Steve Hely and Joe Bennett reveal the origins of their Adult Swim animated series that takes on Big Pharma with an X-Files-esque slant.

Joe, does working a provocative new animated series balm the one-and-done-season pain of Scavengers Reign?

Bennett: Well, first of all, I’m still hopeful. The fan base is growing by the day, so I’m feeling good about another season. There’s nothing to be bummed about because I’m very grateful that Season 1 even saw the light of day. And as far as Common Side Effects, it’s like another child. I’m very happy and excited this is going to come out, and it feels like a pretty different kind of show. I can separate the two.

On that note, what about a second season for Common Side Effects?

Hely: We pitched out a Season 2 to Adult Swim the other day, and they seemed pretty excited about it. I think they’re probably waiting to see how it does, but we would love to keep going.