Dan Harmon'S Mind-Bending Take On Canon In Storytelling

Dan Harmon: The Unconventional Genius Behind "Rick and Morty"

Dan Harmon, celebrated co-creator of "Rick and Morty" and the ingenious mind behind "Community," has always been a revolutionary force in storytelling. Known for his Dan Harmon Story Circle, Harmon has influenced how characters evolve in both episodic and long-form narratives. With three Primetime Emmy Awards to his name, he's a storytelling heavyweight. At a recent For Your Consideration screening for Adult Swim, Harmon joined fellow animation legends Genndy Tartakovsky and Joe Cappa in a fascinating conversation moderated by Adult Swim President Michael Ouweleen.

These three showrunners each bring a distinctive vibe to the table. While Cappa exudes a quiet brilliance and Tartakovsky remains an iconic figure in animation, Harmon stands out as the ever-quirky professor, known for his deep, sometimes existential musings wrapped in intergalactic humor. During this insightful chat, Harmon revealed his aversion to canon—a revelation that sparked curiosity among Television Academy members present.

“The metaphor I use is that canon, i.e., serialization, what we all love about television—I don't want people to misunderstand that I think it's wrong. It's just, I equate it with gravity if you work in aeronautics. It's like, the whole point of what you're doing, it only works with it there, but it's the thing you are fighting against. The whole point is to defy it.”

Defying Canon: Harmon's Love-Hate Relationship

For those not in the loop, canon refers to the official plots and rules within fictional media. While it's what keeps a story's universe grounded, Harmon finds it both essential and challenging—especially when dealing with the chaos of multiverses in "Rick and Morty." As Harmon humorously noted, adhering to canon sometimes feels like being in a toxic relationship, where the stakes for missteps grow as the audience becomes more invested.

Harmon elaborates that while canon serves as the backbone, it can also stifle creativity. It's a delicate balance, especially when you've got devoted fans who trust your narrative direction. "It's a me problem," Harmon quipped, highlighting his fear of commitment with storytelling structures. He jokingly added that he and his audience share too much trust, likening his relationship with canon to a comedic, personal mishap.

Story Models: Guidelines, Not Gospel

Harmon continued to explore his creative philosophy, discussing how his famous Story Circle aligns with his views on storytelling freedom. He advocates for using story models as navigational tools rather than strict rules. "If you barf out a story that is satisfying, good on you," Harmon remarked, emphasizing the need for creative freedom. "Rick & Morty" thrives on this freedom, offering fans wild and unpredictable adventures that break conventions.

Despite his unorthodox approach, Harmon has clearly struck a chord with audiences. "Rick & Morty" enjoys immense popularity, boasting a passionate fanbase that rivals even the biggest legacy franchises. Harmon's storytelling genius allows for an anything-goes style that continues to captivate viewers everywhere.

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