Rick and Morty becomes most-watched HBO show globally, outranking The Gilded Age

Rick and Morty & The Gilded Age. (Images Via. Hulu)
Rick and Morty & The Gilded Age. (Images Via. Hulu)

Rick and Morty has climbed its way to the top of HBO's global streaming charts, leaving behind The Gilded Age in a shift that's left fans and critics to pay attention. Regardless of season 8 still being a debatable topic among fans, its worldwide popularity is still very much on the table.

As of July 8, 2025, the animated sci-fi comedy has taken the lead in various countries around the world. So what's pushing Rick and Morty above a period drama as big as The Gilded Age?

The answer lies in reach, reinvention, and a fan base that keeps coming back for more every single time.


Global appeal pushes Rick and Morty past The Gilded Age

Rick and Morty may have had a bumpy reception in the past, especially with its seventh season, but season 8 seems to be picking up in ways that go beyond just fan views.

According to FlixPatrol's data from July 8, 2025, the show as off present holds the top spot on HBO's global chart. It's trending in various countries like Australia, Belize, Poland, and Slovakia, proving its humor and chaotic storytelling still matter to fans living outside the United States.

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Back home, though, the situation looks a little bit different. While Rick and Morty dominate international charts, The Gilded Age holds the number one spot in the U.S. The Julian Fellowes drama is currently in its third season and has drawn in about 2.7 million viewers within just the first few days of its premiere.

With its polished storytelling and opulent visuals, it's no surprise that American audiences are still captivated by the power struggles of old and new money in 1800s New York.

But sci-fi comedy's lead elsewhere shows how globally magnetic the show still is. It even edges out And Just Like That.., the Sex and the City spin-off, which continues to float around the second position. Other global contenders in the Top 10 include Chespirito: Not Really on Purpose, Duster, Yali Capkini, and even Stephen King's IT.


Mixed reception doesn’t slow Rick and Morty’s momentum

The buzz around Rick and Morty isn't just about numbers, though. There's been a real shift in tone this season, with some fans applauding the show's consistency.

The latest season still offers the absurd comedy and sharp satire fans expect. Cameos like those of James Gunn and Zack Snyder in the episode "Ricker Than Fiction" also gave viewers something unexpected to talk about.

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The characters remain as unhinged and bizarre as ever, with Rick, a genius scientist with no moral filter, dragging Morty, his anxious grandson, through alternate realities and dangerous missions.

Even HBO's official description of season 8 leans into the madness. "Life has meaning again! Anything is possible!", which only shows the unpredictable chaos the show has been providing.

With supporting characters like Beth, Summer, and even Butter Bot making returns, there's no shortage of familiar faces pulling viewers back into the madness.


For all the debates about its direction and tone, Rick and Morty has proven it still knows how to pull a crowd. While American audiences lean into the historical drama of The Gilded Age, the rest of the world is tuning in for multiverse chaos.

Whether the season is your cup of tea or not, there's no denying the numbers. The show's unpredictable energy and loyal global following have helped it beat out some of HBO's most ambitious titles. One thing's clear: you can't count Rick and Morty out just yet.


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Edited by Nimisha