Rick and Morty

Wubba-lubba-dub-dub! Might just say it all where this series is concerned. Rick and Morty fans will know exactly what we are getting at. The show has become a fan-favorite for its dark humor, sci-fi adventures, and complex storytelling. 

Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the show first premiered in 2013. It quickly gained a massive fan base and critical acclaim for a certain blend of wit, creativity, and emotional depth. 

Set in a multiverse, Rick and Morty follows the misadventures of an eccentric and alcoholic scientist Rick Sanchez and his good-hearted but often naive grandson, Morty Smith. 

Where Rick is brilliant, cynical, and reckless traveling between dimensions using his portal gun, Morty is a typical high school student, usually dragged by Rick into intergalactic escapades against his will.

The show revolves around the pair’s interdimensional exploration of planets, encountering weird creatures, screwed up alien species, and above all complex ethical dilemmas. 

The series tries to balance (and sometimes goes overboard) on these fantastical sci-fi elements with emotionally charged family dynamics.  There’s dysfunctionality between Rick and his daughter Beth (Morty’s mother), as well as the struggles of Morty’s family to cope with Rick’s erratic and often dangerous influence.

Throughout its multiple seasons, Rick and Morty has received widespread acclaim, winning numerous awards and garnering a dedicated fan base. It has become something of a cultural phenomenon, inspiring memes, merchandise, and even fan theories that keep the internet abuzz between seasons.

Going into its 7th season though, the show is in a bit of upheaval with co-creator Justin Roiland having been dismissed of his duties in January 2023 following charges of domestic battery and false imprisonment.

In the wake of that, Adult Swim cut ties. One issue though is that the charges were dropped two months later. But there’s been no talk of bringing Roiland back. In fact, they are looking to recast the voices he provided.

Rick And Morty News Images

When season 6 of the hit Adult Swim animated series Rick and Morty concluded in December 2022, it appeared to have returned to form after an uneven fifth season. But since that time, major issues befell the series, putting into jeopardy a seventh season. So, let’s dig into what happened and what played out with Rick and Morty.

Rick And Morty Creator Justin Roiland Was Fired

It was not long after season 6 wrapped up in late 2022 that series creator co-creator and the voice behind both Rick and Morty, Justin Roiland, became headline news.

In January 2023, Roiland was charged with a number of felony charges that included domestic battery, false imprisonment by menace, corporal injury, fraud, violence, or deceit against his former girlfriend.

Shortly after these charges became public, Cartoon Network fired Roiland from his position at Adult Swim, thus taking away the heart and soul of the series. The charges, as they were at the time, were extremely serious and it appears Cartoon Network gave Roiland the kick to the curb he deserved. But did they jump the gun on this?

On March 22, 2023, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office dropped all charges against Roiland stating the evidence against the Rick and Morty creator was insufficient “to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.” Roiland said in his statement via Variety:

“I have always known that these claims were false — and I never had any doubt that this day would come,” Roiland said in his statement.

“I’m thankful that this case has been dismissed but, at the same time, I’m still deeply shaken by the horrible lies that were reported about me during this process. Most of all, I’m disappointed that so many people were so quick to judge without knowing the facts, based solely on the word of an embittered ex trying to bypass due process and have me ‘canceled.’”

Not only did Roiland take the loss with Rick and Morty, but he also was forced away from two other series, Solar Opposites, and Koala Man.

“That it may have succeeded,” Roiland’s statement continued, “even partially, is shameful. However, now that the legal case has ended, I’m determined to move forward and focus both on my creative projects and restoring my good name.”

The struggle now isn’t only with Roiland and how the series will be shaped for season 7, but with the fans who have been loyal to the series. In short, many are speaking out about how quick Cartoon Network was to “cancel” Roiland before all was said and done.

How this will affect viewership when Rick and Morty returns to Adult Swim remains to be seen.

Justin Roiland Was Replaced With Other Voice Actors

Ian Cardoni came on as the the new voice of Rick Sanchez, while Harry Belden took over as Morty Smith. These two relatively unknown voice actors were revealed during the Season 7 premiere.

The search for new Rick and Morty voices took about six months, with thousands of applicants auditioning. 

Replacing someone who had been basically the heart and soul of the show wasn’t easy and fan reaction was mixed.

Rick And Morty Season 7 Premiered October 15, 2023

Fans finally got what they were waiting for, new actors and all when Rick and Morty Season 7 finally hit in October 2023.

Rick and Morty Season 7 Plot

Alright, you glip glop, here we go! Rick and Morty Season 7 was a real mind-bender, and I’m not just saying that because I’ve been huffing Kalaxian Crystals.

Things started off with some classic dimension-hopping shenanigans and resolving the Rick Prime storyline mid-season.

The show didn’t pull any punches, delivering a mix of wacky standalone adventures and emotionally resonant episodes that advanced the overall canon.

We saw Rick and Morty’s relationship evolve, with Morty stepping up and Rick showing some actual character growth – wubba lubba dub dub!

The season finale took us on a trippy “Fear Hole” adventure, forcing our favorite booze-soaked scientist and his anxiety-riddled grandson to face their deepest fears. It was like the show took a portal gun to our expectations, blasting us with serious character development. Rick finally let go of some emotional baggage related to Diane, while Morty proved he’s more than just along for the ride.