Season 7 of Rick and Morty premiered on October 15, 2023, marking a significant chapter in the animated series’ evolution. This season introduced new voice actors for the titular characters, following the departure of co-creator Justin Roiland. Despite this change, the show maintained its signature blend of dark humor, satirical commentary, and complex storytelling, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
Premiere and Episode Schedule
Adult Swim announced the premiere of Season 7 on August 24, 2023. The season consists of 10 episodes, airing weekly on Sundays at 11 p.m. ET/PT, with the final episode concluding on December 17, 2023. This release strategy differed from previous seasons, which often featured mid-season breaks. Season 7’s continuous weekly release allowed for a more consistent viewing experience for fans.
Episode Titles and Themes
- Episode 1 How Poopy Got His Poop Back– Premiered on October 15, 2023. In this episode, Mr. Poopybutthole stays longer than expected at the Smiths’ home, prompting Rick to arrange an intervention to help his friend reduce his alcohol use.
- Episode 2 The Jerrick Trap– Aired on October 22, 2023. Rick teaches Jerry to work smarter, not harder, leading to unexpected consequences.
- Episode 3 Air Force Wong– Released on October 29, 2023. Rick and The President team up for another interdimensional adventure.
- Episode 4 That’s Amorte– Premiered on November 5, 2023. The episode delves into the complexities of relationships and identity.
- Episode 5 Unmortricken– Aired on November 12, 2023. The Smith family faces challenges that test their bonds and resilience.
- Episode 6 Rickfending Your Mort– Released on November 19, 2023. Rick and Morty navigate a series of perilous situations that challenge their survival skills.
- Episode 7 Wet Kuat Amortican Summer– Premiered on November 26, 2023. The episode explores themes of freedom and consequence in a summer setting.
- Episode 8 Mort Ragnarick– Aired on December 3, 2023. Morty embarks on a journey that leads to unexpected revelations.
- Episode 9 The Ricklantis Mixup– Released on December 10, 2023. The episode offers a deep dive into the multiverse, showcasing various versions of Rick and Morty.
- Episode 10 Fear No Mort– Concluded the season on December 17, 2023. The finale brought closure to ongoing storylines while setting the stage for future adventures.
Voice Cast Changes
Season 7 marked a significant change in the series’ voice cast. Following the departure of co-creator Justin Roiland, who voiced both Rick and Morty, Adult Swim hired Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden as the new voice actors for the titular characters. The casting decision was made after an extensive search for sound-alike talent, as noted by series writer Scott Marder. Cardoni was cast first due to his Rick impression, which was described as challenging to replicate, with many auditions sounding similar to Macho Man Randy Savage. Belden was cast later after exhausting all other options. Despite initial concerns, the new voice actors have been praised for their performances, with many fans noting that the characters’ voices remained consistent with previous seasons.
Reception and Critical Response
Season 7 received generally favorable reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season holds a 77% approval rating based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 6.3/10. The site’s critics consensus reads Recasting its titular pair with fairly seamless results, the famously unpredictable Rick and Morty settles into a holding pattern that nevertheless still yields plenty of amusing invention. On Metacritic, the season has a score of 73 out of 100, based on reviews from six critics, indicating generally favorable reviews.
However, some critics expressed concerns about the show’s direction. Alison Foreman of IndieWire noted that the creatives chose to maintain the status quo rather than taking the show in a new direction, even after Roiland’s removal from the series. Despite these critiques, many fans appreciated the season’s blend of humor and depth, with several episodes being highlighted as standouts.
Availability and Streaming
All 10 episodes of Season 7 are available for streaming on HBO Max and Hulu. This accessibility allows fans to watch the season at their own pace, catching up on missed episodes or rewatching their favorite moments. Additionally, the season is available for purchase on Blu-ray and DVD, providing collectors with physical copies of the episodes.
Looking Ahead
Following the success of Season 7, the show’s creators have hinted at exciting developments for future seasons. While specific details remain under wraps, fans can expect more interdimensional adventures, character development, and the signature blend of absurdity and satire that Rick and Morty is known for. As the series continues to evolve, it remains a staple of animated television, pushing boundaries and exploring new storytelling horizons.