FOX or Comedy Central

[on:]

This is a very difficult choice for me because if it goes to FOX, they could have more money for episodes but they could also be subject to stupid time slots and premature cancellations.  If it goes to CC it would have less money but would have a consistent time slot.  

[Reply #1 on:]

I am still going to predict that it will come to FOX (by the way, spell it in full caps to avoid the confusion with 20th Century Fox), the network, in due time.

I think the whole recasting thingie have put the announcement off.  I still believe it was scheduled for the Comic-Con panel.  I mean, I can understand FOX here.  Who would buy the rights to a show which future was uncertain?

But now it isn't, so the announcement will probably be within the month.

As for CC, you speak highly of it, but so far we have not actually been able to see it really doing with new episodes.  Sure, Futurama does have a consistent time slot on CC as it is.  And new episodes, the few there have been, have not been rescheduled or moved at the last moment.

But I am still slightly sceptical towards CC, but I could be wrong.

[Reply #2 on:]

I'm going with fox, quality over time slot. I thought FOX was the ones behind Futurama coming back on tv.

[Reply #3 on:]

I'm going with fox, quality over time slot. I thought FOX was the ones behind Futurama coming back on tv.

Again.  Confusing FOX with Fox.  They are not the same.  I realise the ambiguity is astronomical.

20th Century Fox and the Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) are both owned by NewsCorp.  20th Century Fox produces films, television shows and whatnot.  FOX is a TV network and airs these things that 20th Century Fox might produce.  But also productions from other companies.

20th Century Fox Television owns the rights to Futurama.  To produce it, that is.  They are in a deal with Comedy Central to produce more episodes for CC.  FOX has nothing to do with this deal.  Though, it would not be unlikely for FOX to eventually do so, if they feel that the show has value enough to go on a network channel.

Which I believe they might do.  Because it sort of makes sense.

[Reply #4 on:]

Fox because people actually get that channel.

[Reply #5 on:]

A "consistent time slot" on CC? They seem to continually change its time slot. I have no idea when it's on anymore. I'd rather FOX, as they'll find a good time-slot for the show this time around.

And there's still the possibility of it being picked up by another broadcast network. However, not sure what the odds of it continuing after the 26 episode order on that episode as that channel won't get any profit from syndication like NewsCorp would for keeping it on FOX.

[Reply #6 on:]

A "consistent time slot" on CC? They seem to continually change its time slot. I have no idea when it's on anymore. I'd rather FOX, as they'll find a good time-slot for the show this time around.

I think they consistently play episodes at one in the morning. Some nights there's also a 9 PM episode, or a 12 AM episode, or a 12:30 episode. Or some combination of all three. Which is just a wee bit confusing (although, to CC's credit, I've seen bumpers advertising Futurama episodes at one. So at least they make an attempt to help people locate the show, although the timeslot itself is ridiculous).

In answer to the question: I think CC would give the show a consistent timeslot (I could see it as a lead-in or -out for South Park), but I'm not sure the show would receive the exposure it needs to really be successful. Like Books says, a lot of people still don't get cable.

FOX, despite its record for treating the show like shit, would probably be the better choice.

[Reply #7 on:]

My choice would be based on which channel is in the most cable packages; I say put it on the channel that's more available for people to view.  If equal, then it doesn't matter to me.

[Reply #8 on:]

I think FOX would probably be a little better for it. Most people watch the channel for news, and the show would be advertised to more people. I think that less people know about Comedy Central, let alone watch it all the time, to see the advertisements for Futurama. It also seems like CC is just taking it in rather than letting it grow more, since it is juggling in the time slots right now.

Not only that but compared to all the other shows on that channel, Futurama doesn't really seem to match up. It's on a completely different level of writing as South Park and the other live actions shows. They all seem silly compared to Futurama.

If Futurama is on FOX with the Simpsons and Family Guy, that audience would probably watch it. Also as Books said some people might not have it. For example my FOX is on channel 6 and CC is on channel 65.

[Reply #9 on:]

I don't think that Futurama really feels out of place on CC.  Airing it against The Simpsons and the McFarlane Shows would just feel weird since it doesn't share any of those shows styles. While I wouldn't say Futurama is any closer to Southpark and Reno 911!, I do think it somewhat fits better on CC than on FOX. I'm not sure why I feel that but I do.

I kinda agree with AdultSwim's recent bumper that they "know how to treat it right". It felt best there.

Anyway, I'm going with CC. On a personal level, I feel that CC is a better home than FOX. They at least try to keep a consistent schedule (For some reason they've put the 9PM weekday airings on hold for the summer, but I bet come fall it will be back on that timeslot), while FOX kept shuffling it around. Plus, with all their other successful shows, FOX would see Futurama as just another property rather than something special. CC will appreciate it. After all, isn't it CC who ordered the new seasons in the first place?

[Reply #10 on:]

Comedy Central has the rights to air the new episodes, but 20th Century Fox Television was the company that decided to revive it in the end.

[Reply #11 on:]

Oh. Well, CC still treats Futurama better than FOX (although not as good as Adult Swim) so I stand behind the rest of my post.

[Reply #12 on:]

I think Futurama will have more freedom and a longer life on CC than on FOX. Even if Futurama doesn't gain a single new viewer on CC but keeps all of the fans that have stuck with the series it can survive. FOX has less to lose and more to gain in taking a chance on some god awful FG clone to the detriment of Futurama than CC does in maintaining a popular show with a dedicated viewership. If it comes down to a smaller budget with a longer life or a larger budget with more network interference and a greater chance of getting canceled I will take the former. FOX has fucked this show over too many times and the best thing that could happen would be an emancipation from their network overlords.

[Reply #13 on:]

By a standpoint on whether or not you get new viewers, FOX would be best. But all of us Futurama fans know where it is: Comedy Central. When I think about it on CC it seems like it is in a caring home, while on FOX there is always the feeling that it is getting pushed away.

There's just so many shows on that one station, I can't begin to understand how they manage to fit them all into workable time slots. Overall CC is better but FOX would bring in more money.

Personally I'd love it to be on Adult Swim, too. They loved Futurama so much...

[Reply #14 on:]

While I don't want to have to subscribe to basic cable - I'd still think I'd rather see it run on cable first.  FOX had their chance and mishandled it, and since their "animation domination" block now consists of the Simpsons and 3 Seth MacFarlane shows, this leaves no room for Futurama on the most logical night on their schedule.  This sets up the same situation as during the show's initial run - i.e. it's given the death slot before 8.  Although if the Cleveland Show tanks (it looks god awful but there's no accounting for taste), then maybe FOX would be the best choice.

I agree with Smarty - put it back on Adult Swim too, even if it's just because of their years of loyal service, and the fact that I'm nostalgic for my old college days when I used to watch it at 11 and then again at 2.

[Reply #15 on:]

Whichever one gets Futurama to Australia quicker.

[Reply #16 on:]

Comedy Central has the rights to air the new episodes, but 20th Century Fox Television was the company that decided to revive it in the end.

Eh.  Not entirely.  If it hadn't been for Comedy Central insurance to 20th Century Fox Television that they would purchase a new season, 20th Century Fox Television would not have revived it.

So I am still going with Comedy Central reviving it.  Though, it is because CC is cable that the production had to go down in budget.

Apparently, my previous claim that Futurama will return to FOX is backed up by Entertainment Weekly!:

And we might not be totally out of the woods yet. According to Variety, “Twentieth and Comedy Central have been kicking around ways to make Futuramap,  originally produced for a broadcast network (Fox), make financial sense for a cable run. … Other costs that were slashed in the process led to a smaller writing staff and a shorter delivery schedule.” The deal between Comedy Central and Fox also gives Fox a “broadcast window” to air episodes before they head to cable, which…well, as someone who watched Futuramap on Fox the first time, I don’t think is such a great idea unless you love shows that are on at different times every week.

[emphasis mine]

I still firmly believe that this announcement of FOX getting the show back was supposed to be the grand news at the Comic-Con panel.  Unfortunately, that was delayed by the other part of Fox.

[Reply #17 on:]

Comedy Central, 10:30 EST Wednesday nights right after South Park.

[Reply #18 on:]

I don't even know why I bothered to vote. I don't get both channels here

[Reply #19 on:]

Whaaaa?  Who do I need to talk with over there, to correct this glaring oversight?

[Reply #20 on:]

I'd say Comedy Central.  FOX treated Futurama very badly, and Comedy Central likes the show. 

[Reply #21 on:]

What about here in the UK... I betting Sky keeps it but what about the BBC putting it on BBC Three putting it on at 9:30pm or so before Family Guy here would be good (and free to air). As long as Channel 4 doesn't get it again because they treated it worse than FOX (if that's possible).

Channels that would be suitable in UK and likelihood I've put here for the UK (this is in the assumption that the rights haven't gone to Sky already):

BBC (Any channel) - Chances UNLIKELY - Not a bad fit for BBC Three or even BBC Four but putting it with QI on BBC One would probably be even better.

ITV - Chances VERY UNLIKELY - ITV has fallen down a slippery slope for some time now and it really would only be suitable for ITV1 (ITV2 downright sucks 99% of the time).

Channel 4 - Chances (Hopefully) VERY UNLIKELY - Would work alongside The Simpsons in the new late night slot on Sundays but E4 would be a bad move. 4 treated the show like shit though with the show cut so much it was unwatchable.

Five - Chances IMPOSSIBLE - With Five cutting programme budgets by 25% it's not gonna happen.

Sky - Chances VERY LIKELY - Will go with The Simspons on Sunday nights on Sky 1 almost certainly. Sadly it means it won't be free to air though.

Virgin 1 - Chances POSSIBLY - Would be quite a coup for the channel against Sky and would be free to air too. Hard to say where they would put the show though. (Put it with Life and Times of Tim?)

Comedy Central UK - Chances POSSIBLY - Would make sense in that it would be alongside the US version but does it have the money to pay foir it?

FX - See Comedy Central UK.

Other channels are unlikely put you never know.

[Reply #22 on:]

Speaking of how Comedy Central is so random with their scheduling, they're showing Bender's Big Score tonight at 9pm.

And, as I write this, Keith Olbermann just said, "Good news everyone!" like Farnsworth and mentioned scams with rich Nigerian princes.

[Reply #23 on:]

They did that with "Bender's Game" about a month ago, too. It's kind of jarring, although I do like when the show takes up a good chunk of time on CC's weeknight schedule.

But it does beg the question of why the hell they don't just add the twelve "new" episodes they've aired thus far (the first three movies) to the current episode rotation, as opposed to always airing them in their 90-minute form. I know the writers would've composed the movies as four episodes apiece, anyway, for syndication purposes--but it would be nice if CC chose to air them like that, occassionally.

[Reply #24 on:]

Speaking of how Comedy Central is so random with their scheduling, they're showing Bender's Big Score tonight at 9pm.

And, as I write this, Keith Olbermann just said, "Good news everyone!" like Farnsworth and mentioned scams with rich Nigerian princes.

Keith's always had his finger on the pulse of cultural references.  My post college roommate worked for Keith in the sports department on channel 2 CBS in LA.  I remember one time the LA Kings hockey team did a TV blackout (they wouldn't show the game or release the highlights on tape to the local news stations if the game didn't sell out).  So, Keith did a tape of his version of game highlights using a tabletop hockey game.  Another time, the LA Raiders football team had a blackout as well, and, on live TV, Keith used Mr. Potato heads on his broadcast desk to show his representation of the sports highlights.  To this day, I still can't believe that he didn't get fired for that...

[Reply #25 on:]

They did that with "Bender's Game" about a month ago, too. It's kind of jarring, although I do like when the show takes up a good chunk of time on CC's weeknight schedule.

But it does beg the question of why the hell they don't just add the twelve "new" episodes they've aired thus far (the first three movies) to the current episode rotation, as opposed to always airing them in their 90-minute form. I know the writers would've composed the movies as four episodes apiece, anyway, for syndication purposes--but it would be nice if CC chose to air them like that, occasionally.

I've expressed the upcoming sentiment before (and in no way is it shocking or original), but who cares? All it does is is give you 1/4 of a story rather than one complete story. That's just annoying (plus, CC heavily advertised the movies anyway, so anyone who wanted to see them who didn't buy the DVD's got to (also, every subsequent movie premiere after BBS has shown the previous film/s (look for the first three to be shown before ITWGY's premiere). It's not like by being shown as separate episodes the various movie chapters will have their content changed (aside from some being cut for time (who's proud that I didn't take this chance to cheap-shot BWABB?) or gain a new audience (casual viewers aren't going to be bigger fans of Futurama at "88" episodes than they are at 72 (I'm taking the nerd stance that there are only 76 episodes (75, if I wanted to be real annoying), since a multi-part is just one episode split).

I know that the writers meant for the movies to work individually as episodes (for syndication) but they mostly don't. I can't watch most of the chapters of the movies individually and consider them mostly complete stories (minus the ones I'll mention in my next paragraph), and I doubt most others could.

I'm willing to concede that ITWGY chapter 1 works alright and Bender's Game's first and second halves are only tenuously connected to each other (although that's still two 45-minute episodes rather than four 22-minute episodes), but otherwise the movies don't work as episodes (as in self-contained 22-minute stories). You need the rest to finish the story, so it's completely fine that CC airs them as movies since they are movies (even if schizophrenic in plotting (BBS, BWABB) or have tenuously connected chapters (BG- Chapters 1-2 and Chapters 3-4, ITWGY- Chapter 1 and Chapters 2-4.

P.S. I'm not 100% positive, but I think about a month ago CC aired the first three movies in order on three consecutive Monday nights. I checked to see if they were doing that again but they are apparently not repeating that schedule.

[Reply #26 on:]

I agree that the movies work best as, y'know, movies; I just feel that, since the writers have made numerous references to the fact that they had to make them also work as four separate episodes, it might be nice for CC to air them like that occassionally. It seems like sort of a waste to write a movie with such obvious act breaks (I can really notice them in BBS, for example), and a lot of unnecessary call-backs to what may have happened in a previous part of the movie (ItWGY had this goin' on), when the network doesn't really intend to treat the tetralogy as 16 separate episodes.

I just think it's weird that the writers had this four-episodes rule imposed on them, but it's ultimately been inconsequential from a broadcast standpoint. Like I said, I guess it'll become sort of a bigger issue when the show goes into syndication, and most affiliates will only have a half-hour set aside for it in their schedules. Right now, I suppose CC is just taking advantage of the fact that it can still air the movies as such, and advertise them accordingly (as "events", or what have you).

[Reply #27 on:]

I agree that the "episode" restriction put on the writers was weird and probably ultimately lent the movies to not be as good as they could have been, but it's still hard to turn a longer-than-22-minutes story into a working 22-minute story. I mean, a network could take the Lord of the Rings trilogy, cut it into twelve 45-minute episodes, and air is as a mini-series, but that doesn't mean it will work. It's still three separate films and work best as such.

I further mean, I guess it would be nice to honor the fact that the writers had to cripple the movies in order to make them "work" as episodes, but at the same time, I still don't care. What's done is done, and with 26 new episodes along the way (that will work as self-contained 22-minute stories), the "films as episodes" dealie seems like a moot point.

[Reply #28 on:]

Or you could all just download it and watch it without commercials.

[Reply #29 on:]

Yeah, if you're a douche who doesn't pay for the movies but rather steals them.

[Reply #30 on:]

Yeah, if you're a douche who doesn't pay for the movies but rather steals them.

Why are you describing Books to perfect detail?

[Reply #31 on:]

Have you not heard of buying the DVD set afterwards?
Moron.
Also, I bought the movies? So fuck you again.

[Reply #32 on:]

Have you not heard of buying the DVD set afterwards?
Moron.
Also, I bought the movies? So fuck you again.

Did you buy the movies? Because I see a question mark. **** me again? Where did you tell me to **** off the first time?

Now in seriousness, you recommended to download the movies, as in to not pay (since as of now 20th Century Fox doesn't offer digital downloads of the movies). You recommended an illegal activity that also in no way helps the series.

20th Century Fox was not only impressed by the high sales of the various DVD's. They were also impressed by the continued high sales of the DVD's. More sales (even now with two new seasons set to be produced) will only continue to help the show.

Your statement was specifically that by downloading the movies you could avoid watching commercials (unlike TV broadcasts). You know how else you can avoid commercials? By buying the DVD's, which don't come with commercials (and help the show). Your statement also didn't mention that you bought the DVD's and even then, simply "testing" the films through downloading doesn't guarantee a sale. Downloading--->Buying DVD isn't a fact (which is why so many companies are against piracy).

Your one statement, no matter what you meant by it, advocates an illegal activity that doesn't help this show.

[Reply #33 on:]

I said the episodes, not the movies. Movies were not mentioned unless you were talking about those and I didn't read above. This thread is about the TV shows.

If they come on CC, I will have no *choice* but to download them, because I don't get that channel. I'd still watch them on TV if it was Fox.

[Reply #34 on:]

I said the episodes, not the movies. Movies were not mentioned unless you were talking about those and I didn't read above. This thread is about the TV shows.

If they come on CC, I will have no *choice* but to download them, because I don't get that channel. I'd still watch them on TV if it was Fox.

There are two channels in Canada that airs the same stuff that CC does.

[Reply #35 on:]

Yeah but if you want the Comedy channel you have to pay a lot more. I get Fox with the basic package.

[Reply #36 on:]

Just for the record.  I download the episodes as well.  You cannot even get Comedy Central or a channel like that in my country.  No one airs Futurama here.

You do realise that I buy the DVDs afterwards?

[Reply #37 on:]

I said the episodes, not the movies. Movies were not mentioned unless you were talking about those and I didn't read above. This thread is about the TV shows.

If they come on CC, I will have no *choice* but to download them, because I don't get that channel. I'd still watch them on TV if it was Fox.

Your mistake. The last 5 posts before yours were about the movies. It's only natural that either I or anyone else would likely assume you were responding to those posts (since your post was vague about what you were talking about).

If you don't get CC then I can sort-of understand you downloading the new episodes (with the promise that you'll buy the DVD sets later). Although, considering that other 20th Century Fox Television shows are shown on Hulu (like The Simpsons and Family Guy), there's a chance you could watch the new episodes there (where there is some sense of helping since Hulu does have some version of ratings). I know right now they only have clips of Futurama, but that could change.

By the way, did you buy the movies? Because you didn't really answer here in this thread and yet I've noticed you rate them in other threads. You must have watched them somehow (friend?, renting?).

Just for the record.  I download the episodes as well.  You cannot even get Comedy Central or a channel like that in my country.  No one airs Futurama here.

You do realize that I buy the DVDs afterwards?

That's alright. I was on Books because his? statement seemed to suggest to download the episodes (he didn't make it clear he meant the new ones and that he didn't have CC (if they're shown there only) thus he wouldn't be able to watch them until a DVD release) rather than buy the DVD's.

Your statement is iffy though. Do you mean that there is no other way for you to watch Futurama other than to download (in your country)? Like, the DVD's aren't even available in regular DVD's retailers (which you suggest since you made previous posts about how Amazon ships to your country)? I guess if downloading is the only way for you to test the series (you said that it isn't shown on TV) then it's okay (so long as you buy the DVD's afterwards, which you said you did).

[Reply #38 on:]

1) Hulu is USA-only. Canada is nothing but unimportant scum that should be shunned.
2) I bought the movies new, the first two on day 1

[Reply #39 on:]

Alright, then I guess it's okay. I didn't know that you live in Canada (I assume everybody on this board is American unless given indication that they're not (such as their profile).