Grab your portal guns, strap in, and maybe bring a tissue or two—because Rick and Morty Season 8 has crash-landed, and it’s a ride equal parts hilarious, chaotic, and surprisingly emotional.
A Season of Safe Chaos
Let’s get this out of the way: critics are split. Some call Season 8 a “return to form,” while others argue it’s the “Michael Bay version of Rick and Morty”—loud, explosive, and occasionally hollow. Rotten Tomatoes threw it a shiny 100% score (based on a small pool of reviews), but IGN wasn’t buying the hype, calling the first half of the season underwhelming.
So where does that leave us? Somewhere between genius and intergalactic filler. Think of it as a multiverse version of the show where Rick is slightly less drunk, Morty is slightly less traumatized, and the writers are slightly less interested in shocking the FCC.
Pop Culture Punchlines
Even if Season 8 doesn’t push boundaries like the “Evil Morty” or “Pickle Rick” days, it still flexes its pop-culture muscles:
- Episode 7 drags Zack Snyder and James Gunn into a ridiculous Superman debate. Spoiler: neither wins.
- “Nomortland” sneaks in a One Piece Easter egg, and anime fans ate it up like ramen on a rainy day.
- There’s even a surprise “Jerry episode” that… well, doesn’t suck. And in the Rick and Morty universe, that’s basically a miracle.
The Emotional Payload
Where Season 8 really surprises is in its finale, “Hot Rick.” Without giving too much away, it dives into Rick’s grief, memory, and his long-lost wife Diane in a way that tugs at your nihilistic little heartstrings. It’s funny, it’s dark, and it’s the closest thing to closure this series has given us in years.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “This is the good shit.”
Character Growth in a Sitcom Shell
Co-creator Dan Harmon and showrunner Scott Marder admitted they wanted to focus more on character development this time around. That means less Citadel lore, fewer canon-heavy arcs, and more exploration of Rick, Beth, Summer, and Morty as actual people. The trade-off? Some fans miss the wild, universe-bending storylines that once made Rick and Morty the most unpredictable show on TV.
Fan Reactions: From HYPE to Meh
The fandom is as split as Rick’s liver:
“Overall I really enjoyed the season … episodes 3, 8 and 10 were HYPE!”
— Excited Redditor
“This season feels like the Michael Bay version of Rick and Morty. Lots of explosions, not much story.”
— Less-excited Redditor
Final Verdict
Season 8 strengths:
- Killer animation and voice work
- Pop-culture gags that land (mostly)
- A finale that punches you right in the feels
Season 8 weaknesses:
- Plays it too safe
- First half drags like Morty in gym class
- Less multiverse mayhem, more sitcom rhythm
So, is Season 8 the greatest Rick and Morty season ever? Nah. But is it worth watching? Absolutely. Because even when Rick and Morty coasts, it’s still lightyears ahead of most animated shows on TV.
And if you’ve been waiting for emotional closure wrapped in fart jokes, congratulations—Hot Rick delivers.