Will there be any new Futurama after the movies? Now with added rumormongering!

[Reply #40 on:]

I wonder how the new comics will deal with the crew going into the wormhole.

Probably the same way that the comics dealt with the DVD movies, by ignoring them completely. :P


Friends, look at me! A TOTPD!!!!

[Reply #41 on:]

I just saw that Fox have ordered two more seasons of The Simpsons... well, as long as they're in the mood for ordering more things from Matt Groening...

[Reply #42 on:]

Let us cross our fingers, toes, various and sundry other lucky digits...

 . . .

For another trip-

 .
    I'll just... ooze back under the door now...

[Reply #43 on:]

Let us cross our fingers, toes, various and sundry other lucky digits...

 . . .

For another trip-

 .
    I'll just... ooze back under the door now...

That pic is great!!!!!!

[Reply #44 on:]

I think the thing that would keep it from happening right now would be the economy. The studios and networks companys, like every other company, are pinching pennies right now. The retrn on investment (money spent to money earned) is what they would be loking at the most, and if the return on investment isn't big enough, then they may say forget it.

believe me though, I am praying that there will be more series eps.

[Reply #45 on:]

I think the thing that would keep it from happening right now would be the economy. The studios and networks companys, like every other company, are pinching pennies right now. The retrn on investment (money spent to money earned) is what they would be loking at the most, and if the return on investment isn't big enough, then they may say forget it.

believe me though, I am praying that there will be more series eps.

Yeah, but FOX has to air something, don't they?  (Unless they want to fill up a bunch of dead air with reruns, that is.) 

Obviously I'm not privy to FOX's strategic thinking or market research figures, but my guess is that if the current economic climate has made them more risk-averse, they'd favor Futurama (which already has a fanbase and some solid momentum from the DVDs) over some of their new shows (unknown commodities with which they may not have much patience).

[Reply #46 on:]

I think the thing that would keep it from happening right now would be the economy. The studios and networks companys, like every other company, are pinching pennies right now. The retrn on investment (money spent to money earned) is what they would be loking at the most, and if the return on investment isn't big enough, then they may say forget it.

believe me though, I am praying that there will be more series eps.

Yeah, but FOX has to air something, don't they?  (Unless they want to fill up a bunch of dead air with reruns, that is.) 

Obviously I'm not privy to FOX's strategic thinking or market research figures, but my guess is that if the current economic climate has made them more risk-averse, they'd favor Futurama (which already has a fanbase and some solid momentum from the DVDs) over some of their new shows (unknown commodities).

Good point Speedracer. But I was watching and investment channel and they talked about DVD sales dropping the last part of the year and studios losing tons casuse of it. They would be weary of putting out more direct to DVD movies I would think. A series on the other hand, I hope your right.

Actualy if Fox or any network wanted to save money, they would throw out more reality shows (God forbid) which cost less then scripted shows.

On that subject, I was reading somewhere about how much money that NBC is saving by putting the Jay Leno Show on at 10 PM Monday thru Friday starting this fall (which willbe no different format then the Tonight Show is now). No heavy scripts, location shot/sets, or actors to pay big bucks to. Thats 5 less shows to make per week too. I cant remember the amount that NBC would save on this, but it was huge. If it is a success (and it sounds like it will), I expect the other networks try it (except Fox which has local news at 10 anyways).

[Reply #47 on:]

Yesterday on the newbreak between shows at the top of the hour, FOX radio affiliates were stating that the possible end to FUTURAMA may be the freshly released DVD.

That shows me that FOX is adding a little free advertisement for the DVD.

It may not be this season but I have a good feeling that Futurama may be back at FOX.  God knows we need something to offset the juvenile behavior of Family Guy and American Dad.

[Reply #48 on:]

It may not be this season but I have a good feeling that Futurama may be back at FOX.  God knows we need something to offset the juvenile behavior of Family Guy and American Dad.

I like both of those, but with this Cleveland spin-off, its starting to look like Seth's taking over FOX Prime time Animation slots.
They gotta have Futurama and balance it out more.

[Reply #49 on:]

There could be more to it than just Fox getting Futurama renewed. The first company that could have a say is Comedy Central, afterall they have the broadcast rights and would probably love to have new episodes that they broadcast first before DVDs are released. Another route is to get other international broadcasters to chip in as well. Sky in the UK shows as much Futurama as anyone (last summer Futurama was shown nearly twice as much as The Simpsons mainly due to the showings on Sky2 and Sky3). With Sky owned by News Corperation though that may seem somewhat unlikely. Another interesting sidenote for the UK is that Paramount Comedy is being renamed to the Comedy Central brand.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a147040/paramount-comedy-to-become-comedy-central.html

Could this mean the channel will be brought more in line with the US version and start showing Futurama (somehow I feel Sky will want to keep their hands on it though)?

Matt Groening is on a bit of a winning and losing streak at the moment, what with The Simpsons getting a 2 season renewal but his comic strip Life in Hell (Life is Swell) being dropped. Lets give Fox and CC some time before we jump to any conclusions don't forget ITWGY hasn't been released in Australia yet.

[Reply #50 on:]

Well I recently saw a video on youtube where Billy West said they were in talks about continuing the series, and I read a David X. interview a little while back where he talked about the possibility of following up the 4 movies with a feature film.

I'm really interested in what's going to happen with this; something about not having any more Futurama on the horizon is bothering me. I'll be disappointed if they don't re-renew it.

[Reply #51 on:]

There could be more to it than just Fox getting Futurama renewed. The first company that could have a say is Comedy Central, afterall they have the broadcast rights and would probably love to have new episodes that they broadcast first before DVDs are released. Another route is to get other international broadcasters to chip in as well. Sky in the UK shows as much Futurama as anyone (last summer Futurama was shown nearly twice as much as The Simpsons mainly due to the showings on Sky2 and Sky3). With Sky owned by News Corperation though that may seem somewhat unlikely. Another interesting sidenote for the UK is that Paramount Comedy is being renamed to the Comedy Central brand.

Technically, Comedy Central and FOX both have the broadcast rights.  Comedy Central is a cable channel, while FOX is a network channel, and there are two separate broadcast rights for either in the USA.  Comedy Central is most likely waiting to see what FOX are going to do, cause while Comedy Central could afford a production season of Futurama, they know it would be cheaper just purchasing the episodes from FOX if they order it instead.

By any means, Comedy Central will Futurama's fall back position.

[Reply #52 on:]

For my knowledge, the relationship if new Futurama is produced would be the same as when new episodes are produced for any show in its position: the network first broadcasts them, then the cable station broadcasts them about a week later, and then both channels can rerun the episodes. It's the same for Family Guy with Fox/Adult Swim and Heroes with NBC/G4. However, in both the mentioned shows cases, I do not believe there is any production budget paid by the cable network, although they pay for the additional new episodes' broadcast rights. The relationship would be Fox produces and first-runs the episodes, then Comedy Central pays for the broadcast rights to the episodes and can run them however many times they want over the period of time of the contract. So, to dwindle this whole paragraph to three words: status quo relationship.

And we shouldn't forget Network Ten in Australia, Sky in the UK, Teletoon in Canada, and all the other networks around the world which pay Fox to broadcast the episodes. Combine the DVD sales with the money to purchase broadcast rights to the sliced episodes of the DVDs and you have a big profit for Fox from this venture.

[Reply #53 on:]

Speaking of ITWGY in Australia, it is releases here in three days but I just wish it got some advertising here, when BBS came out the most advertisement it got was a poster in the DVD section at Kmart, BWABB didn't get any whatsoever but BG got an ad on Ten when they showed the episodes of BWABB.

[Reply #54 on:]

It is a bit off how there isn't much in the advertisement of the films, but hopefully the sales will still go well.

[Reply #55 on:]

I think they will. I have noticed in the past that the sales of the futurama movies have been going quite well, many shelves having to be re-stocked.

[Reply #56 on:]

As long as the DVDs are selling well then the lack of advertising is actually a good thing as Fox has spent less meaning higher profits.

[Reply #57 on:]

I think they will. I have noticed in the past that the sales of the futurama movies have been going quite well, many shelves having to be re-stocked.

Indeed.  The-Numbers.com got you covered on that one:

http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/series/Futurama.php

The first film earned up to 15 million USD.  Now, I am not sure how much money they invested in all the four films together, say 12-14 million USD probably.  Which would mean the first film alone could balance out the purchase.

Then not to mention the three other films' sale, the sale of them as episodes to Comedy Central, among others and how little they actually spend on advertising.  I think FOX knew this one was advertising itself.

[Reply #58 on:]

Look- you may regard this as spam, maybe not. But this pertains to the conversation. Yes- I did just create this account to inform you guys of this group, but I think its time to do something, and I noticed you were talking about informing a station as to the massive amount of people who would take interest to more Futurama. Mass mail is cool, but a Facebook group is more organized. Who wants to join, "1 Million Strong for the Revival of Futurama... 6th Season and Beyond!"? If we get to 1 million, I will email Comedy Central with our encore for more of this great show. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53927752755 that's the group ID. Join if you want to take action to this!

[Reply #59 on:]

Facebook...

[Reply #60 on:]

Yeah, second. If the show is renewed as a result of a Facebook campaign, then I won't watch it.

[Reply #61 on:]

Yeah, second. If the show is renewed as a result of a Facebook campaign, then I won't watch it.

Then again, what affect, other than mention in the media, has Facebook really had?

But I agree with you, the fear tears me apart.  I am going to do what they said on the commentary; telegraph.

[Reply #62 on:]

Oh god! A Facebook campaign?!?! It's so horrible! People who aren't from PEEL who want the show to continue?!?! My eyes! The goggles do nothing!

I'll take help where help comes, and these Facebook groups do get media attention when they get especially large. The "1 Million Strong for Barack Obama" or "Stephen Colbert" groups did attract some attention, why not a Futurama one?

[Reply #63 on:]

Nobody ever gets anything done with a Facebook group. If you want to change something and have lots of people available then stage a bloody coup of some sort.

[Reply #64 on:]

One million sales of "Into The Wild Green Yonder" will attract FOX and CC's attention, that's for sure.

[Reply #65 on:]

Nobody ever gets anything done with a Facebook group. If you want to change something and have lots of people available then stage a bloody coup of some sort.

Ah, a coup d'état.  I like how this man thinks.  In the future, we will all be allowed (i.e. forced) to watch Futurama.

[Reply #66 on:]

Depending on how well ITWGY is selling, and Billy West mentioning that there might be a sixth season coming soon, Futurama will be back.   FOX or Comedy Central should air it.   

As for the comic books dealing with the wormhole thing, comic books don't always ignore the events in movies and DVDs based on it.   That one comic about Bender going to that retirement star mentioned BBS.  Maybe we'll find out what happened to them in the wormhole in the comic books!  Even if Futurama doesn't come back, at least there's the comics!   

After all the Sonic the Hedgehog comics continued on with the SAT am universe after that Sonic cartoon on ABC went off the air. 

[Reply #67 on:]

i_c_weiner has the right idea. Just because its a Facebook group, its hopeless? Its like a petition, only easier, and faster.

If we get to 1,000,000 I'm emailing FOX/Comedy Central. If they see enough fans willing, they see a need to bring back the show, if not, they don't. We are simply taking action for a cause that we believe should be supported. Don't just dismiss our cause as fruitless just because it is on a social networking site.

Over-and-out.

[Reply #68 on:]

I'll take help where help comes

exactly.  Who cares where the petition originated?  Any action by the fans is a good action,

[Reply #69 on:]

Whatevs... the show will probably come back.

Also... joining facebook groups is definitely an action.

[Reply #70 on:]

i_c_weiner has the right idea. Just because its a Facebook group, its hopeless? Its like a petition, only easier, and faster.

If we get to 1,000,000 I'm emailing FOX/Comedy Central. If they see enough fans willing, they see a need to bring back the show, if not, they don't. We are simply taking action for a cause that we believe should be supported. Don't just dismiss our cause as fruitless just because it is on a social networking site.

Over-and-out.

True, 1 million members of a Facebook group would certainly get their attention.  But that is a bit of a overstatement.  Comparing Futurama to Obama seems a bit... out of perspective, Obama is, unlike Futurama, covered a lot more in the news cycle, and who can blame them, he is now the president.

But did this group even help Obama win the democratic nomination or the election at the end?  No.  Momentum won the nomination and the financial crisis gave him victory in the election.

My point is; it's sweet of you trying with a Facebook group, and it is certainly the thought that counts, but I am still pretty sure FOX are going to renew the show regardless of a Facebook group.

[Reply #71 on:]

By any means, Comedy Central will Futurama's fall back position.

Does CC really have the budget to pay for a first run of Futurama, though?  I know MG has said that they'd consider it, but Futurama is damn expensive to produce.

[Reply #72 on:]

By any means, Comedy Central will Futurama's fall back position.

Does CC really have the budget to pay for a first run of Futurama, though?  I know MG has said that they'd consider it, but Futurama is damn expensive to produce.

If CC has the budget to produce the Daily Show, the Colbert Report and South Park, I am pretty sure they got some extra pennies to pay for Futurama.

Viacom isn't exactly a small business, they also own Paramount.

[Reply #73 on:]

FWIW, the primary Futurama group on Facebook has just under 600,000 fans.

As has been stated many times before, Fox/CC certainly have some idea of how many Futurama fans are out there.  Whether or not the show gets renewed is completely a matter of dollars and cents.

[Reply #74 on:]

Okay, I'm a long time lurker and I have this crazy idea.
Do you think we will hear something from Fox/CC on March 28th 2009, The Show's 10th Birthday... 

[Reply #75 on:]

You're right, that IS a crazy idea!
(No)

[Reply #76 on:]

You're right, that IS a crazy idea!
(No)

True, cause if FOX and/or CC aren't really interested in, is making a stunt like that.  Although, it could be some sort of negotiation between the Futurama people and FOX and/or CC to announce it on that day.

You can possibly yourself spot whether or that has happened, whether the Futurama people are seems to throw the topic off (something very unlike them), or doesn't want to talk about FOX and/or CC.

In the end, however, if the show gets renewed, it'll probably be on any random date.  And who can blame them?  I wouldn't be able to keep such information myself!

[Reply #77 on:]

DXC: 50/50 chance

[Reply #78 on:]

DXC: 50/50 chance

It seems to depend on the execubots then (and you know what will probably happen *dice rolls* MORE REALITY SHOWS).

[Reply #79 on:]

well, if the show does get renewed, I think we just found out the plot of next episode:

Of course it would require going through Matt Groening, and possibly the people at Fox, so these are just ideas. But it will involve a sequence in which our characters are on display in an alien zoo. They are primitive beasts from another Universe.

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