In 2013, the universe welcomed “Rick and Morty,” presenting what is regarded as the greatest sci-fi sitcom ever. Beyond being a wildly animated series traversing through time and space, it showcased a captivating family dynamic that provided a lens to examine life’s intricacies and its accompanying issues. By 2020, the show had entered its fourth season, and the creative minds behind it took a bold step in launching another sci-fi-fueled series, “Solar Opposites.” With six seasons under its belt, it undoubtedly posed a serious challenge to its predecessor.
“Solar Opposites,” initially crafted by “Rick and Morty” co-creator Justin Roiland alongside Mike Mahan, evokes a similar essence to the regularly rebooted “Futurama” in relation to “The Simpsons.” It stands as the underdog compared to the flagship animated series, yet it offers just as many laughs and potentially even greater promise. Focused on an alien family seeking intelligent life after departing their home planet, the household leaders, Korvo (Justin Roiland, later succeeded by Dan Stevens) and Terry Opposite (Thomas Middleditch), navigate life on our little blue sphere, accompanied by their replicants, Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone) and Jesse (Mary Mack).
However, while “Rick and Morty” gained recognition through “Wubalubadubdub” and Mr. Poopbutthole, the critical reception of it compared to its extraterrestrial successor reveals a stark contrast. Indeed, if the critics’ opinions indicate anything, the Opposites achieved something that “Rick and Morty” are not quite hitting.
Critics preferred Solar Opposites over Rick and Morty
There’s no denying that “Rick and Morty” enjoys a dedicated fan base and has consistently garnered acclaim from critics throughout its seasons. Nonetheless, a glance at Rotten Tomatoes indicates that “Solar Opposites” is ahead. On the review aggregator platform, “Rick and Morty” holds a 90% score, while “Solar Opposites” has pulled ahead with a 95% rating. In fact, if it weren’t for the first and latest seasons scoring 95% and 83%, respectively, “Solar Opposites” would boast a flawless score, as seasons 2 through 5 each earned a 100% rating.
Kevin Carr praised the series for its resemblance to the cherished story of a mad scientist and his grandson, stating, “I appreciate the fact that they’re not trying to duplicate Rick & Morty.” Lex Briscuso celebrated “Solar Opposites” as “bright, bold, and, frankly, bananas in the best way.” It might be the Schlorpian family’s less inhibited nature compared to their human counterparts at the Sanchez household that gives “Solar Opposites” its advantage. Moreover, one aspect of “Solar Opposites” that “Rick and Morty” simply cannot rival is the two concurrent side narratives that unfold alongside the escapades of the Opposites family. One takes place within a “Mad Max” universe, even extending into the Opposites’ backyard, while the other channels the frenetic energy of a sugar-fueled Saturday morning cartoon, though with significantly more profanity.
SilverCops and The Wall are the standout narratives in Solar Opposites
“Solar Opposites” has impressively managed to weave two outlandish yet hilarious plotlines into narratives that pervade the whole series.
One narrative follows a group of unfortunate individuals forced to dwell within the bedroom wall of Jesse and Yumyulack after being miniaturized by the young replicants. Living as a dystopian ant colony, these prisoners confront political turmoil, civil wars, and rebellious leaders venturing beyond the wall to tackle threats from the external world. These diminutive, lost locals feature prominent voice talents, including Christina Hendricks, Andy Daly, Alfred Molina, Sterling K. Brown, and Clancy Brown. It resembles an intriguing blend of “Game of Thrones” and “A Bug’s Life,” and it’s fantastic.
There’s also the tale of the SilverCops (inspired by the 1986 animated series, “Silverhawks”), which follows the former neighbor of the Opposites, Glen (Kieran Culkin), who was launched into space and found himself joining a peacekeeping faction that was more complex than they appeared. Both narratives are just as engaging as the show’s primary focus and ones the creators are eager to delve deeper into. Mahan shared with Den Of Geek in 2025. “We have that mapped out. Like we know what the next season of ‘Solar’ would be, keeping that in mind,” he clarified. “If we ever get to create that season, it will be amazing.” Take that, Morty, and your crazy