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Close Enough
Genre
Created byJ. G. Quintel
Developed byJ. G. Quintel
Sean Szeles
Matt Price
Calvin Wong
Voices of
ComposersMark Mothersbaugh
John Enroth
Albert Fox
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes24 (46 segments)
Production
Executive producers
ProducerRyan Slater
Running time22–24 minutes (11–12 minutes per segment)
Production companyCartoon Network Studios
Original release
NetworkHBO Max
ReleaseJuly 9, 2020 (2020-07-09) –
April 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
Related
Regular Show

Close Enough is an American adult animated sitcom created by J. G. Quintel. Originally intended to air on TBS in 2017, the project faced various delays and setbacks before eventually premiering on HBO Max on July 9, 2020. The series has received positive reviews, with critics comparing it favorably to Quintel's previous series, Regular Show, which aired on Cartoon Network from 2010 to 2017.[1][2][3][4]

In July 2022, HBO Max cancelled the series after three seasons,[5] and a month later, the show was removed from the service.[6] The show was available on Netflix in international countries until it was removed from the service in May 2023.[7]

Premise

[edit]

A couple in their early 30s, Josh and Emily, and their young daughter, Candice, live in a Los Angeles duplex with their divorced friends, Alex and Bridgette. They get into what seem like normal domestic crises, which tend to escalate in surreal (often even in science fiction and fantasy-esque) ways.

Cast and characters

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Main

[edit]
  • Joshua "Josh" Singleton (voiced by J. G. Quintel) – an aspiring video game developer who works for Plugger-Inners; a television installation company based on Geek Squad. His appearance and mannerisms are based on those of Quintel. Quintel also voices himself.
  • Emily Ramirez (voiced by Gabrielle Walsh) – Josh's wife, who works as an assistant for a food corporation called FoodCorp. Emily and Bridgette play guitar and sing at local cafes hoping to become famous. She is based on Quintel's own wife, Cassia. Walsh also voices herself.
  • Candice Singleton-Ramirez (voiced by Jessica DiCicco) – Josh and Emily's six-year-old (as of "Birthdaze") daughter, who can be very hyperactive and struggles with school work. She attends Chamomile Elementary School, after being transferred out of an unnamed elementary school where the children ran wild and killed a bus driver after tipping over his bus. DiCicco also voices herself.
  • Alex Dorpenberger (voiced by Jason Mantzoukas) – Josh's best friend and Bridgette's ex-husband, who works as a community college professor and a struggling Viking-themed fantasy author. He is a conspiracy theorist. Following the series finale "Match Made in Valhalla", Alex and Bridgette got back together. Mantzoukas also voices himself. He is Greek-American.
  • Bridgette Hashima (voiced by Kimiko Glenn) – Emily's best friend and Alex's ex-wife. She is a Japanese-American social media influencer, and a part-time comedy singer-songwriter in a band with Emily. Her middle name was revealed as "No Stress" in an episode from the first season, which also revealed that it was the result of a legal name change that she authorized while she was under the influence of drugs. Glenn also voices herself.
  • Pearle Watson (voiced by Danielle Brooks) – A retired African-American LAPD police officer, and the landlady of the duplex.
  • Randall "Randy" Watson (voiced by James Adomian) – Pearle's adopted white son, and the duplex's property manager. He was adopted by Pearle after his biological parents, Wyatt and Deborah Trickle, were arrested for siphoning gas from multiple cars. Randy is revealed to be gay in season 3.

Supporting

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  • Mr. Timothy Campbell (voiced by John Early) – Candice's hippie teacher at Chamomile Elementary.
  • Mr. Salt (voiced by Fred Stoller) – Emily's boss at FoodCorp.
  • Dr. Glandz (voiced by Cheri Oteri) – A physician who works at a hospital called Pretty Good Samaritan.
  • Dante (voiced by Eugene Cordero) – One of Josh's coworkers at Plugger-Inners who has a prosthetic lower arm.
  • Jojo (voiced by Mo Collins) – A biker woman who is the leader of the Cool Moms, and the mother of Candice's classmate, Mia.
  • Trish (voiced by Kate Higgins) – A former member of the Cool Moms and the mother of Candice's best friend and classmate, Maddie.
  • Ms. Hashima (voiced by Suzy Nakamura) – Bridgette's mother and a successful businesswoman.

Additional voices

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Guest stars

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Episodes

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SeasonSegmentsEpisodesOriginally released
1158July 9, 2020 (2020-07-09)
2168February 25, 2021 (2021-02-25)
3158April 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)

Season 1 (2020)

[edit]

The first season was originally set to run for 10 episodes, but only 8 episodes were released when the series launched.[8][9]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byStoryboard directorsOriginal release date [10][11]TBS air date
11"Quilty Pleasures"Sean Szeles
Randy Meyers (animation)
Minty Lewis, Ryan Pequin, and Madeline Queripel
Storyboarded by : Mike Bertino, Kris Wimberly, and J. G. Quintel
Aminder Dhaliwal, Ryan Pequin, Madeline Queripel, and Andres SalaffJuly 9, 2020 (2020-07-09)October 25, 2021
"The Perfect House"Sean Szeles and Calvin Wong
Randy Meyers (animation)
Minty Lewis
Storyboarded by : Miggs Perez, Kris Wimberly, and Raul Guerra
Aminder Dhaliwal and Andres Salaff

"Quilty Pleasures": While picking up Candice from school, Josh and Emily learn from her teacher, Mr. Campbell, that she must turn in a family tree quilt project. Forcing Alex and Bridgette to babysit Candice, they travel to the fashion district to collect the materials they need for the quilt, only to end up stuck as the district closes. Josh's wallet is stolen, and he and Emily track the thief to an abandoned factory, where they meet a group of street urchins. Employing their help, Josh and Emily successfully create the quilt and spend the night at the factory. In the morning, Josh and Emily realize that the street urchins are actually dwarfish adults who try to force them to stay and act as their parents, although they escape. Arriving at the school, they discover that Candice has already made her own family quilt, and Mr. Campbell passes her.

"The Perfect House": Emily develops a hobby of visiting open houses, bringing her family along with her. After becoming overwhelmed by the mess in the duplex building, she visits another open house by herself, meeting Dave, a stressed-out father, and Mona Arizona, a pre-teen pop star, who are also visiting. They pretend to be a family in order to remain at the open house longer; although Emily soon realizes that they have become trapped in an 80s-style sitcom within the open house. Meanwhile, Josh orders a family bike, and goes looking for Emily when he realizes she has been missing for days. Arriving at the open house, Josh is also trapped in the sitcom, which he and Emily realize can only be escaped by doing something that cannot happen on sitcoms. Emily confesses that she likes being able to escape the chaos at home, and peacefully disowns her sitcom family, allowing her and Josh to leave, although Dave and Mona choose to stay. Josh gives Emily a set of tin containers from the open houses to help her, and together with Candice, Alex and Bridgette they ride on the family bike.
22"Logan's Run'd"J. G. Quintel and Calvin Wong
Brian Hogan (animation)
Chris KulaDavid Davis and Siti LuJuly 9, 2020 (2020-07-09)November 1, 2021
"Room Parents"Aaron BurdetteJanice Chun and Cal Ramsey

"Logan's Run'd": Candice leaves on her first-ever sleepover, allowing Josh and Emily the night for themselves, which they quickly use to perform errands. Bridgette points out that they are acting "old", driving them and Alex to accompany her to the popular night club Logan's. Arriving at the club, Josh, Emily and Alex begin to party but quickly find themselves exhausted, while Bridgette tries to get acquainted with a popular YouTube influencer but is horrified to learn that he is actually a baby. Realizing that anyone in the club over thirty is deemed a VIP (Very Irrelevant Person) and killed via giant fan, Josh, Emily and Alex try to escape. When Josh is nearly discovered, Alex decides to sacrifice himself as a distraction; however, Josh, Emily and Bridgette convince him that there are benefits to growing old and rescue him from the fan. Learning that the barkeeper based his club off of Logan's Run, Alex unveils him as being an old man himself, leaving him at the mercy of the club-goers. Afterwards, the friends go out to eat pancakes, although Alex is still unnerved by having seen a man die.

"Room Parents": At a parent-teacher conference, Mr. Campbell asks for volunteers for class "room parent", to which Josh inadvertently volunteers. Tasked with organizing a fundraiser for constructing a new playground, Josh befriends a single mother named Nikki (voiced by Judy Greer), who offers to assist him. Emily realizes that Nikki is trying to woo Josh, and teams up with Pearle in order to investigate. Emily confronts Josh over her findings, and he insists to have no interest in Nikki, but comes to recognize the advances she is making. Josh visits Nikki with Emily to break off their partnership for the fundraiser, only to realize that her son is a dummy and end up held at gunpoint. Tying the couple up, Nikki reveals herself as a con-artist who poses as a single mother in order to help overworked room parents and steal fundraiser money out from under them, and leaves to take the playground funds. Escaping, Josh and Emily head to the playground fundraiser to stop Nikki, and Josh manages to recover the funds while Nikki seemingly dies by crashing into a novelty fireworks factory. Returning to the fundraiser, Josh is elected room parent for life by Mr. Campbell, much to his dismay.

Songs: "Turn Down for What" by DJ Snake and Lil Jon; "Crazy on You" by Heart
33"Skate Dad"Calvin Wong
Randy Meyers (animation)
Minty Lewis and J. G. Quintel
Storyboarded by : Mike Bertino, Raul Guerra, J. G. Quintel, and Fabien Tong
Owen Dennis, Ryan Pequin, Andres Salaff, and Sam SpinaJuly 9, 2020 (2020-07-09)November 8, 2021
"100% No Stress Day"Sean Szeles
Randy Meyers (animation)
Bill Oakley and Marlena Rodriguez
Storyboarded by : Mike Bertino, Ben Adams, Raul Guerra, Miggs Perez, and Kris Wimberly
Chris Allison, Benton Connor, Aminder Dhaliwal, Madeline Queripel, Ryan Pequin, Andres Salaff, and Sam Spina

"Skate Dad": Wanting to bond with Candice, Josh takes her and Emily to a skateboard shop, determined to teach her how to skate unlike his own neglectful father. At the store, the family meets a professional skater called "The Goosh", whom Candice begins to look up to, much to Josh's envy. Buying Candice a skateboard, Josh takes her to a skate park and tries to perform an ollie to prove his skating ability, only to end up with a severe pelvic fracture. Due to Josh's injury, Emily hires Goosh to give Candice skating lessons in Josh's place. In a fit of jealousy, Josh challenges Goosh to a race down Baxter Street, the steepest road in the city. Before Emily can try to talk Josh out of it, Candice rolls down the street on her skateboard, forcing the couple and Goosh to try and rescue her. Realizing that he is becoming like his own father, Josh apologizes to Goosh and works with Emily to rescue Candice. Afterwards, Goosh declares that Josh is not a skate dad, but rather a skate father.

"100% No Stress Day": Emily is diagnosed with stress, while Josh and the roommates beta-test his new game, Ladder World. Realizing Emily's diagnosis, Josh offers to take care of her to-do list while Bridgette takes her to de-stress. Josh, Alex and Candice complete the tasks, but are unable to buy ham due to a ham shortage, caused by a company called "Wurst Bros" who have been stealing hams across the city; and are additionally accosted by circus clowns pursuing Alex over money he owes them from a bet. Escaping the clowns, Josh and Alex arrive at Wurst Bros to steal a ham, but are captured and put into a meat grinder. Recovering a ham and Candice from the company daycare, they attempt to escape, while being pursued by both the ham-thieves and the clowns, causing Josh to bet their lives on a game of Ladder World. Meanwhile, Emily smokes marijuana with Bridgette to relax, but ends up getting stressed out again and rushes to find a calming activity. Returning home, she finds Josh, Alex, the ham-thieves and the clowns, and joins their game of Ladder World, winning the game and forcing the criminals and the clowns to leave. Emily realizes that video games are her de-stressing activity, while Bridgette hooks up with one of the clowns.

Song: "Stay Fly" by Three 6 Mafia
44"Prank War"Sean Szeles
Randy Meyers (animation)
Minty Lewis, Ryan Pequin, Matt Price, and Madeline Queripel
Storyboarded by : Ben Adams, Raul Guerra, and Fabien Tong
Owen Dennis, Ryan Pequin, and Sam SpinaJuly 9, 2020 (2020-07-09)November 15, 2021
"Cool Moms"Alison Agosti and Matt Price
Storyboarded by : Miggs Perez and Kris Wimberly

"Prank War": Wanting to relive his youth, Josh sets up a prank war with the roommates who are none too impressed. He ends up befriending a "bush guy" to scare Emily and Bridgette, but thinking that he is assaulting them, they beat him into a coma. The two are arrested and Josh must wake Bush Guy or else Emily and Bridgette get charged for manslaughter. Meanwhile, Alex gives Candice candy.

"Cool Moms": Mr. Campbell sets Emily up with the cool moms clique and she befriends their leader Jojo (voiced by Mo Collins). However, Jojo's style of teaching affects Emily and messes up her relationship with Candice. Meanwhile, Josh and Alex take Randy to a getaway to "rescue" his mom, Pearle.

Song: "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
55"Robot Tutor"Sean Szeles
Randy Meyers and John McIntyre (animation)
Matt Price
Storyboarded by : Mike Bertino, Mark Maxey, Miggs Perez, Kris Wimberly, Aminder Dhaliwal, Ben Adams, Raul Guerra, Tara Helfer, and Andres Salaff
Chris Allison, Ryan Pequin, Madeline Queripel, and Sam SpinaJuly 9, 2020 (2020-07-09)November 22, 2021
"Golden Gamer"Calvin Wong
Randy Meyers and Kevin Petrilak (animation)
Storyboarded by : Owen Dennis, Mark Maxey, Tara Helfer, Miggs Perez, Kris Wimberly, Aminder Dhaliwal, and Andres SalaffMike Bertino and Sam Spina

"Robot Tutor": Josh and Emily plan to spend their Spring Break by going to the beach, but must stay when Candice is revealed to have trouble learning and are equipped with a robot they cannot leave unattended. Meanwhile, Alex and Bridgette go in their stead for "divorce sex", but end up with different plans.

"Golden Gamer": After Josh meets a fellow game designer who has become a huge success, Josh tries to revive his unfinished game Dude Man, resulting in him reverting to an immature twenty-something. Meanwhile, Alex tries to earn the respect of his students by performing a dangerous stunt.
66"So Long Boys"Calvin Wong
Randy Meyers (animation)
Matt Price and Deepak Sethi
Storyboarded by : Ben Adams, Raul Guerra, Miggs Perez, and Kris Wimberly
Chris Allison, Aminder Dhaliwal, Ryan Pequin, and Andres SalaffJuly 9, 2020 (2020-07-09)November 29, 2021
"Clap Like This"Deepak Sethi
Storyboarded by : Ben Adams, Raul Guerra, Tara Helfer, and Mark Maxey
Chris Allison, Mike Bertino, Owen Dennis, Ryan Pequin, and Sam Spina

"So Long Boys": After having a pregnancy scare, Josh agrees to have a vasectomy and brings Alex to the procedure. They discover that the facility is corrupt and Josh begins to have doubts just as Emily does so as well. At the facility, they meet two teens whom Alex is convinced are his offspring.

"Clap Like This": Josh manages to sell his game Clap Like This as he, Emily, and Candice will now be rich. When the deal falls through, Josh is forced to pick up extra shifts at his old job in secret. Meanwhile, Bridgette is financially cut off at 26 and gets a job at a clothing store where the mannequins come to life.
77"First Date"Calvin Wong
Randy Meyers (animation)
Marlena Rodriguez and Kristy Grant
Storyboarded by : Mark Maxey and Tara Helfer
Mike Bertino, Andres Salaff, and Sam SpinaJuly 9, 2020 (2020-07-09)December 6, 2021
"Snailin' It"Sean Szeles
Randy Meyers and Kevin Petrilak (animation)
Minty Lewis
Storyboarded by : Miggs Perez and Kris Wimberly
Aminder Dhaliwal and Andres Salaff

"First Date": Bridgette goes on a date with a man who is conjoined to his ex and brings Alex along as her wingman, leading to some personal issues. Meanwhile, feeling that they have lost their "spice", Josh and Emily decide to recreate their first date at a haunted attraction that is all too real.

"Snailin' It": Emily does not have enough time to spend with Candice due to her job. A seemingly friendly snail allows her to use his magical time hat to get things done. Unfortunately, this causes her to rapidly age with every use and the snail tries to kidnap Candice. Elsewhere, Josh spends the day with Randy.

Song: "Too Much Time on My Hands" by Styx
88"The Canine Guy"Calvin Wong
Randy Meyers (animation)
Andres Salaff and Deepak Sethi
Storyboarded by : Mike Bertino, Mark Maxey, and Miggs Perez
Aminder Dhaliwal, Andres Salaff, and Sam SpinaJuly 9, 2020 (2020-07-09)December 13, 2021

In this half-hour special, after Alex bails on their annual Medieval Times Dinner/Jim Carrey celebration, Josh ends up meeting a genetically modified dog-human hybrid named Tery and spends time with him, much to Alex's jeleaously. Meanwhile, Bridgette gets Emily away from home so that they can write more comedic song material, but Emily is constantly distracted by things Candice is doing back home, and Pearle becomes suspicious of a cold case involving Meredith Breedmore, Tery's creator, and recruits Candice and Randy to resolve the case.

Song: "Don't You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds

Season 2 (2021)

[edit]

Every episode in this season was directed by J. G. Quintel and Calvin Wong.

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleWritten byStoryboard byOriginal release date [10][11]TBS air date
91"Josh Gets Shredded"Gabe DelahayeJen Lee and J. G. QuintelFebruary 25, 2021 (2021-02-25)January 24, 2022
"Meet The Frackers"Aaron BurdetteJanice Chun and Cal Ramsey

"Josh Gets Shredded": After breaking his back trying to lift Candice, Josh is told that he must exercise his core. He goes to a special gym that works its visitors until they are absolutely ripped. Soon, Josh becomes more obsessed with keeping his muscles than he does with wanting to play with Candice and tries to reach his peak.

"Meet the Frackers": Randy learns through a DNA test and Pearle that his biological parents, Debra (Wendie Malick) and Wyatt (David Koechner), are fuel thieves who did time in prison and now are on the straight and narrow with their own fracking business. But when Debra and Wyatt plot to frack the apartment for natural gas, Randy must choose between being like his criminal parents and saving his adopted family. Meanwhile, Josh buys Candice a leaf blower as a toy.
102"Sauceface"Chris KulaRaul Guerra and Jessica XuFebruary 25, 2021 (2021-02-25)January 31, 2022
"Houseguest From Hell"Melissa HunterDavid Davis and Siti Lu

"Sauceface": In this parody of Mafia crime films like the 1983 version of Scarface and the 1990 film Goodfellas, Candice and her friend Maddie start an illegal hot sauce ring (after Mr. Campbell bans hot sauce from the school cafeteria) to raise money for remote-controlled drones.

"Houseguest from Hell": Emily is reunited with her obnoxious college friend Becca (voiced by Heidi Gardner), who ends up crashing at their apartment after breaking up with her latest boyfriend, Luc (voiced by Beck Bennett). Things get worse when Becca reveals that she is pregnant, is planning a home birth, and that the father of the unborn child is literally The Devil.

Song: "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" by The Rolling Stones
113"Joint Break"Gabe DelahayeRaul Guerra and Jessica XuFebruary 25, 2021 (2021-02-25)February 7, 2022
"Cyber Matrix"David Davis and Siti Lu

"Joint Break": In this parody of the 1991 action crime film, Point Break, Pearle reluctantly takes water aerobics (after discovering her hip replacement surgery is not covered by her insurance) where she meets a group of elderly women who live life to the fullest by robbing banks.

"Cyber Matrix": Alex is finally convinced to get a new phone called Fractal which has the Siri-esque A.I. Kira. Alex becomes addicted to his new phone until he is in a suspended cocoon. The rest of the gang must rescue Alex from having his consciousness downloaded with Josh entering the cyber matrix while the rest take Kira's power.

Song: "All Star" by Smash Mouth (Close Enough Mix)
124"Haunted Couch"Alison AgostiJohnny Koester and Jen LeeFebruary 25, 2021 (2021-02-25)February 14, 2022
"Man Up"Chris Kula

"Haunted Couch": In this parody of the 1990 paranormal romance film Ghost, after getting ghosted by her recent boyfriend, Bridgette comes home to a new couch that Josh and Alex found and cries on it. She meets the ghost of a French aristocrat named Henri and starts a relationship with him. However, Bridgette begins to see that might be the problem.

"Man Up": In this parody of the 1988 action movie Die Hard, after bailing on Emily and Candice during an alien invasion at Hollywood bank (which turned out to be a publicity stunt), Pearle teaches Josh the art of "manning up" and the skills get put to the test when a group of European terrorists hold everyone hostage at Emily's boss' holiday party.

Song: "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
135"Handy"Marlena RodriguezRaul Guerra and Jessica XuFebruary 25, 2021 (2021-02-25)February 21, 2022
"Birthdaze"John Aboud, Aaron Burdette and Michael ColtonJen Lee

"Handy": Upset that Pearle would rather hire another handyman than her own adopted son, Randy goes out to sea and ends up shipwrecked on a desert island, where Bob Vila, Tim "The Toolman" Taylor from the 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, and the IKEA Man help Randy become a competent handyman.

"Birthdaze": Sick of the forced, cheesy fun of children's birthday parties, Emily and Josh decide to have another party in the garage just for the adults while having a birthday party for Candice, but a birthday party magician takes the children to another dimension to teach Emily and Josh a lesson in being there for their daughter.
146"Time Hooch"Chris Kula and Craig RowinRaul Guerra and Jessica XuFebruary 25, 2021 (2021-02-25)February 28, 2022
"World's Greatest Teacher"Chris KulaJanice Chun and Cal Ramsey

"Time Hooch": After Bridgette finds out that Alex never signed the divorce papers, he and Josh get drunk on some homemade moonshine the two made in college that gives them the power to time travel. Alex keeps going back to try and salvage his relationship with Bridgette, but ultimately decides to try and prevent himself from meeting her.

"World's Greatest Teacher": Mr. Campbell is upstaged by a more competent female teacher named River Lake who can sing and is better at interacting with the kids. Campbell's "World's Greatest Teacher" mug urges him to sabotage River, but she catches on and decides to toy with him leading to a sing-off.

Songs: "Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston; "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" by George Michael and Aretha Franklin
157"Where'd You Go, Bridgette?"Marlena RodriguezJanice Chun and Cal RamseyFebruary 25, 2021 (2021-02-25)March 7, 2022
"The Erotic Awakening of A. P. LaPearle"Chris KulaMarcy Bones and David Davis

"Where'd You Go, Bridgette?": After landing in jail due to causing chaos over being distracted by her cell phone, Pearle bails Bridgette out and keeps her in her apartment, so Bridgette can go on a no-phone cleanse, which causes Emily, Josh, and Alex to worry that Bridgette has gone missing. Things get worse when two podcasters who cover abductions and missing persons stories interview Emily, Josh, and Alex and conclude that Bridgette was murdered and eaten by the trio.

"The Erotic Awakening of A.P. LaPearle": Alex's latest Viking erotica novel disgusts and offends everyone, except for Pearle. When Alex's work gets rejected due to the publisher preferring female romance and erotica writers, Pearle becomes the face of the work while Alex becomes the ghostwriter.
168"Men Rock!"Stephanie Amante-RitterMarcy Bones and David DavisFebruary 25, 2021 (2021-02-25)March 14, 2022
"Secret Horse"Alison AgostiJanice Chun and Cal Ramsey

"Men Rock!": Emily and Bridgette's new song "Men Rock" -- meant to be an ironic anthem about modern sexism and misogyny -- becomes a hit with an Eastern European dictator who sees the song as a celebration of sexual discrimination and oppression towards women.

"Secret Horse": On a day affected by California's Santa Ana winds, a fat, wall-eyed horse (named "Pickles" by Candice) escapes a farm and ends up at the duplex. He interacts with Candice, Josh, Bridgette, Alex, Randy, Pearle and Emily and gives each of them a moment of clarity.

Season 3 (2022)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleWritten byStoryboard byOriginal release date [10][11]
171"Where the Buffalo Roam"Eileen Alvarez and Aaron BurdetteSiti Lu and Hye Lynn ParkApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
"Venice Vengeance"Eileen AlvarezSammy Savos and Tynan Wilson

"Where The Buffalo Roam": After years of saving their pocket change, Emily and Josh finally have enough to go on the honeymoon they never had... and end up going to a resort overrun by bison.

"Venice Vengeance": Pearle helps Candice win a sandcastle-building contest. Meanwhile, Josh and Alex try to get their burgers back from a seagull.
182"Hellspital"Aaron BurdetteDavid Davis and Bea RitterApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
"Candice Candice Revolution"Sean O'ConnorSammy Savos and Tynan Wilson

"Hellspital": Alex is suffering from stomach cramps but refuses to go to the hospital because of his father's death instilling him with a fear of hospitals.

"Candice Candice Revolution": After Josh serves pancakes for dinner (after the planned dinner of hot dogs gets eaten by Alex after he got high and stuffed himself in the refrigerator), Candice gets it in her head that following rules are meaningless and leads the students of Chamomile Preschool into a Lord of the Flies-style anarchy.

Song: "Judy is a Punk" by Ramones
193"Randy Free Solos"Aaron BurdetteSiti Lu and Jessica XuApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
"Summer Job"Alison AgostiSammy Savos and Tynan Wilson

"Randy Free Solos": Randy falls for a climbing instructor and lies to him by saying he can free solo.

"Summer Job": Alex gets a job at Plugger-Inners (the Geek Squad-esque store that Josh works at), and Josh must keep his boss from discovering that Alex is inept at technology.
204"Bridgette the Brain"Sierra KatowSiti Lu and Hye Lynn ParkApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
"Never Meet Your Heroes"Aaron BurdetteDan Davis and Bea Ritter

"Bridgette the Brain": Bridgette's sister Olivia has always been treated as the favorite by her mother, but when Olivia announces that she is unveiling a new pill that helps with cognitive function, Bridgette takes one of the pills and becomes smarter than her sister.

"Never Meet Your Heroes": Alex decides to ask his favorite author (guest voiced by Brian Blessed) to help him with his manuscript, only to learn that he has a bizarre secret behind his genius.
215"Robots with Benefits"Jordan YoungRaul Cuerra and Jessica XuApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
"The Weird Kid"Alison AgostiJohnny Koester and Jen Lee

"Robots with Benefits": Josh and his co-workers, Dante and Anders, feel like their jobs are on the line when their boss unveils a new robot named Obo that can do their jobs at twice the speed, and resolve to try and get rid of it.

"The Weird Kid": When Emily notices that Candice is starting to ignore her, she wishes she could reconnect with her daughter and, thanks to a magic Viking pendant owned by Alex, wakes up in the body of a 5-year-old. Meanwhile, the same pendant curses Alex into being obsessed with listening to "Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)" by The Offspring.

Song: "Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)" by The Offspring
226"Legend of the Pier"Sierra KatowDavid Davis and Bea RitterApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
"Bike & Survive"Alison Agosti, Eileen Alvarez, and Aaron BurdetteJanice Chun, Siti Lu, and William Wibisono

"Legend of the Pier": Bridgette attempts to regain her social media relevance by redoing a stunt she did on a Ferris wheel years ago.

"Bike & Survive": Alex grows attached to his new exercise bike because of the instructor on the screen, but is unaware that the instructor has a dark motive.
237"Halloween Enough"Aaron Burdette, Sean O'Connor, and Opeyemi OlagbajuDavid Davis, Siti Lu, Bea Ritter, and Jessica XuApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)

In this, the show's first Halloween special and the second full half-hour episode, after trick-or-treating gets canceled due to rain, Emily, Josh, Bridgette, Alex, Pearle, and Randy decide to stay home and tell three tales of horror, and Candice has a nightmare where her reality is part of an animated series by Cartoon Network Studios.

Song: "Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffett
248"The Perfect Couple"Alison AgostiJanice Chun and William WibisonoApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)
"Match Made in Valhalla"Sierra KatowSiti Lu and Bea Ritter

"The Perfect Couple": Sick of being invited to kiddie venues, Alex and Bridgette decide to stop hanging out with Josh and Emily. While Josh and Emily befriend a seemingly normal couple with a daughter that turns out to be a dog, Alex and Bridgette find themselves caring for a party animal named Cokey Brian.

"Match Made in Valhalla": Bridgette uses her knack for matchmaking to set up her string of failed boyfriends with more compatible partners, but when she pairs Alex with a woman who loves everything Alex loves, Bridgette must choose whether to tell Alex that she still has feelings for him or let him go. She confesses that she still has feeling for Alex, who tells Bridgette he feels the same.

Song: "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" by The Darkness

Release

[edit]

The series was announced in May 2017, four months after Quintel's previous series, Regular Show, concluded its run on the sibling Cartoon Network. The series was originally announced to air on TBS,[12] but was delayed several times. It would later be revealed that TBS had planned to premiere the show as part of its own animation block, but those plans fell through when production on lead-in program The Cops was shut down after its co-creator Louis C.K. admitted to several instances of sexual misconduct.[13] On October 29, 2019, it was announced that the series would instead move to HBO Max.[14] The second half of the third episode was premiered at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival on June 15, 2020.[15]

On August 6, 2020, the series was renewed for a second season.[16] The following month, the series was distributed internationally through Netflix as a Netflix Original, beginning September 14, 2020 in Latin America.[17][18]

The second season premiered on February 25, 2021 on HBO Max.[19] Prior to the season premiere, a third season was announced on February 10, 2021.[20] The second season was released internationally on Netflix on May 26, 2021.[21] The series altogether was removed from Netflix globally in May 2023.[22]

On October 24, 2021, the first two seasons became available to buy digitally on iTunes.[23][24] The third season was released digitally on May 8, 2022.[25]

With the announcement of TBS and TNT's Front Row blocks, the series debuted on the former network on October 25, 2021.[26][11]

The third season premiered on April 7, 2022 on HBO Max.[27] On July 15, 2022, HBO Max cancelled the series after three seasons.[5]

On August 17, 2022, the service announced the removal of several shows, including Close Enough.[6] The show was removed from digital purchase in October 2023 alongside all other shows that used to be off Max.[28]

Reception

[edit]

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 100% based on 19 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10, for the first season. The website's critical consensus reads, "Completely absurd and yet, utterly relatable, Close Enough captures the strange experience that is being an adult."[29] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 74 out of 100 based on 6 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[30]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Close Enough is an American adult animated sitcom created by J. G. Quintel that follows Josh and Emily, a young married couple with their five-year-old daughter Candice, and their two recently divorced best friends Alex and Bridgette living as roommates in Los Angeles as they navigate the transition from carefree twenties to responsible thirties amid surreal and absurd everyday challenges.[1][2] The series, produced by Cartoon Network Studios, premiered on HBO Max on July 9, 2020, after initial development delays that shifted it from an original TBS launch planned for 2017.[3] It ran for three seasons, with the final season airing from April 7, 2022, comprising a total of 24 episodes that blend relatable adulting struggles—such as parenting, career pressures, and relationships—with fantastical elements like dream sequences and bizarre inventions.[1][4] Quintel, known for his work on Regular Show, voices the protagonist Josh alongside Gabrielle Walsh as his wife Emily, Jason Mantzoukas as his best friend Alex, Jessica DiCicco as their daughter Candice, Kimiko Glenn as the aspiring actress Bridgette, and James Adomian as the supporting hapless inventor Randy, with recurring guest voices from notable actors including Mark Hamill.[5][6] The show's humor draws from the housemates' chaotic shared living situation in a rent-controlled apartment, highlighting themes of maturity, friendship, and work-life balance through episodic stories that often escalate into over-the-top scenarios.[7] Close Enough garnered critical acclaim for its witty writing and animation style, earning a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season based on 17 reviews, praised as "completely absurd and yet, utterly relatable" in capturing the quirks of early adulthood.[8] On IMDb, it holds a 7.8 out of 10 rating from over 14,000 users, reflecting its appeal to fans of animated comedies like Regular Show and The Midnight Gospel.[1] As of 2025, the series is available for streaming on Netflix in select regions and for purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, cementing its place in contemporary adult animation.[9][10]

Premise

Close Enough follows Josh Singleton and his wife Emily Ramirez, a couple in their early thirties raising their toddler daughter Candice in a rent-controlled duplex in Los Angeles. They share the home with their two recently divorced best friends: Alex Dorpenberger, Josh's high school buddy and a freelance graphic designer, and Bridgette Hashima, an aspiring actress and Emily's close friend. The series depicts the group's navigation of adult responsibilities, including parenting, careers, relationships, and friendship, often escalating into surreal, absurd, and fantastical scenarios involving dream logic, bizarre inventions, and over-the-top mishaps.[1]

Production

Development

Close Enough was created by animator J.G. Quintel, best known for his work on the Cartoon Network series Regular Show, with initial development commencing around 2016. The project was initially targeted for TBS as part of the network's push into adult animation, aiming for a potential premiere in 2017 or 2018. In May 2017, TBS greenlit a pilot episode and placed a straight-to-series order for 13 episodes, produced by Cartoon Network Studios.[11] Following the production of the pilot, the series faced significant setbacks due to executive changes at Turner Broadcasting amid AT&T's acquisition of Time Warner, which led to a reevaluation of TBS's animation slate. As a result, Close Enough was shelved indefinitely in late 2017, leaving the completed pilot unaired and the project in limbo for nearly two years. Quintel has noted that these network shifts prompted a pause in momentum, though the core concept remained intact.[12] The series was revived in 2019 when WarnerMedia announced it as part of HBO Max's original programming lineup, with Quintel returning as showrunner. The October 2019 reveal highlighted adjustments to the show's tone to align with the streaming platform's emphasis on mature, character-driven comedies, incorporating more surreal elements suited to an on-demand audience. Pre-production resumed, including script refinements from 2018 onward that drew on feedback from evolving adult animation trends, such as those seen in competitors like Netflix's offerings. Quintel collaborated closely with a writing team that included co-creators Sean Szeles, Calvin Wong, Matt Price, and Mike Bertino, building on millennial life themes from his Regular Show era, including the absurdities of young adulthood and relationships.[13]

Animation and staff

Close Enough employs a 2D animation style produced by Cartoon Network Studios, characterized by vibrant colors, exaggerated expressions, and dynamic movements that echo the aesthetic of J.G. Quintel's Regular Show while incorporating more realistic proportions to underscore its adult-oriented themes of millennial life.[14][15] The production process involves overseas animation services from Saerom Animation in South Korea, where the bulk of the hand-drawn frames are created, followed by post-production in Los Angeles that encompasses sound design, editing, and final compositing to integrate the surreal visual gags.[12][5] Directing duties were shared among key staff members, including Calvin Wong, who helmed 23 episodes; series creator J.G. Quintel, directing 17 episodes; and Sean Szeles, overseeing 5 episodes, ensuring a consistent blend of humor and visual storytelling.[5] The original score, which amplifies the show's comedic timing and emotional beats, was composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, Albert Fox, and John Enroth, with Mothersbaugh also crafting the opening theme to set a quirky, upbeat tone.[16] Art direction focuses on capturing the gritty, urban essence of Los Angeles—featuring cluttered apartments, bustling streets, and everyday locales—infused with surreal, dreamlike distortions to heighten the narrative's absurd twists.[3][4] Across its three seasons, the series delivered 24 episodes comprising 46 individual 11-minute segments, with production occurring in parallel batches to align with HBO Max's streaming release schedule and accommodate the format's rapid pacing.[17][18] Digital inking and painting tools were utilized to achieve fluid character animations and seamless transitions for the visual gags, optimizing the workflow for the show's concise, gag-driven structure.[19]

Characters

Main characters

Josh Singleton serves as the central protagonist, a laid-back husband and father in his thirties who aspires to become a renowned video game designer but works as a TV installer for Plugger-Inners while struggling with the realities of adulthood. Often immature and nostalgic for his youth, Josh frequently embarks on ill-advised schemes that reflect his reluctance to fully embrace parental responsibilities, yet his deep love for his family grounds him.[1] Emily Ramirez, Josh's wife and the family's anchor, is an ambitious, logical, and highly organized professional who juggles a demanding career as an assistant at a processed-food company with motherhood. As the voice of reason, she navigates work-life balance with determination, evolving from a more carefree demeanor in her twenties to a responsible figure who prioritizes stability for her daughter while managing household chaos. Her structured approach often contrasts with Josh's spontaneity, highlighting the tensions and strengths in their partnership.[20] Their precocious five-year-old daughter, Candice Singleton-Ramirez, embodies innocence amid disruption, frequently sparking chaotic situations through her curiosity and limited understanding of the adult world. Candice's antics underscore the everyday parenting challenges faced by Josh and Emily, such as balancing discipline with play, and she reads at a level below her age, adding layers to the family's developmental dynamics.[21] The household extends to Alex Dorpenberger and Bridgette Hashima, Josh's best friend and Emily's closest companion, respectively, who are divorced but continue cohabitating in the shared Los Angeles duplex. Alex, a neurotic and anxious community college professor, contributes to the group's comedic tension with his overthinking and schemes alongside Josh, while Bridgette's free-spirited, job-hopping lifestyle as an aspiring actress injects unpredictability and youthful energy. This arrangement strains Josh and Emily's marriage at times due to the unconventional living setup, but the five form a surrogate family unit, relying on their intertwined relationships to cope with millennial life's absurdities.[22]

Supporting characters

Pearle Watson serves as the landlord of the apartment complex housing the main characters, acting as a maternal figure and source of wisdom for the group. A retired LAPD detective, she is portrayed as patient, nurturing, and supportive, often providing guidance to her tenants while maintaining a strong bond with her adopted son, Randy. Her interactions with the ensemble highlight themes of community and mentorship, contrasting the chaotic millennial life of the protagonists. Pearle recurs throughout the series.[23] Randy Watson, Pearle's adopted son and the building's property manager, is an eccentric, shirtless everyman in his late 30s who delivers much of the show's comic relief through his neurotic quirks, overprotectiveness toward his mother, and bungled attempts at romance. Despite his unemployed status beyond property duties, Randy forms close friendships with the main cast, frequently joining their misadventures with naive optimism and oddball enthusiasm. His character adds layers of absurdity and heartfelt moments to the ensemble, recurring throughout the series.[20] Extended family members recur in episodes centered on familial tensions and generational contrasts, underscoring the main characters' struggles with adulthood. Josh's estranged father appears in arcs exploring paternal relationships and conservative values clashing with modern life, while Alex's interactions with relatives highlight his personal growth. Bridgette's intelligent younger sister, Olivia Hashima, features prominently in sibling rivalry storylines, such as the episode "Bridgette the Brain," where her achievements amplify Bridgette's insecurities. Other recurring figures include coworkers like Josh's demanding boss at the video game studio, who drives work-related humor, and neighbors who facilitate community gags. The series also incorporates fantastical supporting elements, such as talking animals and surreal entities, to propel thematic comedy in dreamlike sequences.[24]

Voice cast

Principal voice actors

The principal voice cast of Close Enough features a mix of established animation talents and comedic performers, selected to bring authenticity and humor to the show's millennial characters navigating adulthood. J.G. Quintel, the series creator best known for voicing Mordecai in the Emmy-winning Regular Show (which he also created), leads the ensemble as Josh Singleton, the laid-back graphic designer and protagonist; Quintel also provides voices for various minor characters throughout the series, drawing on his experience in blending surreal comedy with relatable scenarios.[1] Gabrielle Walsh voices Emily Ramirez, Josh's ambitious wife and a corporate assistant.[1] Jason Mantzoukas lends his distinctive chaotic energy to Alex Dorpenberger, Josh's best friend, Bridgette's ex-husband, and a freelance journalist, channeling the improvisational comedic timing he honed as the hormone monster Jay Bilzerian in Netflix's Big Mouth.[25] James Adomian portrays Randall "Randy" Watson, Pearle's adopted son, the building's eccentric property manager, and a roommate, bringing his improvisational background from Comedy Bang! Bang! and impressions in MadTV to the role's quirky domesticity.[5] Jessica DiCicco voices Candice Singleton-Ramirez, the precocious daughter of Josh and Emily; known for her work voicing characters in Clarence and multiple siblings in The Loud House, DiCicco excels in capturing youthful energy.[26][27] Kimiko Glenn voices Bridgette Hashima, the sharp-witted neighbor, Emily's best friend, and Alex's ex-wife, infusing the character with the bubbly yet sarcastic flair from her roles as Brook Soso in Orange Is the New Black and Peni Parker in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.[1] Danielle Brooks rounds out the core group as Pearle Watson, Randy's tough, no-nonsense mother and retired cop, leveraging her dramatic depth from Orange Is the New Black (as Taystee) into animated sass.[28][29] Casting emphasized ensemble chemistry, with Quintel actively involved in auditions to ensure voices complemented the show's blend of absurdity and realism; sessions were conducted at studios in the Los Angeles area, including facilities tied to Cartoon Network Studios in Burbank, allowing for collaborative recordings that enhanced the performers' improvisational interplay.[12][30]

Guest stars

The Close Enough series incorporates numerous guest voice actors for one-off or limited appearances, adding flair to its satirical take on adulting and relationships. Prominent guests in Season 1 include "Weird Al" Yankovic voicing himself in episode 8, "The Canine Guy," where he delivers comically fatal inspiration to aspiring songwriters Emily and Bridgette.[31] David Hasselhoff also appears as himself in episode 6, "Clap Like This," participating in an absurd social media challenge that escalates into chaos.[32] Other notable Season 1 contributors are Noel Fielding as the eccentric snail Snailathan Gold in "Snailin' It," Dave Foley as the inept Dr. Ferguson in "So Long Boys," and George Lopez as the Wurst Bros. leader in "100% No Stress Day".[33][32][34] In Season 2, guests such as Rachel Bloom, Heidi Gardner, Keith David, and Cheri Oteri provide voices for thematic roles that poke fun at career pressures and social dynamics.[35] Season 3 features high-profile appearances including Henry Winkler as Alex's dad, along with Laraine Newman, John Early, Nikki Glaser, Debra Wilson, and Monét X. Change in various episodic spots.[4] These guest roles frequently portray exaggerated versions of the actors themselves or archetypal figures—like inspirational gurus or viral influencers—to heighten the humor and underscore the show's millennial absurdities, such as creative blocks or performative online culture. For instance, Yankovic's self-parody culminates in a darkly comedic demise that satirizes artistic obsession.[31] Guest appearances are distributed more heavily in Seasons 2 and 3 for narrative variety, building on the core ensemble, with roughly 20 such spots across the series' 24 episodes.[5] Casting decisions prioritized celebrities whose personas aligned with the satirical lens on millennial experiences, like fame and self-expression, and were integrated during production to fit specific episode arcs.[35]

Episodes

Season 1 (2020)

The first season of Close Enough premiered exclusively on HBO Max on July 9, 2020, comprising 8 episodes that introduce the series' central premise of millennial adulthood amid shared living arrangements. Each episode runs approximately 22 minutes, structured as two 11-minute segments to deliver compact, interconnected stories centered on family and roommate interactions, except for the final episode which is a single segment. The pilot, "Quilty Pleasures/The Perfect House," sets up the household dynamics by showcasing the characters' attempts to balance creative projects and domestic ideals while managing parenting duties.[36] The season's key arcs revolve around establishing the strains of parenthood and evolving friendships within the group, portraying the absurdities of transitioning into one's 30s through relatable yet exaggerated scenarios. For instance, "Logan's Run'd/Room Parents" examines youthful partying interrupted by adult realities and the hazards of school volunteering. Thematically, the episodes progress from foundational character conflicts to deeper reflections on maturity and compromise, incorporating humorous critiques of contemporary life, such as gaming rivalries in "Golden Gamer." Overall, the season earned an average rating of 8.5/10 on IMDb, praised for its sharp wit and character-driven comedy.[37][36]

Episode list

No. overallNo. in seasonSeg. 1 titleSeg. 1 descriptionSeg. 2 titleSeg. 2 description
11Quilty PleasuresJosh and Emily rush to complete a quilt for Candice's class project, leading to chaotic family bonding.The Perfect HouseEmily creates a fake family to tour open houses, highlighting idealized domestic dreams.[38]
22Logan's Run'dCandice's sleepover gives Josh and Emily a chance to party, but adult interruptions ensue.Room ParentsVolunteering as room parents exposes Emily to school dangers and Josh to awkward parenting.[39]
33Skate DadJosh teaches Candice skateboarding, facing father-daughter bonding challenges and mishaps.100% No Stress DayA routine errand reveals bizarre urban underbelly, testing the group's stress levels.[34]
44Prank WarJosh starts a prank war with roommates, escalating into dangerous antics that strain relationships.Cool MomsEmily tries to fit in with Candice's school moms, while the others help Randy with a scheme.
55Robot TutorA family vacation is ruined by Candice's need for tutoring, leading to a robotic intervention.Golden GamerJosh battles to finish a video game, confronting inner demons and rivalry.[40]
66So Long BoysA pregnancy scare prompts Josh to consider a vasectomy, exploring family planning fears.Clap Like ThisJosh pitches a game idea; Bridgette lands a quirky job involving applause.
77First DateJosh and Emily attempt to rekindle their romance on a date night.Snailin' ItEmily goes to extremes to spend quality time with Candice at a snail-paced event.
88The Canine GuyJosh feels disconnected from Alex and adopts a "companion"; Emily and Bridgette deal with band drama (single segment).[41]

Season 2 (2021)

The second season of Close Enough consists of eight episodes, each comprising two 11-minute segments, and was released in its entirety on HBO Max on February 25, 2021. This season builds on the foundational dynamics of the series by introducing more external conflicts, such as career pressures and family discoveries, while emphasizing the characters' ongoing struggles with millennial adulthood. Directed by J. G. Quintel and Calvin Wong, the episodes maintain the show's blend of relatable humor and absurd scenarios, with a focus on parenting challenges and social relationships.[42][43] Key narrative arcs in the season deepen the friendships among Josh, Emily, Alex, and Randy, showcasing collaborative mishaps like shared virtual reality escapades and time travel adventures, which highlight their evolving support systems. Parenting milestones are explored through Josh's fitness obsessions to keep up with Candice and innovative tools for communication. External tensions arise in storylines involving career ambitions, such as Emily's professional pitches, and personal regrets, exemplified in "Time Hooch," where time travel addresses past marital issues. These elements underscore themes of balancing adult responsibilities with lingering youthful impulses.[42][43] The season evolves the series' style with heightened surrealism, incorporating fantastical elements like haunted furniture, virtual worlds, and time hooch that amplify the humor around everyday issues. Guest star integrations expand the ensemble, featuring voices such as Rachel Bloom, Keith David, and Kate Micucci in roles that add fresh comedic layers to social and familial interactions. While specific viewership metrics for individual episodes are not publicly detailed, the season contributed to the show's growing cult following on the streaming platform.[42][35][43]
No. overallNo. in seasonSeg. 1 TitleSeg. 1 SummarySeg. 2 TitleSeg. 2 Summary
91Josh Gets ShreddedJosh obsessively gets fit to play with Candice, leading to extreme bodybuilding satire.Meet the FrackersRandy reunites with fracking birth parents threatening their home, exploring class and family.
102SaucefaceCandice builds a secret hot sauce business, delving into child entrepreneurship.Houseguest from HellEmily hosts an old friend who overstays, exaggerating adult friendship boundaries.
113Joint BreakJosh and Emily bond with neighbors over marijuana, clashing generations.Cyber MatrixThe group dives into VR fantasies, critiquing digital escapism.
124Haunted CouchBridgette's post-breakup couch is haunted, parodying ghosts and dating woes.Man UpJosh trains to handle crises alone, challenging gender roles.
135HandyRandy discovers handyman skills on a remote island adventure.BirthdazeJosh and Emily amp up Candice's birthday with chaotic surprises.
146Time HoochJosh and Alex time travel to fix Alex and Bridgette's marriage regrets.World's Greatest TeacherMr. Campbell schemes against a popular new teacher at school.
157Where'd You Go, Bridgette?Bridgette's disappearance sparks a search revealing her secret life.The Erotic Awakening of A.P. LaPearleAlex explores his sensual side through a pearle's erotic journey.
168Men Rock!Bridgette and Emily become rock stars in a foreign tour mishap.Secret HorseA mysterious horse inspires the gang's absurd communal quest.[42][18]

Season 3 (2022)

Season 3 serves as the concluding chapter for the series, released exclusively on HBO Max on April 7, 2022, comprising eight episodes with 15 individual segments, including a 22-minute Halloween special titled "Halloween Enough." This season intensifies the exploration of adulthood's challenges, resolving key arcs such as the group's evolving living arrangements, romantic reconciliations, and personal growth amid chaotic family life. The narratives build on prior setups, like the characters' ongoing struggles with parenting and relationships, while amplifying the surreal, absurd elements that define the show—such as interdimensional travels and historical interventions—to deliver humorous payoffs.[44] Episodes like "Halloween Enough" use spooky storytelling to blend horror and comedy. The finale, "The Perfect Couple / Match Made in Valhalla," wraps major threads with afterlife adventures, emphasizing themes of found family and acceptance. No renewal was announced following the season's release, and HBO Max cancelled the series on July 15, 2022.[45][46] The season's episodes escalate in absurdity, often juxtaposing everyday dilemmas with fantastical twists, such as school revolutions or survival challenges, to underscore the characters' resilience in navigating millennial parenthood and friendships.
No. in seasonSegmentTitleSummary
1a1aWhere the Buffalo RoamJosh and Emily's honeymoon windfall leads to cabin survival chaos with wildlife.[47]
1b1bVenice VengeanceBridgette faces a high school rival at the beach, involving Candice in grudge matches.[47]
2a2aHellspitalAlex's illness turns a hospital visit into nightmarish medical comedy.[47]
2b2bCandice Candice RevolutionCandice leads a school revolt against a strict principal, echoing historical uprisings.[47]
3a3aRandy Free SolosRandy free-solos a climb for validation, confronting his recklessness.[47]
3b3bSummer JobCandice's arcade job brings workplace absurdities and ethical choices.[47]
4a4aBridgette the BrainBridgette's intelligence boost for career gains causes extreme side effects.[47]
4b4bNever Meet Your HeroesJosh meets his inventor idol, facing disillusionment and growth.[47]
5a5aRobots with BenefitsThe group experiments with AI companions, exploring tech in relationships.
5b5bThe Weird KidInteractions with an odd child highlight social awkwardness and empathy.
6a6aLegend of the PierA pier legend draws the gang into mythical local lore and adventure.
6b6bBike & SurviveAlex's exercise bike leads to cult-like obsession and group intervention.
77Halloween Enough (Halloween Special)Thunderstorm forces indoor Halloween with scary stories from the gang (single 22-min segment).[48]
8a8aThe Perfect CoupleJosh and Emily befriend another couple, sparking jealousy in their group.[47]
8b8bMatch Made in ValhallaRandy's near-death sends him to Valhalla for romantic closure and bonds (series finale).[47]

Release

Premiere and platforms

Close Enough premiered exclusively on HBO Max on July 9, 2020, with all 8 episodes of the first season released simultaneously to allow for binge-watching.[49] The series was produced as a streaming original by Cartoon Network Studios for the WarnerMedia platform, marking J.G. Quintel's first project following the conclusion of Regular Show. Subsequent seasons adhered to the same drop model, with season 2 consisting of 8 episodes premiering on February 25, 2021, and season 3 featuring 8 episodes released on April 7, 2022.[35] All content was accessible via the HBO Max app and website during its run.[3] The platform underwent significant changes following the 2022 Warner Bros. Discovery merger; Close Enough was removed from HBO Max in August 2022 as part of a broader content purge.[50] HBO Max rebranded to Max in May 2023, integrating Discovery+ content, but the series was not part of the updated library.[51] In summer 2025, Max reverted to the HBO Max name, though Close Enough remains unavailable on the service.[52] Marketing for the premiere included official trailers released by HBO Max in June 2020, which highlighted Quintel's distinctive surreal and comedic style akin to his work on Regular Show.[53] The campaign positioned the show as an adult-oriented animated sitcom exploring millennial life transitions. During its tenure on HBO Max, Close Enough was streamed in high definition with options for subtitles and closed captions to support viewer accessibility. The series launched without a traditional linear television broadcast.[3]

Broadcast history

Originally developed for TBS as part of an animation block in 2017, Close Enough faced significant delays and was ultimately shelved before shifting to HBO Max for its streaming debut in 2020.[54] The series made its U.S. linear television premiere on TBS on October 25, 2021, as part of the network's Front Row programming block shared with TNT, airing episodes from the first season in a weekly format.[55] By 2023, seasons 1 and 2 had been broadcast on TBS, providing traditional cable access following the initial streaming run.[56] Internationally, Close Enough began airing on linear television channels under Warner Bros. Discovery partnerships starting in 2021, including on Cartoon Network's adult blocks in select European and Asian markets. In France, it premiered on Warner TV Next (formerly Toonami France) with a localized French dub as part of its adult animation lineup. Similarly, a Latin American Spanish dub supported broadcasts in Spanish-speaking regions, while dubs in languages such as German and Italian facilitated distribution across Europe. These TV airings complemented the show's earlier availability on Netflix outside the U.S. from September 2020 until its removal in May 2023.[57])) As of 2025, Close Enough has seen limited syndication updates, with no major new cable deals reported, though episodes remain accessible via digital purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV in various markets. The shift from its TBS origins to HBO Max (now Max) enabled broader international reach, but linear TV distribution has remained focused on regional Warner channels without widespread expansion.[9][10]

Reception

Critical response

Close Enough received positive critical reception upon its debut, with Season 1 earning a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 17 reviews, where critics praised its blend of absurd humor and relatable millennial experiences.[8] The series holds a Metacritic score of 74 out of 100 from six reviews, indicating generally favorable response for its energetic storytelling. On IMDb, it maintains an average rating of 7.8 out of 10 from over 14,000 user votes, reflecting sustained appreciation for its comedic style.[1] Critics highlighted the show's authentic portrayal of young adulthood, with The A.V. Club lauding its exploration of "adulting" challenges like parenthood and nostalgia, describing it as making the meme-like concept "more than a meme" through offbeat, nonsensical humor reminiscent of creator J.G. Quintel's Regular Show, though noting that the dual-plot structure in episodes contributed to a rushed feel that interrupted development.[58] The Hollywood Reporter commended the animation's high quality and sharp, relatable gags, noting its mature evolution from Quintel's earlier work while evoking comparisons to shows like The Life & Times of Tim.[23] IGN awarded Season 1 a 7 out of 10, appreciating its frequent laughs and heartfelt distractions amid everyday absurdities, though it fell short of Regular Show's inventive highs.[59] Thematically, reviewers acclaimed Close Enough for its nuanced depiction of parenthood and friendships, balancing chaotic surrealism with grounded millennial struggles such as career pressures and social dynamics in Los Angeles.[60] Mashable emphasized its specificity in capturing relatable problems that escalate into absurdist scenarios, positioning it as a timely reflection of 2020s existential weirdness.[60] Publications like Animation for Adults noted its youthful energy in portraying parental life, distinguishing it from more conventional family animations by maintaining characters' vibrant interests beyond child-rearing.[61] While initial 2020 buzz celebrated its fresh take on adult animation, Seasons 2 and 3 received limited critical coverage, with Rotten Tomatoes lacking sufficient reviews for Tomatometer scores. By the 2022 finale, reception remained positive but tempered, with the series praised for maturing Quintel's style yet tapering in critical fervor amid broader streaming content saturation.

Audience reception

Close Enough garnered positive audience reception, particularly among young adults, with an IMDb user rating of 7.8 out of 10 based on over 14,000 votes.[1] On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an audience score of 90% as of November 2025, reflecting strong approval for its blend of surreal humor and relatable scenarios.[2] Audience demand for the show has consistently exceeded the average, measuring 6.4 times that of typical U.S. TV series in recent analyses by Parrot Analytics.[62] Fans have praised the series for its appeal to viewers in their 20s and 30s, capturing the challenges of "adulting" through everyday absurdities like parenting and relationships, often drawing comparisons to creator J.G. Quintel's earlier work Regular Show.[63] User reviews frequently highlight the humor's relatability, with one noting it as a "fresh take on modern living" that is "quirky and super fun."[64] The show's surreal gags have inspired memes and online discussions, contributing to its niche popularity within adult animation communities.[22] By its 2022 cancellation, Close Enough had developed a dedicated cult following, as acknowledged by Quintel himself, who expressed gratitude for the audience's support despite the abrupt end.[45] The series received one award nomination, for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production at the 2021 Annie Awards. Although it did not receive major awards, the series maintains a solid fanbase into 2025, influencing conversations on millennial life struggles and retaining appeal among former Regular Show enthusiasts.[65] Its removal from HBO Max in 2022 only amplified grassroots advocacy, underscoring its cultural resonance in niche circles.[66]

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