Will we hear about a New Season at Comic-Con

[:]

Well we heard about the movies at Comic-Con... 

[#1 :]

Wait wait, what is the question?  Will we heard about a new season or the films?  You are contradicting yourself!  I do not know what to pick!

[#2 :]

No hes asking if we will hear about a new season at comic con because we heard about the movies at a previous comic con......


Bender will be super pissed if there is no such announcement

[#3 :]

I hope yes I don't know I never was at comic-con there's no such thing in uk

[#4 :]

If it was announced that there is a Futurama Panel at Comic-Con that is pretty much confirmation of a new season. I'm not sure if the actual comics themselves have ever had a big panel so I would assume it would be for a new season.

[#5 :]

sorry for being off topic but where might i find these futurama comics?

[#6 :]

When is Comic-Con?

[#7 :]

When is Comic-Con?

July 24–27, 2009

I hope yes I don't know I never was at comic-con there's no such thing in uk

Yeah but theres youtube..

[#8 :]

I hope yes I don't know I never was at comic-con there's no such thing in uk

You're in Poland, aren't you?

And polls which you cannot have a definite answer for are meaningless. Why not ones we already know? Hypothetical ones are just annoying.

[#9 :]

When is Comic-Con?

July 23-26 in San Diego, according to their website.

[#10 :]

If it was announced that there is a Futurama Panel at Comic-Con that is pretty much confirmation of a new season. I'm not sure if the actual comics themselves have ever had a big panel so I would assume it would be for a new season.

Indeed, the comics have never really gotten a panel of attention - if at all.  I don't know when Comic-Con finally releases the panels they have.

[#11 :]

I'm hoping there's going to be an annoucement about new Futurama at the Comic Con!  Have a feeling there will be new episodes and this will be the place we'll hear it! 

[#12 :]

The Cleveland Show has already been booked for a full second season, so this hurts Futurama's chances of getting on Fox for the 2010-2011 season.

[#13 :]

Jesus, that's lovely. I really hope the show tanks, just 'cause I'm bitter. Although, if Sit Down, Shut Up fails miserably (and how could it not, with its current time-slot?), then I suppose that leaves room on the schedule for Futurama. 'Course, returning a brilliant show to a cruddy time-slot where it was continuously pre-empted and largely ignored by non-diehard fans doesn't seem like the wisest decision. And, since Fox seems so interested in showing only animated programming on Sundays, I'd say we'll have to wait for some sort of opening in the Sunday night schedule before Futurama is even considered.

That said, I think an announcement at Comic-Con is still a possibility--if not this year, then next. Though the longer we wait for news on the future of the show, the less likely it seems that it will return.

[#14 :]

Who knows. Fox Televsion's ad revenue is down about 45% since the economy tanked.
Maybe direct-to-DVD is a better place to be but the same may hold true for cable channels like Comedy Central. Might depend on things like Fox Entertainment (not Fox TV) and CC being able to afford 1 or 2 DVD's but gearing up for less than a full TV season (4 DVD's) isn't practical. A theatrical movie the advantage of generating a lot of revenue in the first few weeks of release, disadvantage of higher cost per unit of run time and taking longer to make.

[#15 :]

^ Don't forget that Futurama is closer to Firefly than Family Guy in terms of viewership numbers.

This has been brought to you from the sad but true foundation.

[#16 :]

Futurama's first season and a half crushed Firefly -- about 12 MM viewers for the former, and about 3 MM for the latter (though since Firefly was an hour long, for ad purposes it's the equivalent of 6 MM).  Futurama's last season averaged about 6.4 MM viewers, after Fox had basically put it on life support.

Over the last few weeks, FG has been pulling in about 7 MM viewers/week and American Dad about 5.5 MM.  Ratings for just about everything are in the toilet nowadays though, so it's hard to compare numbers for 2009 with numbers for 1999-2003.

[#17 :]

And let's not forget that Firefly was aired completely out of order on a show that could not handle it, whereas Futurama could sort of handle the broadcast order, but for Firefly it made no sense.

Some believe that this strange broadcast order made Firefly a far less successful show.  But those numbers look pretty good for Futurama, and also that the people who watch Family Guy are probably not going to watch the reruns again, or rather, that crowd is a lot more loose than those that keep Futurama alive and kickin'... well, its spirit at least.

I think the only thing keeping Fox executives from signing the contract is the 45% downturn in ad revenue.  And that pretty much says from those above, "keep your feet off the pedal, only buy 'secure' shows, and cancel all others!"

This is more about not wanting to loose their jobs for some guys, than whether Futurama is actually worth it (it is).

[#18 :]

Come on. Of course I think it's worth it. Your post a few months ago on Madhouse (http://www.futurama-madhouse.com.ar/archive/arc1-2009.shtml) definitely gives FOX huge cause to renew the show. The problem would be if FOX thinks Futurama can get the numbers.

We all love this show but the sad truth is that Sci-Fi isn't incredibly marketable no matter what format it shows up in. People generally aren't interested in Sci-Fi. Family Guy and its compatriots are an easy sell since it sells to the LCD of viewers: Slack Jawed Idiots who don't want to think while they are watching T.V.

The average person probably doesn't want to come home to watch a t.v. show where they don't get half the jokes and are occasionally lowballed with an episode like 407 that makes them feel bad for the rest of the night.

I love Futurama and I have high hopes for its return. I just don't know if FOX is smart enough to do it and give it a proper chance if it does. I'm not sure FOX's current audience would give it a chance either.

P.S. To any PEELers who like FG: I didn't mean you, you handsome devils.

[#19 :]

The average person probably doesn't want to come home to watch a t.v. show where they don't get half the jokes and are occasionally lowballed with an episode like 407 that makes them feel bad for the rest of the night.

I agree with your basic sentiment, but I don't think it's true that people aren't interested in smart animated shows. At its best, The Simpsons was a show with obscure pop culture references (as well as math and science references) and a lot of heart, much like Futurama. I just think that Fox would have to market the show correctly, which was always part of their problem anyway. There's no doubt in my mind that Futurama could be successful, if it was given a proper shot.

Not to say there's any doubt in your mind, either. I'm just sayin'.

[#20 :]

Not sure that broadcast TV is the top-of-the heap placement it used to be. Then too there might be an extra cost of Fox TV having to buy out Comedy Central's airing rights to be able to air it themselves. Firefly was also a syndicated show on channels usually not associated with the Big 4 networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC) and tend to have lower viewership to start with (sort of minor leauge). Family Guy may be suffering from oversaturation being not only on FOX but Adult Swim, TBS, and in syndication on local channels. If you miss an episode you're sure to catch it sooner or later. American Dad has some good moments and tends to have an actual story rather than the "let's see if anything sticks to the wall" approach of Family Guy. But I think it suffers sometimes by trying to be "preachy" on certain values by utilizing some exagerated characterizations. Or worse, trying to be "preachy" about some values while having none overall - sort of cheap-shot artistry.

[#21 :]

Gorky: I didn't think mentioning FOX's marketing was necessary since we all know the show got treated badly during its time at FOX. You are right though. I'm very hopeful that if people actually got to see the show (AS and CC did a pretty good job on this by keeping it on a consistent time slot) they would probably like it.

Incidentally, I actually didn't discover the show until well into its fifth broadcast season. My first episode is The Sting (though I have vague memories of watching A Head In The Polls). I immediately became a fan (I wonder if the fact that The Sting is my first episode is the reason I became a shipper?) and tracked down the rest of the episodes on Adult Swim. I was pretty disappointed to find out that this great show I just discovered and had fast experienced thanks to the DVD's and Adult Swim had been canceled.

Hopefully we won't have to experience a third cancellation when it returns (despite my post I'm very optimistic).

[#22 :]

Not sure that broadcast TV is the top-of-the heap placement it used to be. Then too there might be an extra cost of Fox TV having to buy out Comedy Central's airing rights to be able to air it themselves. Firefly was also a syndicated show on channels usually not associated with the Big 4 networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC) and tend to have lower viewership to start with (sort of minor leauge). Family Guy may be suffering from oversaturation being not only on FOX but Adult Swim, TBS, and in syndication on local channels. If you miss an episode you're sure to catch it sooner or later. American Dad has some good moments and tends to have an actual story rather than the "let's see if anything sticks to the wall" approach of Family Guy. But I think it suffers sometimes by trying to be "preachy" on certain values by utilizing some exagerated characterizations. Or worse, trying to be "preachy" about some values while having none overall - sort of cheap-shot artistry.

I agree that broadcast TV isn't really the exalted station it used to be (general media oversaturation and DVR being the main reasons), but I'm skeptical that Comedy Central would be willing to foot the whole bill for Futurama themselves.

A season of direct-to-DVD wouldn't be a terrible idea, but they'd probably have to charge around $50 for a full season to make it profitable (the DVD movies are essentially $72 for a full season).

[#23 :]

All of this looking at the possibility of Futurama coming back for more episodes realistically is depressing me.

[#24 :]

If either "The Cleveland Show" or "Sit Down, Shut Up" tanks and gets cancelled, that will better Futurama's chances of coming back, if it does, hope it's not on a crappy timeslot like it was before.  Besides, the DVDs sold rather well.  After ITWGY ended in a cliffhanger, don't see why it wouldn't come back. 

As I before, we'll hear something probably at the Comic Con. 

[#25 :]

The Simpsons is the only non-Seth MacFarlane animated show left on Fox (along with Sit Down, Shut Up, but I'm not counting it because it has basically already tanked).

I don't get why Fox loves SMF's stuff so much; both FG and AD are getting bad ratings, while The Simpsons still goes more or less well. Why risk with The Cleveland Show and not give Futurama another shot? Futurama'd be a safer choice, and the DVD sales prove it.

[#26 :]

SMF's shows don't cost a million dollars an episode.

Also, much as I love Futurama I don't think it would get that many more viewers than SMF's shows.

So we have a show that costs more and wouldn't get that many more viewers. As much as I hate commercial control of entertainment that is how they see it.

[#27 :]

Really?  Don't FG and AD episodes take 6 months to produce?  Obviously those shows aren't as lush as Futurama, but I'd be surprised if they cost less than, say, 75% of what it takes to produce an episode of Futurama.  It's not like South Park, which legitimately is dirt-cheap to produce.

Searching the web isn't too helpful, but here's an old thread from another board suggesting that FG and Futurama are fairly close in production costs.

[#28 :]

Also, much as I love Futurama I don't think it would get that many more viewers than SMF's shows.

I don't have effective data (and I'm surely biased), but it seems to me that the general Internet consensus isn't really looking forward to The Cleveland Show, while I've seen there are lots of people (many more than I thought) that wouldn't mind Futurama coming back. And I'm talking about multi-fandom communities, not specific forums and such. But I repeat myself, as an avid Futurama fan I only see what I want to see.

And about production costs: I'm no expert, but if Futurama came back I think Fox would make them reduce production costs due to the economic crisis (like they did with FG and AD). This isn't good for us, but I think they could manage to keep the 3D stuff by avoiding expensive guest stars and such.

SMF's shows don't cost a million dollars an episode.

I haven't watched many FG and AD episodes, but IIRC there were a couple of 3D shots. Not as cool as Futurama's, but still quite expensive, I assume.

[#29 :]

Expensive Guest Stars would be out? Good. I never saw much use for them anyway.

(http://www.peelified.com/index.php?topic=16354.msg1027852#msg1027852)

(http://www.peelified.com/index.php?topic=16354.msg1028375#msg1028375)

(http://www.peelified.com/index.php?topic=16354.msg1028498#msg1028498)

[#30 :]

Exactly my thought.

[#31 :]

When we advocate something, we are always going to bring the best or worst examples up, depending on our view.  In general, I think the guest stars work well on Futurama and I feel it gives those episodes a little more knowing it was a certain real person.

Though, I admit, not all the time.  But true, I'd rather scrap guest stars before CGI.

And how expensive can a guest star be?  I'd do it for free!  Hell, I'd gladly pay the tickets to the studio myself!

[#32 :]

I'm sure some guests like Phil Hendrie, Dave Herman, Frank Welker, Dawnn Lewis, and the like (although Dave and Frank are pretty much regulars) would be able to return, but somebody like Beck or Sarah Silverman wouldn't happen. David Cross again or AD cast members would be interesting, and I'm sure their "lower profile" status would be a more achievable goal.

[#33 :]

I think the only thing keeping Fox executives from signing the contract is the 45% downturn in ad revenue.  And that pretty much says from those above, "keep your feet off the pedal, only buy 'secure' shows, and cancel all others!"

Sure, that may be true for a new season of episodes, but they could order some more DVD movies at least, they're not tied to advertising revenues surely. As Matt Groening said, FOX is making money from them so it makes sense.

Your comment on Futurama Madhouse was back in February and you said you thought we'd hear in a month or so... so, whats keeping them?

I mean, I would prefer a TV season because thats the way the format works best, but if new movies are all thats on offer, then I'll happily take what I can get. Any Futurama is better than no Futurama.

Comic Con can't come soon enough.

[#34 :]

Any Futurama is better than no Futurama.

I don't agree with this statement. I love Futurama because it is a consistently high-quality show with great characters, fantastic plots, and multi-layered humor and storytelling. If it wasn't for ITWGY proving to me that the writers still had it in them I would have rather had it dead and good then alive and mediocre. If the new Futurama, whether it is a tv series or movies, is as good as ITWGY (or better) then I welcome its return. If it degrades to a shadow of its former self (coughGeorgeLucascough) then I'd like to keep the memory precious.

On Svip's revival post: Patience comrade. Svip is guessing to the best of his ability. Give it more time and keep that hope flag raised high.

[#35 :]

Any Futurama is better than no Futurama.

I don't agree with this statement. I love Futurama because it is a consistently high-quality show with great characters, fantastic plots, and multi-layered humor and storytelling. If it wasn't for ITWGY proving to me that the writers still had it in them I would have rather had it dead and good then alive and mediocre. If the new Futurama, whether it is a tv series or movies, is as good as ITWGY (or better) then I welcome its return. If it degrades to a shadow of its former self (coughGeorgeLucascough) then I'd like to keep the memory precious.

I agree. When a show's quality degrades, it is no longer my favorite show in my mind. Futurama's genuinly funny and (ocassionaly) thinking-man's humor kept me interested. If Futurama got brought back and the humor was gone, I wouldn't consider it Futurama.

[#36 :]

Then, any Futurama, written and voiced by the same crew is better than no Futurama? I think so.
As for me I would gladly trade both all the 3d and all the guest stars for just one more season. :)What else could we probably get rid of as a cost-saving measure? Tell hem to draw humans with three fingers maybe?

[#37 :]

More interesting factoids:

You can go here and check Amazon's DVD rankings for Fox TV shows.

At the time of this post, all four Futurama seasons (which were released from 2003-2004) rank above all Simpsons seasons except for 1,11,12 (1 was released in 2001, then they started releasing them annually or semi-annually.  11 was released last year, 12 is to be released this year).  In particular, it's beating all the Simpsons DVDs that were released around the same time (which include most of the Simpsons' strongest years).  

Similarly, the Futurama seasons are beating all of the American Dad volumes except volume 4 (which was released 2 weeks ago; volume 1 was released in 2006).  

The most recent Futurama DVD, Into The Wild Green Yonder, is beating all of the Simpsons and AD DVDs.

Of course, Family Guy is crushing them all.

It's interesting that the Futurama DVDs can outrank their Simpsons and AD contemporaries despite Futurama not being on network TV since 2003.  Granted, these rankings are probably quite volatile since they likely only represent a few dozen DVD sales a month, and Amazon's sales aren't totally representative of DVD sales around the world, but it's evidence that the Futurama market is still growing.

[#38 :]

On Svip's revival post: Patience comrade. Svip is guessing to the best of his ability. Give it more time and keep that hope flag raised high.

Yeah, I wasn't having a dig at Svip, I was more curious than anything else. The rumourmill has been very quiet recently. Not sure if thats good or bad.

[#39 :]

It is true my prediction of news about it in late March was premature.  I underestimated the exact procedures of these negotiations.  But I still stand by what I said back then, it would be profitable for Fox to purchase it.  Perhaps they are waiting for the right moment to announce it or they just need the "good to go" signal from above?