
Rick and Morty Season 8: Release Date, Cast, Episodes
Rick and Morty season 8, which premiered on May 25, 2025, is the second full season without co-creator Justin Roiland and arrives amid a split between critics who call it “consistently hilarious” and fans who miss the old magic. The following breakdown covers release dates, episode list, cast changes, streaming options, and what the divided reception means.
Premiere date: May 25, 2025 ·
Finale date: July 27, 2025 ·
Number of episodes: 10 ·
Network: Adult Swim ·
Streaming on: HBO Max
Quick snapshot
- Season 8 premiered on Adult Swim on May 25, 2025 (TechRadar)
- 10 episodes aired weekly through July 27, 2025 (JustWatch US)
- Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden voice Rick and Morty (DIRECTV Insider)
- Streaming on HBO Max as of September 1, 2025 (IGN)
- Full plot details for episodes beyond episode 1 remain sparse (DIRECTV Insider lists only titles)
- Exact Rotten Tomatoes score is not publicly listed (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Whether season 9 will premiere in 2026 is unconfirmed (Adult Swim has not announced)
- Exact viewership numbers for season 8 are not publicly available (DIRECTV Insider)
- September 2024 — Season 8 announced
- May 25, 2025 — Premiere on Adult Swim
- July 27, 2025 — Finale airs
- September 1, 2025 — Full season arrives on HBO Max
- Season 9 is in development at Adult Swim (DIRECTV Insider mentions ongoing development)
- Digital purchase and DVD release expected late 2025 (DIRECTV Insider)
- Fan debates over Roiland’s absence likely to continue (DIRECTV Insider)
The table below summarizes the essential figures.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Premiere date | May 25, 2025 |
| Finale date | July 27, 2025 |
| Number of episodes | 10 |
| Network | Adult Swim |
| Streaming | HBO Max |
| Running time | 22 minutes per episode (approx.) |
When did Rick and Morty season 8 premiere and end?
After months of anticipation, Rick and Morty season 8 kicked off on May 25, 2025, airing on Adult Swim (the official broadcaster) at 11pm EST. The run spanned ten weeks, with the finale Hot Rick airing on July 27, 2025, according to the episode guide on JustWatch US (a streaming guide).
- Exact premiere date: May 25, 2025 — confirmed by TechRadar (a tech and entertainment outlet)
- Finale date: July 27, 2025 — listed on JustWatch US
- Episode count: 10 episodes — verified by DIRECTV Insider (a TV guide publisher)
With 10 episodes, season 8 matches the standard count for the series — but for viewers in the UK and Australia, the wait was longer. TechRadar reports that UK viewers got access on June 1, 2025, while Australia saw it the day after the US premiere.
The pattern:
Adult Swim stuck to its proven weekly schedule, but the international rollout lagged — a recurring frustration for non-US fans that the network has yet to address with day-and-date releases.
How many episodes are in Rick and Morty season 8 and what are the episode titles?
Ten episodes aired across the season, each running roughly 22 minutes. JustWatch US published the complete episode list:
- Episode 1: Summer of All Fears (May 25, 2025)
- Episode 2: Valkyrick (June 1, 2025)
- Episode 3: The Rick, the Mort & the Ugly (June 8, 2025)
- Episode 4: The Last Temptation of Jerry (June 15, 2025)
- Episode 5: Cryo Mort a River (June 22, 2025)
- Episode 6: The Curicksous Case of Bethjamin Button (June 29, 2025)
- Episode 7: Ricker Than Fiction (July 6, 2025)
- Episode 8: Nomortland (July 13, 2025)
- Episode 9: Morty Daddy (July 20, 2025)
- Episode 10: Hot Rick (July 27, 2025)
The titles, which include puns on Nomadland and Stranger Than Fiction, reflect the show’s trademark pop-culture wordplay. JustWatch US (a streaming guide) also lists these episodes, confirming availability across platforms.
The catch:
While the episode list is complete, detailed plot summaries beyond episode 1 are thin. That leaves fans relying on titles alone — a guessing game that fuels Reddit speculation but frustrates anyone planning a viewing session.
Who is in the cast of Rick and Morty season 8?
The voice cast underwent its biggest change in the show’s history. Justin Roiland, who co-created the series and originally voiced both Rick and Morty, was replaced following his departure from the show. DIRECTV Insider confirmed the new lineup:
- Ian Cardoni as Rick Sanchez — took over the lead role
- Harry Belden as Morty Smith — replaced Roiland as the young sidekick
- Spencer Grammer as Summer Smith — returning cast member
- Chris Parnell as Jerry Smith — returning cast member
- Sarah Chalke as Beth Smith — returning cast member
- Tom Kenny as Squanchy and Gene Gilligan — guest voice roles
- Dan Harmon as Bird Person — co-creator returns to voice a character
Fandango at Home (a digital retailer) confirms the same main cast, listing Cardoni, Belden, Parnell, Grammer, and Chalke as the core ensemble. The transition appears to have been handled smoothly — Rotten Tomatoes describes the season as “consistently hilarious,” suggesting the new voices haven’t dented critical reception.
Fans on Reddit report mixed feelings: some miss Roiland’s distinctive vocal tics, while others say Cardoni and Belden bring fresh energy. The overarching storylines were praised, even as some viewers expressed disappointment with self-contained adventures that felt disconnected from the season’s arc.
What this means:
The cast change is the single most defining fact of season 8. For viewers on the fence, the critical consensus leans positive — but the fanbase remains divided, a split that will likely define how this season is remembered.
Where can I watch Rick and Morty season 8?
Viewing options depend heavily on your region. In the US, season 8 is available through multiple channels:
- Original broadcast: Adult Swim (Sundays at 11pm EST)
- Streaming: HBO Max — full season arrived on September 1, 2025, per IGN (a gaming and entertainment outlet)
- Digital purchase: Amazon, iTunes, Fandango at Home
- Free with ads: Adult Swim’s website and app
JustWatch US also lists Hulu and YouTube TV as streaming options, though availability may vary by subscription tier.
For UK viewers, JustWatch UK reports that season 8 streams on Netflix, HBO Max, NOW, and Netflix Standard with Ads. UK launch date was June 1, 2025, per TechRadar.
If you’re in the US, HBO Max is the simplest bet. UK viewers get more choices — Netflix and NOW are both in play — but the delayed premiere means you waited a week longer than American audiences.
Why this matters:
For cord-cutters, the fragmentation of streaming rights means checking multiple platforms. The show’s removal from Netflix in the US (it moved to HBO Max in 2021) still catches some subscribers off guard, making the UK’s continued Netflix availability a notable exception.
Is Rick and Morty season 8 worth watching?
The question that matters most — and the answer is layered. Rotten Tomatoes aggregated critics describe the season as “consistently hilarious,” a strong endorsement from the review community. But fan sentiment tells a more complicated story.
On Reddit (r/rickandmorty), some users expressed disappointment with self-contained adventures that lacked the serialized depth of earlier seasons. Others praised the overarching storylines — the season’s narrative spine apparently resonated more than its individual episodes. This mirrors a broader tension in the show’s fanbase: viewers who want tightly plotted arcs versus those who prefer the chaos of standalone episodes.
Season 8 is simultaneously the most critically consistent installment in years (per Rotten Tomatoes) and the most divisive among fans. The cause is almost certainly the Roiland departure: his absence removed a signature element, even as the writing team — led by Dan Harmon — maintained the show’s structural quality.
The question for new viewers is simpler. If you’ve never watched Rick and Morty, season 8 works as an entry point — the cast changes mean there’s no “old” voice to miss. For longtime fans, the answer depends on what you value: consistent humor (yes) or the original vocal identity (less so).
The implication:
For the viewer who wants a single verdict: season 8 is worth watching, but with the understanding that it’s a transitional season. The show has moved on from Roiland, and while the writing holds up, the experience is different. For the US fan who grew up on the original voice performances, the adjustment is real. For the UK viewer catching it on Netflix, the novelty might actually be an advantage — you’re getting the show as it is now, not as it was.
Confirmed by critics
- Consistently funny writing across 10 episodes
- Overarching storylines work well
- New voice cast settles in quickly
- Full season available on HBO Max
What fans found uneven
- Self-contained episodes feel disconnected
- Roiland’s absence is noticeable to longtime viewers
- Some episodes rely on familiar formulas
- Plot details beyond episode 1 are scarce
“Season 8 is consistently hilarious.”
— Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus
“Some fans on Reddit expressed disappointment with self-contained adventures but praised the overarching story.”
— Reddit user discussion in r/rickandmorty
Frequently asked questions
Is Rick and Morty season 8 appropriate for children?
No. The show carries a TV-MA rating for language, sexual content, and violence, consistent with previous seasons.
Does season 8 have a post-credits scene?
No post-credits scenes have been reported for season 8 episodes, though some include mid-credits gags typical of the series.
How long is each episode in season 8?
Episodes run approximately 22-23 minutes, with episode 1 clocking in at 23 minutes per Fandango at Home.
Was Justin Roiland involved in season 8?
No. Justin Roiland was replaced as lead voice actor. Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden now voice Rick and Morty, respectively.
Will there be a Rick and Morty season 9?
Yes. Season 9 is in development at Adult Swim, though no release date has been announced.
What is the age rating for Rick and Morty season 8?
TV-MA. The show is not suitable for viewers under 17.
Can I buy Rick and Morty season 8 on DVD?
A DVD release has not been announced as of late 2025, but previous seasons were released on DVD within a year of their broadcast.