Rick and Morty, the Adult Swim adult animated sci-fi comedy that centers on an eccentric and ingenious scientist named Rick and his 14-year-old grandson, Morty, blasted back onto the network with its season 8 premiere on Sunday, May 25. The opening episode, "Summer of All Fears," explored adult simulations of Morty and his older sister Summer as they dealt with emotional transgressions and conflicts. Toward the end, it was like nothing ever happened between the siblings, and the situation was recharged back to normal.
We're not saying more regarding the premiere, but since its initiation in 2013, Rick and Morty has been a ratings record breaker, due to its several elements of animation, character development, and writing. With season 8 now airing, it'll continue to reign in its success.
Animated shows, particularly comedy or science fiction, are popular across several audiences, and many are deemed "safe" for kids. However, Rick and Morty has a TV-14 rating, which will alarm some parents about allowing their kids to watch it. On the streamers Max and Hulu, the sitcom has a TV-MA rating, as the episodes hosted there are unedited.
Let's break down the reasons why the TV-14 and TV-MA rating exists for Rick and Morty season 8.
Explaining the Rick and Morty season 8 TV-14 and TV-MA ratings
Several adult animated shows carry the TV-14 rating, as their content and themes might not be suitable for a younger audience. This holds true for Family Guy, American Dad, and Futurama, as they have been encrypted with the rating due to their mature humor and material. On streamers, the ratings have progressed to TV-MA, as the shows are uncensored.
Rick and Morty is no exception to the material as we're breaking down both its TV-14 and TV-MA ratings.
Sex & Nudity: In the season 8 premiere, sex and nudity aren't shown, but as the season has only begun, the situation could very well change. In previous seasons, innuendos and teenage fantasies, and rear nudity were heavily depicted. The high school principal also has a female genitalia surname meant for comedic effects, but parents should be well aware of this character's attribute
Violence & Gore: The violence is one of the core reasons Rick and Morty has that TV-14 rating. "Summer of All Fears" showcased lots of highly impactful war, survival, and science fiction violence, in terms of death and battle. Long-time fans are familiar with the show's covet of bloody scenes. The violence will continue throughout season 8, so keep it in mind if one is sensitive.
Language: As Rick and Morty is an adult animated comedy aired late at night on an adult network, there's going to be profanity and lots of it. Expect your basic and general swears such as "hell" and "damn," with graduation up to the more stronger words such as "B" and "S." F-bombs will be bleeped out on Adult Swim, but in full vocalization on the streamers Hulu and Max
Drinking & Drugs: Rick is a visual alcoholic, meaning that the audience can see the character drink and get intoxicated. Regarding this character arc, he follows the trend of his animated colleagues, Homer Simpson from The Simpsons and Peter Griffin from Family Guy. Other characters, such as Morty's parents, Beth and Jerry, are shown drinking on occasion.
As far as drugs are concerned, no usage has been shown in the season 8 premiere, but it has done so in the past. Rick injects himself with an anti-aging serum, and other instances include party scenes- both on Earth and in the universe.
Overall verdict: What age is Rick and Morty appropriate for?
The best age to watch this out-of-this-world comedy with all its blasts and wormholes is sixteen, given that the show has plenty of mature storylines and scientific jargon. Rick and Morty might be a cartoon, but not all cartoons are created for kids, and the material proves that.
Yet, there's a flip side to Rick and Morty. Since the show parodies the Back To The Future film franchise from the 1980s, it would make an excellent alternative for kids. The movies have the same scientific themes and value, but none of the raw and heavy stuff embedded in Rick and Morty.
Parents should be the ultimate judge when it comes to deciding what their kids should watch, so check out the Rick and Morty season 8 trailer to determine if it's right for yours.