Millennial Television: The Representation of Dysfunctional Parenting in Rick and Morty (2013-)

Abstract

[eng] The postmodern TV series Rick and Morty has quickly become a popular choice among the Millennial generation. Academically, it has been analysed from a mostly philosophical approach, leaving a lot to say regarding its impact on media and culture studies. Thus, the aim of this essay is to study how Rick and Morty portrays the dysfunctional family, focusing on the parental figures of Rick, Beth, and Jerry. These characters present toxic traits throughout all three seasons of the series and contribute to the dysfunctionality of the family. The results of the analysis show how the series’ nihilistic approach to life resonates with the Millennial generation, as does its representation of the dysfunctional family. This dysfunctionality is related to detrimental aspects of modern society such as toxic masculinities, emasculation of father figures and problematic motherhoods.