Watch Ten-Year-Old Tom

Ten-Year-Old Tom is a hilarious and quirky animated comedy series exclusively available on HBO Max. Helmed by Steve Dildarian, the creator of The Life & Times of Tim, the show is set in a suburban town and revolves around the titular character Tommy, a 10-year-old boy with a wild imagination but a limited attention span.

Tommy is voiced by Dildarian himself and he perfectly captures the confused and innocent demeanor of a young boy trying to navigate his way through the world. He is often seen daydreaming, coming up with absurd scenarios, trying to win over his crush, and generally getting into trouble. However, Tommy is far from being the only wacky character in this show.

The cast of Ten-Year-Old Tom is made up of a fantastic ensemble of voice actors who bring to life personalities ranging from bizarre neighbors to outlandish teachers. Edi Patterson voices Mrs. Doogan, Tommy's straight-laced and intimidating science teacher who is always quick to shut down Tommy's flights of fancy. Byron Bowers voices Tommy's father, a man who is so obsessed with his job as a dentist that he often forgets he has children. Meanwhile, aunt Jean has a tendency to one-up everyone with her elaborate stories, and her boyfriend lives in a treehouse.

The humor in the show is both absurd and relatable, as it touches on themes such as family dynamics, school life, and the monotony of everyday routines. One episode sees Tommy and his classmates taking part in a science fair, where their inventions range from a cloud-making machine to a robotic hand powered by a hamster wheel. Another episode centers around a heated rivalry between Tommy and his neighbor over who has the better treehouse. The show's irreverent take on these mundane situations is what sets it apart and makes it so endearing.

Visually, the show is a treat to watch. The animation style is reminiscent of Dildarian's previous work, with simplistic character designs and bright colors that help emphasize the absurdist nature of the humor. Additionally, the show employs clever visual gags and sight gags, such as Tommy's daydream sequences, to add a layer of humor to the already hilarious script.

One of the show's strengths is its ability to balance its absurdity with genuine heart. Despite the ridiculous situations that Tommy finds himself in, there are genuine moments of tenderness and relatability. The relationship between Tommy and his father, despite his dad's workaholic tendencies, is a source of genuine affection and warmth. Meanwhile, Tommy's attempts to win over his crush may be over-the-top, but his earnestness is undeniably endearing.

In terms of humor and tone, Ten-Year-Old Tom occupies a similar space as other animated comedies like Bob's Burgers and Steven Universe. Fans of those shows will find plenty to love here, as the show employs similar methods of subverting audience expectations and playing with viewer sympathies. However, Ten-Year-Old Tom also boasts a fresh and distinct voice that sets it apart from its contemporaries.

All in all, Ten-Year-Old Tom is an absolute delight of a show. It's funny, heartwarming, and filled with absurd situations that will have you laughing out loud. The talented cast of voice actors brings the characters to life in a way that feels authentic and genuine, and the animation style adds an extra layer of whimsy to the already delightful script. If you're in the mood for a show that will make you laugh and warm your heart, then be sure to give Ten-Year-Old Tom a watch on HBO Max.