Through its first two seasons, Netflix’s BoJack Horseman has emerged as one of the funniest, most audacious and surprisingly moving shows currently on television. Which is pretty impressive, since it’s the animated story of a washed-up TV star who happens to be a talking horse. The series depicts a Hollywood in which humans and talking animals live side-by-side and even have rivalries and romantic relationships with one another. The titular character (voiced by Will Arnett), is the washed-up star of a ‘90s sitcom (called Horsin’ Around) who battles depression and loneliness while also longing for respectability.
The first two seasons were very strong, hilarious at times and shockingly dark at others, and even landed on a lot of critics’ top ten lists and was nominated for Critics Choice Awards, despite going up against a golden era of prestige dramas that don’t feature depressed talking cartoon horses. Now, we have a fresh look at BoJack Horseman season 3, with a trailer that shows BoJack dealing with newfound career success – yet still battling a lot of the demons he’s faced since the beginning.
In the clip, BoJack is informed by his cat agent (Amy Sedaris) that his latest movie (presumably his biopic of Secretariat) is a big hit and may even win him an Oscar. He says he feels “awesome,” and embarks on a run of partying, but it’s clear that even renewed stardom hasn’t improved his depressive state. Is he really happy? Does he even deserve an Oscar? Theres also the brilliant line: “BJack- you are amazing! You’re bright and you’re funny and you’re amazing and you’re handsome and you’re talented- and if you can’t see that? You’re the biggest, dumbest piece of s**t in the world.”
Judging by the trailer, season 3 of BoJack Horseman looks like the best thing possible: More of the same. It’s a similar tone and similar themes from past seasons, with most of the cast (human and animal) back as well. It also appears we’ll be getting more of Bojack’s rivalry with Mr. Peanut Butter (Paul F. Tompkins), the much-more well-adjusted dog actor.
The challenge for BoJack Horseman will be finding a way to top itself, and show character growth over time. And if they can come up with something as brilliant as Season 2’s “Chickens” episode? Even better.
BoJack Horseman third season will debut on Netflix July 22, 2016. The first two seasons are streaming on Netflix now.
