Rick and Morty creator Dan Harmon still wants ‘100 years’ of the show
Adult Swim is marking its 25th anniversary by doubling down on a content strategy that balances new shows with long-running hits. Cartoon Network president Michael Ouweleen outlined the approach in an interview at Annecy Festival, highlighting Rick and Morty—currently in its ninth season—as a cornerstone of the adult animation block’s success.
Ouweleen emphasized that the key to Rick and Morty’s longevity is the creative team’s ability to innovate rather than repeat themselves, describing it as a “portfolio play” where variety of tone and creative voices remains essential. Rather than capitalizing on a show’s success by extending it indefinitely, Ouweleen indicated Cartoon Network respects creator burnout and avoids forcing productions to continue past their natural creative lifespan.
The strategy extends beyond Rick and Morty. Adult Swim is investing in new series including My Two Cars, Get Jiro!, and SuperMutant Magic Academy, suggesting the network is committed to both nurturing established franchises and fostering fresh talent. This mixed portfolio approach reflects a broader industry shift toward sustainable production practices that prioritize creator well-being alongside commercial viability.
The statement comes as Rick and Morty creator Dan Harmon has previously expressed interest in continuing the show for “100 years,” indicating creative enthusiasm remains high. Balancing creator passion with long-term sustainability represents an ongoing challenge for networks managing beloved franchises in the competitive streaming and cable landscape.