Television has consistently embraced the weird and wonderful, pushing the envelope with shows that captivate and challenge audiences. Classics like Twin Peaks in the early ’90s introduced a surreal narrative filled with eccentric characters that set a new standard for TV storytelling. During the same era, animated series like Beavis and Butt-Head and Ren & Stimpy delivered bizarre, yet hilarious episodes, leaving a lasting mark with their unique brand of comedy. In more recent years, Legion explores the complex psyche of a superhero diagnosed with schizophrenia, blending stunning visuals with a deeply intricate plot.
These shows transport viewers into extraordinary realms where the strange becomes ordinary, pushing the boundaries of conventional TV and offering unforgettable viewing experiences with their groundbreaking storytelling and character development.
One of the weirdest series I’ve recently encountered is Fantasmas, available on Max. Created by Julio Torres, a former writer for Saturday Night Live and the mind behind Los Espookys, this show delves into the whimsical and often surreal. The plot revolves around an eccentric quest: Julio must find a lost earring shaped like an oyster to restore balance to his life and health. Each episode, while following this theme, puts Julio into bizarre situations, with a menagerie of equally odd and strange characters.
While Julio crafts a world steeped in fantastical elements in Fantasmas, his portrayal also subtly reflects autobiographical nuances. He humorously hints at his job involving the whimsical task of understanding the “inner lives of shapes and colors.” His work often imbues everyday objects with magical significance, such as the oyster-shaped, diamond-encrusted earring central to the series’ plot. Set in an alternate version of New York City, the backdrop is both fantastical and oddly familiar, a city where absurdities like the “first and only queer hamster nightclub” exist.
This unique blend of the surreal with the everyday invites viewers into Torres’ vividly imagined world, making the mundane magnificent and exploring deeper themes under the guise of humor and fantasy.
Fantasmas is a treasure trove of eclectic and memorable guest appearances that adds layers of quirk to its narrative. The series kicks off with Paul Dano portraying a character who falls comically in love with Melf, a humorous nod to the beloved ’80s sitcom alien, Alf, setting a whimsical tone right from the start. Steve Buscemi later plays a humanized version of the letter Q. Aidy Bryant brings her comedic flair as a salesperson whose niche is creating designer dresses specifically for toilets, blending absurdity with high fashion. Emma Stone appears in a delightfully distorted take on The Real Housewives of New York City, further enhancing the show’s surreal vibe.
These cameo roles are not just for laughs; they creatively contribute to the series’ exploration of reality through a bizarre, fantastical lens. The show’s clever use of guest stars might leave viewers momentarily bewildered, but these are indeed genuine moments within its surreal world.
Fantasmas masterfully intertwines elements of the bizarre with deep, meaningful themes, creating a strange, weird, but entertaining story. It radiates a distinct sharpness in its storytelling, contrasting beautifully with the series’ visually soft, grainy cinematography. This series marks a high point in Julio Torres’ comedic journey, weaving elements of fantasy into the narrative without losing its fun and charm. The unique storytelling method used in bold but also seems to inspire those who engage with it, proving that taking creative risks can lead to compelling television.
If you are looking for something truly unique, funny, and yet thought provoking, you would be hard pressed to find a series better than Fantasmas.