Sealab 2021 (2000–2005)

The drama of an oft-doomed aquatic colony and its personnel, who hate each other.

Creators:

Adam Reed, Matt Thompson

Stars:

Ellis Henican, Brett Butler, Erik Estrada

Cast

Series cast summary:
Ellis Henican	...	Derek 'Stormy' Waters (41 episodes, 2000-2005)
Brett Butler	...	Dr. Quentin Q. Quinn (41 episodes, 2000-2005)
Bill Lobley	...	Jodene Sparks (40 episodes, 2000-2005)
Kate Miller	...	Debbie DuPree (40 episodes, 2000-2005)
Erik Estrada	...	Marco Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar Gabriel Garcia Marquez (35 episodes, 2000-2005)
Harry Goz	...	Captain Hazel 'Hank' Murphy (31 episodes, 2000-2005)
Adam Reed	...	Virjay (20 episodes, 2000-2004)
Chris Ward	...	Hesh Hipplewhite (19 episodes, 2000-2005)

Storyline

The year is 2021. Deep below the ocean's surface, looms a vast, magnificently high-tech compound: Sealab. A multi-national scientific station with an annual budget in the trillions, dedicated to the research and exploration of man's final frontier... Sealab's crew is charged with exploring the possibility of underwater colonization. As the Earth's surface, by this time, has gotten just generally crowded, hot, and icky. However, as most government-funded agencies usually are, Sealab is manned by a motley collection of malcontents and screw-ups who were unfit for work in the private sector. They really don't get any research done, but instead spend their time bickering among themselves. Or just plain goofing off. The crew have manipulated their luckless leader, Captain Murphy, into submission, and are content to ride the government clock, raking in fat, hazardous-duty paychecks.

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Plot Keywords:

underwater | 2020s | hanna barbera | pixilated nudity | 21st century | 

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Taglines:

Feel that deep water pressure!

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Genres:

Animation | Comedy | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Official Sites:

Adult Swim Adult Swim [United Kingdom]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 December 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Laboratório Submarino 2021

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

70/30 Productions, Williams Street

Technical Specs

Runtime:

11 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Harry Goz, who voiced Captain Murphy, died in 2003, the first episode produced after his death introduced Tornado Shanks, a new regular character voiced by Harry's son, Michael Goz.

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Goofs

In "Butchslap", when Quinn is doing his demonic laughter, his lips move more as though he is speaking rather than laughing.

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Quotes

Marco: You know, you throw a pretty good punch, Captain.
Captain Murphy: Well, there were a lot of bullies in my neighborhood when I was a kid.
Marco: Your dad got you boxing lessons?
Captain Murphy: No, I just got beat up a lot. So now when I get the chance I like to sucker punch people.

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits of each episode has a different sound effect relating to the episode as the "2020" turns to "2021": In the episode "Radio Free" the sound effect is radio static. In the episode "Happy Cake" the sound effect is an electronic door opening. In the episode "I, Robot" the sound effect is a pneumatic drill. In the episode "Chickmate" the sound effect is a baby crying. In the episode "Predator" the sound effect is a monster growling. In the episode "Lost in Time" the sound effect is a zap. In the episode "Little Orphan Angry" the sound effect is a child coughing. In the episode "Waking Quinn" the sound effect is a zap. In the episode "All That Jazz" the sound effect is a gurgle. In the episode "Murphy Murph and the Feng Shui Bunch" the sound effect is a gong.

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Connections

Referenced in Space Ghost Coast to Coast: In Memory of Elizabeth Reed (2003)

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Soundtracks

"Fett's Vette"
Written by Chris Ward
Performed by MC Chris

User Reviews

Best show on Adult Swim

This show is just so insane, so over-the-top, so twisted and silly that it's just so funny. Not many people will get it, but those that do will more than likely love it.

My particular favourite episode is "Lost in Time", but the first 10 or so episodes are great.

Where else can you see a show where a shark on a motorcycle jumps over a pool of Fonzies? Unfortunately, the show was never the same once the man who brilliantly played Captain Murphy died, who never failed to deliver at least five laughs per episode.

The characters are so utterly ridiculous and their chemistry is great because of it.

If you want a laugh then check it out. One of the best things about it is that it's only around 10 minutes long.