Midnight Gospel: Netflix's Psychedelic Animated Podcast Series
Netflix released the animated series 'Midnight Gospel' on April 20, 2020, created by Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell. The show follows Clancy, a spacecaster who uses a universe simulator to interview fantastical creatures for his podcast. Each episode features celebrity voices including Buddhist master David Nichtern and YouTube mortician Caitlin Doughty. The series blends philosophical discussions on Eastern religions, drug use, Jewish esotericism, and meditation with psychedelic visuals inspired by Moebius, Jodorowsky's 'The Incal', Felix Colgrave, and Japanese horror animation. Critics note the show's New Age leanings and the commercial backgrounds of its guests, but praise its unique visual style.
Key facts
- Released on Netflix on April 20, 2020
- Created by Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell
- Protagonist Clancy is a spacecaster with a universe simulator
- Features interviews with fantastical creatures voiced by celebrities
- Visual references include Moebius, Jodorowsky, Felix Colgrave
- Themes include Eastern religions, drugs, meditation, Jewish esotericism
- Episode includes avatar of Clancy as Abraxas
- Criticized for New Age superficiality and guests' show business ties
Entities
Artists
- Pendleton Ward
- Duncan Trussell
- David Nichtern
- Caitlin Doughty
- Moebius
- Alejandro Jodorowsky
- Felix Colgrave
- Valerio Veneruso
Institutions
- Netflix
- Adult Swim
- Artribune
Locations
- United States