How often does a television show inspire you to reflect not only on yourself, but also on the people around you and the society you live in? Enter the dark comedy, “BoJack Horseman.”

The Netflix original series began streaming its fifth season on Sept. 14, and its satirical and self-aware humor is back in full force with its colorful cast of humans and anthropomorphic animals.

Will Arnett, an executive producer on the show, brings a dry, self-deprecating voice to the titular character BoJack. In the fifth season, BoJack is excited about filming a new television show, “Philbert,” but is in a constant battle with himself after four seasons worth of personal demons.

Diane Nguyen struggles to redefine herself in the wake of her divorce from Mr. Peanutbutter. She wants to be seen as professional writer, but works at a company that values only click-based metrics. As a producer of “Philbert,” she also fights against the show’s creator and his internalized sexism.

Mr. Peanutbutter, the relentless optimist who has gotten divorced three times, has a new girlfriend and offers an interesting foil to BoJack. Mr. Peanutbutter has always enjoyed a successful career; however, he struggles to figure out why his marriages – most recently with Diane – start off fun and full of life but end up in anger and resentment.

Princess Carolyn, BoJack’s cutthroat and ambitious manager, is struggling to find a balance between her love for work and her dream of adopting a child after a long struggle with miscarriages.

Todd Chavez—usually the happy-go-lucky character who provides directionless comedic relief—showcases a new depth that was introduced last season. Todd is the first mainstream television character to openly identify as asexual and his storylines have explored this aspect of identity.

Behind the characters of the fictional “Hollywoo” lie satirical observations of issues that plague Hollywood today. News sources prioritize click-bait and readers are not interested in any in-depth reading beyond headlines. The show tackles the struggle of feminism and positive female representation in a male-influenced media, as well as the redemption and forgiveness of male celebrities surrounded by scandal and allegations of abuse.

“BoJack Horseman” is certainly not for the light of heart. Its humor is dark, and its wit is sharp.

This season challenges the viewer to ask why he or she is rooting for BoJack in the first place. Why do we support an alcoholic with an addictive personality who manipulates those around him to support his behaviors? This question is answered as we watch BoJack’s history unfold, as we see the frigid relationship he shared with his mother and his father, the lack of love he experienced and the familial secrets that drove him to be the emotionally stunted man he is.

Can we justify BoJack’s destructive behavior because we empathize with the reasons behind it? Can we forgive him for the way he has hurt the people around him if he continues to do nothing to change himself?

“BoJack Horseman” does not provide its viewers with all the answers. It has found the balance of representing the gray that colors our society and our morals, despite our desire to see the world in black and white. The show is one that grows on you over time, as the depth of these characters and their personal histories become revealed.

Running five seasons strong, many shows may ask themselves how they can become better. “BoJack Horseman” knows exactly how.