Summary

• The Rick and Morty anime spinoff will premiere on August 16, 2024, setting up a bright future for the franchise.
• Despite controversy, Rick and Morty remains popular, with season 8 confirmed and the new anime offering fresh content.
• The success of Rick and Morty: The Anime could lead to more spinoffs with new directions and potential for growth.

The first televised spinoff in its universe, Rick and Morty: The Anime is in a perfect position to set up the future of the anime series could even connect to Rick and Morty, setting up an exciting new direction.

Despite the controversial exit surrounding co-creator Justin Roiland, Rick and Morty remains one of Adult Swim's most popular IPs and looks to have plenty of longevity. Rick and Morty season 8 has been confirmed despite the previous installment's mixed reception, proving the franchise is going nowhere, and the anime will also offer something completely different. Rick and Morty: The Anime will introduce an entirely new cast and director - including the English dub - meaning it will be a truly fresh take on the popular animated series, and its reception could be pivotal for the franchise's next steps.

Rick & Morty's Anime Could Set Up Further Spinoffs & A New Direction For The Franchise

Rick & Morty Could Branch Off Into More Spinoffs If The Anime Is A Success

If the Rick and Morty anime proves to be a big hit, it could set up more spinoffs and lead to a new approach for its world. The likes of Better Call Saul, Gen V, and House of the Dragon have all highlighted that spinoffs can maintain the standards and expectations of their original shows, and Rick and Morty: The Anime could be the next project to follow suit. Although Rick and Morty has had its fair share of bad episodes over the years, it still has a huge reputation that the anime will have to uphold.

It may be a slightly bizarre direction for the franchise, but a successful first season could be integral to Rick and Morty's future. A positive reception for the anime would prove the series can branch out from its usual formula and give the main series a rest. Many of Rick and Morty's best episodes came in the earlier seasons, and while they don't drag down the show's overall quality, it arguably hit its peak a few years ago, meaning spinoffs could be the way forward. Therefore, introducing more shows would let the franchise have a small reset while still providing new content.

What Future Rick & Morty Spinoffs Could Be About

Rick & Morty Has Plenty Of Great Side Characters Who Could Carry Their Own Spinoffs

The Rick and Morty anime has plenty of potential and looks like it will be a fun adaptation of the show's usual adventures, but there are plenty of other spinoff ideas that the franchise could use in the future. Fan favorites like Squanchy, Mr. Poopybutthole, Gearhead, and Bird Person are all potential candidates to have individual shows or even a combined spinoff. Although these recurring ing characters may appear in Rick and Morty season 8, audiences rarely get tired of seeing them, and featuring them on their own adventures away from Rick would make their main show appearances even better.

With the Rick and Morty universe being so detailed, there is almost unlimited spinoff potential, and the franchise could even opt to give Summer her own show.

Rick and Morty's roster of interesting characters goes far deeper than these four though, meaning a spinoff could focus on a variety of one-off adventures, and an anthology series giving a different character the spotlight with each episode could be hilarious. The show could follow Mr. Nimbus' backstory in one episode and instantly follow it up with a Scary Terry adventure, giving audiences something fresh with each outing. With the Rick and Morty universe being so detailed, there is almost unlimited spinoff potential, and the franchise could even opt to give Summer her own show.

Rick and Morty season 8 doesn't have a release date but will premiere in 2025.

While Jerry and Beth get the right amount of screen time in the show, Summer is often underutilized given how well she fits into Rick and Morty's adventures. A Summer Smith spinoff could still include Rick and Morty frequently, but it would allow her to be the focal point for a change and add some extra depth to her character. All these potential ideas showcase just how many options the franchise has when it comes to spinoffs, meaning more are inevitable if the anime performs well.

Why Now Is The Perfect Time For More Rick & Morty Shows

Rick & Morty Needs To Reinvent Itself After Season 7's Mixed Reception

Although Rick and Morty has been going on for seven seasons, now is the perfect time to produce more shows. The first few seasons of the series helped Rick and Morty become one of the biggest modern animated shows around, and it has continued to try and maintain this reputation. However, despite remaining incredibly popular, opinions have slowly begun to shift, especially after the departure of Justin Roiland. The co-creator was dropped from Adult Swim after being involved in some serious controversy, forcing the franchise to make some big adjustments for season 7.

Roiland voiced the two protagonists, meaning they had to be recast. In addition, season 7 had a slightly different feel and was much more inconsistent compared to previous installments. These massive changes have given Rick and Morty a completely new vibe, and introducing spinoffs into the mix could help create a new era for the franchise. It would also allow the show to move away from Roiland and give Dan Harmon - the show's other creator - more time to work on each season now that he'll have a bigger workload.

Previously, Rick and Morty didn't really need spinoffs as the show was thriving in its original state, but with the series undergoing some massive changes in of content and reputation, a fresh start wouldn't be the worst idea.

Previously, Rick and Morty didn't really need spinoffs as the show was thriving in its original state, but with the series undergoing some massive changes in of content and reputation, a fresh start wouldn't be the worst idea. Rick and Morty can continue to produce the sort of stories that people have become familiar with and still crave, but these spinoffs offer the franchise the opportunity to create a new identity without hurting the main product.