Additional Coverage:
- The plot of a new Fox animated comedy series is about a guy who gets a $3,000 monthly ‘universal basic income’ (businessinsider.com)
Fox is gearing up to debut “Universal Basic Guys” this autumn, an animated comedy that dives into the concept of universal basic income through the escapades of two brothers enrolled in a $3,000-a-month program. This comes at a time when the idea of basic income is gaining traction in the United States, sparking both interest and controversy.
The narrative centers on the Hoagies siblings, Mark and Hank, whose mundane lives take a turn when their employer, a hot dog factory, opts for automation. Left jobless, they stumble upon their town’s bold experiment with a universal basic income, which provides all residents with $3,000 monthly, no strings attached. This type of financial assistance is often touted as a solution to the job displacement caused by advancements in artificial intelligence.
“Universal Basic Guys” not only aims to entertain but also to provoke thought on the real-world experiments with basic income programs across U.S. cities. These pilots have predominantly targeted low-income individuals, offering a financial lifeline to cover essential needs, such as housing and food. For instance, an Iowa program offers $500 monthly to eligible residents, overwhelmingly used for necessities.
The series, a collaboration between Fox Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television, already has a second season in the pipeline, signaling strong confidence in its appeal. The show aligns with the broader conversation ignited by figures like entrepreneur Andrew Yang and various tech CEOs, who advocate for universal basic income as a remedy for automation-induced unemployment.
Despite their potential, basic income programs have faced criticism, labeled by some as socialist or even unconstitutional, and accused of discouraging work. However, research suggests these programs do not reduce workforce participation.
In “Universal Basic Guys,” the Hoagies brothers, along with their friends, find themselves with an abundance of free time and the financial freedom to pursue their whims, highlighting the pursuit of purpose in a modern world that seems to have moved on without them.
The show is set to feature alongside Fox’s “Animation Domination” lineup, with promotional material linking its characters to other beloved Fox animations like “The Simpsons” and “Bob’s Burgers.” Fox’s network president, Michael Thorn, praised the show’s creators, Adam and Craig Malamut, for their unique and bold storytelling, previously demonstrated in their “Game of Thrones”-inspired NBA parody, “Game of Zones.”
As the air date approaches, anticipation builds for how “Universal Basic Guys” will contribute to the dialogue around universal basic income and its place in society, all while delivering laughs and engaging audiences with its animated charm.