Will the toxic fanbase of the otherwise brilliant Rick and Morty hamper the growth of show in terms of new viewers

&#8216;Rick and Morty&#8217;: Is Gatekeeping Really Alienating a Part of the Show’s Audience?

Rick and Morty, the animated sitcom by Community‘s Dan Harmon and Justin
Roiland, is a masterclass in comedy writing and production. The high-concept
ideas and impeccable comic timing only elevate the already wonderful and
self-aware storytelling style. No wonder it is one of the most popular Adult
Swim series out there. Having said that, the brilliant show has the most toxic
fanbase that might just be the show’s undoing someday.

https://youtu.be/irIkOb4fF2Y

Rick and Morty [https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/rick-and-morty/] has an almost
Back to the Future-Esque vibe at its core. The show follows the chronicles of a
genius yet eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez and his often unwilling grandson and
sidekick Morty. Their various mind-bending misadventures through multiple
alternate dimensions and realities and several sci-fi parodies
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-rick-and-morty-spoof-arnold-schwarzeneggers-age-old-terminator-taking-it-a-little-too-far-for-a-mere-toast/]
are not just hilarious and entertaining, but also incredibly introspective.

[data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==]https://netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/e0f612fa12d17e68e3d68ccf55f93cac4f-06-rick-morty.webp

Seeing an exponential growth in viewership ever since the first season, the
popularity of the show only increased with the release of seasons 2 and 3. So
much so that the series became one of the most watched series across platforms.
But the flip-side to all this well-deserved success and popularity is an army of
entitled and misogynistic devotees that act as the self-proclaimed gatekeepers
of the show.

ALSO READ: When Rick and Morty Got Thousands of Fans To Demand Sauce Outside
McDonald’s: “We want sauce”
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-when-rick-and-morty-got-thousands-of-fans-to-demand-sauce-outside-mcdonalds-we-want-sauce/]


SO-CALLED INTELLECTUAL RICK AND MORTY FANS ESTRANGE NEW VIEWERS

As certified geeks and fans of most things popular, we empathize with getting
invested in a show. For a while, the show becomes our world and the characters
become a part of us. However, no matter how avid a fan you are, it doesn’t give
you any right to hate on the people who dislike the show. Or shame the people
who don’t understand the show’s premise. And this is exactly what is wrong with
the Rick and Morty army. It went so far that the show saw a major decline in new
viewers. 



Back in July 2017, a condescending post by an elitist, supposedly superfan of
Rick and Morty went viral on Reddit. According to the post, “You have to have a
very high IQ to understand Rick and Morty.” If this wasn’t enough, the post went
on to proclaim, “The humor is extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of
theoretical physics, most of the jokes will go over a typical viewer’s head.”

> A guy with a high IQ offers his opinion on Rick and Morty
> [https://www.reddit.com/r/iamverysmart/comments/6zdsx5/a_guy_with_a_high_iq_offers_his_opinion_on_rick/]
> by u/Montezuma_II [https://www.reddit.com/user/Montezuma_II] in iamverysmart
> [https://www.reddit.com/r/iamverysmart/]



The internet is full of hateful gatekeepers of the show that display zero
sensitivity and show no restraint in shaming the people who even mildly
criticize the show. And it is completely baseless. May we point out The Big Bang
Theory, a show loved and appreciated by all despite it being full of scientific
quips? It aches to see how a few bad apples have the potential to hamper the
growth of such a well-made show.

ALSO READ: Does ‘Solar Opposites’ Takes Place in the Same Universe as ‘Rick and
Morty’?
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-does-solar-opposites-takes-place-in-the-same-universe-as-rick-and-morty/]

To add fuel fire, there is a collective on Facebook titled “The Real Ricks”
exclusively for devotees of the show who pretend to have a self-proclaimed
in-depth understanding of Rick and Morty. They identify themselves as
hyper-intelligent beings that have an excuse for bad behavior, not unlike their
idol, Rick. Instead of understanding the character’s deep-seated flaws, they
revere him blindly and take anything that comes out of his mouth as gospel.


MISOGYNISTIC GATEKEEPERS BLAME WOMEN WRITERS FOR THE SHOW’S DECLINING QUALITY

In order to diversify his all-male writer’s room for Rick and Morty, creator Dan
Harmon recruited four brilliant women writers. While the contributions of Jane
Becker, Sarah Carbiener, Jessica Gao, and Erica Rosbe were paramount, some
sexist fans couldn’t handle it. The writers were instantly termed  “social
justice warriors” and held responsible for some of the supposedly unfunny
episodes. From online harassment to even getting their private information
leaked online, the women went through a tragic ordeal.

[data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==]https://netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lt5iqku0vmd71.webp

Dan Harmon absolutely loathes this faction of fandom. In an interview with
Entertainment Weekly, Harmon said
[https://ew.com/tv/2017/09/21/rick-morty-dan-harmon-female-writers/] that these
fan groups want “to protect the content they think they own.” They then “somehow
combine that with their need to be proud of something they have, which is often
only their race or gender.” He defends his co-writers yelling at the
misogynistic fans: “You idiots! We all write the show together!”

ALSO READ: Will Evil Morty Return in ‘Rick and Morty’ Season 6?
[https://netflixjunkie.com/coming-soon-will-evil-morty-return-in-rick-and-morty-season-6/]

Rick and Morty may be fun and hysterical, but it touches upon some real-life
issues that can be heartbreaking. It is apparent that the show is a humorous
commentary by the creator Dan Harmon on his own life struggles. However, toxic
fans like these completely misconstrue the ethos behind the show. Moreover, they
project their own insecurities on the characters in the most harmful way. They
are alienating prospective fans of the show, destroying the very thing they
adore. 



While we are super excited about Rick and Morty season 6
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-rick-and-morty-must-read-season-6-theory-will-send-you-in-jitters/],
we are also weary of the copious amounts of new toxicity it will birth in the
form of the hateful fanbase. We urge the potential viewers of the show to
observe a separation of the series from the abhorrent fans. Watch Rick and Morty
streaming [https://www.netflix.com/in/title/80014749] on Netflix, and don’t let
their hate-fuelled comments discourage you from enjoying the show.

ALSO READ: What Is Central Finite Curve And Will We See It In Rick and Morty
Season 6?
[https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-rick-and-morty-season-6-what-is-central-finite-curve-and-will-we-see-it-again/]

Natasha Vijan

Comment

&#8216;Rick and Morty&#8217;: Is Gatekeeping Really Alienating a Part of the Show’s Audience? - Netflix Junkie

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Natasha is a writer at Netflix Junkie. Despite completing her Masters in Architecture from Hochschule Anhalt in Germany, she decided to follow her passion for storytelling.

Apart from working as an architect in the past, Natasha currently also ghostwrites for various travel and lifestyle blogs like italyfoodies.com, mypureplants.com and more. Moreover, she has also been involved as a screenplay analyst with Outstanding Screenplays London.

An avid cinephile, Natasha especially enjoys quirky dark comedies and gangster films. She can talk about films by Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie for days and even aspires to make her own film someday. When not at work, she can be found at at outdoor music concert or a stand-up gig. Additionally, she’s a feminist, LGBTQIA ally and a strong mental health advocate.

https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-rick-and-morty-is-gatekeeping-really-alienating-a-part-of-the-shows-audience

&#8216;Rick and Morty&#8217;: Is Gatekeeping Really Alienating a Part of the Show’s Audience? - netflix-junkie

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Rick and Morty, the animated sitcom by Community&#8216;s Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, is a masterclass in comedy writing and production. The high-concept ideas and impeccable comic timing only elevate the already wonderful and self-aware storytelling style. No wonder it is one of the most popular Adult Swim series out there. Having said that, the brilliant show has the most toxic fanbase that might just be the show&#8217;s undoing someday.
https://youtu.be/irIkOb4fF2Y
<a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/tag/rick-and-morty/">Rick and Morty</a> has an almost Back to the Future-Esque vibe at its core. The show follows the chronicles of a genius yet eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez and his often unwilling grandson and sidekick Morty. Their various mind-bending misadventures through multiple alternate dimensions and realities and several <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-rick-and-morty-spoof-arnold-schwarzeneggers-age-old-terminator-taking-it-a-little-too-far-for-a-mere-toast/">sci-fi parodies</a> are not just hilarious and entertaining, but also incredibly introspective.
<a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/e0f612fa12d17e68e3d68ccf55f93cac4f-06-rick-morty.webp"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45549 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/e0f612fa12d17e68e3d68ccf55f93cac4f-06-rick-morty.webp" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" data-sizes="auto" data-srcset="https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/e0f612fa12d17e68e3d68ccf55f93cac4f-06-rick-morty.webp 1920w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/e0f612fa12d17e68e3d68ccf55f93cac4f-06-rick-morty-300x169.webp 300w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/e0f612fa12d17e68e3d68ccf55f93cac4f-06-rick-morty-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/e0f612fa12d17e68e3d68ccf55f93cac4f-06-rick-morty-768x432.webp 768w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/e0f612fa12d17e68e3d68ccf55f93cac4f-06-rick-morty-1536x864.webp 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a>
Seeing an exponential growth in viewership ever since the first season, the popularity of the show only increased with the release of seasons 2 and 3. So much so that the series became one of the most watched series across platforms. But the flip-side to all this well-deserved success and popularity is an army of entitled and misogynistic devotees that act as the self-proclaimed gatekeepers of the show.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-when-rick-and-morty-got-thousands-of-fans-to-demand-sauce-outside-mcdonalds-we-want-sauce/">When Rick and Morty Got Thousands of Fans To Demand Sauce Outside McDonald’s: “We want sauce”</a>
<h2>So-called intellectual Rick and Morty fans estrange new viewers</h2>
As certified geeks and fans of most things popular, we empathize with getting invested in a show. For a while, the show becomes our world and the characters become a part of us. However, no matter how avid a fan you are, it doesn&#8217;t give you any right to hate on the people who dislike the show. Or shame the people who don&#8217;t understand the show&#8217;s premise. And this is exactly what is wrong with the Rick and Morty army. It went so far that the show saw a major decline in new viewers. 
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="What Makes A Fanbase Toxic? | Billiam" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mPntseopnSY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Back in July 2017, a condescending post by an elitist, supposedly superfan of Rick and Morty went viral on Reddit. According to the post, &#8220;You have to have a very high IQ to understand Rick and Morty.&#8221; If this wasn&#8217;t enough, the post went on to proclaim, &#8220;The humor is extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of theoretical physics, most of the jokes will go over a typical viewer&#8217;s head.&#8221;
<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" > <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/iamverysmart/comments/6zdsx5/a_guy_with_a_high_iq_offers_his_opinion_on_rick/">A guy with a high IQ offers his opinion on Rick and Morty</a> by <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Montezuma_II">u/Montezuma_II</a> in <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/iamverysmart/">iamverysmart</a> </blockquote>
 <script async src="https://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js" charset="UTF-8"></script>
The internet is full of hateful gatekeepers of the show that display zero sensitivity and show no restraint in shaming the people who even mildly criticize the show. And it is completely baseless. May we point out The Big Bang Theory, a show loved and appreciated by all despite it being full of scientific quips? It aches to see how a few bad apples have the potential to hamper the growth of such a well-made show.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-does-solar-opposites-takes-place-in-the-same-universe-as-rick-and-morty/">Does ‘Solar Opposites’ Takes Place in the Same Universe as ‘Rick and Morty’?</a>
To add fuel fire, there is a collective on Facebook titled &#8220;The Real Ricks&#8221; exclusively for devotees of the show who pretend to have a self-proclaimed in-depth understanding of Rick and Morty. They identify themselves as hyper-intelligent beings that have an excuse for bad behavior, not unlike their idol, Rick. Instead of understanding the character&#8217;s deep-seated flaws, they revere him blindly and take anything that comes out of his mouth as gospel.
<h2>Misogynistic gatekeepers blame women writers for the show&#8217;s declining quality</h2>
In order to diversify his all-male writer&#8217;s room for Rick and Morty, creator Dan Harmon recruited four brilliant women writers. While the contributions of Jane Becker, Sarah Carbiener, Jessica Gao, and Erica Rosbe were paramount, some sexist fans couldn&#8217;t handle it. The writers were instantly termed  &#8220;social justice warriors&#8221; and held responsible for some of the supposedly unfunny episodes. From online harassment to even getting their private information leaked online, the women went through a tragic ordeal.
<a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lt5iqku0vmd71.webp"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45578 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lt5iqku0vmd71.webp" alt="" width="1440" height="1435" data-sizes="auto" data-srcset="https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lt5iqku0vmd71.webp 1440w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lt5iqku0vmd71-300x300.webp 300w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lt5iqku0vmd71-1024x1020.webp 1024w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lt5iqku0vmd71-150x150.webp 150w, https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lt5iqku0vmd71-768x765.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></a>
Dan Harmon absolutely loathes this faction of fandom. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Harmon <a href="https://ew.com/tv/2017/09/21/rick-morty-dan-harmon-female-writers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> that these fan groups want &#8220;to protect the content they think they own.&#8221; They then &#8220;somehow combine that with their need to be proud of something they have, which is often only their race or gender.&#8221; He defends his co-writers yelling at the misogynistic fans: &#8220;You idiots! We all write the show together!&#8221;
ALSO READ: <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/coming-soon-will-evil-morty-return-in-rick-and-morty-season-6/">Will Evil Morty Return in ‘Rick and Morty’ Season 6?</a>
Rick and Morty may be fun and hysterical, but it touches upon some real-life issues that can be heartbreaking. It is apparent that the show is a humorous commentary by the creator Dan Harmon on his own life struggles. However, toxic fans like these completely misconstrue the ethos behind the show. Moreover, they project their own insecurities on the characters in the most harmful way. They are alienating prospective fans of the show, destroying the very thing they adore. 
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Top 10 Saddest Rick And Morty Moments" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qMnpTmCoUvI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
While we are super excited about <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-rick-and-morty-must-read-season-6-theory-will-send-you-in-jitters/">Rick and Morty season 6</a>, we are also weary of the copious amounts of new toxicity it will birth in the form of the hateful fanbase. We urge the potential viewers of the show to observe a separation of the series from the abhorrent fans. Watch Rick and Morty <a href="https://www.netflix.com/in/title/80014749" target="_blank" rel="noopener">streaming</a> on Netflix, and don&#8217;t let their hate-fuelled comments discourage you from enjoying the show.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-rick-and-morty-season-6-what-is-central-finite-curve-and-will-we-see-it-again/">What Is Central Finite Curve And Will We See It In Rick and Morty Season 6?</a>

Will Evil Morty Return in ‘Rick and Morty’ Season 6?

Does ‘Solar Opposites’ Takes Place in the Same Universe as ‘Rick and Morty’?

What Is Central Finite Curve And Will We See It In Rick and Morty Season 6?

When Rick and Morty Got Thousands of Fans To Demand Sauce Outside McDonald’s:
“We want sauce”

https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/netflixjunkie-logo-2.jpg

https://www.staging.netflixjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Rick-Morty.jpg

Will the toxic fanbase of the otherwise brilliant Rick and Morty hamper the growth of show in terms of new viewers?

'Rick and Morty': Is Gatekeeping Really Alienating a Part of the Show’s Audience? - Netflix Junkie

Natasha is a writer at Netflix Junkie. Despite completing her Masters in Architecture from Hochschule Anhalt in Germany, she decided to follow her passion for storytelling. Apart from working as an architect in the past, Natasha currently also ghostwrites for various travel and lifestyle blogs like italyfoodies.com, mypureplants.com and more. Moreover, she has also been involved as a screenplay analyst with Outstanding Screenplays London. An avid cinephile, Natasha especially enjoys quirky dark comedies and gangster films. She can talk about films by Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie for days and even aspires to make her own film someday. When not at work, she can be found at at outdoor music concert or a stand-up gig. Additionally, she’s a feminist, LGBTQIA ally and a strong mental health advocate.

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/58fe5e3bd1797d7efd87eb9d17c22419?s=96&d=mm&r=g

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&#039;Rick and Morty&#039;: Is Gatekeeping Really Alienating a Part of the Show’s Audience? - Netflix Junkie

https://www.netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-rick-and-morty-is-gatekeeping-really-alienating-a-part-of-the-shows-audience/

‘Rick and Morty’: Is Gatekeeping Really Alienating a Part of the Show’s Audience?

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