By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–Adult Swim is bringing its signature irreverence and fan-favorite programming to San Diego Comic-Con 2025 with a full slate of live events, exclusive panels, and a feline-themed fan experience dubbed the “Pirate Purrrty on the Green.”
Anchoring the celebration is a return of Adult Swim’s whimsical pirate ship activation, now featuring a quirky cat twist. Docked at 5th Avenue Landing and Convention Way outside the San Diego Convention Center, the ship will serve as the setting for a host of immersive experiences and evening events.
“Last year, we introduced the pirate motif because we’ve always seen ourselves as media pirates,” said Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen. “And cats have long been part of our iconography—so this year, naturally, it’s pirates and cats.”
Outdoor Programming Highlights:
- “Robot Chicken” – A Celebration 20 Years in the Making
Join co-creators Seth Green and Matt Senreich for a nostalgic and hilarious look back at two decades of stop-motion antics. July 24 at 7:15 p.m. - Adult Swim Presents: Live Table Reads
The voice casts of Rick and Morty and SMILING FRIENDS will bring the chaos to life in a live reading session. July 25 at 7:15 p.m. - Adult Swim’s Night of New
An exclusive outdoor screening of new and never-aired episodes, including SMILING FRIENDS, Women Wearing Shoulder Pads, Haha, You Clowns, and an early look at the Rick and Morty Season 8 finale. July 26 at 7:15 p.m.
The “Pirate Purrrty on the Green” will be open to all—no Comic-Con badge required—from Thursday to Saturday, 1–7 p.m. Fans can expect giveaways, immersive activations, and interactive zones including:
- A real-life SMILING FRIENDS Break Room photo op and merch booth
- The inflatable Rick and Morty Buttworld Bounce House
- A plush Adopt-a-Cuy Station, inspired by Women Wearing Shoulder Pads
- A Common Side Effects Mushroom Hunt with exclusive prizes
- Nightly DJ sets, games, photo ops, and the DIRECTV Face Painting Zone
The first 750 fans each day at 1 p.m. will receive an exclusive SMILING FRIENDS vinyl figure. DIRECTV will also host raffles during Saturday night’s screening.
Indigo Ballroom Panels at Hilton Bayfront:
- “Haha, You Clowns” Premiere Panel
Creator Joe Cappa, EP Carl Faruolo, and Adult Swim VP Cameron Tang preview the network’s newest absurdist series. July 25 at noon. - Rick and Morty Season 8 Panel
After a two-year Comic-Con break, the show returns with EPs Dan Harmon and Scott Marder, plus cast members Sarah Chalke, Spencer Grammer, Chris Parnell, Harry Belden, and Ian Cardoni. July 25 at 1 p.m. - SMILING FRIENDS Season 3 Preview
Co-creators Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel reveal what’s next for Pim, Charlie, and the crew. July 25 at 2 p.m.
With giveaways, sneak peeks, and live appearances from the voices and creators behind its most buzzworthy titles, Adult Swim’s 2025 Comic-Con celebration promises to be equal parts purrfect and piratical.
