--- title: "Rick and Morty: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/rick-and-morty/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/rick-and-morty" critics_score: 81 critics_reviews: 7 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Rick and Morty (2013): what the critics said Critics' score 81 from 7 reviews: 6 positive, 1 mixed, 0 negative. Most critics like Rick and Morty, and they like it for the same reasons. The reviews settle on the premise, a warped version of the Doc Brown and Marty McFly pairing, and on how far the writers push it into dark, sick territory played for manic fun. The praise clusters on the writing: scripts that root gags in the characters’ psychology, a keen sense of timing, and a willingness to tell actual stories rather than string together pop-culture references. The animation gets credit for inventiveness, and critics note that the show gives its characters depth without rubbing the twisted elements in the viewer’s face. The spread is fairly wide for a series this well liked. One or two reviews find the pace merely manic. The clearest dissent is Collider, which finds the central pair unengaging and the repetition of their names wearing, and argues the supporting family members get the better material. Elsewhere the reservations are small. ## Radio Times — Huw Fullerton Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). The critic praises the episode as a brilliantly bonkers return for the series that crams action and detail into 22 minutes. It singles out the inventive plot involving alternate-universe Ricks and a revenge mission tied to a McDonald's sauce reference for its impact. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-z6xdc5/rick-and-morty-season-3/?episode=b-xm99br) ## The AV Club — David Sims Rating A-. 2 December 2013. The critic finds the show worth getting excited about for its warped take on the Doc Brown/Marty McFly dynamic and its dark, sick sensibility played for manic fun. They single out the inventive animation and the way it gives characters depth without rubbing the twisted elements in the audience's face. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/dan-harmons-new-series-is-a-warped-take-on-the-doc-brow-1798178858) ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 21 June 2021. The critic finds the series much cleverer, funnier and more sophisticated than its influences like Back to the Future. They single out the premiere episode's time-travel ramifications that wipe out an entire civilisation for praise. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jun/21/rick-and-morty-series-five-review-proof-that-elon-musk-must-be-stopped) ## Vulture — Matt Zoller Seitz Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 2 December 2013. The review describes the series as blending absurd slapstick, mild raunch, and sci-fi parody in a way that roots gags in characters' psychology rather than letting them stand alone. It singles out the accurate portrayal of how charismatic alcoholics manipulate family members and the scripts' keen sense of timing. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2013/12/tv-review-dan-harmons-rick-and-morty.html) ## Variety — Brian Lowry Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 1 December 2013. The critic finds the series a manic but more focused Adult Swim offering that tells actual stories beyond typical gags and pop-culture references. They single out its buoyant flights of fancy and attempt to dream bigger, likening the central duo to a Back to the Future setup on acid. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2013/tv/reviews/rick-and-morty-tv-review-cartoon-network-adult-swim-1200883197/) ## Den of Geek — Joe Matar Rating 4/5. 14 January 2014. The critic finds the episode clever and fun, with strong sight gags and a smart take on storytelling twists. It singles out the focus on family member Jerry alongside the main sci-fi action for holding up well. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/rick-and-morty-m-night-shaym-aliens-review/) ## Collider — Allison Keene Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 2 December 2013. The review finds the series has strong pedigree from its creators and an inventive concept with bizarre worlds that allow for creative humor and visuals. However, it criticizes the main characters for being unengaging and the repetitive naming of Rick and Morty, noting that supporting family members deliver better material. [Read the review](https://collider.com/rick-and-morty-review/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/rick-and-morty.md