You’ve probably seen the "Pickle Rick" memes more times than you can count. Maybe you’ve even debated the ethics of the Central Finite Curve on a random Reddit thread at 3 a.m. But eventually, the wait for new episodes becomes unbearable. You need that specific fix—the high-concept sci-fi, the nihilistic gut-punches, and the jokes that make you feel slightly smarter (and maybe a bit worse) for getting them.
Finding shows related to Rick and Morty isn't just about finding another cartoon with aliens. It’s about finding that rare DNA of "existential crisis wrapped in a fart joke."
Some shows try to copy the art style. Others try to copy the screaming. Most fail. But a few actually capture the magic of Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland’s brainchild, whether they share the same creators or just the same chaotic energy. Honestly, some of these might actually be better than the original if you’re looking for a specific vibe.
The Immediate Family: Solar Opposites and Krapopolis
If you want the closest thing to a direct descendant, you look at the family tree. Solar Opposites is basically Rick and Morty’s weird cousin who moved to the suburbs. Created by Mike McMahan (a former Rick and Morty writer) and Justin Roiland, it follows a family of aliens who crash-land in middle America.
It feels familiar. The fast-paced dialogue, the sci-fi gadgets that solve problems in the most violent ways possible—it's all there. But here’s the thing: the best part isn't even the main show. It’s "The Wall." Deep within the house, there’s a massive terrarium where the aliens keep shrunken humans. This subplot eventually turns into a gritty, high-stakes political drama that is sometimes more compelling than the actual sci-fi hijinks.
Then you’ve got Krapopolis. This is Dan Harmon’s solo flight into Ancient Greece. Instead of a portal gun, you have a family of gods, monsters, and humans trying to run one of the world's first cities without killing each other. It’s less "sci-fi" and more "society-building satire." If you loved the meta-commentary and the way Harmon deconstructs storytelling tropes, this is your jam. It doesn't have the R-rated edge of Rick and Morty—it’s on Fox, after all—but the intellectual snark is definitely intact.
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The Sci-Fi Successors That Hit Different
Before Rick was a thing, there was The Venture Bros. Honestly, if you haven’t watched this, you’re missing out on the literal blueprint for "sad genius" tropes. It started as a parody of Johnny Quest but evolved into one of the most complex, lore-heavy shows ever made. It deals with failure in a way that makes Rick Sanchez look like a well-adjusted adult.
It’s got everything:
- Incompetent supervillains who have to follow strict union rules.
- A "super scientist" who is a total loser living in his father's shadow.
- A bodyguard named Brock Samson who is basically a human chainsaw.
Then there’s Futurama. It’s the classic choice. While it’s more "wholesome" than Rick and Morty, it hits those same high-concept sci-fi notes. One minute you’re laughing at a robot’s shiny metal ass, and the next you’re crying over a dog waiting for its owner in front of a pizza shop. It’s a masterclass in using the future to talk about the present.
Don't Sleep on Final Space
This show is a weird one because it was tragically "tax-written-off" by Warner Bros. Discovery. But if you can find a way to watch it (or snag a physical copy), it’s incredible. It follows Gary Goodspeed, a lovable moron on a prison ship who meets a planet-destroying alien named Mooncake. It starts out as a goofy space comedy, but by season two, it becomes a genuine space opera with massive stakes and heartbreaking character deaths. It shares that "randomness with consequences" vibe that defines the best Rick and Morty episodes.
Shows That Match the Dark Nihilism
Sometimes it’s not about the portals. Sometimes you just want a show that stares into the abyss with you.
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BoJack Horseman is the gold standard here. It’s not sci-fi. It’s about a depressed horse who used to be on a 90s sitcom. But the way it explores trauma, addiction, and the "nothing matters" philosophy is very much in line with Rick’s character arc. If the episode "The Old Man and the Seat" (the one with the private toilet) is your favorite, BoJack is your next binge.
For something more psychedelic, check out The Midnight Gospel. Created by Pendleton Ward (who made Adventure Time) and comedian Duncan Trussell, it’s basically an animated podcast. The protagonist, Clancy, travels to dying worlds via a multiverse simulator to interview people for his "spacecast." It’s trippy, deeply philosophical, and deals with heavy topics like death and enlightenment. It’s basically what happens when Rick’s "interdimensional cable" meets a philosophy degree.
The "Secret" Connections: Gravity Falls and Inside Job
There is a legendary friendship between Justin Roiland and Alex Hirsch, the creator of Gravity Falls. Fans have spent years spotting Easter eggs that link the two shows. Remember when Rick loses his pen, notepad, and mug in a portal? They literally fly out of a portal in an episode of Gravity Falls. While it’s a Disney show, it has a dark undercurrent and a massive overarching mystery that appeals to the "theorist" side of the Rick and Morty fandom.
Then we have Inside Job. Created by Shion Takeuchi (who wrote for Gravity Falls), this show is a love letter to every conspiracy theory ever. It’s set in a world where the "Deep State" is real and run by a corporation called Cognito, Inc. The lead, Reagan Ridley, is a cynical genius with daddy issues—sound familiar? It’s fast-paced, incredibly smart, and was cancelled way too soon by Netflix. It’s still worth the watch, even if it leaves you wanting more.
Why These Shows Still Matter in 2026
The landscape of adult animation has changed. We’re moving away from the "Family Guy" clones and toward shows that actually try to say something about the human condition, even if they use a sentient bucket of slime to say it. Shows related to Rick and Morty have pushed the boundaries of what we expect from a 22-minute cartoon.
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People often ask if these shows are just "more of the same." Honestly, no. Each one takes a piece of what makes Rick and Morty work—whether it’s the multiverse, the cynicism, or the sheer absurdity—and builds something unique around it. You don't just watch these to pass the time; you watch them because they're some of the best-written stories on TV right now.
Taking Your Next Step Into the Multiverse
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, don't just flip a coin.
Start with Solar Opposites if you want the exact same humor style. It's the "safest" bet. If you want something that will actually make you think and feel things you didn't plan on feeling, go for The Venture Bros. It’s a longer commitment, but the payoff is massive.
For the purely "I want to see weird stuff" nights, The Midnight Gospel is unbeatable. Just make sure you're in the right headspace for it; it’s a journey.
Whatever you choose, remember that the "Rick and Morty vibe" is really just about exploring the infinite. Whether that's through a portal gun or a 90s washed-up actor, the truth is the same: the universe is big, we’re small, and we might as well watch something funny while we're here.
If you're ready to start, go check which streaming services currently have the rights to The Venture Bros. in your region. It's often the hardest one to track down but easily the most rewarding for a true fan of the genre.