Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty is an American adult animated science fiction sitcom created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon for Cartoon Network's nighttime programming block Adult Swim. The series follows the misadventures of Rick Sanchez, a cynical mad scientist, and his good-hearted but fretful grandson Morty Smith, who split their time between domestic life and interdimensional adventures that take place across an infinite number of realities, often traveling to other planets and dimensions through portals and on Rick's flying saucer. The general concept of Rick and Morty relies on two conflicting scenarios: domestic family drama and a misanthropic grandfather dragging his grandson into hijinks.
This article is about the television series. For the media franchise, see Rick and Morty (franchise).Rick and Morty
- Dan Harmon (seasons 1–3)[2]
- Justin Roiland (seasons 1–3)[3]
- Mike McMahan (season 4)[4]
- Scott Marder (season 5-present)[5]
- Justin Roiland (seasons 1–6)
- Ian Cardoni (season 7–present)
- Harry Belden (season 7–present)
- Chris Parnell
- Spencer Grammer
- Sarah Chalke
Ryan Elder
United States
English
7
71 (list of episodes)
- Dan Harmon
- Justin Roiland (seasons 1–7)
- James A. Fino (seasons 1–2)
- Joe Russo II (seasons 1–2)
- Mike McMahan (season 4)
- Scott Marder (season 5–present)
- Steve Levy (season 7–present)
- Albro Lundy (season 7–present)
- James Siciliano (season 7–present)
- J. Michael Mendel (seasons 1–4)
- Kenny Micka (pilot)
22 minutes
- Williams Street
- Harmonious Claptrap
- Justin Roiland's Solo Vanity Card Productions! (2013–2023)
- Starburns Industries (2013–2015)
- Rick and Morty, LLC. (2015–2017)[6]
- Green Portal Productions (2019–2021)
December 2, 2013 –
present
Roiland voiced both Rick and Morty, with Chris Parnell as Jerry, Spencer Grammer as Summer and Sarah Chalke as Beth. The series originated from an animated short parody film of Back to the Future created by Roiland for Channel 101, a short-film festival cofounded by Harmon. Since its debut, the series has received critical acclaim for its screenplay, originality, creativity, and humor. It has been nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program and won the award in 2018 and 2020. The series has also received two Annie Awards. At times, the series has been the most viewed television comedy for adults between 18 and 24. The popularity of Rick and Morty has made it a hundred-million dollar merchandising and media franchise.
A seventh season was confirmed as part of a long-term deal with Cartoon Network that ordered 70 new episodes, which renewed the series through to a tenth season. Adult Swim cut ties with Roiland in 2023 amid allegations of domestic abuse and recast his roles with soundalike actors in season 7, which premiered on October 15, 2023.
Themes and analysis
Comedic style
The general formula of Rick and Morty consists of the juxtaposition of two conflicting scenarios: an extremely selfish, alcoholic grandfather dragging his grandson along for interdimensional adventures, intercut with domestic family drama.[19][23] Co-creator Dan Harmon has described the series as a cross between Matt Groening's two shows The Simpsons and Futurama, balancing family life with heavy science fiction.[27] Comparisons have been drawn to House of Cosbys, a show created by Justin Roiland, for having similar bits such as characters announcing themselves (Mr. Meeseeks/Curiosity Cosby).[78] The series is inspired by British-style storytelling, as opposed to traditional American family TV stories.[17] Harmon has stated that his inspiration behind much of the concept and humor for the series comes from various British television series, such as The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Doctor Who. He figures that the audience will only understand developments from Morty's point of view, but stated "we don't want to be the companions. We want to hang out with the Doctor, we idolize the Doctor, but we don't think like him, and that's really interesting."[79]
Occasionally, characters will acknowledge an episode's narrative or hint at the presence of a fourth wall, suggesting that they are aware of the fact that they are characters of a TV show. Thereunder, Troy Patterson of The New Yorker notes that Rick and Morty "supplies an artful answer to the question of what follows postmodernism: a decadent regurgitation of all its tropes, all at once, leavened by some humanistic wistfulness."[80] Sean Sebastian of Junkee says that the show can be both hilarious and deeply disturbing at the same time as it excels at the "intersection between big ideas, flippancy and wit."[81]
Philosophy
The series addresses the insignificance of human existence as compared to the size of the universe, with no recognizable divine presence, as described by Lovecraft's philosophy of cosmicism.[82] The characters of the show deal with cosmic horror and existential dread, either by asserting the utility of science over magic or by choosing a life in ignorant bliss.[83] However, as Joachim Heijndermans of Geeks notes, none of them appear able to handle the absurd and chaotic nature of the universe, as Jerry gets by through denial, and Rick is a "depressed, substance-addicted, suicidal mess".[84]
Harmon describes Rick as a self-interested anarchist, who does not like being told what to do.[85] He believes that the character's life on a larger scale has caused him mental illness,[79] and opines that "the knowledge that nothing matters—while accurate—gets you nowhere".[86] Mental illness is a theme that is drawn on several times throughout the show, one scene in particular has Rick's therapist deliver a fiery explanation of his fundamental immaturity.[87][88] Matthew Bulger of The Humanist notes that the creators of the series are trying to communicate the message that we need to focus on human relationships and not preoccupy our minds with unanswerable questions, in order to find a sense of purpose and live a better life.[89] Eric Armstrong of The New Republic notes that Morty represents the audience, as he is "mostly there to react to Rick's deranged schemes". The character is transformed by the truths he discovers during his interdimensional adventures with his grandfather. Rather than sinking into depression, Morty accepts these truths that empower him to value his own life.[90]
