What happens when AI takes your job and gives you a check?

Entertainment · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Imagine your factory job is replaced by robots, but instead of poverty, you receive a monthly government stipend. This is the premise of Universal Basic Guys, an animated sitcom exploring the chaotic reality of life on a universal basic income pilot program.

Created by Adam and Craig Malamut, the series follows Mark and Hank Hoagies, two South Jersey factory workers whose livelihoods were eliminated by AI-powered automation. Rather than facing immediate economic ruin, they are enrolled in a universal basic income pilot program. This setup provides them with a steady monthly income and an abundance of free time, which they primarily use to engage in various misadventures and trouble.

The show juxtaposes the socioeconomic concept of universal basic income with the specific personalities of its leads. Often disregarding sound guidance, Mark Hoagies is a middle-aged male defined by his 'frat-boy' attitude, stubbornness, and lack of intelligence. In contrast, his younger brother Hank is portrayed as simple-minded but sensible and well-liked. Their dynamic serves as a comedic lens through which the show examines the consequences of sudden leisure and state-supported existence.

The production history of the series reflects a shifting identity; originally announced in 2022 as 'Universal Basic Guys/The Hoagie Bros,' it was retitled in May 2024. The show has seen significant cast changes, including Dana Snyder taking over the role of Hank Hoagies starting in Season 3. While the show explores the intersection of technology and labor, critical reception has been mixed, with a 29% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 41 out of 100 score on Metacritic.

Beyond the brothers, the narrative expands into a diverse social circle, including Mark's nurse wife Tammy, his neurotic neighbor David, and even a mythical Jersey Devil. By placing these characters in a world where labor is no longer the primary driver of survival, the series explores the human tendency to seek out trouble and community when the traditional structure of 'work' is removed.

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