Futurama....back? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

guthmund · 01-04-2006, 09:03 PM

Groening has been hinting around in interviews and such lately that Futurama might be on the comeback trail....

Maybe someone there at Fox knows what the hell they're doing.

Quote:

"Futurama" may live to see the year 3000 after all.
Talks have begun at 20th Century Fox TV to revive the animated skeinskein, which takes place in the next millennium, much in the same way "Family Guy""Family Guy" found new life after cancellation.

The studio is in early discussions to put "Futurama" back in production and create a limited number of episodes of the Emmy Award-winning skein -- although it's too soon to tell where those segs might end up. A reprep for 20th Century Fox TV declined comment.

The final original episode of "Futurama" aired on Fox in August 2003. But since then, the skein has found new life -- and fans -- via DVD releases and repeatedly high-rated airings on the Cartoon Network.

"Futurama" remains popular enough that Comedy CentralComedy Central even stole away off-netoff-net rights to the show's repeats late last year; it will switch to the laffer cablercabler in 2008.

A similar resurgence in interest for "Family Guy" persuaded 20th Century Fox TV to revive that show, which has produced two seasons of new episodes and a DVD since coming back from the dead. "Family Guy" now resides as Fox's Sunday 9 p.m. tentpole.

"Futurama" scored three Emmys in its five-season run, including the 2002 award for animated series. But it lived an unusual existence on Fox, with short seasons, late launches and long gaps between airings. That allowed Fox to air five seasons of "Futurama," even though technically only four were produced.

"The Simpsons""The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening and "Simpsons" vet David X. Cohen were behind "Futurama," which bowed on Fox in March 1999. The animated skein revolved around Fry, a pizza delivery boy who's accidentally frozen for 1,000 years. He wakes up in the year 3000 and befriends cyclops Leela and cranky robot Bender -- all of whom work for the intergalactic delivery service run by Fry's distantly descended nephew, Prof. Farnsworth.

Before "Futurama" comes back into being, however, 20th first must secure deals with the show's production team, as well as voice stars including Billy West (Fry), Katey Sagal (Leela) and John DiMaggio (Bender).

Meanwhile, even after the cancellation new "Futurama" stories have continued to be churned out via the "Futurama" comicbook, published by Groening's Bongo Comics imprint.

Good news, as far as I'm concerned. I didn't really like Futurama at first, but managed to get aboard right before Fox took it off the air.

Someone should really buy this ol' boy a thesaurus....skein...jeez. I wonder if he got paid extra for multiple uses of the word plus the link to another 'Variety' page for the definition.

Any other Futurama fans here?

thesupermikey · 01-04-2006, 09:15 PM

hells yeah
this rumor has been batter around since Family Guy got picked back up.
if this is the real deal hells yeah

absorbentishe · 01-04-2006, 09:30 PM

Freakin' sweet! Love the good one's coming back.

sadistikdreams · 01-04-2006, 09:33 PM

Pretty much the best news I've heard all year.

Hardknock · 01-04-2006, 09:39 PM

To whoever cancelled Futurama in the first place:

Bite my shiny metal ass!

Can't wait for the return.

ratbastid · 01-05-2006, 06:13 AM

Good news, everyone!

fresnelly · 01-05-2006, 06:30 AM

I don't know. I'm as big a fan as anyone, and am very thankful for the reruns, but think that the original series may have ran its course. Having Leela and Fry get together in the last episode, made for a touching finale, and I was satisfied by the closure.

Having crossed that line, I worry that any new episodes would suffer and be a bit directionless. By example, I find the new episodes of Family Guy way too reliant on shock gags and taboo busting; much more than they ever were before. It's just not the same.

I'm still pissed at Fox for marginalizing the original run though. Stupid wankers just can't recognize a good property.

Kadath · 01-05-2006, 06:45 AM

I remain skeptical. I love Futurama to death, and would love to have it back, but I doubt it will happen. However, if it DID come back, I don't think it would be the worse for it, so long as the have the same writers; I doubt it would be hard to get the voice people back. Billy West and John DiMaggio always said it was one of their favorite gigs and voice acting isn't exactly a superstar business, so I think they'd be happy to have it back. With those two you've got about half the voices, and getting Katey Segal shouldn't be hard...what has she done since the show ended? The rest of the team should be happy to jump on board after that.

Charlatan · 01-05-2006, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guthmund

Someone should really buy this ol' boy a thesaurus....skein...jeez. I wonder if he got paid extra for multiple uses of the word plus the link to another 'Variety' page for the definition.

Any other Futurama fans here?

It took me a second to realize I was reading a Variety article but as soon as I saw "skein" I knew it... Variety uses it's own words to describe things in the Industry, it takes some getting used to but soon enough, you don't even notice it. Here's their dictionary: http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=slanguage

cyrnel · 01-05-2006, 07:49 AM

There were rumors earlier that make me skeptical, but this would be so good.

guthmund · 01-05-2006, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

It took me a second to realize I was reading a Variety article but as soon as I saw "skein" I knew it... Variety uses it's own words to describe things in the Industry, it takes some getting used to but soon enough, you don't even notice it. Here's their dictionary: http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=slanguage

4 times in 375 words...? Is there a word in the 'Industry-slang' for 'repetitive?'

Charlatan · 01-05-2006, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guthmund

4 times in 375 words...? Is there a word in the 'Industry-slang' for 'repetitive?'

They could have said, TV series 4 times and it would have been just the same... only you wouldn't have noticed it because it isn't variety speak.

cyrnel · 01-05-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

They could have said, TV series 4 times and it would have been just the same... only you wouldn't have noticed it because it isn't variety speak.

But they tanked an opportunity for VARIETY.

Smash series
Troubled series
Revolutionary series
Cult series

If they mean to confuse people they should stick with French.

Charlatan · 01-05-2006, 09:50 AM

Variety's style is brusk and to the point. The hyperbole, when it exists, is in this same manner.

Remember, Variety doesn't write for mass consumption. It is a trade magazine and as such speaks to a very particular audience. In other words, if you are confused they are happy.

cyrnel · 01-05-2006, 10:57 AM

Braggle snaggle in flaggle, el floogle il bloogle.*

*Translation: "That's fine I suppose, it isn't my trade."

Bender would have stronger words.

Suave · 01-05-2006, 12:14 PM

I love Futurama.

I'd almost say it's better than the Simpsons, but then I might get an angry mob after me.

crow_daw · 01-05-2006, 05:36 PM

I wouldn't be surprised to see Futurama come back, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it immediately thereafter be cancelled again.

I wouldn't be surprised because this is Fox we're talking about here. They never realize when they've got something good, it seems.

That being said, I must say that I agree.......... Hells yeah.

MexicanOnABike · 01-05-2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suave

I love Futurama.

I'd almost say it's better than the Simpsons, but then I might get an angry mob after me.

no. i think we can all agree it's better. the simpsons had a good run but they died somewhere between season 9 and 35104943878742. jk. i think theyre up to 16 or something? i stoped watching after 12. it got really lame.

but futurama was always good and entertaining.

orangemonkeyee · 01-05-2006, 07:42 PM

I would like them back even more. They are still on cartoon network though, so it's not hard to catch an episode or two a night.

Bacchanal · 01-05-2006, 09:59 PM

It'd make me smile to see new episodes. I've got all the DVDs they have out and have seen them plenty, so seeing new stories would be a good thing in my mind.

stevie667 · 01-06-2006, 03:17 AM

I dang well hope so!

Personally i think futurama has picked up considerably since it went off the air, definatly be good to have it back.

ChistledStone · 01-06-2006, 05:13 PM

Man, that's crazy, I was just watching futurama and just thinking 'when's a new season going to be out?' and then read some fansites.

Quote:

I love Futurama. I'd almost say it's better than the Simpsons, but then I might get an angry mob after me.

Well, I haven't seen like the 4 lastest seasons, due to Australia being slow, but in my opinion, they've just run out of ideas. I *hope* they can call a finale season and end it peacefully and with style, rather then just pumping out episodes until Fox has to cut them off (which will be a long time, due to the fierce loyalty of fans and Fox alike, even if the show is substandard).

Just what I think...

lindalove · 01-06-2006, 05:16 PM

Is this saying that there's going to be a movie next year?

theguyondacouch · 01-06-2006, 05:38 PM

I can't wait, Futurama ranks as one of my favorite shows of all time. "Oh, advice on how not to change the future from Mr I'm my own Grandfather!"

Zeraph · 01-06-2006, 06:09 PM

One of the best animated shows, I hope it does come back.

heywatsup · 01-06-2006, 10:12 PM

thanks for the info, i rate this show better than the simpsons !
a movie may be on the cards it seems

lindalove · 05-08-2006, 09:35 AM

New rumor...well same old rumor picking up steam again

Quote:

Originally Posted by cnn.com

There also was speculation that Fox was looking to resurrect the animated series "Futurama," from "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, on its Sunday lineup the same way that "Family Guy" was brought back last year. The network has an option for new episodes, which currently are being produced for Cartoon Network's Adult Swim late-night block.

Am I reading that last sentence right? I don't think there's any current production going on beyond the rumored straight to DVD releases.

Still, the prospect of a Simpsons/Futurama/Family Guy/American Dad block has me salivating....

SecretMethod70 · 05-09-2006, 04:42 AM

I must admit, I really only watch these shows (Futurama, Simpsons, Family Guy, etc) when I happen to come across them or when I'm occasionally in the mood enough to seek them out, but Futurama was a great show and definitely deserves to be brought back. I hope this is true.

01-04-2006, 09:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
thesupermikey I got blisters on me fingers!!! Location: In my stressless expectation free zone.	hells yeah this rumor has been batter around since Family Guy got picked back up. if this is the real deal hells yeah __________________ If you are not outraged than you are not paying attention! "Reality has a well-known liberal bias" - Steven Colbert

01-04-2006, 09:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
sadistikdreams lonely rolling star Location: Seattle.	Pretty much the best news I've heard all year. __________________ "Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials." -Lin Yutang hearts, by d.a.

01-05-2006, 06:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
fresnelly Functionally Appropriate Location: Toronto	I don't know. I'm as big a fan as anyone, and am very thankful for the reruns, but think that the original series may have ran its course. Having Leela and Fry get together in the last episode, made for a touching finale, and I was satisfied by the closure. Having crossed that line, I worry that any new episodes would suffer and be a bit directionless. By example, I find the new episodes of Family Guy way too reliant on shock gags and taboo busting; much more than they ever were before. It's just not the same. I'm still pissed at Fox for marginalizing the original run though. Stupid wankers just can't recognize a good property. __________________ Building an artificial intelligence that appreciates Mozart is easy. Building an A.I. that appreciates a theme restaurant is the real challenge - Kit Roebuck - Nine Planets Without Intelligent Life

01-05-2006, 06:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
Kadath Muffled Location: Camazotz	I remain skeptical. I love Futurama to death, and would love to have it back, but I doubt it will happen. However, if it DID come back, I don't think it would be the worse for it, so long as the have the same writers; I doubt it would be hard to get the voice people back. Billy West and John DiMaggio always said it was one of their favorite gigs and voice acting isn't exactly a superstar business, so I think they'd be happy to have it back. With those two you've got about half the voices, and getting Katey Segal shouldn't be hard...what has she done since the show ended? The rest of the team should be happy to jump on board after that. __________________ it's quiet in here

01-05-2006, 07:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
cyrnel Adequate Location: In my angry-dome.	There were rumors earlier that make me skeptical, but this would be so good. __________________ There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195

01-04-2006, 09:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
absorbentishe Boy am I horny today Location: T O L E D O, Toledo!!	Freakin' sweet! Love the good one's coming back.

01-04-2006, 09:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
Hardknock Republican slayer Location: WA	To whoever cancelled Futurama in the first place: Bite my shiny metal ass! Can't wait for the return.

01-05-2006, 06:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	Good news, everyone!

01-05-2006, 09:50 AM	#14 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Variety's style is brusk and to the point. The hyperbole, when it exists, is in this same manner. Remember, Variety doesn't write for mass consumption. It is a trade magazine and as such speaks to a very particular audience. In other words, if you are confused they are happy. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

01-05-2006, 10:57 AM	#15 (permalink)
cyrnel Adequate Location: In my angry-dome.	Braggle snaggle in flaggle, el floogle il bloogle.* *Translation: "That's fine I suppose, it isn't my trade." Bender would have stronger words. __________________ There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195

01-05-2006, 12:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
Suave Twitterpated Location: My own little world (also Canada)	I love Futurama. I'd almost say it's better than the Simpsons, but then I might get an angry mob after me. __________________ "Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions." - Albert Einstein "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato

01-05-2006, 05:36 PM	#17 (permalink)
crow_daw Idolator Location: Vol Country	I wouldn't be surprised to see Futurama come back, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it immediately thereafter be cancelled again. I wouldn't be surprised because this is Fox we're talking about here. They never realize when they've got something good, it seems. That being said, I must say that I agree.......... Hells yeah. __________________ "We each have a star, all we have to do is find it. Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded." - Earl Simmons

01-05-2006, 07:42 PM	#19 (permalink)
orangemonkeyee Upright	I would like them back even more. They are still on cartoon network though, so it's not hard to catch an episode or two a night.

01-05-2006, 09:59 PM	#20 (permalink)
Bacchanal Laid back Location: Jayhawkland	It'd make me smile to see new episodes. I've got all the DVDs they have out and have seen them plenty, so seeing new stories would be a good thing in my mind.

01-06-2006, 03:17 AM	#21 (permalink)
stevie667 Too Awesome for Aardvarks Location: Angloland	I dang well hope so! Personally i think futurama has picked up considerably since it went off the air, definatly be good to have it back. __________________ Office hours have changed. Please call during office hours for more information.

01-06-2006, 05:16 PM	#23 (permalink)
lindalove Registered User	Is this saying that there's going to be a movie next year?

01-06-2006, 05:38 PM	#24 (permalink)
theguyondacouch salmon? Location: Outside Providence	I can't wait, Futurama ranks as one of my favorite shows of all time. "Oh, advice on how not to change the future from Mr I'm my own Grandfather!" __________________ "Lick my frozen metal ass!"

01-06-2006, 06:09 PM	#25 (permalink)
Zeraph Banned Location: The Cosmos	One of the best animated shows, I hope it does come back.

01-06-2006, 10:12 PM	#26 (permalink)
heywatsup Upright	thanks for the info, i rate this show better than the simpsons ! a movie may be on the cards it seems

05-09-2006, 04:42 AM	#28 (permalink)
SecretMethod70 Human Administrator Location: Chicago	I must admit, I really only watch these shows (Futurama, Simpsons, Family Guy, etc) when I happen to come across them or when I'm occasionally in the mood enough to seek them out, but Futurama was a great show and definitely deserves to be brought back. I hope this is true. __________________ Le temps détruit tout "Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling