Virtual Adult Swim Festival Returns This November

US network Adult Swim has always been a pioneer in adult animation. Cartoon Network's spicier sibling gave birth to original series like The Venture Bros, Rick and Morty and Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and introduced many viewers to anime. The network also launched the Adult Swim Festival in Los Angeles in 2018, part music festival, part celebration of all things Adult Swim. Last year, the pandemic forced the event to transform into a virtual two-day event. Following the success of last year's Adult Swim Con international virtual festival, which reached over 10 million views across all platforms, it's been announced that Adult Swim Festival will return as an online event this November.

The Adult Swim Festival 2021 " a global and cultural event unlike any other " will take place on Friday, November 12 and Saturday, November 13 exclusively on the Adult Swim YouTube channel. As always it will feature a number of music performances, this year featuring co-headliners Lil Baby, Karol G with 21 Savage, Flying Lotus, Alessia Cara, Angel Olsen, Joe Pera, DAWN, Moor Mother, Jo Firestone, and more.

Of more interest to the animation fan, however, are the line-up of panels and events relating to the network's top shows:

• Rick and Morty: The panel "will challenge the global voice cast against each other as they go head-to-head to determine who is the Rickiest Rick in the multiverse"
• Squidbillies: "Head back to Blue Ridge Mountains during the Squidbillies panel featuring series creators and cast as they reflect on memorable squids moments and celebrate the final season."
• Aqua Teen Hunger Force: "Fans will join cast and crew as they look back on the longstanding history of the series and share some of their favourite moments."
• Blade Runner Black Lotus: " Expanding on the legendary Blade Runner franchise, Black Lotus makes its festival debut with a panel diving deep into the franchise universe alongside producers and directors"
• Smiling Friends: "Join Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel as they discuss the upcoming series with special guests. "

The festival will also host a series of Watch Parties of top Adult Swim shows, with episodes selected by the show's creators. Each Watch Party will feature star guests and a live real-time chat. Shows screening include  Rick and Morty, The Eric Andre Show, Tuca & Bertie, Joe Pera Talks With You, Robot Chicken, Teenage Euthanasia, Three Busy Debras, Birdgirl, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, and past Adult Swim faves Sealab 2021 and Metalocalypse. 

Throughout the festival, there will be reveals of exclusive merchandise and prize giveaways and offers. There will also be "more exclusives on HBO Max," although it is yet to be confirmed what these will be.

For more, visit the Adult Swim Festival website.