- Creator
- Duncan Trussell
- Rating
- TV-MA
- Episodes
- 8
- Running Time
- 204 minutes
- Channel
- Netflix
Overall Score
Rating Summary
The Midnight Gospel is Netflix’s new adult-themed animated series, directed by Pendleton Ward from Adventure Time and based on the podcast of Duncan Trussell, The Duncan Trussell Family Podcast. The series stars a spacecaster named Clancy (Trussel) and his journeys into different multiverses to interview beings living in worlds on the verge of death. Those who’ve listened to Trussell’s niche podcast or watched any of Adventure Time are probably expecting this to be a trip. While it is certainly one, many will surely not be prepared for what it actually is. It is very rare in in this day and age to get a series that is wholly unique and truly feels ahead of its time and this series is the prime example of that.
The Midnight Gospel takes place within an expanded universe centered around Trussell podcast interviews. After watching, all of these podcast interviews are available online for free in an extended form and are so interesting, seeing how stories and thoughts are expanded even further. One of the most impressive aspects of the series is its unconventional storytelling. It’s wild what Ward does here, taking episodes of Trussell’s podcast and weaving them into his own narratives seamlessly.
A lot of the humor within The Midnight Gospel comes from how lowkey the podcast discussions are juxtaposed with some truly crazy imagery looking straight out of a Meow Wolf art exhibit. This series is a treat for the eyes and a visual fantasia, featuring some of the neatest color schemes and coolest designs in recent memory. It’s psychedelic nature is surely no coincidence considering its release date. Covering a wide range of topics, these discussions about life and purpose feel reminiscent to 3am conversations with friends. This is a series that will cause many to spiral into an existential crisis. One of the coolest aspects of the series is the way it tells its story in a very subdued way. This whole series had an episodic feel up until the last episode where it truly showed its true nature.
The Midnight Gospel is unforgettable. No matter what one’s response may be, it will make inevitably make an impression. It’s like stumbling onto one of those weird late night Adult Swim bumpers. Despite being to describe, the series is still well worth the recommendation. Though many sequences throughout the series are indescribable, audiences will just have to experience them themselves.
The word masterpiece is a word that this reviewer doesn’t often throw around but in this case, The Midnight Gospel is a masterpiece. It is one of the best series Netflix has to offer. There is nothing like it and no one will surely be able to replicate something this ingenious again. The series creators have truly captured lightning in a bottle. Just don’t expect Adventure Time 2. This series is an even more cerebral out of body experience that goes in some truly dark, messed up and raw places. It’s as calming as it is chaotic and as wonderful as it is bleak.
The Midnight Gospel is an absolute miracle.
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