining the characters in alternate settings like a 1940s detective noir or an adventure on a tropical island. Its distinctive animation style, sharp dialogue, and irreverent humor have helped Archer build a loyal fanbase and secure its place in animated television.
Season Highlights
- Season 1: Introduces Sterling Archer and the world of ISIS, a spy agency with questionable ethics. The season sets up Archer’s relationships with his mother, Malory, and co-worker Lana, establishing its signature mix of workplace and spy humor.
- Season 2: Expands on character dynamics, with more personal conflicts and mission-based comedy. Lana and Archer’s relationship is explored more deeply, and the season features memorable episodes that highlight the team’s dysfunctional chemistry.
- Season 3: Delivers classic episodes like “Heart of Archness,” taking Archer on a pirate adventure. This season is a fan favorite for its balance of mission-driven plots and character backstories.
- Season 4: Archer continues its run as a spy comedy but hints at its willingness to explore alternate scenarios, with episodes riffing on pop culture references and spy tropes.
- Season 5: Archer Vice: The first major genre shift, the season sees the ISIS crew transitioning into the drug trade. It’s a divisive season, but many enjoy its bold experimentation with the characters in a new context.
- Season 6: Returns to a spy agency framework, addressing the fallout from Season 5’s story arc. This season is a return to form, though it maintains some of the offbeat storylines introduced earlier.
- Season 7: Archer P.I.: Set in Los Angeles, this season reimagines the cast as a private detective agency. It leans into film noir aesthetics, mixing humor with a darker tone.
- Season 8: Dreamland: In a dream sequence, the season re-casts Archer as a private eye in a 1940s noir world. While creatively ambitious, it received mixed reviews from fans who preferred the original spy format.
- Season 9: Danger Island: This season places Archer and his crew on a fictional island in a 1930s adventure setting. It’s adventurous, with Indiana Jones-style escapades, but is also divisive among fans.
- Season 10: Archer 1999: Takes place in space with a sci-fi twist. While some appreciate its creativity, others feel it strays too far from the show’s initial charm.
- Season 11: Archer returns to a more traditional format, with Archer finally waking from a coma. This season brings the series back to its espionage roots, pleasing many long-time fans.
Similar Shows
- Bob’s Burgers – Featuring H. Jon Benjamin, the voice of Archer, it’s a humorous look at a family-run burger shop with quirky characters and sharp, often absurd humor.
- BoJack Horseman – An animated dark comedy exploring the ups and downs of a washed-up actor. Its humor is dark, layered, and, like Archer, relies heavily on character development.
- The Venture Bros. – Parodies adventure shows and superhero tropes, sharing Archer’s mix of satire, action, and dysfunctional relationships.
- Rick and Morty – Known for its smart yet absurd humor, this show combines science fiction and comedy, making it a good fit for fans of Archer’s genre-hopping antics.
- Sealab 2021 – Another animated series from Adult Swim with a parody twist, known for its absurd humor and unconventional characters.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like Archer
- The Simpsons – For fans of character-driven humor and layered comedy, The Simpsons offers a mix of satire, family dynamics, and social commentary.
- F is for Family – A darker animated series about family life in the 1970s. Its humor is often gritty, tackling serious themes in a satirical way.
- The Tick – A superhero parody series that plays with genre conventions and offers a blend of action and humor, much like Archer’s approach to the spy genre.
- American Dad! – Created by Seth MacFarlane, it combines satire with surreal, action-filled plots, often veering into absurdity while maintaining character-centric humor.