Rick and MortySeason 8 is now two episodes in, with the most recent installment, “Valkyrick,” airing on June 1. After controversies have harmed the series' reputation in recent times, a strong bounce-back was needed to patch up some viewers' harmed opinion of the beloved animated show. Well, thankfully, that is exactly what has happened, with the show’s initialimpressive100% critics' score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoesfollowed up by an almost-as-impressive audience score to match.
Officially, following the opening two episodes and with the figure subject to change,Rick and MortySeason 8 holds a strong 89% audience rating. What’s perhaps even more eye-catching is that this is the highest score of its kind for eight years, with the search for a rating higher than the current season’s going all the way back to Season 3’s near-perfect 95%. The opening two seasons hold the show’s best scores, both at 97%, with a post-Season 3 mixed reception seeing the fourth outing earn 85%, Season 5 a disappointing 65%, Season 6 a much-improved 97%, and2023’s Season 7 a series-low 51%.
‘Rick and Morty’ Season 8 Strikes a Balance Between “Absurdity and Heartfelt”
As mentioned previously, recent opinions onRick and Mortyhave been mixed, asSeasons 5 and 7 in particular failed to capture the unique appeal of the first three outings. Although critics only received the opening four episodes of the season for review, their positivity was clear all around, emphasized by the perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. A neat choice not to let recent developments alter the show’s ethos of blending chaotic comedy and tender heart,Rick and MortySeason 8 goes somewhat back to basics, providing fans with all the elements of the show they have loved for twelve years.
InJasneet Singh’s review of the eighth season for Collider, she cited “ludicrous and clever arcs” and the choice to explore new aspects of certain characters as factors toward its success.Awarding the season a 7/10, Singh said, “Despite this slight tonal shift,Rick and MortySeason 8can only really be described as consistent. It hasn’t brought anything new to the table thus far, but also cannot be faulted for the quality of stories, humor, and emotion it delivers.” Singh continued, “Striking the balance between absurdity and heartfelt scenes while chucking in a truckload of hilarious satire and imaginative visuals,Rick and Mortycontinues to deliver its trademark addictive, cheap thrillsthat won’t disappoint any longtime fan of the show.”
Rick and MortySeason 8 airs weekly on Adult Swim. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the biggest shows.
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