Final Space
Final Space is an American adult animated science fiction comedy television series created by Olan Rogers that aired from 2018 to 2021.[1] The show follows astronaut Gary Goodspeed, who is serving a 5-year prison sentence aboard the Galaxy One spaceship, as he befriends Mooncake, an adorable alien with planet-destroying capabilities, and embarks on interstellar adventures to thwart the villainous Lord Commander and unravel the mysteries of "Final Space," a realm at the universe's edge.[1] Premiering on TBS on February 26, 2018, the series ran for three seasons totaling 36 episodes before being canceled due to the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger.[1][2] Developed by Rogers, who also voices the protagonist Gary and drew inspiration from his own life experiences, Final Space blends humor, action, and emotional depth in a serialized format reminiscent of classic space operas like Guardians of the Galaxy.[3] The voice cast includes notable talents such as Fred Armisen as KVN, the ship's annoying AI companion, Tika Sumpter as Captain Quinn Ergon, and David Tennant as the antagonist Lord Commander, contributing to the show's dynamic character interactions and heartfelt storytelling. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired initially on TBS before shifting to Adult Swim for its final seasons, the series received critical acclaim for its animation style, voice performances, and balance of comedy and drama, earning an 8.2/10 rating on IMDb from over 50,000 users.[1] The unfinished storyline from the television series is set to conclude in the 2025 graphic novel Final Space: The Final Chapter.[4]Synopsis and characters
Plot
Final Space follows astronaut Gary Goodspeed, who is serving a five-year prison sentence aboard the Galaxy One spaceship for petty crimes such as impersonating an officer, where he befriends the cute but immensely powerful alien Mooncake, capable of opening portals to the enigmatic and destructive dimension known as Final Space.[1][5][6] This bond propels Gary, Mooncake, and eventual allies like Captain Quinn Ergon into a high-stakes intergalactic quest to prevent Final Space from consuming the universe, blending themes of profound friendship, personal loss, and cosmic horror throughout their serialized adventures.[7][8] In the first season, Gary's routine isolation is shattered when he discovers Mooncake's planet-destroying abilities, drawing the attention of the villainous Lord Commander and forcing an escape from the Galaxy One that forges the core Team Squad while uncovering initial clues about Final Space's threat.[9][10][6] The narrative escalates in the second season as the crew acquires a new ship and AI companion, embarking on a mission to liberate the ancient Titan Bolo from imprisonment, incorporating time travel elements that deepen the conflict with the Lord Commander and reveal layers of betrayal and temporal manipulation tied to Gary's past.[11][12] The third season builds to a climactic confrontation involving the Titans and the malevolent entity Invictus, the true architect behind Final Space's expansion, as Team Squad grapples with sacrifices and alliances to contain the dimension's apocalyptic reach.[13][14] The series concludes in its 2021 finale with Gary and Quinn's desperate final stand against Invictus, delivering a bittersweet resolution that underscores the enduring cost of their friendships amid universe-saving heroism.[15]Cast and characters
The protagonist of Final Space is Gary Goodspeed, an optimistic and somewhat naive human astronaut serving a prison sentence aboard the spaceship Galaxy One for petty crimes, who becomes central to the series' intergalactic conflicts through his unbreakable spirit and loyalty to his found family.[1] Voiced by series creator Olan Rogers, Gary's character embodies a mix of humor, vulnerability, and growth, often driving the narrative with his impulsive decisions and heartfelt bonds. His companion, Mooncake, is an adorable, cake-like alien creature known as Specimen E-351, possessing immense destructive power including the ability to fire antimatter energy blasts capable of obliterating planets, yet displaying childlike innocence and loyalty to Gary. Mooncake is voiced by Olan Rogers in a distinctive, high-pitched creature style that underscores his endearing yet perilous nature.[16][17] Quinn Ergon serves as a key ally and romantic interest for Gary, portrayed as a dedicated and resourceful officer in the Infinity Guard, a galactic law enforcement organization, who transitions from a skeptical enforcer focused on protocol to a courageous leader willing to defy authority for the greater good.[1][18] Voiced by Tika Sumpter, Quinn's development highlights her internal conflicts between duty and personal connections, making her a pivotal figure in the team's survival efforts. The series features a diverse ensemble of recurring characters that enrich the crew dynamics. Avocato, a skilled Ventrexian bounty hunter and former antagonist turned steadfast friend, provides paternal guidance and combat expertise, evolving from a hardened mercenary haunted by his past to a devoted protector of his son, Little Cato.[1] He is voiced by Coty Galloway, whose performance captures Avocato's gruff exterior and underlying warmth.[19] KVN, an insufferably cheerful and malfunctioning maintenance robot, often serves as comic relief through his oblivious enthusiasm and misguided helpfulness, frequently irritating the crew while occasionally proving unexpectedly useful.[1] Voiced by Fred Armisen, KVN's portrayal amplifies his annoying yet oddly endearing robotic personality.[20] Nightfall, an alternate-timeline variant of Quinn from a dystopian future, brings maturity and strategic insight to the group, marked by her scarred appearance and unwavering determination to avert catastrophe, also voiced by Tika Sumpter to emphasize her connection to the primary Quinn.[1] HUE (Holistic, Uplifting, Experience), the sarcastic AI system of the Galaxy One, offers dry wit and navigational support but grapples with its programmed limitations and emerging sentience.[1] Tom Kenny provides HUE's voice in a monotone, AI-inflected delivery that conveys both reliability and subtle disdain.[21] Antagonists drive much of the series' tension and cosmic stakes. The Lord Commander, a ruthless and power-hungry villain leading a vast army, seeks to harness Mooncake's abilities for domination, characterized by his manipulative tactics and unyielding ambition that mask deeper insecurities.[1] He is voiced by David Tennant, whose sophisticated yet menacing tone enhances the character's chilling authority.[22] Invictus, the ancient, god-like entity embodying the chaotic dimension of Final Space itself, represents an existential threat with its corrupting influence and immense, reality-warping power, serving as the overarching force behind the universe's perils.[1] The cast includes notable guest stars who add flavor to specific arcs. Ron Funches voices Fox, a flamboyant and hedonistic Infinity Guard superior whose over-the-top demeanor contrasts the crew's seriousness.[23] "Weird Al" Yankovic lends his voice to Tribore Menendez, a flamboyant resistance leader whose eccentric personality and musical flair provide levity amid rebellion efforts.[23]Production
Development
Final Space was created by Olan Rogers, who drew inspiration from his personal life experiences, including his passion for sci-fi shared with his father, to craft a story about friendship, adventure, and loss in space.[24] In 2016, Rogers independently produced and released a five-minute short film pilot on YouTube, featuring the character Gary Goodspeed, which quickly gained over 3 million views and caught the attention of industry figures.[25][26] This viral success led to Rogers pitching the concept to Conan O'Brien's Conaco production company, which helped refine and present it to networks.[27] Following the short's positive reception, development accelerated in 2016 with Warner Bros. Television involvement, where Rogers took on multiple roles as creator, writer, director, executive producer, and voice actor for protagonist Gary Goodspeed.[28] In December 2016, TBS issued a straight-to-series order for 10 episodes, bypassing a traditional pilot due to the short's promise, with production shifting to full animation under studios like ShadowMachine.[28][29] The series drew influences from Guardians of the Galaxy for its ragtag space crew dynamics and Rick and Morty for its blend of irreverent humor and emotional depth, aiming to carve a niche in adult animation.[30] Early challenges included striking a balance between comedy and heartfelt drama, a tonal mix Rogers described as central to his vision but difficult to execute in animation.[31] Securing funding for an original adult animated series also proved arduous amid a competitive landscape dominated by established franchises, requiring persistent pitching and partnerships to greenlight the project.[32] Following the series' conclusion in 2021, creator Olan Rogers announced in 2023 plans for a graphic novel, Final Space: The Final Chapter, to resolve the storyline, with production updates shared as of 2025 including pre-orders and soundtrack integration.[33]Casting
Olan Rogers, the creator of Final Space, cast himself in the lead role of astronaut Gary Goodspeed, drawing from his personal vision for the character's manic and heartfelt personality to infuse authenticity into the performance.[34] Tika Sumpter was selected for the role of Captain Quinn Ergon, providing a strong, determined voice that complements Gary's chaotic energy and anchors the show's emotional core.[35] The ensemble voice cast was assembled with a focus on blending comedic timing and dramatic range to support the series' mix of humor and high-stakes sci-fi. Coty Galloway voices the Ventrexian warrior Avocato, bringing gravelly intensity and vulnerability to the role, marking one of his early major animation credits after work in short films and YouTube projects.[36] Steven Yeun lends his versatile delivery to Little Cato, Avocato's son, adding youthful determination and emotional depth. Tom Kenny, a veteran of animated comedy, voices the ship's AI H.U.E., delivering dry wit that contrasts the crew's turmoil. Fred Armisen voices the irritating robot companion KVN, channeling manic, over-the-top energy that heightens the show's comedic exasperation.[37] Rogers also provides the high-pitched, childlike utterances for the adorable yet dangerous alien Mooncake, emphasizing the character's deceptive innocence.[38] Notable guest and recurring roles featured high-profile talent to elevate key antagonists and allies. David Tennant was cast as the villainous Lord Commander, his commanding Scottish timbre and dramatic flair making the character a chilling presence throughout the series.[5] In season 2, Ashly Burch joined as the powerful and conflicted Ash Graven, her performance capturing the character's tragic complexity and ties to the larger mythology. Other recurring voices included Keith David as the wise Titan Bolo and Ron Funches as the loyal resistance fighter Fox, adding gravitas and humor to the ensemble.[1] The casting process involved traditional auditions and chemistry tests to ensure vocal synergy among the leads, with Rogers actively participating in selections to align with the show's tone of irreverent adventure blended with heartfelt bonds. Open calls were utilized for supporting roles, allowing newcomers to submit animated audition tapes that demonstrated range in improvised sci-fi scenarios. Challenges arose with celebrity scheduling, particularly for international talent like Tennant, requiring coordinated remote sessions. The production intentionally sought a diverse mix of voice actors, combining comedy veterans like Armisen and Kenny with emerging talents like Galloway and established performers from varied backgrounds such as Sumpter and Yeun, to reflect the show's inclusive intergalactic crew.[39] Across seasons, casting evolved to accommodate story arcs, with no major recasts but strategic additions like Burch in season 2 to expand the villainous lore. Season 3 faced significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting guest star availability as many lacked professional recording setups; actors resorted to home recordings in makeshift spaces like closets, and some planned high-profile cameos were replaced with in-house talent to maintain production momentum.[39] These adaptations preserved the show's vocal dynamism, ensuring the casting choices continued to shape its blend of absurdity and pathos.Animation
The animation for Final Space was produced by ShadowMachine in Los Angeles, which handled storyboards and compositing, in partnership with Jam Filled Entertainment in Ottawa, Canada, for the core animation work. The series utilized Toon Boom Harmony software for its 2D animation components and Autodesk Maya for integrating 3D elements, such as spaceships and visual effects, to achieve a dynamic sci-fi look.[27] This hybrid technique supported the show's distinctive visual style, combining bold, expressive 2D character designs with immersive 3D environments to blend comedic exaggeration and cosmic dread. The production pipeline featured U.S. oversight of the Canadian-based animation process, facilitating the creation of standard 22-minute episodes that captured the series' intergalactic scale and eldritch horror elements, including the portrayal of ancient Titans as both adorable and terrifying.[27][40] Over the three seasons, the animation evolved with enhanced fluidity in action sequences and greater visual ambition, reflecting refinements in the pipeline and budget-driven expansions in scope, such as more elaborate space battles and horror depictions.[41]Music
The music for Final Space features an original score that combines orchestral arrangements with electronic synthesizers to evoke the series' blend of emotional depth and sci-fi adventure. Composers Shelby Merry and Jake Sidwell handled the score for season 1, incorporating character-specific motifs such as the playful, whimsical tune associated with Mooncake, heard in tracks like "Mooncake is the Key." For season 2, Shelby Merry and Andrew Goodwin composed the score. For season 3, Jake Sidwell and Andrew Goodwin returned, with Dodie as a guest composer for select pieces.[42][43][44] The opening theme, "Final Space (Title Theme)," is an instrumental piece that sets the series' cosmic and introspective mood, reflecting protagonist Gary Goodspeed's isolation in space. Performed and produced as part of the core score, it captures the loneliness central to Gary's arc through its melancholic melody and expansive arrangement. Additional vocal tracks, such as "When the Night Is Long" featuring singer-songwriter Shelby Merry, integrate lyrics that echo themes of solitude and yearning, enhancing key emotional moments.[45][46] Sound design plays a crucial role in immersing viewers in the universe, with custom effects for alien creatures and intense space battles that mix futuristic whooshes, laser blasts, and explosive impacts to heighten action sequences. The team, including sound designer James Singleton, crafted these elements to complement the score's sci-fi aesthetic. Diegetic music is woven into the narrative, such as in-universe performances like the heartfelt song "Mother," sung by a character to convey familial bonds within the story.[47][48] The official soundtrack album for season 1, Final Space: Season 1 (Original Television Soundtrack), was released digitally on August 11, 2020, by WaterTower Music, featuring 26 tracks including the title theme, "lightfold!," and "Gary's New Arm." No full albums were produced for seasons 2 or 3, though select pieces from the latter, such as the finale's poignant "At Last" composed by guest artist Dodie, have been noted for their emotional resonance in closing the series.[42][49]Broadcast and episodes
Airing history
Final Space premiered on TBS in the United States on February 26, 2018.[1] The series ran for three seasons totaling 36 episodes, concluding on June 14, 2021.[50] Season 1 consisted of 10 episodes, airing from February 26 to May 7, 2018, on TBS, with some scheduling gaps and early previews on TNT and online prior to full TBS broadcast.[51] Season 2 expanded to 13 episodes and shifted its initial broadcast to Adult Swim starting June 24, 2019, with encores on TBS the following week, running through September 23, 2019.[52] Season 3, also 13 episodes, premiered on Adult Swim on March 20, 2021, and on TBS on April 19, 2021, with the finale airing on June 14, 2021; production and airing were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[44][53] In terms of viewership, the Season 1 premiere drew 681,000 viewers, establishing a strong debut for the animated series on TBS.[54] The first season averaged 458,000 viewers overall.[55] Season 2 saw an increase, averaging 577,000 viewers and marking a series high in the 18-49 demographic with a 0.30 rating.[56] Subsequent viewership declined in Season 3, averaging approximately 307,000 viewers per episode.[56] Following its TBS and Adult Swim runs, the series became available for streaming on Netflix, contributing to its broader audience reach.[57] Internationally, Final Space aired on Adult Swim in the United Kingdom starting in 2019.[29] Netflix handled global distribution outside the U.S., debuting Season 1 on July 20, 2018, with subsequent seasons following; the platform offered regional dubs and subtitles to adapt the series for various markets.[58]Season 1
The first season centers on Gary Goodspeed's daring escape from the Galaxy One prison ship alongside the enigmatic alien Mooncake, as they assemble a crew and navigate interstellar dangers tied to Mooncake's destructive secret.[1] This 10-episode season, each running about 22 minutes, was directed primarily by supervising director Mike Roberts and produced under Olan Rogers' vision with animation by Studio Mir.[59]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Air date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chapter One | Mike Roberts | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | February 26, 2018 |
| 2 | Chapter Two | Mike Roberts & Dan O'Connor | Olan Rogers, David Sacks & Jane Becker | March 5, 2018 |
| 3 | Chapter Three | Ben Bjelajac | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | March 12, 2018 |
| 4 | Chapter Four | Mike Roberts | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | March 19, 2018 |
| 5 | Chapter Five | Chris Paluszek | Adam Stein, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | March 26, 2018 |
| 6 | Chapter Six | Ben Bjelajac | Alyssa Lane, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | April 9, 2018 |
| 7 | Chapter Seven | Chris Paluszek | Christopher Amick & Ben Mekler | April 16, 2018 |
| 8 | Chapter Eight | Mike Roberts | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | April 23, 2018 |
| 9 | Chapter Nine | Ben Bjelajac | Adam Stein | April 30, 2018 |
| 10 | Chapter Ten | Mike Roberts | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | May 7, 2018 |
Season 2
In the second season, the narrative incorporates time jumps after the first season's cliffhanger, bringing back the Lord Commander as a central antagonist while the crew grapples with fractured timelines and personal demons in their quest to save the universe.[1] Spanning 13 episodes of approximately 22 minutes each, the season shifted to supervising director Ben Bjelajac and featured expanded writing contributions for more intricate plots.[59]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Air date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | The Toro Regatta | Ben Bjelajac | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | June 24, 2019 |
| 12 | The Happy Place | Yoriaki Mochizuki | Dan O'Keefe, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | July 1, 2019 |
| 13 | The Grand Surrender | Anne Walker Farrell | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | July 8, 2019 |
| 14 | The Other Side | Ben Bjelajac | Dan O'Keefe, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | July 15, 2019 |
| 15 | The Notorious Mrs. Goodspeed | Yoriaki Mochizuki | Cameron Squires, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | July 22, 2019 |
| 16 | The Arachnitects | Anne Walker Farrell | Kelly Lynne D'Angelo, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | July 29, 2019 |
| 17 | The First Times They Met | Ben Bjelajac | Deirdre Devlin, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | August 5, 2019 |
| 18 | The Remembered | Yoriaki Mochizuki | Dan O'Keefe, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | August 12, 2019 |
| 19 | The Closer You Get | Ben Bjelajac | Kelly Lynne D'Angelo, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | August 19, 2019 |
| 20 | The Lost Spy | Anne Walker Farrell | Kelly Lynne D'Angelo, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | August 26, 2019 |
| 21 | The Set Up | Anne Walker Farrell | Cameron Squires, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | September 9, 2019 |
| 22 | The Descent Into Darkness | Yoriaki Mochizuki | Kelly Lynne D'Angelo, Olan Rogers & David Sacks | September 16, 2019 |
| 23 | The Sixth Key | Ben Bjelajac | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | September 23, 2019 |
Season 3
The concluding season builds to the final confrontation inside Final Space, where Gary and his companions face ultimate sacrifices and revelations to seal the breach threatening all existence.[1] With 13 episodes averaging 22 minutes, production emphasized emotional depth under Ben Bjelajac's direction, marking the series' end.[59]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Air date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | …And Into The Fire | Ben Bjelajac | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | March 20, 2021 |
| 25 | The Hidden Light | Juan Meza-León | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | March 27, 2021 |
| 26 | The Ventrexian | Ken Wong | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | April 3, 2021 |
| 27 | One of Us | Juan Meza-León | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | April 10, 2021 |
| 28 | All the Moments Lost | Ben Bjelajac | Ben Bjelajac | April 17, 2021 |
| 29 | Change Is Gonna Come | Ken Wong | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | April 24, 2021 |
| 30 | The Chamber of Doubt | Ben Bjelajac | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | May 1, 2021 |
| 31 | Forgiveness | Juan Meza-León | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | May 8, 2021 |
| 32 | Hyper-Transdimensional Bridge Rising | Ken Wong | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | May 15, 2021 |
| 33 | Until the Sky Falls | Ben Bjelajac | Ben Bjelajac | May 22, 2021 |
| 34 | The Dead Speak | Juan Meza-León | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | May 29, 2021 |
| 35 | The Leaving | Ken Wong | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | June 7, 2021 |
| 36 | The Devil's Den | Ben Bjelajac | Olan Rogers & David Sacks | June 14, 2021 |