friedo writes “Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons and Futurama, says there may yet be hope for a renewed Futurama series, thanks to high DVD sales and syndication ratings. Comments from David X. Cohen: ‘Three months ago, I would have said we were going to start tomorrow … And one month ago I would also have said we were going to start tomorrow. So…my current estimate is that we’re starting tomorrow.’”
That would be sweet. And also set a precedent–if you get cancelled, but you sell enough DVDs, you might have a shot at coming back.
Originally Posted by Brad Millette Family Guy already set that precedent, and it’s a much weaker show.
Well, that’s what I’m saying–if Family Guy came back because of DVD sales, and then Futurama does the same thing, having 2 different series accomplish that goal might set the precedent more than just one. Albeit they’re both animated series.
Dear god yes please more Futurama. I would love to see one of my favorite shows return from the cancellation graveyard. I am going to commit geek heresy and say that I like Futurama more than Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (even though the former totally swipes from the latter.)
Billy West made some ripples a few months ago saying that Futurama DTV one shots were in the planning stages but someone else put the kybosh on that rumor. I guess it wasn’t as false as originlly suspected. A revived series would be so much better, if it could be done right.
Originally Posted by Dan Whitehead I thought they were all set to roll on a DTV Futurama movie?
From what I’ve heard, yes. And I pray that it’s true. Billy West says it is, but I don’t know if that’s just wishful thinking or set in stone. It sure sounds a lot like the channels Family Guy went through before it came back, so that gives me some hope. I loved Futurama. It was one of my favorite shows of all time, and I’d call it one of the best American television series, if not the best, of the past ten years. Still, I can’t help but remain skeptical. I’ll believe it when I see it happening. And oh how I want to believe!
Originally Posted by Brad Millette From what I’ve heard, yes. And I pray that it’s true. Billy West says it is, but I don’t know if that’s just wishful thinking or set in stone. It sure sounds a lot like the channels Family Guy went through before it came back, so that gives me some hope. I loved Futurama. It was one of my favorite shows of all time, and I’d call it one of the best American television series, if not the best, of the past ten years. Still, I can’t help but remain skeptical. I’ll believe it when I see it happening. And oh how I want to believe!
Originally Posted by Dan Whitehead I thought they were all set to roll on a DTV Futurama movie?
Actually, before Family Guy was officially picked up again as a series, they were planning to do a DTV movie. So if Futurama’s doing well enough, then it has a very real chance of coming back. Also, one of the great things about animated shows is that it’s not hard to reunite the voice talent.
Futurama never should have been cancelled. Fox was begging Groening for years for a new show, he finally gave it to them, and they treated it like crap. If Fox picks it back up, here’s a hint: don’t put in a slot where it will always get pre-empted by fucking football.
Originally Posted by Brad Millette It probably wouldn’t, but it should.
Eh? I’ve seen about ten episodes of futurama, and they were pretty funny, but one of the best shows of the last ten years? Really? I may have to catch some reruns.
Hmmmm… about half of my top 10 list for best shows of the last ten years were broadcast on Cable (particularly HBO). Funky.
How it went with Family Guy, if I remember acurrately, was that it was going to be a direct to DVD movie and then became a direct to DVD series and then a series on Cartoon Network and then finally Fox decided to re-up it lock, stock and barrel.
With that precedent in mind, seeing an new episode of Futurama on tv may be a couple of years away. However, its still good to see the wheels turning for bringing back a truly underrated show.
Its scary how Fox cartoons have been successful despite Fox’s efforts. Between bouncing shows from timeslot to timeslot during the first few years, to putting shows in the 7:00 pm or 7:30 pm timeslot, to having no clue how to market its shows, its amazing that any audience found shows like the Simpsons, Futurama and/or Family Guy, which I personally think is stronger than Futurama. I have no evidence or argument to back it up, just a preference.
I’ve just made it a rule not to get excited for a movie/DTV film until I see a trailer for it. That rule will be applied here as I don’t think I’ll be able to handle the disappointment of this not coming to my DVD shelf.
I enjoyed Family Guy before it was cancelled, but after it’s been resurrected I just don’t give a crap - I don’t know why, but it’s simply not funny anymore.
Originally Posted by Brad Millette And I stand behind it. I really do feel that Futurama is one of the best shows of the past ten years.
For what it’s worth, I’m in your camp. A show like Futurama will never get the respect of a one-hour drama about doctors, cops or lawyers (in other words, half the shows on television). But I don’t care if a show is animated or live-action, makes me laugh, cry or wet myself. Great writing is great writing, and should be recognized. Science fiction, comedy and animation simply don’t receive due respect. And an animated science fiction comedy? Forget it.
In retrospect, one of the best things about this show was all the math and physics jokes. I went to public school, so I didn’t even notice most of them until they were pointed out on the commentaries.
It would be great if it came back, but only if they had the same writers.