Season
Episode
Player server
Archer

Archer

20098
AnimationComedyAction & Adventure
Released
Sep 17, 2009
Country
United States
Productions
Radical AxisFloyd County ProductionsFX Productions
Sterling Archer is the world's most daunting spy. He works for ISIS, a spy agency run by his mother. In between dealing with his boss and his co-workers - one of whom is his ex-girlfriend - Archer manages to annoy or seduce everyone that crosses his path. His antics are only excusable because at the end of the day, he still somehow always manages to thwart whatever crises was threatening mankind.

About

Quick guide

Sterling Archer: a sharp‑tongued spy with a penchant for chaos and office hijinks.

Sterling Archer is the world’s most clueless secret agent who works for the International Secret Intelligence Service, a firm run by his abrasive mother, Malory. The series parodies classic spy movies while following Archer’s misadventures with a quirky team that includes his former lover Lana, the loud‑mouthed Pam, the nerdy Cyril, and the eccentric scientist Krieger. Each episode blends fast‑paced, razor‑sharp dialogue with absurd scenarios—ranging from Cold War set‑ups to drug‑trade and space‑opera plots—while keeping the humor adult and often self‑referential.

What to know

  • The show is animated in a limited‑animation style inspired by mid‑century comics.
  • Episodes run about 18–24 minutes with rapid, dialogue‑heavy pacing.
  • Adult language is frequent; profanity is common.
  • The series uses self‑referential jokes and pop‑culture references.
  • Each season often adopts a distinct premise or genre twist.
  • The main agency is called ISIS, an acronym for International Secret Intelligence Service.
  • Archer’s character is a classic anti‑hero with narcissistic and philandering traits.

Watch if

If you enjoy adult animated shows that mix workplace comedy with spy satire, love rapid-fire dialogue, and appreciate sharp‑witted, reference‑heavy humor that doesn’t shy from profanity, Archer offers a consistent blend of absurdity and witty banter.

Skip if

If you prefer family‑friendly animation, minimal slang, or traditional linear storytelling, Archer’s crude humor and frequent use of adult language may feel off‑kilter.

dialogue heavyfast pacedmature themeslanguage strongdark tonepolitical themes
Show Premise
Archer follows a clueless field agent who balances missions for a covert agency with personal failings. The plot is framed as a parody of classic spy thrillers, often set in an anachronistic Cold‑War environment that shifts to drug‑trade, film‑noir, or space‑opera over seasons.
Core Characters
Sterling Archer is the narcissistic lead. His mother Malory is the tough agency director. Lana Kane is his on‑and‑off lover and a capable operative. Supporting staff include Pam Poovey, Cyril Figgis, Ray Gillette, and the bizarre scientist Dr. Krieger.
Humor Style
The comedy is adult, fast‑paced, and dialogue‑heavy. It relies on meta‑jokes, pop‑culture references, and exaggerated character traits. Profanity and crude humor are frequent, but the series maintains a sharp, self‑aware tone.
Animation Technique
Using limited animation, the show mimics mid‑century comic art with thick outlines. Voice actors record individually, and the visuals are polished with digital puppetry to create a stylized, fluid look.
Season Structure
Archer’s seasons often rebrand the agency’s name and premise, ranging from classic spy plots to alternate universe narratives. Each season can serve as a self‑contained mythos while still featuring recurring characters and running jokes.
Fan Engagement
The series is known for intricate scavenger hunts, interactive puzzles, and Easter eggs that reward attentive viewers. Guest voice talents and cross‑overs with other shows also enhance the fan experience.

FAQ

74 Q&A
When did Archer end?
Archer ended on December 17, 2023, after 14 seasons.
Who is Mallory Archer's father?
Mallory Archer's father is unknown. She herself is unsure, but has suggested Nikolai Jakov, Len Trexler, or Buddy Rich as possibilities. John Fitzgerald Archer was a made-up father.
What is Archer about?
Archer is a comedy show about Sterling Archer, a spy, and his coworkers at a spy agency. They go on dangerous missions.
What happened to Archer in season 12?
In season 12, Malory Archer leaves the spy agency to retire with her husband, Ron, passing the torch to her son, Sterling Archer. This change was written into the show after the passing of Jessica Walter, who voiced Malory.
Who is Cyril Figgis?
Cyril Figgis is an accountant at the spy agency who becomes an agent. He is often ridiculed by his coworkers.
What is Archer's catchphrase?
Archer's most famous catchphrase is "Phrasing!".
Who is Lana Kane?
Lana Kane is a skilled agent at the spy agency and Sterling Archer's on-again, off-again lover. She is also the mother of Archer's daughter, Abbiejean.
Who is Malory Archer?
Malory Archer is Sterling Archer's mother and the former head of the spy agency ISIS. She is known for her harsh criticism and drinking.
What happened to Archer in season 11?
In season 11, Archer wakes up from a three-year coma and finds the world has changed. His friends have moved on, and Lana has taken over the agency.
Who is Cheryl Tunt?
Cheryl Tunt is Malory Archer's neurotic personal assistant who later becomes an agent.
What is ISIS in Archer?
ISIS (International Secret Intelligence Service) was the name of the fictional New York-based spy agency where the characters worked. The name was dropped in later seasons due to its association with the terrorist group.
Who voices Lana Kane?
Lana Kane is voiced by Aisha Tyler.
What happened to Archer in season 14?
Season 14 was the final season of Archer. Lana took over as head of the agency, trying to make it profitable while also doing good. The season ended with a three-part series finale.
Who is Ray Gillette?
Ray Gillette is the bomb specialist agent at the spy agency.
What happened to Archer at the end of season 10?
At the end of season 10, Archer wakes up from a coma he was in since season 7. He finds that his friends have moved on and changed in his absence.
What is the name of Archer's daughter?
The name of Archer's daughter is Abbiejean Malory Kane-Archer, often called A.J.
Who voices Malory Archer?
Malory Archer was voiced by the late Jessica Walter.
Is Archer still on TV?
No, Archer is no longer on TV. The series concluded with its 14th season on December 17, 2023.
Who is Sterling Archer?
Sterling Archer is the main character of the show, a highly skilled but deeply flawed secret agent known for his love of alcohol and women.
What is the last season of Archer?
The last season of Archer was season 14.
What happened to Archer in season 13?
In season 13, Lana becomes the head of the agency after Malory leaves. Archer is still dealing with the aftermath of his coma and his changed relationships.
Who is Dr. Krieger?
Dr. Algernop Krieger is the bizarre and morally questionable scientist working for the spy agency.
Who voices Sterling Archer?
Sterling Archer is voiced by H. Jon Benjamin.
Who is Barry Dylan?
Barry Dylan is a former rival agent who becomes a villain with cybernetic enhancements, and at one point, he and Archer form a throuple.
Who is Pam Poovey?
Pam Poovey is the head of human resources at the spy agency who becomes an agent. She is known for her strength and rough attitude.
What is the relationship between Archer and Malory?
Archer and Malory are mother and son. Malory is Archer's boss and owner of the spy agency.
Who voices Pam Poovey?
Pam Poovey is voiced by Amber Nash.
What is the relationship between Archer and Lana?
Archer and Lana are ex-partners and co-workers. They have a daughter together named Abbiejean.
What is the funniest Archer moment?
Many people find the running gags and callbacks throughout the series to be very funny. Specific moments are subjective and depend on personal taste.
What is the relationship between Archer and Cyril?
Archer and Cyril are co-workers and often rivals. Cyril was married to Lana, who Archer also had a relationship with.
What is Archer Danger Island?
Archer Danger Island is a season where Archer wakes up in a dream world set in 1947 on a tropical island. He is a pilot and thinks his friends are his enemies.
What is the relationship between Archer and Krieger?
Archer and Krieger are co-workers. Krieger is the head scientist at the spy agency.
What is Archer Dreamland?
Archer Dreamland is a season where Archer wakes up in a coma in 1947 Los Angeles. He dreams he is a private detective investigating his partner's death.
Who voices Dr. Krieger?
Dr. Krieger is voiced by Lucky Yates.
What is the relationship between Archer and Ray?
Archer and Ray are co-workers and friends. Ray is a field agent with cybernetic enhancements.
What is Archer 1999?
Archer 1999 is a season where the main characters are adrift in space on a spaceship, dreaming they are the crew of the Seamus.
What is the relationship between Archer and Pam?
Archer and Pam are co-workers and friends. Pam often gets into physical altercations with Archer.
What are the different Archer time periods?
Archer has explored different time periods through dream sequences and alternate realities, including the 1940s (Dreamland, Danger Island) and a space setting (Archer 2009).
What is the most popular Archer season?
Popularity can be measured in different ways, but seasons like the original run and Archer Vice are often cited as fan favorites.
What is the relationship between Archer and Cheryl?
Archer and Cheryl are co-workers. Cheryl is the heiress to a paper company and Archer's extremely devoted secretary.
What are the common themes in Archer?
Common themes include espionage, dysfunctional family dynamics, addiction, and dark humor.
What is Archer Vice?
Archer Vice is a season where the ISIS agents are fired and try to become drug lords in Miami.
Who voices Cyril Figgis?
Cyril Figgis is voiced by Chris Parnell.
Who voices Ray Gillette?
Ray Gillette is voiced by Adam Reed.
What is the relationship between Archer and Barry?
Barry is a former field agent and a recurring antagonist. He has a strong, obsessive hatred for Archer.
What is the best Archer episode?
Determining the 'best' episode is subjective, but episodes like "The Archer-Action" and "Skytanic" are frequently praised by fans and critics.
How did Archer get his license back?
Archer's pilot license was suspended multiple times due to his reckless behavior and substance abuse. He eventually regained it through various means, often involving Malory's influence or plot-driven resolutions.
Who voices Cheryl Tunt?
Cheryl Tunt is voiced by Judy Greer.
What are Archer's different jobs?
Archer's primary job is a spy. He has also been a pilot, a drug lord, a private investigator, and has held other roles within dream or alternate reality seasons.
Who voices Barry Dylan?
Barry Dylan is voiced by Dave Willis.
What are the key plot points of Archer?
Archer is about a spy named Sterling Archer who goes on missions.
What is the inspiration behind Archer?
The show is inspired by old spy movies and TV shows from the 1960s.
What are the main conflicts in Archer?
Conflicts often come from Archer's own mistakes and his difficult relationships with others.
What is the role of espionage in Archer?
Espionage is the main job of the characters, though they often mess up missions.
What is the future of the Archer series?
The series finale aired in 2023, so there are no new episodes planned.
What are the critical reception trends for Archer?
The show was mostly liked for its humor and characters, though some found it repetitive.
How has Archer evolved as a character?
Archer starts as selfish but slowly learns to care more about his friends over time.
Is Archer based on a true story?
No, Archer is a fictional story and not based on real events.
Who created the TV show Archer?
Adam Reed created the TV show Archer.
What is the animation style of Archer?
The show uses a clean, retro style that looks like old cartoons.
What are the character dynamics in Archer?
Characters often argue and get into trouble together, but they do care about each other.
What is the meaning of the Archer title?
The title likely refers to the main character, Sterling Archer, who is a skilled but flawed spy.
What is the influence of Archer on other shows?
Archer's humor and style have influenced other adult animated comedies.
What are the different voice actors in Archer?
H. Jon Benjamin voices Archer, and others like Judy Greer, Amber Nash, and Chris Parnell voice other characters.
Where is Archer set?
The show is set in various locations around the world, often in New York.
What is the overall narrative arc of Archer?
The show follows Archer and his spy agency through many adventures and personal growth.
What are the fan theories about Archer?
Some fans theorize about Archer's coma dreams and the reality of events.
How does Archer handle its mature themes?
The show uses dark humor and satire to deal with adult topics.
How is the humor in Archer developed?
Humor comes from witty dialogue, running gags, and the characters' extreme personalities.
What are the references in Archer?
The show is full of references to movies, history, and pop culture.
Who are the recurring villains in Archer?
Characters like Barry Dylan and other rivals often oppose Archer and his agency.
What is the tone of Archer?
The tone is mostly comedic, sarcastic, and sometimes absurd.
What are the production challenges of Archer?
Keeping the animation fresh and balancing the complex storylines can be challenging.
What are the spin-offs or related media for Archer?
There have been different "seasons" that acted like mini-series with different settings, but no major spin-offs.

Actors

H. Jon Benjamin
H. Jon Benjamin
Sterling Archer (voice)
Judy Greer
Judy Greer
Cheryl 'Cherlene' Tunt (voice)
Amber Nash
Amber Nash
Pam Poovey (voice)
Chris Parnell
Chris Parnell
Cyril Figgis (voice)
Aisha Tyler
Aisha Tyler
Lana Kane (voice)
Lucky Yates
Lucky Yates
Dr. Krieger (voice)