Last year, Rick and Morty‘s third season wrapped up with a warning from Mr. Poopybutthole that it could be “a really long time” before the fourth season arrived. But it might be an even longer wait than anyone expected.

Via Polygon, Rick and Morty writer and producer Ryan Ridley appeared on the Detroit Cast, and he didn’t have good news to share about the state of season four. According to Ridley, the writers for the series haven’t even started working on the new season. “They really take their time,” said Ridley. “I never understood why everybody — all parties, Dan, Justin, and Adult Swim — didn’t get their s*** together, and make the show fast.”

Using the production time of the previous seasons to guide his estimate, Ridley indicated that he would be surprised if the fourth season premiered before late 2019. Given that the third season of Rick and Morty helped the series become a true cultural phenomenon, it’s unclear if an extended absence will affect the show’s popularity.

This isn’t an entirely uncommon trait of Adult Swim’s animated series. For example, The Venture Bros. has had a famously slow production schedule, with several years between each new season. It can be frustrating for fans, but all of the delays could probably be forgiven if Rick and Morty maintains its high level of quality.

How do you feel about Rick and Morty‘s potential extended hiatus between seasons three and four? Let us know in the comment section below!

Images: Adult Swim

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