

The earliest cartoon series were based upon popular comic strips, and were directed at family audiences. Some of the most prominent animations with these mature themes include The Simpsons, BoJack Horseman, South Park, Futurama, and Archer, along with other adult animated television series, feature films, and animation in other forms which helped the genre expand over the years, beyond animated sitcoms. Adult animation in the United States includes shows with superhero, sci-fi, and fantasy elements.

Initially, few animation studios in the United States attempted to produce animation for adult audiences, but later examples of animation produced for adults would gain mainstream attention and success. Following the introduction of the Motion Picture Association of America film rating system, independent animation producers attempted to establish an alternative to mainstream animation. In the United States, before the enforcement of the Hays Code, some cartoon shorts contained humor that was aimed at adult audience members rather than children. Not to be confused with Cartoon pornography.
