‘Rick and Morty’ Season 9 Episode 5 Release Date and Time: When ‘Jer Bud’ Premieres

The anticipation for the next episode of ‘Rick and Morty’ season 9 is palpable, and episode 5 is no exception. With the season already showcasing some truly wild moments, the upcoming chapter promises to be a spotlight on Jerry Smith that fans didn’t know they needed.

‘Rick and Morty’ season 9 episode 5, titled “Jer Bud,” is set to premiere on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 11 p.m. ET and PT on Adult Swim. This gives fans just under a week to digest the chaos from the previous episode before diving into the worm-related antics awaiting Jerry.

“Jer Bud” marks the fifth episode of the ninth season of ‘Rick and Morty’ and is the 86th episode overall. It holds a TV-14-DLV rating. The episode’s official logline, as listed on Rotten Tomatoes, simply states: “Man’s best friend, bro.” This cryptic description is classic for the show and promises an intriguing storyline.

In a brief 30-second preview, Space Beth, Beth, and Rick encounter someone named Sweet Marie, seemingly attempting to cure Jerry of a worm infestation. As expected, Rick appears more interested in the business potential of a worm operation than in helping his son-in-law. Sweet Marie’s henchmen also make an appearance, hinting at her plans to target the Smith family.

The episode title references the film ‘Air Bud’ and is the fifth episode in the series to feature Jerry’s name, following episodes like “Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerri,” “Gotron Jerrysis Rickvangelion,” “The Jerrick Trap,” and “The Last Temptation of Jerry.” Episodes centered on Jerry often balance poignant moments with humor, and the setup for “Jer Bud” suggests both elements are at play.

‘Rick and Morty’ season 9 debuted on Adult Swim on May 24, 2026, at 11 p.m. EST, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays at the same time. The season is expected to conclude on July 26, 2026, with the finale reportedly titled ‘Field of Dreams.’ A Blu-Ray and DVD release is already scheduled for November 3, 2026.

So far, the episode lineup includes: ‘There’s Something About Morty’ on May 25, ‘Ricks Days, Seven Nights’ on June 1, ‘Rick Fu Hustle’ on June 8, and ‘A Ricker Runs Through It’ on June 15. “Jer Bud” on June 21 serves as the midpoint of the season, and the excitement leading up to it is significant.

Adult Swim confirmed the renewal of ‘Rick and Morty’ through season 10 back in 2023 and extended the order through season 12 in 2024, ensuring the show will continue at least until 2029. Each new episode now carries the weight of a franchise that is clearly committed to the long haul.

For fans without cable, all new episodes will be available on Hulu and HBO Max starting June 15, 2026, ahead of the previously announced August 31 streaming date. This means episode 5 should be accessible on both platforms shortly after its Adult Swim premiere.

Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed that ‘Rick and Morty’ season 9 will launch globally in over 170 countries and stream in 42 languages. The show’s reach is impressive, and the accelerated streaming window reflects a broader industry trend toward reducing the gap between broadcast and platform availability.

Showrunner Scott Marder addressed the situation, stating to The Wrap that he and Dan Harmon have consistently pushed to shorten the window between Adult Swim and streaming. “I don’t know how it fell into that distribution model. We are constantly trying to shrink that window,” Marder explained. “I don’t see the benefit of it.”

In the previous episode, “A Ricker Runs Through It,” Rick mistakenly entered his garage password too many times while intoxicated, triggering a lockdown. Amidst the chaos, Morty and Rick argued while a friend named Reese appeared, leading them on a fly fishing trip. The episode later revealed that Reese was not a real person at all.

Owen Wilson voiced Reese, delivering a line that anchored the episode emotionally despite the chaos. The episode concluded with Rick and Morty transferring a cloud-like being from Jerry into Reese’s body, giving Reese a second chance at life.

It was a surprisingly touching half-hour that balanced the show’s signature chaos with genuine emotion. “Jer Bud” looks set to swing back toward absurdity, this time with Jerry at the center of a worm conspiracy he likely never anticipated.

Adult Swim has promised a season 9 that is “bigger, bolder, and more ambitious than ever,” and early episodes have largely delivered on that promise. Whether “Jer Bud” becomes a highlight or a wild detour, it arrives with enough setup to make Sunday night feel urgent again. If you’ve been following this season, share your predictions for what Sweet Marie has in store for the Smiths and whether Jerry’s worm issue is about to become a problem for everyone.