Can't get enough Futurama
In Color

To Shreds You Say!

So. Futurama's been cancelled. What can we do? There's a lot of people asking us what's next, is it really the end and who do they need to direct their shouting at.

I decided writing a piece on it would be helpful for those wanting to know. I hope it helps.
Do let us know your thoughts!
Ever since the news broke of Futurama's 3rd cancellation there's been lots of questions. Why does this keep happening to the show? Where else could the show be broadcast? Is it maybe time to call it quits, go out on a high? And how quickly can I produce the appropriate "Not sure if…" Fry meme…?

I think firstly though, it's most important to note that Futurama has gone on far longer than it had any right to. By that I don't mean it shouldn't have but in comparison to many other cancelled shows - Firefly, Freaks & Geeks & Wonderfalls which each lasted about half a season for example - it's had an incredibly long, though very unstable, run. 124 episodes. 4 movies. Nearly 50 hours worth of Zoidberg crying, Fry messing up, Farnsworth's good news, Zapp's sleazy lines and people biting Bender's ass.

Not bad right?!

So if this is the end, we've done damn well out of it and we'll have plenty to re-watch for years to come.

So does this mean I want it to end? No. Of course not. As long as David, Matt and everyone involved want to make more you can believe I'll be there lapping up every minute.
I started watching this show when I was 16 and it became a favourite of mine around about the point the aliens kept destroying all the buildings as Fry was frozen. Over the years I've watched the ups and downs, created websites, podcasts and generally got into it in a big way. I've also had the pleasure of meeting several of the folks from the show and speaking to others who it turns out are all some of the most appreciative, friendly and generous people you could hope to meet.
So I would be saddened if this was the end. But also grateful it's lasted this long.

So what are the options?
One thing that I know the David X Cohen wants to ensure is the same quality of writing and animation that's always been there. That will be the most important thing. So as much as we'd like to see a puppet version in the park, it's not going to go that cheap.
It's extremely unlikely Comedy Central will change their minds. Though while we're talking about them it should be mentioned that while they've called an end now it was very bold of them to bring the show back for 4 years. Not many networks would have and they should be applauded.
So that means another home.
Unfortunately I don't think there's many TV networks that would take a risk on the show. The only one that springs to mind is FXX, FX's spin off channel for younger adults that will house 'Always Sunny…' and 'The League' amongst others. Futurama would fit well on that network.
But the most likely options would seem to be online streaming. Netflix, Amazon and the like are increasingly focusing on new, original content. Netflix of course will show new episodes of Arrested Development, a show that is one of the funniest in TV history yet had some quite terrible ratings. Netflix, it could be argued, are taking a gamble on that. So why not Bender & co.?
There's also talk, in the wake of the record breaking Veronica Mars Movie, of going down the kickstarter route. This is very complicated though. Veronica Mars is filmed live action and doesn't require a lot of post production. Futurama, of course, is quite different. And probably is a lot more complicated legally. But it could still happen.

So the best thing to do? Kick up a fuss. Let the world know you want more(if you do). Get everyone you know to watch. Buy the DVDs. The more fuss people make the more people from other networks/streaming sites will sit up and take notice.
There's also been a petition started. Sign that. There's a hashtag that Maurice LaMarche, amongst others, has been using: #SaveFuturamaAGAIN. Tweet that.
Futurama is one of the most liked TV pages on Facebook with around 26 million fans. The audience is out there. We just need to let other people know that.

Then if after all that, it doesn't happen, be thankful. I know I am. What other show can say it solved a plot with a large mathematical problem? Or made you cry over an animated dog? Or featured a character riding a sperm? Or featured a singing, dancing Robot Devil? Not many! The show has produced some of the finest animation on television(take a look at the Fleischer-Fry running on the moon and tell me I'm wrong!), some of the funniest and most intelligent half hours on television and featured arguably the best voice cast ever assembled. It's been great.

Thanks for reading. Meatbags.

This originally appeared on my blog.
One thing David X Cohen has said to me is how proud he is of these last episodes. Even he doesn't know what the future holds but he was very keen for everyone to watch and enjoy these last 13 as everyone's very excited about them.
I'm very excited for them too and come June 19th you should all tune in, enjoy them, rewatch them, make a noise about how much you like them, sign the petition and then maybe, maybe, we'll see the Planet Express crew again after September.
Tweet.
Facebook.
Petition.
WATCH!
Let people know how you feel.

38 comments | Apr 24th 2013 | contributor

Comments (38)

Comments locked
AndreyApr 24th 2013, 15:26
Why Futurama wouldn't go for crowdfunding? With my current financial situation I'm absolutely happy to donate £50 every year for a new episodes.
reedApr 24th 2013, 18:11
I would love it to be crowdsourced! The point I was trying to make is that(from what I understand from reading about other things like this like the VM movie and people wanting to bring back Sarah Conner Chronicles) it might be hard to do so. But if it happens I'll throw many a buck in the ring!
:)
reedApr 24th 2013, 18:27
And I know it would smash the VM record for sure!
DARTHZOIDBERGApr 24th 2013, 19:32
I think people dont give this show enough credit, It Is the best show on Tv even better then the Simpson's and The Simpson's are in there 24th season I would think that Futurama could make it at least till there 15th season if not many more then that.

COMEDY CENTRAL SUCKS.
DARTHZOIDBERGApr 24th 2013, 19:42
Another idea I have is write the main sponsor's of the show tell them how we feel and flood comedy central with emails if enough people write comedy central they cant ignore us for long.
GuyApr 24th 2013, 20:25
I would love for the futurama crew to do old fashioned radio dramas, audio only versions. It could probably be done rather cheaply.
toonsApr 24th 2013, 21:31
good post. but it just doesn't feel like the end to me and i am definitely not full yet... if it were a meal i'd be halfway into the main course... i think if there were 200 eps i would be a lot less sad that it was over.

FXX? why not FX? they are building more of a comedy presence and could pair it up or take turns with archer... Futurama Thursday Nights on FX after Anger Management which does just a .5 in the demo and Archer (.8)... Futurama is a guaranteed solid performer... and fox owns both.

ADULT SWIM and is adult swim angry it lost it to CC? i can't imagine a better fit for the show than there... maybe it's too expensive. and when is the contract over at CC? are they going to dump the reruns as well? could adult swim take them back. reruns alone would do bigger numbers on adult swim than the new ones on cc. it's just the nature of the channels audience.

TBS? They picked up cougar town. They could do the same here. Pair it with Big Bang reruns... both shows are nerdy... and they already have Family Guy all over the place.

it's amazing that 26 million are facebook fans but i bet most aren't even aware it's still in production (or was)
NyeApr 24th 2013, 21:42
So wait there will be new episodes on June 19th 2013?
BobDangerApr 24th 2013, 22:52
I'm sorry to here the show has been cancelled, although I think its better to burn out quickly than to fade away. What I would like to see is a proper series final. Perhaps one last movie, one last great adventure, that gives the fans a proper farewell. Wrap up all the loose ends.
DARTHZOIDBERGApr 24th 2013, 23:27
The only thing that would make me feel any good about this is if we got word that there will be a series of theatrical Futurama Movies to look forward to. Seeing Futurama on the big screen would be a thrill. But the problem is I was gearing my self up for a renewal and Theatrical movies. Now I am all depressed and have nothing On TV to Look forward to. besides Futurama there is nothing on I watch and although I still like the Simpson's alot I think I would be OK with The Simpsons having there last seson next year. I feel like My Heart was ripped out.....
DARTHZOIDBERGApr 24th 2013, 23:39
To give you guys an idea of how depressed I am the other day some creepy kids shot my bedroom window with a BB gun and It Is going to cost 1,000 dollars, that is 1,000 dollars that I dont have right now, but even so I care more about My favorite show getting cancelled then the window....
reedApr 25th 2013, 10:13
Good points folks.
I would love FX to show the show I just think the way they're building FXX they would probably put it on there. Archer is one of the most watched shows on cable hence why it's still on FX.
TBS would be a good shout too, good point. I think the important issue is money though. Futurama isn't cheap where as Cougar Town isn't the most expensive show. If you can afford it TBS, let's have you!! :)
I really hope this isn't the end and there are so many avenues the show could go down I was just trying to be realistic.
One thing I'd say again though is that while it's really disappointing the show has been cancelled by Comedy Central, it was still very cool and bold of them to put it back on in the first place. And for that I'm very thankful to them.
Let's keep this going! Make a noise!
philipJcyeApr 25th 2013, 11:18
I'm not sure why but for some reason I don't think we've seen the last of Fry and co. Lack of advertising on Comedy Central and lack of a push in overseas markets hasn't helped the show in the last year. I'm from the UK and the second half of season six is only now finally showing. DVD sales have always been strong and reruns too.

Don't give up hope. We are a Futurama family.
toonsApr 25th 2013, 20:47
i agree it was great of cc to bring it back of course... i was always a little bothered that they kind of swept in and grabbed it from adult swim when AS were the ones who put it back on the map... and cc did a great job maybe not with promotion but this new batch of eps has been so awesome... i was however annoyed by their statement... that this is a fitting end to the show... i just dont like the idea of some snot nosed exec at cc deciding the show is over. period. even after it leaves cc.
FingFanApr 25th 2013, 21:06
With Netflix doing original shows now maybe they want to pay for new Futurama episodes? Why reinvent the wheel when a show with following is available for purchase?
WernerApr 25th 2013, 23:13
Why bother having it broadcast on tv? Just release new unaired episodes on dvd, or even better, on Blu-ray, and I'll buy them. Even at an outrageous price. That is the business model of the future.
LarryPApr 26th 2013, 05:16
If Futurama had indeed maintained the same level of writing, it would be renewed. The show was on a downward trajectory except for 5-6 shows in the last 2 seasons.

I watched many season 7 episodes this week, and things like weak pop references, re-inventing the future paradox for a single lame episode and Fry and Leela's arms being torn off are but a few examples of bad ideas. Overall many episodes had stupid premises.

Clearly the show was lacking the same creativity. I was almost ashamed of admitting I watched Futurama last 2 seasons. It was filled with sexual content (though I do like to see Leela's figure!) but there was so much of it it seemed like a crutch to fill up air time.

But the most annoying was to see Nixon so often. Really, Matt, we know you hate the guy, but to the point of making so many stories or segments include him?

If you want the show to keep going, then go after the writers to get back to decent scripts and don't ask CC to change their minds; they did their part.

Matt Groening has the money and connections to produce and distribute the show himself. Ask him first to see if he's willing to put his money where his mouth is. And if he does, it's highly likely we will support him.

DamianApr 26th 2013, 12:10
Futurama is a much loved show in Australia and what can we do... lets fight for the show too stay on air. If futurama creats more shows I will continue to purchase them.

Common guys bring back futurama
DARTHZOIDBERGApr 26th 2013, 16:53
LarryP, I totataly disagree with you I think the show has allways been great and the only thing that changed was it got way better animation.
LarryPApr 27th 2013, 03:19
DARTHZOIDBERG,

I love Futurama, have all the DVD's, even had t-shirts from the show, but by many accounts, it had taken a different direction. People do los3e track of what made them successful in the past, tastes changes, etc. Things change, that's a fact of life.

And if you doubt my debilitating fascination with Futurama, my own site was name partly after the show:

The ultimate episode was to see Fry, the Professor and Bender go forward in time, and it should have won an Emmy. Still, it was not the same in the last 2 seasons. If you had a poll, this would be clear to see.

I watched the movies again this week and it struck me that after they were made, something changed in the tone, as if the movies were the all-out effort to really show what the Futurama guys could do (though the Beast with a billion backs was not the best one by a long shot), and then they ran out of steam for the regular seasons following them.

Even David X Cohen said it was difficult to be fresh after so many shows. Have the team take a nice long holiday on Rigel 7 before giving it another go.

Bring me a 3D Futurama movie with lots of alien nudity and no Nixon and I'll go to the theater to see it, buy my own Bendo-vision glasses, along with the commemorative cup and the mini-Bender popcorn (but without the antennae).

I need a reason to stop growing up. The last 2 seasons did not do it for me. Make the feature film! You can't end the series without finding out if the TV monster ever gets to destroy us all puny humans.

DARTHZOIDBERGApr 27th 2013, 09:33
Thats like your opinion man. I think most Futurama fans would agree with me though, so I would say you are in the minority. And for the record I have been a grown up for a long time I am 31 going on 32 this June, may be that is your problem Futurama is for Adults you are a kid all the Adult jokes probably go way over your head. And that is the problem with most Simpsons fans as well they are all kids watching a show for Adults with Adult jokes and refrences.
LarryPApr 28th 2013, 01:50
It's a TV show, not a religion! (at least not yet). and I am in my forties.

It's been going in one way or another since 1999. Show lose steam after time, all shows do. The same guys who started writing for the show have much different lives, kids, bigger mortgages. If the writers and production staff changes, so does their work, for better or worse.

Ok, that settles it; let's go into my office and I'll give you a nice Kervorkian.

DARTHZOIDBERGApr 28th 2013, 04:04
the comment about my age was to your quote,


"I need a reason to stop growing up. The last 2 seasons did not do it for me. Make the feature film! You can't end the series without finding out if the TV monster ever gets to destroy us all puny humans".

Again I will say you should put IMO after your comment becuase you dont speak for most of us. Most of us on here think the show is still great and better then most everything else on TV. The cast and crew still love working on the show and most fans still want it to keep going on. Name me one show that is better right now and I will never post on here again? Also Are you a Republican? If You are that would explain A lot becuase Republicans are Idiots, any party that hates a President becuase he is black has rocks in there heads.

OtherRobinApr 28th 2013, 12:19
I think Futurama had its time to tell its story. They lasted for about 8 seasons, and they were right on the spot from episode 1. The crew should only continue if they know they can deliver the same quality as before, which is, seeing the last couple of seasons, not always the case anymore.

Of course, it's sad that one of our favorite shows has to end (again), but that's with all great things in life. I find it sad news too, I couldn't believe it when I read the headline on Slashdot. But, letting this sink for a week, maybe we should say "this is it" and be glad the show had been on for so long (now it's 14 years after the first episode aired, and there are still new episodes to come).

It was different in 2003 when Fox cancelled Futurama, because that was bad timing. Futurama was at the peak of its popularity. They proved that with the excellent final "The Devil's Hand Play Idle", which would still be a good closure for the series. That moment when Fox cancelled the show, which I loved so much as a growing up teen, was like a black hole in TV-history. It felt like the story hadn't been able to develop entirely as it was supposed to be.

Now, after the resurrection on Comedy Central, I think the story is pretty much told and the characters have done all they could. Some things in any scenario should be left in the open anyway (the romance between Fry & Leela for example; do we really need a final state on that?).

Sure, Futurama is still a good thing on tv, far better than most other shows, but it doesn't give me the joys of the heydays anymore. That could also be because I'm almost 30, sure. But truly, do we want to keep Futurama going on forever and ever, reaching the bottom of inspiration like that other show of Greening? Do we want people to tell they should watch Futurama, "but not after season X because then they lost it"?

I have not watched some of the last episodes yet. I did that on purpose, because I want to keep some unseen episodes in the freezer, for the times I really need them. Futurama will always be in my heart, how silly that may sound, but the memory should always be great, and be infected with weak episodes or seasons.
DARTHZOIDBERGApr 28th 2013, 17:38
OtherRobin, Remember to put IMO after things you wright Many people including me think the show is still quality, and all you have to do is Google and you can find interviews of the cast and crew saying they want to continue as long as they are all having fun and YES they are still having fun which would indicate to me they think the quality of the show is still good. I am disapointed with the fans, we need to band together and write letter instead we are arguing about quality. The thing that gives me hope on this sites message bourd there are only a couple a knuckle heads who are against a renewal of sorts the rest are all in my camp....

DARTHZOIDBERGApr 28th 2013, 17:55
ALSO you admit the show is still one of the best shows on TV but not as good as the old days. Do you know how bipolar that sounds you think its still one of the best shows on TV but its not as good as it was back in the day??? sounds to me like this is a personal problem not a problem with the quality of the show. I think a big problem some people might be having is the animation. The diference between the first 4 seasons, to the movies which were in HD, and the new run which is in HD, is almost like the diference from the early days of the simpsons and latter seasons and then when they swiched to Digital and yet again when they swiched to HD. it is like you are waching a diferent show aesthetically weather its the first 4 seasons of Futurama or the early days of Futurama, so its not the quality of the show it is how it looks to our eyes IMHO......
DARTHZOIDBERGApr 28th 2013, 22:23
ALSO you admit the show is still one of the best shows on TV but not as good as the old days. Do you know how bipolar that sounds you think its still one of the best shows on TV but its not as good as it was back in the day??? sounds to me like this is a personal problem not a problem with the quality of the show. I think a big problem some people might be having is the animation. The diference between the first 4 seasons, to the movies which were in HD, and the new run which is in HD, is almost like the diference from the early days of the simpsons and latter seasons and then when they swiched to Digital and yet again when they swiched to HD. it is like you are waching a diferent show aesthetically weather its the first 4 seasons of Futurama or the early days of the Simpsons, so its not the quality of the show it is how it looks to our eyes IMHO......
ElbowMurderpantsMay 1st 2013, 17:23
I hope they go back to releasing new, stand alone DVD releases. I'd be in.
DouchebagMay 2nd 2013, 19:57
All good things...
dugbugMay 3rd 2013, 18:43
Damn cancellations. I'll be in my angry dome.

I agree that the rebirth's seasons have been down compared to the original, yet they have managed to produce brilliant episodes. The Late Philip J Fry and reincarnation are arguably in the top ten, with perhaps "the late philip" being the greatest episode of the series.
HannoverMay 4th 2013, 08:55
FOX television still retains the rights to the show and the rights to air new episodes. If they can sign a deal with Cartoon Network like they did with Family Guy and American Dad, they can air it on Sundays in the slot where the now cancelled Cleveland show airs. It would fit perfect and would probably get way better ratings. Cartoon Network could air the new episodes the following week with the previous weeks FG, and AD. I would really hate to see this show die again when the FEW episodes that Comedy Central airs every year still don't get the attention they deserve. Frankly I still think they have a lot of good episodes in them.
SuperjoeMay 4th 2013, 10:16
I think it could possibly go back to Fox, especially with the slot left open by The Cleveland Show, but it'd be much more likely if Adult Swim or someone else helped fund it like they do with Family Guy, as Hannover said above. If something like that doesn't happen, Netflix will probably be the way to go. This show is so popular, especially on the internet where it has spawned a few memes (Why not Zoidberg?, Shut up and take my money, and of course Not Sure If...), so I think it would be very successful for any online streaming service, although Netflix seems to be the only one interested in producing new material.
toonsMay 10th 2013, 21:46
Just read an interview on popularmechanics for some reason... with DXC... kind of encouraging considering how bummed i am... referring to popping up on netflix or amazon or something internet based... "We're just at the phase now where we're investigating behind the scenes to see what the options are. It's too early to have any actual information, but certainly the idea has come up, and it seems natural to Futurama since our fans tend to be more Internet-savvy than the average fan. It seems like a good fit."
Not4You2KnowMay 22nd 2013, 18:26
Now that Futurama is over, all that's left is endless seasons of The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Cleveland. Not only that, now we're stuck with stupid reality shows, singing shows, and teenage/20-something slacker sitcoms.

And next year when Futurama is replaced with a cartoon about a Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow movie, you'll all look back on this with regret that you all never took the time to see just how super awesome and radical the new episodes of Futurama really were. Nothing changed about them. Futurama new episodes were the best ever made!

Everyone on these message boards just wasted their time saying, "Mehhh, this episode was okay...." Or "I hated this episode!" And "I didn't really like this one so much." But if it was about Fry and Leela everyone was like "YAY! Best episode ever!" And then as the season progresses, more complaints. What's going to take Futurama's place? Out There?

Arrested Development is back. Is everyone going to complain about that, too?

RaphealTMNTJun 5th 2013, 20:10
It could always continue in the comics.
DARTHZOIDBERGJul 5th 2013, 01:21
I would rather A network like FX or The Fox Network pick them up but if an internet vender picks them up I would like it to be somthing afileated with Hulu so I dont have to plunk any cash into waching it except for DVD/BLU-RAY Releases....
DARTHZOIDBERGJul 5th 2013, 01:27
I agree totaly with this post, you dont realize what a great thing you had till it is gone,

#34 by Not4You2Know

Now that Futurama is over, all that's left is endless seasons of The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Cleveland. Not only that, now we're stuck with stupid reality shows, singing shows, and teenage/20-something slacker sitcoms.

And next year when Futurama is replaced with a cartoon about a Seth Rogan/Judd Apatow movie, you'll all look back on this with regret that you all never took the time to see just how super awesome and radical the new episodes of Futurama really were. Nothing changed about them. Futurama new episodes were the best ever made!

Everyone on these message boards just wasted their time saying, "Mehhh, this episode was okay...." Or "I hated this episode!" And "I didn't really like this one so much." But if it was about Fry and Leela everyone was like "YAY! Best episode ever!" And then as the season progresses, more complaints. What's going to take Futurama's place? Out There?

Arrested Development is back. Is everyone going to complain about that, too?

NimJul 22nd 2013, 18:07
I have been a fan since the very beginning and I am glad that after all this time its finally getting an end. I want it to end because I want closure to the things I enjoy and this final season is a chance at that closure.

I do not want Futurama to go on forever, producing episodes where the creators really have to struggle to find something worthwhile. I think there is no worse fate than to eventually just fade away to obscurity and nothingness as the program loses viewers and inspiration vanes.

All things must end and I want Futurama to end on a high-note.