Archer (2009 — 2023)

Created by Adam Reed for FX, Archer (2009–2023) is an American adult animated sitcom that ran from September 17, 2009 to December 17, 2023. It follows the escapades of eight dysfunctional individuals who work for the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS), a fictional intelligence agency based in New York. The team includes Sterling Archer, the self-absorbed and womanizing main character; Malory Archer, a former agent who now serves as director and also happens to be Sterling’s abusive mother; Lana Kane, Sterling’s on-again, off-again lover and highly skilled field agent; Ray Gillette, the openly gay bomb expert; Pam Poovey, the bumbling yet talented human resources supervisor-turned-agent; Cyril Figgis, an accountant-turned-agent who is often mocked by his colleagues; Cheryl Tunt, Malory’s anxious personal assistant; and Dr. Algernop Krieger, the strange and unscrupulous scientist who cares little about his test subjects’ well-being.

The show boasts a diverse cast of supporting characters, some of whom took on more significant roles as the episodes progressed. These include Len Trexler, the leader of rival spy organization ODIN; Slater, a gun dealer and CIA agent; Katya Kazanova, former flame and head of the KGB; Fabian Kingsworth, influential CEO of the International Intelligence Agency (IIA); and Barry Dylan, Archer’s long-standing enemy who eventually joins forces with him. The series takes place in a retro Cold War-inspired world, where historical events are frequently mentioned despite its ambiguous timeline. This unique approach to storytelling allowed producers to incorporate elements that best fit within the established universe.