Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty began as a crude 2006 parody short called "The Real Animated Adventures of Doc and Mharti," made by Justin Roiland for Dan Harmon's Channel 101. That lampoon of Back to the Future eventually grew into a half-hour Adult Swim series that premiered on December 2, 2013. The show centers on Rick Sanchez, a cynical alcoholic mad scientist, and his anxious grandson Morty Smith, who stumble through interdimensional portals and alternate realities. It won two Annie Awards and two Emmy Awards for its sharp writing, dark humor, and philosophical depth.

The franchise now spans seven television seasons (70 episodes as of 2024), comic books from Oni Press, video games like Pocket Mortys and Trover Saves the Universe, and merchandise generating over $200 million in annual retail sales. A 70-episode renewal through Season 10 was ordered in 2018. In 2024, Adult Swim released an anime spin-off, Rick and Morty: The Anime, produced by Telecom Animation Film.

After Justin Roiland's departure in January 2023 following domestic violence allegations (later dropped), Dan Harmon remains the sole showrunner. New voice actors took over the lead roles for Season 7, which premiered on October 15, 2023. The brand continues to grow through cross-promotions with McDonald's, Pringles, and Fortnite, as well as immersive experiences like the Rickmobile merchandise tour.[edit]