Dan Harmon Talks Overhauling ‘Rick And Morty’ Workplace, Fears & Hopes For Future Of Adult Animation – Contenders TV Nominees Studio
Deadline
•Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:30:00 +0000
📰 What Happened
Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon discussed overhauling the show’s workplace and his hopes and fears for the future of adult animation at Deadline’s Contenders Television: The Nominees Studio. He appeared alongside showrunner and executive producer Scott Marder.
🔍 The Backstory
The show faced major turbulence after co-creator Justin Roiland was ousted in 2023 over domestic-violence charges (later dropped) and other misconduct allegations. Harmon acknowledged the show was grandfathered in from an era of less accountability and said creating a workplace where everyone feels human took several years.
🎯 Why It Matters
The show’s behind-the-scenes reboot is emblematic of how the industry is handling accountability and workplace culture in animation. Harmon’s comments speak to a broader shift in how adult animated series are produced and staffed.
Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon discussed overhauling the show’s workplace and his hopes and fears for the future of adult animation at Deadline’s Contenders Television: The Nominees Studio. He appeared alongside showrunner and executive producer Scott Marder.
The show faced major turbulence after co-creator Justin Roiland was ousted in 2023 over domestic-violence charges (later dropped) and other misconduct allegations. Harmon acknowledged the show was grandfathered in from an era of less accountability and said creating a workplace where everyone feels human took several years.
The show’s behind-the-scenes reboot is emblematic of how the industry is handling accountability and workplace culture in animation. Harmon’s comments speak to a broader shift in how adult animated series are produced and staffed.