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The Problem Solverz

The Problem Solverz

2010–2013Ended2 seasons27 episodes~11 min/epTV-PGMidcredits score: 1st percentile of all shows

The Problem Solverz is an American animated television series created by Ben Jones, a member of the art collective Paper Rad, for Cartoon Network. The series centered on the titular Problem Solverz trio of Alfe, Roba, and Horace, as they solve and sometimes create the various problems that plague their town, Farboro. The series is rated TV-PG. The original pilot Neon Knome was rejected by Cartoon Network's late-night programming block Adult Swim, but was picked up and re-tooled by the main network, which premiered the series on April 4, 2011. On September 20, 2012, a statement on a Facebook page for the show said that the second half of Season 2 was intended to debut September 24, 2012, but the scheduling was delayed. Selected reruns have been aired during Cartoon Network's January 2013 revival of their Cartoon Planet variety show. On March 30, 2013, Season 2 was released only on Netflix.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Problem Solverz?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Problem Solverz to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Highlights

What stands out about The Problem Solverz?

The Problem Solverz earns 1 badge: Heavy for a TV-PG show.

Reception

Is The Problem Solverz worth watching?

The Problem Solverz's Midcredits score is the 1st percentile of all shows, from 2.5K ratings across 2 sources. 11% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

1st percentile

Among the least well received shows

1st percentile among Animation1st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)1st
Approval (how many liked it)1st

Acclaim

Mixed: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

26 /100

1st percentile of all shows

1st percentile among Animation1st percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

Approval

How many liked it

11% liked it

1st percentile of all shows

1st percentile among Animation1st percentile among 2010s
11% rated it 7–1089% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

60th percentile

2.5K ratings across platforms

50th percentile among Animation64th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 1% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A visually bizarre, seizure-inducing cartoon with ugly character designs and a style that is intentionally off-putting.

Fans praised

  • unique art style and creative visual design
  • interesting and well-written characters (Alfe as comic highlight)
  • funny and entertaining with a whimsical tone

Detractors panned

  • visually painful: seizure-inducing colors, ugly character designs, stiff Flash animation
  • annoying and unlikable characters with grating voices
  • boring, unfunny, and incoherent writing with weak plots

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive60

distinctive but seen as derivative of underground comics or shock value

Sound and musicDivisive35

bombastic, forgettable; video-game-like soundtrack gets mixed mention

ActingDivisive25

voice cast wasted on terrible material; performances called grating or mediocre

Plot and storyDivisive20

thin, predictable, boring; occasional creative ideas

CharactersDivisive15

generic, irritating, one-dimensional, especially Alfe as the worst

HumorDivisive10

crude, unfunny, too reliant on toilet humor and randomness

Effects and spectacleDivisive10

overuse of bright colors and flashing lights causes seizures

CinematographyDivisive5

hideous art, sloppy backgrounds, flash-animated stiff movement

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • US vs non-US even

Episodes

2 seasons

Season 2 · 2013 · 8 episodes

  • S2E1
    S2E1

    Making of the Problem Solverz Video Game

    Mar 30, 201311 min
  • S2E2
    S2E2

    Alfe is da Boss

    Mar 30, 201311 min
  • S2E3
    S2E3

    Roba has Dreadlocks

    Mar 30, 201311 min
  • S2E4
    S2E4

    Alfe has a Baby

    Mar 30, 201311 min
  • S2E5
    S2E5

    Zazz Boyz are Zazzing it up

    Mar 30, 201311 min
  • S2E6
    S2E6

    Yogurt Nights

    Mar 30, 201311 min
  • S2E7
    S2E7

    Super Close TV Watching

    Mar 30, 201311 min
  • S2E8
    S2E8

    Alfe's Gonna Run Away

    Mar 30, 201311 minFinale

Watch experience

What is The Problem Solverz like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
AbsurdManic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Absurdist · 6% of shows: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Playful
Told as
Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe show plays its material at a knowingly absurd, cartoonish distance, treating its own bumbling detectives and bright, chaotic world as a joke.
The rideThe series maintains a consistently chaotic, brightly colored, and bizarre atmosphere across its run.
StructureEpisodes are self-contained with a case-of-the-week format; no recurring storytelling devices are indicated by the synopsis.
Episode formatEpisodes commonly feature a self-contained mystery that the detectives solve by the end, but an arc involving recurring evildoers and a larger conspiracy occasionally surfaces, fitting the hybrid pattern typical of mystery-comedies.
Season formatEach season introduces a new case or threat for the Problem Solverz to tackle while keeping the same principal cast, with a self-contained season-long storyline.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
FunWistful · 6% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayThe show leaves a light, playful impression of colorful nonsense, though its chaotic style might linger oddly.
How it ends · evidence
Cyclical ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MysteryPuzzle
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8% (this title): Puzzle 1% (this title) · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Puzzle: A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).

8% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA typical episode follows the bumbling detective trio solving a small-scale mystery in their town, driven by a question that gets answered by the end.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% (this title) · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

FriendshipFamily bonds
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe show centers on the trio's enduring friendship as they bumble through mysteries together, often with family dynamics in the background.
StanceThe series celebrates the chaotic friendship at its core, finding joy in the detective trio's misadventures rather than critiquing them.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanStylized realism
ElectronicSupportive music · original score
SettingThe detectives' city, a colorful and weird urban environment.
MusicThe score uses playful electronic cues that heighten the cartoon's zany energy.

Content guide

Is The Problem Solverz okay for kids?

TV-PG

The Problem Solverz is rated TV-PG. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (52/100), sexual content at moderate (44/100), language at moderate (40/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at intense (74/100). Overall it is heavier than 93% of TV-PG shows.

Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 53% of all showsHeavier than 93% of TV-PG shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a TV-PG show
heavier than 76%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
heavy for a TV-PG show
heavier than 85%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a TV-PG show
heavier than 79%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
heavy for a TV-PG show
heavier than 80%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a TV-PG show
heavier than 97%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does The Problem Solverz have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Problem Solverz?

Cast

Ben Jones
as Roba
Kyle Kaplan
as Horace
John DiMaggio
as Tux Dog
George Takei
as Mr. Konishi
Jaleel White
as K-999
Pamela Adlon
as Sweetie Creame
Eric Bauza
as Additional Voices
Vanessa Marshall
as Additional Voices
Jill Talley
as Girl Girl's Mom
Horatio Sanz
as Additional Voices

Crew

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What other shows share a tag with The Problem Solverz?

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