For fans of <em>Rick and Morty</em>, this April Fool’s Day brought an unexpected delight rather than the usual tricks. Adult Swim celebrated the day with a captivating midnight live stream that recreated some of the most memorable moments from the beloved adult animated series, including the infamous Pickle Rick and the classic opening sequence. This 22-minute comedic anthology captivated audiences with its theatrical reinterpretation. However, the excitement didn’t stop there; the event concluded with the thrilling announcement of the official release date and a first look at Season 8, hinting at the wild new escapades the iconic duo will embark on. New episodes are set to premiere on May 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT, with the complete season available for streaming in the U.S. starting September 1.
Up until now, details surrounding Rick and Morty Season 8 have been scarce, especially following the emotional conclusion of Season 7. The official description offers limited insight, simply stating, “Rick and Morty is back for Season Eight! Life has meaning again! Anything is possible! Prepare for new adventures featuring Summer, Jerry, Beth, and the alternate Beth. Perhaps we will see Butter Bot taking on a new assignment? Regardless of the twists and turns, you can never keep Rick and Morty down for long. Many have tried!” Nevertheless, the initial footage and several images provide a clearer picture of the characters’ next journey, as they stumble upon a peculiar, multicolored eggshell and navigate a bizarre environment filled with bunny masks. While the series continues to delve into deep mysteries, fans can also anticipate lighthearted escapades, including a misadventured cryoship heist.
“We hope you appreciated our theatrical renditions of Rick and Morty, particularly if you are affluent and impulsive enough to consider funding a Broadway adaptation of the series,” remarked Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen in an official statement regarding the announcement. “For everyone else, we’re thrilled to provide you with the premiere date for Season Eight, giving you ample time to prepare and get comfortable because the creative team has once again delivered a truly remarkable season of television.” Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden return for their second season as the dynamic duo behind this sci-fi comedy, with Sarah Chalke, Chris Parnell, and Spencer Grammer reprising their roles in the cast. The series co-creator Dan Harmon continues to play an integral role as an executive producer, alongside showrunner Scott Marder.
Discover Why ‘Rick and Morty’ Season 8 Marks a New Chapter for the Series
Rick & Morty enters Season 8 with an impressive legacy, boasting two Emmy awards for Outstanding Animated Series, four seasons as the top-rated comedy across all cable television, and a spin-off anime that, despite mixed reviews, underscores the show’s worldwide impact. With Season 7 establishing itself as Adult Swim’s highest-rated program upon its debut, the network renewed Harmon’s acclaimed series during last year’s New York Comic-Con, ensuring its continuation for an additional two seasons beyond the original 70-episode deal made in 2018. Following the emotional finale of Season 7, executive producer Steve Levy shared insights into the series’ long-term trajectory in an interview with Collider’s Carly Lane, hinting at Morty’s impending journey toward introspection following his descent into the Fear Hole. This character development is not limited to Season 8 but will extend throughout the series:
“This is an insightful question. While Rick is grappling with his own self-discovery, facing the reality of his identity and desires, we haven’t explored Morty’s internal struggles in depth until now. This will be a pivotal moment where Morty starts to reflect more profoundly on his relationship with Rick, his aspirations, and the nature of reality. This marks the initial step in a broader exploration of his character,” Levy elaborated.
Rick and Morty Season 8 is set to premiere on May 25 on Adult Swim. Episodes will be available for digital purchase the day following their television broadcast, and the entire season will be accessible for streaming on September 1. Be sure to check out the first-look teaser in the player below, browse through the gallery above for images, and catch up on the live-stream on the Adult Swim YouTube channel if you missed it.
Explore the World of Rick and Morty
- Release Date
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December 2, 2013
- Showrunner
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Dan Harmon
- Directors
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Dan Harmon, Ryan Ridley, Lee Hardcastle
- Writers
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Dan Harmon, Justin Roiland, Tom Kauffman, Eric Acosta
