Rick and Morty
A mad scientist drags his grandson on interdimensional adventures.
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 across an infinite number of realities. The show has been critically acclaimed for its writing, originality, creativity, and humor, and has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program.
- Network
- Adult Swim (Cartoon Network's nighttime programming block)
- Creators
- Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon
- Original voice actors
- Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah Chalke
- Recast voice actors
- Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden (from season seven)
- Emmy awards won
- 2
- Annie awards won
- 2
- Episode order
- 70 new episodes ordered in May 2018
- Renewal
- Renewed through season twelve as of November 2024
Lore & Background
The series originated from an animated short parody film of Back to the Future created by Justin Roiland for Channel 101, a short film festival co-founded by Dan Harmon. Roiland initially voiced the eponymous characters, with Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, and Sarah Chalke voicing the rest of the Smith family. Adult Swim cut ties with Roiland in 2023 amid allegations of domestic abuse; Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden were recast in his roles beginning with the seventh season. The show revolves around the Smith household—parents Jerry and Beth, their children Summer and Morty, and Beth's father Rick Sanchez—living in a suburb outside of Seattle, Washington. Rick is an eccentric, alcoholic mad scientist who frequently takes his 14-year-old grandson Morty on adventures through portals and in Rick's flying saucer. Different versions of the characters inhabit other dimensions throughout the multiverse, with personal characteristics varying from one reality to another.
Reader's Guide
Since its debut, Rick and Morty has received critical acclaim for its writing, originality, creativity, and humor. It has been nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program and won the award twice, in 2018 and 2020. It has also received two Annie Awards. At times, it has been the most viewed television comedy for adults between 18 and 24. The popularity of Rick and Morty has made it a merchandising and media franchise. A film based on the series is in development. The series has been renewed through season twelve as of November 2024, with the ninth season airing from May 24, 2026 to July 26, 2026. The show's writing staff, like many Adult Swim productions, is not unionized with the Writers Guild of America, though in 2022 production staff filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board.
Did You Know?
- The series originated from a short parody of Back to the Future created for Channel 101.
- Adult Swim cut ties with Justin Roiland in 2023 amid allegations of domestic abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Rick and Morty and where does it air?
The series was developed by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon for Adult Swim, Cartoon Network's late-night block aimed at mature audiences. It first aired in 2013 and quickly became one of the network's most recognizable properties.
What is Rick and Morty about?
The show follows Rick Sanchez, a brash interdimensional scientist, and his anxious grandson Morty Smith, who are repeatedly swept into chaotic adventures across infinite parallel universes. Their dynamic blends family-sitcom structure with hard sci-fi concepts and dark, absurdist comedy.
Who voices Rick and Morty?
Justin Roiland originally provided the voices for both Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith from the show's premiere through season six. Beginning with season seven, Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden took over the roles of Rick and Morty respectively.
Has Rick and Morty won any major awards?
The series has received two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program, a nod to its writing and creative ambition. It has also collected two Annie Awards, which honor excellence in animated entertainment.
Is Rick and Morty a kids' show?
No; it is produced for Adult Swim, a block specifically designed for adult viewers, and regularly tackles themes like alcoholism, existential dread, and graphic dark humor. The cartoonish visual style is misleading—the tone and subject matter are firmly aimed at grown-up audiences.
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