If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the "leaks." People are screaming about surprise drops, hidden October dates, or the show being canceled entirely. Honestly, keeping track of this show’s schedule is like trying to follow Rick’s blood alcohol content—it’s messy, unpredictable, and usually involves a lot of shouting.
So, let's get the big question out of the way. When does Rick and Morty air?
As of right now, in early 2026, we are in the "great wait." Season 8 has already come and gone. It premiered back on May 25, 2025, and wrapped its 10-episode run on July 27, 2025. If you’re looking for a new episode tonight, you’re basically looking for a Plumbus at a garage sale. It’s not happening.
The Season 9 Timeline: When Is the Next Portal Opening?
We know Season 9 is coming. Adult Swim didn't just renew the show; they essentially gave Dan Harmon a blank check to keep going until the sun burns out. Or at least until Season 12.
Showrunner Scott Marder and Executive Producer Steve Levy have been pretty open about the pipeline. During a Reddit AMA, they confirmed that while Season 8 was airing, Season 9 was already in post-production. That’s a massive shift from the early days of the show where we waited three years for Rick to get out of space prison.
The expected air date for Rick and Morty Season 9 is Fall 2026.
Why the wait? Animation takes forever. Even with the scripts finished—which they are—the "post" phase involves timing the jokes, cleaning up the lines, and making sure the background aliens don't look like blobs. Plus, Adult Swim likes to use the show as a flagship for their late-year programming.
What about those "Season 8" episodes I see online?
If you see a site claiming to have "Season 8 Episode 11," they’re lying to you. Season 8 was strictly 10 episodes. It ended with "Hot Rick" in July 2025. Anything else is either fan-made, a clip from Rick and Morty: The Anime, or a straight-up virus. Don't click it.
Where to Watch Old Episodes Right Now
Since we’re in the middle of a hiatus, your only option is to rewatch the classics. But where you find them depends entirely on your setup.
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- Max (formerly HBO Max): This is the home base. Every single episode from Season 1 through Season 8 is currently streaming here. They added Season 8 to the library in September 2025, so it's all there in 4K if you’ve got the right plan.
- Hulu: Same deal. Because of some legacy licensing agreements that are probably older than Morty himself, Hulu still carries the show. It's great if you’re already paying for the Disney bundle.
- Adult Swim Website/App: They usually keep a rotating handful of episodes available for free. You don't always need a cable login for the "marathon" streams, which are basically just a 24/7 loop of random episodes. It’s perfect for background noise while you’re doing laundry.
- Live TV (Sling/YouTube TV/DirectV): Adult Swim still runs reruns almost every single night. Usually, they start around 11:00 PM or midnight.
The "Annually" Myth: Can They Actually Keep This Up?
There was a lot of talk a few years ago about the show moving to an "annual" release schedule. Dan Harmon mentioned it. The fans craved it. Basically, the goal was to be like The Simpsons—a new season every single year without fail.
It hasn't quite worked out that perfectly.
The gap between Season 7 and Season 8 was about 18 months. That’s better than the old days, sure, but it’s not exactly "annual." The 2023 writers' strike put a dent in the momentum, and even with the voice cast change (Ian Cardoni as Rick and Harry Belden as Morty), the production remains a beast.
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However, the crew is currently working ahead. They’re writing Season 11 right now. By staying two seasons ahead of what's actually airing, they hope to hit a more consistent rhythm. If Season 9 does hit in late 2026, we might actually see Season 10 by late 2027. Fingers crossed.
Why the Airing Schedule Feels So Random
Most shows follow a pattern. Rick and Morty follows a "whenever it's done" philosophy, mixed with corporate strategy. Adult Swim knows this is their biggest hit. They aren't going to burn through episodes when they don't have to.
They also love "stealth drops." Remember the Season 3 premiere on April Fool’s Day? That trauma lives in the back of every fan's head. It’s why people constantly ask when the show airs—they’re afraid they’re going to wake up and realize they missed three episodes because they weren't checking Twitter at 2:00 AM.
International Airing Times
If you're outside the US, the "when" gets even trickier.
- United Kingdom: Episodes usually hit E4 and Channel 4 about a week after the US premiere.
- Australia/Canada: Usually, these regions follow the US schedule much closer, often appearing on local streaming services (like Netflix in some territories) within 24 to 48 hours.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Stop refreshing the Adult Swim schedule every night. It’s not going to change until we get a formal teaser trailer, which usually drops about three months before a premiere.
Here is what you should actually do:
- Check for a "Vulture" or "Variety" Press Release in August 2026. If the Fall 2026 rumor is true, that’s when the marketing machine will start.
- Verify your Max subscription. If you’re only keeping it for Rick and Morty, you can probably pause it for a few months and save some cash since no new content is dropping until later this year.
- Ignore the "Season 9 Leak" YouTube channels. They are almost always clickbait using AI-generated scripts and old footage.
- Watch "Rick and Morty: The Anime" if you're desperate. It’s a different vibe, but it fills the void while the main production team finishes Season 9.
The chaos is part of the experience. Just remember: Season 8 is done, Season 9 is likely coming in late 2026, and you’ve got at least 80 episodes to rewatch in the meantime.