100% RT Show Surpasses The Last Of Us To Become HBO’s Most-Watched Streaming Series

Rick and Morty just crossed a major milestone by topping HBO's charts. As season 8 continues, the show is evidently back to its peak form, as reviews and audiences have nothing but praise for the show. In ScreenRant's Rick & Morty season 8 review, Felipe Rangel called it an "all-around gem" and offered a 9 out of 10 rating, and Rotten Tomatoes has been just as positive. It has a 100% Tomatometer score at the time of writing and an 86% Popcornmeter score. As the season continues, that total may change, but it is a positive sign for the series.

Midway through season 8, Rick and Morty has already proved to be a sound investment for HBO. According to a report by FlixPatrol, the series is now HBO's second-most-watched show, having passed The Last of Us to dominate the charts. It sits behind only And Just Like That..., the Sex and the City spinoff show. Rick and Morty is even more popular than most of HBO's movies, as it is currently only being surpassed by Robert De Niro's The Alto Knights.

What This Means For Rick And Morty

It Benefits From A Disappointing Last Of Us Second Season

Adult Swim has already renewed Rick and Morty through season 12, so this news does not necessarily mean that the show will earn another renewal so soon. Still, it is a massive step for a series that saw declining reviews after creator Justin Roiland exited the franchise due to allegations of misconduct. If this show can maintain its momentum, it could very well earn a perpetual place on HBO, much like its fellow animated sitcom, The Simpsons, has maintained on network television.

While surpassing The Last of Us is an accomplishment, the show did see a ratings decline during its sophomore season. The Last of Us season 2 thrilled critics but disappointed general audiences, earning a paltry 37% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes after the divisive episode 2. Rick and Morty, which had its own maligned season two years ago, is experiencing a resurgence among its viewers, so it should come as no surprise that the show is seeing more success. Still, this is a great sign for a show that was seemingly losing its momentum just last year.

Our Take On Rick And Morty's Success

This Is Excellent News For The Franchise

This milestone is extraordinary for the Rick and Morty cast and crew, especially after Rick and Morty were recast after season 6. With new actors, new scenarios, and the same chaotic misadventures, an accomplishment of this level means that the series is continuing to dominate streaming networks and should do so for the foreseeable future. HBO should continue to look at the show as a major investment in the coming years, especially as its runaway success continues.