Rick and Morty are currently enjoying their fourth season on adult swim and so far it has been just as hilarious, intelligent and bizarre as always. Screenrant has already listed other animations to enjoy if you’re a fan, now it’s time to take a look at some live-action shows.
The programs in this list strike a similar tone in humor, sci-fi, or maybe a bit of both. So if you’re at a bind with what to view whilst you wait for the next adventure of Sanchez and co, why not check one of these great shows out?
Community
Created by Rick and Morty co-scribe Dan Harmon, Community follows the adventures of a misfit study group of different ages and backgrounds at a fictional community college called Greendale. This brilliantly written show ran for 6 seasons and is both original and fantastic.
Well written humor but not afraid to be silly, sometimes emotional but not in an obvious patronizing way and full of great characters. Some episodes also explore concepts like the multiverse an alternate timelines, which in hindsight feels like a test run for concepts used further in R&M
Doctor Who
As Rick Sanchez himself screamed during the season three finale “The Rickchurian Candidate” “I’M DOCTOR WHO UP IN THIS MOTHER *!!!" Doctor Who follows the adventures of an old, extremely smart fellow and his not quite as smart companions going on adventures through various worlds. Sound familiar?
It’s a family show and not really a comedy despite having funny moments, but like Rick and Morty, when Doctor Who is done well it is extremely brilliant sci-fi. Over 50 years of history can be a bit daunting, so probably best to check out the Russell T Davis and Moffat era (Christopher Eccleston to Peter Capaldi in the lead role) if you’re a new viewer.
Red Dwarf
Dave Lister is frozen in stasis for millions of years on the mining ship Red Dwarf. When he awakens he discovers that the crew has been gone for millennia, and his only company is a hologram of his annoying uptight roommate Rimmer, the evolved humanoid descendant of his pet cat, and later on a service droid name Kryton.
The show has been running since 1988, and it’s greatest seasons are probably 3-6, where co-creators Rob Grant and Doug Naylor were still on board and the show had the perfect mix of comedy and sci-fi conceptual storytelling.
The Mighty Boosh
Sometimes Rick and Morty can be straight-up surreal and insane, especially with it’s more improvisational elements. If you like that kind of thing then we highly recommend The Mighty Boosh, one of the most random and bizarre comedy shows ever made.
Starting off on radio then transitioning to TV, stylish and cool Vince Noir and Jazz enthusiast Howard Moon, played by the comedy duo Noel Fielding and Julian Barret, go on adventures with their companions Naboo the shaman and Bolo the gorilla. Unique is an understatement when it comes to describing the Boosh.
What We Do In The Shadows
This spin-off show from the film of the same, What We Do In The Shadows is a mockumentary about three vampires who live together in New York City. Created by Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement, who have both guest-starred in episodes of Rick and Morty.
Waittiti plays app mad alien Glootie in the season four episode “The Old Man and His Seat”, whilst Clement provided his vocal talents to magical gas cloud Fart in the series two ep “Mortynight Run.” WWDITS has hilarious improvisational tones like Rick and Morty and the same penchant for dark humor.
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
Rick Sanchez is one of those few TV show heroes that doesn’t really have that many likable qualities. In fact, if you met him in real life you would probably think he was a complete idiot. This is something he shares with Dennis, Dee, Frank, Charlie and Mac, the patrons of Paddy’s Pub and the four leads of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
Despite being absolutely horrible people, fans still love them. The show is currently enjoying its 14th season for good reason, it’s very very funny stuff!
Great Minds With Dan Harmon
Another one from series co-creator Dan Harmon, Great Minds is a History Channel show where Dan’s good friend and dungeon master Spencer Crittenden has invented a time-traveling device which transports historical figures into the present.
However, they only have 24 hours until they turn into dust! If the premise alone isn’t Rick and Morty enough for you, the jokes and themes defiantly are. The historical guests are always played by beloved stars and friends of Harmon too, the episode featuring Daniel Pudi as Buddha is a top recommendation!
Spaced
From the mind of Edger Wright, who brought us the movies Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz, The Worlds End, Scott Pilgram Vs. The World and Baby Driver comes this show which really kicked started the careers of himself and co-collaborators Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.
It follows a group of friends who live in a house share in London, and like Community, you can really feel it was written by geeks and film fans for geeks and film fans, unlike patronizing trash such as The Big Bang Theory.
Living With Yourself
Do you remember the season three episode of Rick and Morty “Rest and Ricklaxsation” where Rick and Morty go to a spa to get all of the toxins taken out of their body, only for them to form an evil version of the titular two? Well Living With Yourself is a very similar concept but spread to an entire series.
It’s a perfect vehicle for the lovable Paul Rudd and highlights how much better life can be with a work hard attitude and a positive outlook. Like Rick and Morty, it is a great thing to watch if you find yourself in a, particularly nasty mood.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a sci-fi anthology series that showcases the effects of technology and modern life. Think The Twilight Zone, but with gadgets. Series creator Charlie Brooker has a great skill for storytelling and dark humor.
Some episodes are funnier than others, some are more dramatic than others, but nearly all have a satisfying ending although by warned, there are a couple that will leave you haunted long after the credits roll! Seasons normally come in batches of three episodes, with two and three being the most critically acclaimed. Each episode is stand alone so it’s probably best to start there.
