'Rick and Morty' season 3 release date news, plot spoilers: Series to return in 2017; artist teases 'insane' episodes

It looks like Mr. Poopybutthole may have been right all along. Despite speculations that "Rick and Morty" season 3 could premiere before the year ends, a March 2017 release date is starting to seem more likely at this point.

Since a definite air date has yet to be announced, conflicting reports have been going around regarding the release of "Rick and Morty's" third season. During a post-credit scene in the finale episode of the adult animated show's second season, minor character Mr. Poopybutthole advised viewers to tune in again "in like, a year and a half or longer" to know what happens next after Rick turned himself in to the Galactic Federation to save his family. This prompted fans to speculate that "Rick and Morty" season 3 would probably be airing around March 2017.

It may be recalled that during a Magic City Comic-Con panel back in January, co-creator Dan Harmon shared that they were targeting a late 2016 premiere for the much-awaited season 3, which, in turn, gave fans hope that "Rick and Morty" may be returning to the small screen before the year ends. Furthermore, some of the writers for the show also confirmed that the scripts for the 14-episode third season were completed on Sept. 28 and have since been undergoing review by their animation studio.

However, citing a statement posted by storyboard artist, Erica Hayes, in answer to a fan's question, a source shared that only 10 episodes out of the ordered 14 have been written and that story boarding was still ongoing. The possibility of a new "Rick and Morty" episode airing in 2016 seems rather dim, but Erica further hinted that the upcoming season was insane "in the best way." The wait might have been long, but it looks like it's going to be worth it.

As for resolving the cliffhanger ending from the season 2 finale, Harmon previously told Den of Geek in an exclusive interview that "things should be okay pretty quickly." How will Rick get out of the Galactic Federation facility? Will he escape on his own, or perhaps find a friend to help him out? Will Morty come to his rescue, or will he be granted temporary release from prison?

Additionally, Harmon has also teased that the characters of "Rick and Morty" may take a trip to Hawaii in the third season.

"It's time to demand that the network allows us to draw the characters going to Hawaii," Harmon told Den of Geek.

"Rick and Morty" season 3 does not have a confirmed release date yet, but fans of the show should be assured that production is ongoing and that the much-anticipated installment to Adult Swim's popular black comedy animation should come very soon.