Rick and Morty Return Imminent: Seasons 8, 9, and Beyond!

For legions of Rick and Morty fans who have been patiently (or perhaps impatiently) waiting, the agonizing drought is almost over. New episodes of the animated sci-fi comedy are mere weeks away, promising a fresh dose of interdimensional adventures, existential crises, and, of course, Jerry being Jerry. The anticipation has been building since the last episodes aired in late 2023, and the wait, while typical for the show, has felt like an eternity to many.

Rick and Morty’s production schedule has always been a point of discussion among fans. The gaps between seasons can feel vast, especially when compared to more consistently released shows. Who can forget the painful wait between seasons three and four? The prolonged absence of the show’s unique blend of humor and cosmic horror left a void that few other series could fill. The year 2024 felt particularly barren without the chaotic brilliance of Rick Sanchez, the naive enthusiasm of Morty Smith, and the entire Smith family’s misadventures.

The good news is that the delays experienced in the past were not without reason. The Hollywood strikes of 2023 had a ripple effect across the entertainment industry, impacting production timelines for numerous projects, including Rick and Morty. The strikes brought to light critical issues regarding fair compensation and working conditions for writers and actors, ultimately leading to agreements that are expected to benefit the creative community in the long run. While the strikes caused temporary setbacks, the future of Rick and Morty seems to be on a much smoother trajectory.

Showrunner and executive producer Scott Marder recently shared some exciting updates regarding the show’s progress. Speaking to io9 at a Rick and Morty press day, Marder revealed that the writing for season 10 is complete. This is a significant milestone, indicating that the creative team has a clear vision for the show’s future. "We’re now through writing season 10," Marder stated, "So we’ve got a cool view of the whole front 10. We definitely have cool things ahead.”

The completion of season 10’s writing is not just a testament to the dedication of the writers but also a reassuring sign for fans. Knowing that the show has a long-term plan in place provides confidence that the quality and creativity will remain consistent. The promise of "cool things ahead" is particularly enticing, hinting at new storylines, characters, and dimensions that are sure to surprise and delight viewers.

But what about season nine? With season 10 already written and season eight on the immediate horizon, the status of season nine is a natural question. Marder provided an update on this front as well, stating that season nine is "almost entirely into color, which is the last stage." This means that the bulk of the work, including animation and editing, is complete. The final touches are being applied to ensure that the visuals are up to the show’s high standards. "I mean, we’re through all the heavy lifting on it," Marder confirmed. "It’s an excellent season."

The confirmation that season nine is an "excellent season" will undoubtedly excite fans. The creative team clearly has a strong sense of what makes Rick and Morty so appealing and is committed to delivering episodes that live up to expectations. With the heavy lifting done, the anticipation for season nine can only continue to grow.

Adding to the positive news, Marder also shared that production on season 10 has already begun. "We just started production on season 10, which is also an excellent season," he revealed. This indicates that the momentum is strong and that the show is moving forward at a steady pace. Perhaps most importantly, Marder addressed the question of release schedules, suggesting that fans can look forward to new seasons on a more regular basis. "You should be getting every [new season] a year [after the last one]," he said.

This is fantastic news for those who have grown weary of the lengthy gaps between seasons. A more consistent release schedule would allow fans to engage with the show more frequently and maintain a higher level of excitement and interest. The promise of annual installments of Rick and Morty is a significant improvement that is sure to be welcomed by the fanbase.

The long-term future of Rick and Morty is also looking bright. The show has already been renewed through season 12, providing a sense of stability and assurance that the adventures of Rick and Morty will continue for years to come. This renewal demonstrates the confidence that Adult Swim has in the show and its ability to attract and retain viewers.

With season 8 premiering on May 25 on Adult Swim, the wait is nearly over. Fans can prepare to dive back into the chaotic and hilarious world of Rick and Morty, filled with bizarre creatures, mind-bending concepts, and the constant threat of existential dread. The promise of seasons 9 and 10, along with the confirmed renewal through season 12, ensures that the show will continue to entertain and challenge audiences for the foreseeable future. Get ready to get schwifty once again! The adventures are about to begin!