To the Year 3014 or Bust - General Futurama Discussion

[on:]

Let's try and reduce the rage this time...

[Reply #1 on:]

I am a bit skeptical about the return of Futurama on Fox. I'm afraid to leave them aside as they did in the past.

[Reply #2 on:]

Did I miss something?

[Reply #3 on:]

Yes, I'm afraid that a bunch of intelligent apes have recently taken over the earth.

[Reply #4 on:]

Did I miss something?

No, this is the new general discussion thread...

[Reply #5 on:]

I think he's talking about the whole Fox picking Futurama back up again thing, Danny.

[Reply #6 on:]

That's Fox Network for ya. The minute they cancel a show and clearly see it's making a lot of money on another network, they want it back. But here's my question: Why didn't they think of this while the movies were being made? Did Comedy Central beat them to the bunch?

[Reply #7 on:]

You guys are missing the big picture.  While cartoon sitcoms are more and more being accepted as an adult entertainment (which The Simpsons essentially established), they are still viewed as a bit odd to most executives on networks.  Fox included, despite airing 3-4 cartoon sitcoms at present.

While the films surely did exceed 20th Century Fox's expectations, they did not fully convince Fox at the time.  The obvious question (one which we asked as well); so they managed to pull it off as films, but will they be able to do it as television episodes?

With the prospect of Comedy Central doing the actual field work (i.e. ordering a season, broadcasting it, etc.), Fox thought they could sit this one out.  If Comedy Central reported huge numbers, Fox might get interested, if not, then Fox wouldn't have lost a dime.  Strategically, it made sense.

But wasn't season 6 a success?  The thing is; it was neither a success nor a failure.  It was a good season - broadcast-wise - but it did not capture the anticipated numbers of viewers, but neither did it totally flop; hence why Comedy Central bought 26 more episodes.  But also note how they are only purchasing one at a time.  They believe Futurama can be a success, but they still need to see it to believe it.

And unfortunately, season 6 did not fully convince them.

Because of this, Fox has been holding back.  But also because of what I mentioned earlier, Fox is not ready to risk their air time on a show that is A) a cartoon sitcom and B) not certain to be a success.

People are eating whatever Seth MacFarlane throws at them, so Fox is willing to bet money on that, but even MacFarlane has reached a point where he wants Family Guy and American Dad! to end.  He doesn't want to become the new The Simpsons on Fox.  And speaking of which, The Simpsons' days may soon be over too.

So with so many possibilities of available slots on Fox, Fox might reconsider Futurama.  A show that is still capable of showing an edge and hopefully has not run dry.

I personally believe that season 7 will be the time Futurama gets to prove its worth again.  I remember thinking when season 6 was announced, that Futurama cannot prove itself on one season alone, it needs at least two.

[Reply #8 on:]

With Family Guy and American Dad! most likely coming to their ends soon, and The Simpsons and Futurama possibly not lasting much longer, what animated TV shows are there gonna be left to watch?

Sure, South Park has been renewed up to 2016 (which I'm not complaining about at all, I'm super glad about that), but after SP ends, there's gonna be nothing left except The Cleveland Show (unless, of course, that is cancelled before 2016), and let's just say that show wasn't as well recieved as FG or AD!. Someone is gonna have to start producing more animation within the next 5-10 years, right?

[Reply #9 on:]

I feel you are writing off Futurama's fate a bit premature.  Doesn't show a lot of faith in the show.

[Reply #10 on:]

The only reason I say it might not last long is Eric Roger's fear that Season 7 could be the last we see of the show* (in an animated format anyway...), plus Futurama's history of near-cancellation fears and actual cancellations...

But at this point in time it's future (no pun intended) is 50-50...

*I'm still confused about what's gonna happen, as Eric tweeted about the "interesting news" that made him "optimistic" about the future of the show, yet he then went on to tweet that he was watching the animatic (I think...) for what could be the last episode he ever writes for the show...

[Reply #11 on:]

*I'm still confused about what's gonna happen, as Eric tweeted about the "interesting news" that made him "optimistic" about the future of the show, yet he then went on to tweet that he was watching the animatic (I think...) for what could be the last episode he ever writes for the show...

Maybe Futurama continues, but Eric Roger will no longer write for the show after season 7.

[Reply #12 on:]

Possible, he did tweet a few months ago that he recieved some good news or something, followed by "life after Futurama!" (not an exact quote), as in, if he stops working on the show or it gets cancelled again he'll have other stuff to do.

[Reply #13 on:]

If Futurama gets cancelled again after Season 7 I'll be very sad. Maybe I've got myself too comfortable and have started taking things for granted a bit, but I assumed they'd be at least 8 seasons. I know it's never been confirmed and we have to wait, but I thought things were looking good. Only the future knows for sure though ...

[Reply #14 on:]

I felt the same way Otis, just a few months ago I was certain that I'd still be watching the show in 2015 or whatever (new episodes, not the DVDs or reruns, smart arses...), but now I'm quite nervous.

[Reply #15 on:]

If Futurama gets cancelled again after Season 7 I'll be very sad. Maybe I've got myself too comfortable and have started taking things for granted a bit, but I assumed they'd be at least 8 seasons.

For me, that depends on season 7's performance.
Could be a great season, but also suck in a "Okay...after viewing this, I'd prefer the show to die with the last dignity there is left" way.
Well...in a few month, we'll know more

[Reply #16 on:]

I'm confident that Season 7 will be at least worthwhile enough to warrant continuation in quality terms. Unless they churn out a whole season of Holiday Craptacular's and Yo Leela Leela's (which isn't going to happen) I think we're ok...

Also, aside from the ratings, surely the merchandise sales also help the cause? I've bought a lot f Futurama merch recently, like a full case of KidRobot Futurama figures and a Destructor figure (if it ever ships). That extra revenue, not just from me, but many other fans is surely helping the cause a bit? Hopefully...

[Reply #17 on:]

I'm confident that Season 7 will be at least worthwhile enough to warrant continuation in quality terms. Unless they churn out a whole season of Holiday Craptacular's,

Möbius Dicks,

and Yo Leela Leela's (which isn't going to happen) I think we're ok...

(You got to mention your two hate episodes, so it's only fair I do add mine )

[Reply #18 on:]

With Family Guy and American Dad! most likely coming to their ends soon, and The Simpsons and Futurama possibly not lasting much longer, what animated TV shows are there gonna be left to watch?

Sure, South Park has been renewed up to 2016 (which I'm not complaining about at all, I'm super glad about that), but after SP ends, there's gonna be nothing left except The Cleveland Show (unless, of course, that is cancelled before 2016), and let's just say that show wasn't as well recieved as FG or AD!. Someone is gonna have to start producing more animation within the next 5-10 years, right?

I'd be surprised all of those shows are cancelled by 2016. Plus, we'll probably still have The Venture Bros. and if we'll either still have Beavis & Butthead or whatever Mike Judge decides to try next.

And I'd be amazed if Trey and Matt end South Park in 2016. They'll just renew the contract once more.

But you're right - it's about time a new animation heavyweight entered the ring.

The only reason I say it might not last long is Eric Roger's fear that Season 7 could be the last we see of the show* (in an animated format anyway...), plus Futurama's history of near-cancellation fears and actual cancellations...

He just said that season 7 might be the last season because there's no deal in place for season 8 and he doesn't want to jinx anything by assuming they'll get picked up for an 8th.

He's optimistic about an 8th season and I am too.

[Reply #19 on:]

Möbius Dicks,

[Reply #20 on:]

There is no such episode, clearly he is creating a nightmare scenario.

[Reply #21 on:]

In speculation of Season 7, I think that it's really gonna help the show break out again. Of course there's a chance that it will be like Season 6 again or that it'll be a big downer; but I know deep down in my heart that this make-or-break season is really gonna kick ass. Seeing how Rogers had 3 favorite episodes this season tells me that we're definitely gonna have some great episodes this season. The Bots and The Bees also looks like a great episode based on what I saw in the preview, and having The Bots and The Bees and A Farewell To Arms (One of Rogers favorites from 7A) is really making me excited towards the premiere of the season. Plus all the other plots that I've heard so far has really pleased me. My only fear is that Zapp Dingba is gonna be another failed Zapp Brannigan episode, like IaGDL. I fear that he will be somewhat out of his normal and wacky character, and will lack his great lines, which we all know is why he is such a good person to quote. Anyway, if our viewership continues to grow and merchandise sales rise more; I'm sure we'll have an 8th season. How are the current  merchandise sales anyway?

[Reply #22 on:]

Möbius Dicks,

One episode is not even worth the fuzz of using an ' before the s.
That is the one.

[Reply #23 on:]

An apostrophe wouldn't be grammatically correct.

You want it to look like this:

"Möbius Dick"s

[Reply #24 on:]

Shouldn't you have said so to Otis before?

[Reply #25 on:]

We don't talk to Otis that way.

[Reply #26 on:]

We don't talk to Otis that way.

Then do not talk to me that way, either.
In fact, do not talk to me AT ALL.
Thanks.
(Btw..that's not the first time I had to tell you that...)

[Reply #27 on:]

SGB, Eric having fave eps says almost nothing about the quality of Season 7. If someone says Yo Leela Leela is there fave ep it doesn't make it good.

[Reply #28 on:]

But it's not some random person, it Eric. I'm just saying that with three favorites from the same season could mean that there's some high quality stuff in there.

[Reply #29 on:]

Not really... Eric could like stuff most fans don't, etc... Not saying he does, but yeah...

[Reply #30 on:]

Well...please do not forgot that the present season is Eric's job, the product he has to sell. Regarding outside communication, he NEEDS to speak favourably of said product.
No reasonable writer would come out with "Yeah, that season is nice, but nothing special". It will have to be "Wow! This is one of the greatest things we ever did".

[Reply #31 on:]

Exactly. I could like one thing, doesn't mean everyone else would...

[Reply #32 on:]

But it's not some random person, it Eric. I'm just saying that with three favorites from the same season could mean that there's some high quality stuff in there.

I think that's what the writers/producers must of said about Yo Leela Leela/ Holiday Craptacular 

I felt the same way Otis, just a few months ago I was certain that I'd still be watching the show in 2015 or whatever..

You will be on Sky1

[Reply #33 on:]

But it's not some random person, it Eric. I'm just saying that with three favorites from the same season could mean that there's some high quality stuff in there.

I think that's what the writers/producers must of said about Yo Leela Leela/ Holiday Craptacular 

Yep. Can you image one writer saying "Hm..I am really not too fond of the upcoming episode. But we had to produce 26, so it will serve as a filler".
You'd be in deep trouble with your employer.
(After airing will change the situation a bit, but a "product-bashing" is still not acceptable. E.g. they called "Spanish Fry" a bit too dirty for their taste, but never really put that episode completely down).

[Reply #34 on:]

Personally, I think I'd prefer that Futurama end after Season 7b. The quality is still pretty high and I'd rather see Futurama go the "leave you wanting more" strategy. And besides that, well, I'm tired of losing the show over and over again. Eventually it's not going to hurt to lose Futurama and eventually it's not going to feel elating to get it back again. I suppose that's kind of morbid, but I understand that everything ends eventually.

Assuming season 7 is as strong (or stronger) than season 6 I wouldn't say no to a season eight, of course. But I think the production crew has to be mindful of how lucky they've been over the years and how eventually that luck has to run out.

[Reply #35 on:]

If season 7 is really high in quality, than I think an 8th season would be necessary.

[Reply #36 on:]

You will be on Sky1

I mean new eps from the US... Not one year old eps that are new to the UK...

And no I won't unless there's an 8th Season...

7A = 2012 US, 2013 UK
7B = 2013 US, 2014 UK
8A = 2014 US, 2015 UK

[Reply #37 on:]

Edit: Nevermind

[Reply #38 on:]

We don't talk to Otis that way.

Then do not talk to me that way, either.
In fact, do not talk to me AT ALL.
Thanks.
(Btw..that's not the first time I had to tell you that...)

A request I have no intention of following.

[Reply #39 on:]

We don't talk to Otis that way.

Then do not talk to me that way, either.
In fact, do not talk to me AT ALL.
Thanks.
(Btw..that's not the first time I had to tell you that...)

A request I have no intention of following.

* Inquisitor Hein REALLY misses an Ignore List on Peel.