Rating:TV-14

Includes cursing, substance abuse, graphic cartoon violence, and sexual content.

The Brief: Rick and Morty is a sci-fi cartoon TV show about a teenage boy who goes on intergalactic adventures with his eccentric grandfather.

Bluesquiggle
DEEP DIVE

Rick and Morty is about an alcoholic scientist, Rick, and his anxious and awkward teenage grandson, Morty. Led by Rick, they travel through time and space on various misadventures. It airs on Cartoon Network’s late-night adult programming block, Adult Swim and is available for streaming on Hulu. There is also a VR video game based on the show called Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-Ality. A large fandom exists around Rick and Morty, including a Reddit community of nearly one million people: r/rickandmorty.

This dark comedy features a dysfunctional family and an often toxic, controlling relationship between Rick and Morty. Although it is a comedy, it is not optimistic overall and features many adult elements.

There is harsh language throughout. On live TV, curse words are bleeped out, but on streaming services and DVD versions they are not. Rick’s rampant alcoholism is prevalent throughout the show along with some drug use, but they are not portrayed in a positive light. Rick is constantly drooling, burping, falling asleep, and engaging in regrettable activities due to his drinking. Comic graphic violence is constant. There is some sexual content, mostly in the form of suggestive language and sometimes graphic descriptions, but there is no nudity or direct depiction of sex.

Rated TV-14, and recommended by Common Sense Media for ages 16+, Rick and Morty is probably best for adults and mature teenagers.