Rick and Morty Return to Adult Swim After a Two-Year Break

It's been over two years since we last saw a new episode of Rick and Morty. What took so long? Co-creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland say they held up contract negoatiations, seeking a long-term commitment from Adult Swim. Ultimately the network capitulated, granting the show a record order of 70 episodes, which means fans can look forward to at least seven more seasons, starting with tonight's Season 4 premiere. Meanwhile, Shameless kicks off its tenth season on Showtime with a new challenge: how to fill the Emmy Rossum-sized void left by the actress' departure from the series. Here's what's new and noteworthy on TV this Sunday:

SEASON PREMIERE: It's the start of a new era for Rick and Morty, as the show's fourth season incorporates serialized elements for the first time, and guest appearances from the likes of Paul Giamatti, Kathleen Turner, Sam Neill and Taika Waititi.11:30 PM ET on Adult Swim

SEASON PREMIERE: The tenth season of Shameless opens with Frank (William H. Macy) up to his old tricks, while Debbie (Emma Kenney) hatches a scheme of her own. 8:00 PM ET on Showtime

NEW EPISODE: Tonight's Watchmen promises to introduce viewers to the mysterious and powerful Lady Trieu (Hong Chau). Also: Blake (Jean Smart) gets closer to the truth of her cover-up, Angela (Regina King) enlists Looking Glass (Tim Blake Nelson) for help and The Lord (Jeremy Irons) trains two new servants. 9:00 PM ET on HBO

SPORTS: Sunday Night Football sees the Minnesota Vikings face off against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. 8:15 PM ET  / 5:15 PM PT on NBC

SERIES PREMIERE: Making its stateside debut, Back to Life is a new British dramedy from the producers of Fleabag follows Miri (Daisy Haggard) as she returns to her hometown after spending eighteen years in prison for committing a violent crime. What exactly she did is revealed to viewers over the course of the season. Watch the preview. 9:00 PM ET on Showtime

SERIES PREMIERE: Based on the crime novels by Tana French, Dublin Murders follows a team of Irish detectives as they investigate a homicide case. Watch the preview. 8:00 PM ET on Starz

SEASON PREMIERE: The Netflix series Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj returns for its fifth season. Streaming on Netflix

ALSO TONIGHT

• The 2019 E! People's Choice Awards turns the spotlight on fan favorites in the world of TV, music, and movies. 9:00 PM ET on E!
• The Mistletoe Secret features Kellie Pickler, Tyler Hynes and Patrick Duffy in a TV adaptation of Richard Paul Evans' best-selling book. 8:00 PM ET on Hallmark
• A Sweet Christmas Romance follows a food stylist as she returns home, hoping to take over for the town's retiring baker. 8:00 PM ET on Lifetime
• Memphis Belle in Color brings the legendary plane to life through remastered and colorized footage of the beloved B-17 best known as the Memphis Belle. 9:00 PM ET on Smithsonian

Mike Attebery is Senior Editor at Primetimer and the author of seven mystery thrillers. Follow him on Twitter at @mikeattebery.