Rick and Morty has 7 seasons as of 2024, with the seventh season airing from October to December 2023. The adult animated sci-fi sitcom, created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, premiered on Adult Swim in December 2013 and has since become one of the network’s most popular and critically acclaimed shows.
Season-by-Season Overview
Each season typically consists of 10 episodes, though the first season had 11. The show follows the interdimensional adventures of Rick Sanchez, a cynical, alcoholic super-scientist, and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson Morty Smith. Here’s a quick look at each season:
- Season 1 (2013–2014): 11 episodes. Introduces the Smith family and establishes the core dynamic, including the pilot’s “pizza delivery” adventure and the Cronenberg body-horror episode that leaves the family stranded on an alternate Earth.
- Season 2 (2015): 10 episodes. Features fan favorites like “Total Rickall” (memory parasites) and the season finale where Rick turns himself in to the Galactic Federation.
- Season 3 (2017): 10 episodes. Opens with the post-credits scene from Season 2, showing Rick’s escape from prison. Includes the acclaimed “Pickle Rick” episode and the origin of Rick’s portal gun.
- Season 4 (2019–2020): 10 episodes. The first season after a long hiatus; features the “Story Train” meta-episode and the return of the Vindicators.
- Season 5 (2021): 10 episodes. Includes the “Mortyplicity” decoy episode and a deep dive into Rick’s backstory with his wife Diane.
- Season 6 (2022): 10 episodes. Focuses on the Smith family’s return to their original dimension and features the “Night Family” and “Bethic Twinstinct” episodes.
- Season 7 (2023): 10 episodes. The first season without co-creator Justin Roiland (who voiced Rick and Morty) after his departure; Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden took over the roles. The season includes the “Unmortricken” episode that resolves the Evil Morty storyline.
Background and Creation
Dan Harmon (creator of Community) and Justin Roiland developed the show from a series of crude animated shorts Roiland made for Channel 101, a Los Angeles-based short-film festival. The characters were initially parodies of Back to the Future‘s Doc Brown and Marty McFly. Adult Swim picked up the series in 2012, and it premiered on December 2, 2013. The show is known for its rapid-fire pop-culture references, dark humor, and serialized character arcs hidden beneath episodic plots.
How Seasons Are Released
Adult Swim has followed an irregular release schedule. Season 1 aired weekly from December 2013 to April 2014. Season 2 aired in 2015. Season 3 premiered in April 2017 after a long delay, then aired the rest of its episodes in the summer. Season 4 began in November 2019. Seasons 5 and 6 aired in 2021 and 2022 respectively, and Season 7 in late 2023. The gap between Season 3 and 4 was nearly two years, which fans often attribute to production demands and the show’s intricate animation.
How to Choose Where to Start
While each episode is largely self-contained, there are overarching plots and character developments that build across seasons. For a first-time viewer, the best approach is to start from Season 1, Episode 1, because later seasons reference earlier events (like the Cronenberg universe and Rick’s relationship with Birdperson). However, if you want a taste of the show’s style, many fans recommend these standalone episodes:
- “Pickle Rick” (Season 3, Episode 3)
- “The Rickshank Redemption” (Season 3, Episode 1)
- “Total Rickall” (Season 2, Episode 4)
- “Morty’s Mind Blowers” (Season 4, Episode 8)
These episodes are often cited as good entry points because they don’t require deep knowledge of the series’ mythology.
Common Problems and Controversies
The most significant controversy came in January 2023 when Adult Swim severed ties with co-creator Justin Roiland after domestic violence charges surfaced (charges were later dropped). Roiland had voiced Rick and Morty, and his departure forced the show to recast the roles for Season 7. The new voices were announced in October 2023, with Ian Cardoni as Rick and Harry Belden as Morty. Some fans were skeptical, but the season was generally well-received, with many noting that the recasting was less jarring than expected.
Another common issue is the show’s long hiatuses. Fans often express frustration with the irregular release schedule, but Adult Swim has renewed the show through Season 10, so more seasons are confirmed.
Comparisons to Other Animated Shows
Rick and Morty is often compared to Futurama and The Simpsons for its sci-fi satire and family dynamics. However, its tone is darker and more cynical, with a focus on existential dread and nihilism. It also shares DNA with Dan Harmon’s Community in its use of meta-humor and story circles. Unlike shows like South Park, which are largely episodic, Rick and Morty weaves in serialized elements, particularly around Rick’s past and the Smith family’s relationships.
Costs and How to Watch
All seven seasons are available to stream on Hulu and Max (formerly HBO Max) in the United States. Adult Swim’s website also offers episodes for free with a cable login. You can also purchase individual episodes or seasons on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play. Typically, a season costs around $20–$25 for digital purchase, or you can subscribe to a streaming service that includes it. The show is also available on Netflix in some international regions, though availability varies.
Safety and Viewer Discretion
Rick and Morty is rated TV-MA for mature audiences. It contains strong language, graphic violence, sexual content, and drug use. It is not suitable for children. Parents should be aware that the show often deals with dark themes like suicide, existential despair, and body horror. There is also a notorious incident in 2017 when a fan at a McDonald’s became violent over a limited-edition Szechuan sauce, which was referenced in the show; this is an example of the show’s fan culture sometimes crossing lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in each season of Rick and Morty?
Most seasons have 10 episodes, except Season 1, which has 11. The total episode count as of Season 7 is 71 episodes.
Will there be a Season 8 of Rick and Morty?
Yes, Adult Swim has renewed the show for 70 more episodes, which will bring it to at least Season 10. Season 8 is expected to premiere in 2025, though an official date has not been announced.
Why did Rick’s voice change in Season 7?
Justin Roiland, who voiced Rick and Morty, was dismissed from the show in January 2023. The producers recast the roles with Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden, who imitate the original voices closely.
Do I need to watch Rick and Morty in order?
While each episode is mostly standalone, there are ongoing storylines, especially regarding Rick’s past and the Smith family’s dynamics. Watching in order is recommended to fully appreciate character development and callbacks.
Is Rick and Morty based on Back to the Future?
The original short films were parodies of Back to the Future, with Rick as a Doc Brown-like character and Morty as a Marty McFly-like teenager. However, the show quickly evolved into its own original universe.
What is the best season of Rick and Morty?
Fans often debate this, but Season 3 is frequently cited as a high point due to episodes like “The Rickshank Redemption” and “Pickle Rick.” Season 2 is also highly praised for its emotional finale.
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