Carol & the End of the World
Carol & the End of the World
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Carol & the End of the World

7.3
Yr 2023
Status Ended
Animation Comedy Drama Sci-Fi & Fantasy
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Series Brief

Overview

As a planetary apocalypse looms, a woman struggling to embrace end-times chaos searches for meaning in her last months on Earth.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 85 /100

Critics broadly praised Carol & the End of the World as a moving, thoughtful, and unique entry in apocalyptic television. Rather than focusing on chaotic end-times spectacle or typical sci-fi tropes, reviewers highlighted how the adult animated series admirably diverges from narrative expectations to deliver a patient, meditative exploration of routine, mortality, and human connection.

The show's quiet focus on an office job amidst global annihilation was frequently singled out as a clever critique of modern society. Outlets commended creator Dan Guterman for balancing silly humor with existential weight, crafting a narrative that feels remarkably affirming, poignant, and grounded despite its end-of-the-world premise.

While some noted that the deliberate pacing and modest visual aesthetic might not suit viewers looking for high-octane action, critics agreed that the compelling characters and distinct emotional rhythm make it a standout, rewarding watch.

“admirably diverges from genre convention and narrative expectations”

“this is a patient, meditative series about what it means to be a person living among other people”

“A Joyous Series About Finding Life Before Death”

“strikes that contemporary desire to live vicariously through characters undergoing catastrophic life changes”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Netflix
US • CA • UK
Why fans love it

Most apocalyptic stories lean into sheer panic, but *Carol & the End of the World* finds a different rhythm in the face of planetary extinction. Released in 2023, this adult animation miniseries balances drama, sci-fi fantasy, and comedy while society unravels. Rather than diving into hedonism or wild end-times chaos, the narrative slows down to examine one quiet life during Earth's final months.

Martha Kelly gives voice to a protagonist who feels utterly out of step with a world burning its candle at both ends. The show succeeds by turning a massive global catastrophe into an intimate, reflective search for meaning. By focusing on mundane routines and quiet moments instead of grand survival gestures, the series delivers an unusual blend of humor and existential gravity.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 5
Longest run 10 eps
Martha Kelly
Martha Kelly
as Carol (voice)
10 episodes
Delbert Hunt
as (voice)
4 episodes
Michael Chernus
Michael Chernus
as Eric (voice)
3 episodes
Kurtwood Smith
Kurtwood Smith
as (voice)
1 episode
Megan Mullally
Megan Mullally
as (voice)
2 episodes
Bridget Everett
Bridget Everett
as Elena (voice)
3 episodes
Sean Giambrone
Sean Giambrone
as Steven (voice)
3 episodes
Tom Kenny
Tom Kenny
as (voice)
1 episode
Show 67 more
Matt Lowe as (voice) 1 episode Kyle Chapple as (voice) 2 episodes Misty Lee as (voice) 2 episodes Phil Hendrie as (voice) 1 episode David Kaye as (voice) 2 episodes Fred Tatasciore as (voice) 2 episodes Shelby Young as (voice) 6 episodes Madeleine Curry as (voice) 2 episodes Patty Mattson as (voice) 2 episodes Tyreese Burnett as (voice) 2 episodes Weston Mangels as (voice) 1 episode Scott Adsit as (voice) 2 episodes Regi Davis as (voice) 1 episode Anndi McAfee as (voice) 2 episodes Kim Yarbrough as (voice) 1 episode Jeannie Elias as (voice) 1 episode Kaitlyn Robrock as (voice) 1 episode James Atkinson as (voice) 3 episodes John Bentley as (voice) 1 episode Laurie Metcalf as HR Lady (voice) 3 episodes Loudon Wainwright III as (voice) 3 episodes Gillian Jacobs as (voice) 1 episode Matt Walsh as (voice) 2 episodes Tim Heidecker as (voice) 5 episodes Pej Vahdat as (voice) 1 episode Ian Roberts as (voice) 2 episodes Matt Besser as (voice) 1 episode Zeno Robinson as (voice) 1 episode Andrea Anders as (voice) 1 episode Michael Kostroff as (voice) 1 episode Jane Becker as (voice) 1 episode Anders Holst as (voice) 1 episode Natalie Peyser as (voice) 1 episode Sylvianne Chebance as (voice) 1 episode Javier Grajeda as (voice) 2 episodes Gonzalo Bouza as (voice) 1 episode Vanessa Conde as (voice) 1 episode Jason Spisak as (voice) 1 episode Alison Brie as (voice) 1 episode James Urbaniak as (voice) 2 episodes Stephen Colbert as (voice) 1 episode Sunkrish Bala as (voice) 2 episodes Reggie De Leon as (voice) 1 episode Arif S. Kinchen as (voice) 1 episode Paul Yen as (voice) 2 episodes Kyle McCarley as (voice) 2 episodes Eric Bauza as (voice) 2 episodes Ian James Corlett as (voice) 1 episode Jenn Wong as (voice) 2 episodes David Shatraw as (voice) 1 episode Jennie Kwan as (voice) 1 episode Ashly Burch as (voice) 2 episodes April Ortiz as (voice) 1 episode Ato Blankson-Wood as (voice) 1 episode Brandon Fobbs as (voice) 1 episode Anders Garrett as (voice) 1 episode Afi Ekulona as (voice) 1 episode Secunda Wood as (voice) 1 episode Hunter LaMar as (voice) 1 episode Chaunte Wayans as (voice) 1 episode Anna Graves as (voice) 1 episode Fred Armisen as (voice) 1 episode Phillip Wilburn as (voice) 1 episode Beth Grant as Pauline (voice) 4 episodes Lawrence Pressman as Bernard (voice) 4 episodes Kimberly Hébert Gregory as Donna (voice) 6 episodes Mel Rodriguez as Luis (voice) 5 episodes
Signal Match

Similarity

Where Carol & the End of the World overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

end of the world miniseries planet extinction adult animation search for meaning
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
December 15, 2023
Status
Ended
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
107