Summary
- Rick and Morty 's latest season has received mixed reviews, with a critical score of 63% and an audience rating of just 33%, compared to the show's earlier seasons which had higher ratings.
- Many fans attribute the perceived dip in quality to Justin Roiland's departure from the show. His absence and the reactions to his vocal stand-ins have been criticized, although Jon Allen's portrayal of Mr. Poopybutthole has been well-received.
- Justin Roiland has faced controversies and allegations, including domestic abuse and sexual misconduct, which have impacted the crafting of Season 7. Dan Harmon has expressed reservations about addressing Roiland's exit in future episodes.
The world of adult animation was set ablaze when the dynamic duo behind Rick and Morty took the stage. The iconic pairing of Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon brought the series to life, winning it acclaim, Emmy awards, and legions of fans worldwide. The show's once-glowing reputation has dimmed due to recent developments, especially with Roiland's exit leading to a surge in unfavorable feedback for the newest season.
Since its premiere on October 15th, Rick and Morty's Season 7 has faced hurdles in winning over critics and its dedicated viewers. A glance at Rotten Tomatoes, a renowned review aggregator, paints a telling picture: a critical score of 63% and an audience rating that's a mere 33%. For comparison, the show's earlier seasons maintained high standards, with Season 5, for instance, garnering an 86% critical rating and a 60% audience score. Historically, the series has enjoyed an 88% average from critics and 81% from the audience.
While critics have remarked on the inconsistent reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, it's undeniable that Rick and Morty retains its flair for eyebrow-raising humor, ensuring a dedicated following. But the noticeable shift in audience sentiment cannot be ignored. Many attribute the perceived dip in quality to Roiland's exit. The voice behind the leading characters for six seasons, Roiland's absence is keenly felt, and the reactions to his vocal stand-ins, Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden, have been tepid since the outset of the season. However, on the brighter side, Jon Allen's portrayal of Mr. Poopybutthole has garnered appreciation.
Rick and Morty: How Justin Roiland's Friendship With Dan Harmon Fell Apart
Here's how the two creators of Rick and Morty drifted apart.
Roiland's Controversies and the Uncertain Future of Rick & Morty
Justin Roiland, in collaboration with Dan Harmon, elevated Rick and Morty to epic proportions, even securing them a cameo in LeBron James' Space Jam: A New Legacy. But Roiland's dazzling career faced a major setback due to allegations ranging from domestic abuse to sexual misconduct during his tenure on the show. Although the domestic abuse case was eventually dropped, Roiland currently confronts new accusations, some involving minors, from incidents as far back as 2013. He's outrightly dismissed the allegations, casting them as fictitious and damaging to his reputation.
In light of these developments, Harmon candidly shared his feelings of shame and heartbreak regarding the Roiland episode, confessing that it impacted the crafting of Season 7. As to whether the series will delve into Roiland's exit in the upcoming episodes, Harmon expressed reservations about navigating such sensitive waters.
Fans can still anticipate a rollercoaster season with ten episodes, airing every Tuesday on Adult Swim. With an eighth season already greenlit back in 2017, there's also buzz about a possible film adaptation. Harmon has acknowledged discussions with Warner Bros. about a potential movie, and intriguingly, Zack Snyder, the director behind Rebel Moon, has also indicated an interest in joining the project.
Rick and Morty fans can anticipate new content every Tuesday, 11 p.m. ET, as the story unfolds on Adult Swim. Whether the series will bounce back and reclaim its earlier glory remains a matter of avid speculation.