Rick and Morty (Adult Swim)

Given the long-stated goal of 100 episodes, do you think you’ll also want to end the show at 70?
ROILAND: It’s way too early to say. On any given day you’ll feel like this thing can go for 20, 30 seasons. We have characters that don’t really age, it’s very Simpsons-esque. There’s so much we can do to keep riding this train.
DAN HARMON: Sure I’ll end it! But I don’t know that would be on 70. I would be equally unsurprised if you told me that this thing goes for 20 years. I wouldn’t balk at that at all. If it still feels right, let’s do it.
ROILAND: Yeah, unless people don’t give a sh— anymore. If we’re making it and nobody’s watching it…

How many episodes are you doing for the new season?
ROILAND: This new season will be 10.

Is there a plan — perhaps not to be followed, but a plan — in terms of how often new seasons will be launched?
ROILAND: We’re rolling right into the next batch. The plan has always been to get them out quicker.
HARMON: I think it’s safe to say without fear of being wrong that the gap between seasons 3 and 4 will be the longest and last time that it’s ever so long that it’s ridiculous. I don’t know how fast we can do it, but I know it will never be this long again. There were so many things that had to be settled before we even started season 4, and it’s really safe to say — as Justin says — we’re literally writing season 5 while finishing season 4 just to force ourselves to commit to a certain schedule. Not to get anyone’s hopes up, but it is structured into our deal that if we’re going strong and fast there are options to deliver more episodes at a time. Adult Swim can say, “These are on time and great. Do you want to do more instead of taking a break?” And we can then do more. I’d like to see that day. Just knowing it’s possible makes me eager for it. I feel like a naughty boy when I’m late.