Rick and Morty Season 7: Is The Show Done?
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 have befallen the series, putting into jeopardy a seventh season. So, let’s dig into where things stand currently with Rick and Morty and see if we can determine if a season 7 is in the cards.
Rick And Morty Season 7 Is In The Works
With season 6 of Rick and Morty ending on a strong note, you had to think that Adult Swim’s parent network, Cartoon Network, would be all in for a season 7. You would be correct. Season 7 is in the works although there is so much more to this story.
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.
Writers And SAG-AFTRA Strikes Will Likely Delay Production
Now that a little bit of time has passed between Roiland’s firing, Rick and Morty have one more big issue to deal with. Actually, let’s make those two issues. First, it was the Hollywood writer’s strike that began on May 2, 2023. 11,500 screenwriters have been affected, which in turn has shut down production in most of Hollywood.
But that isn’t all. The Screen Actors Guild also voted to strike, and they have joined the writers on the picket lines. For all intents and purposes, Hollywood production studios are ghost towns.
With no end of either strike in sight, it is impossible to say when season 7 of Rick and Morty will ramp up again. This leads us to another important question. When it does start production, just who will be voicing Rick and Morty?
The Characters Will Need New Voices
For now, there is no word on who will step into the vocal shoes of Rick and Morty. We do know that it will happen. Cartoon Network president Michael Ouweleen and series producer Steve Levy were at France’s Annecy International Festival where they spoke about the upcoming season 7.
They said that the network is officially searching for voice actors who can fill the roles of Rick and Morty and when they do find them, they don’t feel “anyone will bat an eyelid hearing the new voices.”
What they didn’t say was if it would be one person, as Roiland did, who would be voicing Rick and Morty or if they were looking for two actors to fill the roles.
So, we know that Roiland is out, but we also haven’t received official word as to who will be replacing him as Rick and Morty. What we do know is that the rest of the vocal cast will return.
This means you will hear Chris Parnell as Jerry Smith, Sarah Chalke as Beth Smith and Space Beth, and Spencer Grammer as Summer Smith. Who knows, Susan Sarandon returned in season 6 as Dr. Wong, so perhaps with all of Rick’s personality issues, she just might make another appearance or two.
Rick and Morty Season 7 Plot
For 6 seasons fans have followed mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty Smith through all of their exploits at home and the adventures that see the pair travel through time, realities, and distant planets on Rick’s flying saucer.
While not much is known about the upcoming season 7 of Rick and Morty, we take the words of Rick Sanchez himself as to what the newest season might hold for fans.
“Rick and Morty season seven,” Ricks says in a rant to Morty during the season 6 finale. “Hunting my nemesis. Maybe trying to stay healthy while doing it, juggling plates – not every episode, Morty, it could be all happening in the background. Who knows?”
Does this mean we will be seeing more of “Weird Rick?” Sounds like it is being set up for him to be the big bad in season 7.
Rick And Morty Season 7 Should Release In September 2023
As we mentioned before, there is no exact date for the season 7 premiere of Rick and Morty. Rumor has it that season 7 will show sometime in September 2023 and once it does, a new episode will arrive on Sunday nights. It is expected that season 7 will consist of 10 episodes.
