Watch Ultra City Smiths

Ultra City Smiths is a stop-motion animation series that premiered on AMC+ in 2021. The show was created by Steve Conrad, who previously worked on shows like Patriot and Perpetual Grace LTD. The series features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Julian Barratt, Kristen Bell, and Chris Conrad, amongst others.

Ultra City Smiths is a unique blend of genres that combines noir-mystery, comedy, satire, and musical elements in a refreshing way. The show is set in a fictional metropolis called Ultra City, where a murky murder investigation takes center stage. The death of a prominent politician sparks a chain of events that brings together various characters with their own agendas and secrets to unravel.

In this stop-motion world, everyone is a puppet, but their personalities come through in their vocal performances. The animation style is reminiscent of classic 1960s shows like Thunderbirds and is very captivating visually. The intricate details of the sets, lighting, and camera work are a testament to the creativity of the animators and production team.

The protagonist of the show is Detective David Mills (voiced by Jimmi Simpson), a cop with a heart of gold, who is on a mission to uncover the truth behind the murder of a mayoral candidate. Along the way, he meets various eccentric characters, including a missing actor who may have the answers he seeks. The investigation turns out to be much more complicated than he initially thought, and results in him questioning his own beliefs and morals.

Other notable characters include Christina Hendricks as an ambitious journalist, Kristen Bell as a grieving mother, and Terry O'Quinn as a wealthy industrialist. Each character brings their own motives and layers to the story and adds to the show's overall tone.

The show's standout feature is the incredible musical interludes that play throughout each episode. The soundtrack is a mix of original songs, covers, and parodies, all performed by the cast. The songs are catchy, fun, and add a layer of absurdity to the dark and twisted narrative.

Overall, Ultra City Smiths is a show that is not afraid to take risks and makes for a refreshing addition to the cop-mystery genre. It's a fantastic blend of genres that shouldn't work as well as it does. The characters are multifaceted, the music is addictive, and the animation style is impeccable. The only downside is that the first season consists of only six episodes, which don't feel like enough to fully explore the complex world and characters.

In conclusion, Ultra City Smiths is a must-watch show for fans of stop-motion animation, unconventional storytelling, and experimental genre mashups. The show is definitely not for everyone, but for those who appreciate innovative storytelling and visual art, it is a gem that shouldn't be missed.

Ultra City Smiths is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between July 22, 2021 and on AMC+