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Author Topic: Why does Fox hate Futurama so?  (Read 6395 times)
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MelBee

Professor
*
« on: 12-02-2002 18:45 »

Although I've been watching Futurama since the first episode, it's only since I've been visiting PEEL that I've noticed how much Fox seems to hate the lovely Futurama. (I've been busy!) Even channel 4 and Sky one seem to edit and chop and change when they're playing new ones.
And these days most programmes that aren't absolute crud come out on video/DVD almost in a heartbeat, yet the first Futurama series only came out early this year! (I think).
So what is the reason for this worldwide media hatred of this great programme? What reasons, real or imagined, can there be?
bankrupt

Urban Legend
***
« Reply #1 on: 12-02-2002 19:50 »

One reason I can think of is they're stupid.  FOX really seems to dislike this show, I'm surprised it's still on TV at all.  This weekend, the NFL postgame show was listed in the TV guide at 7:00 pm (the show lasted 'till 8:00, so not even the 7:30 spot is safe).  We don't even get to watch the reruns! 
MelBee

Professor
*
« Reply #2 on: 12-02-2002 19:56 »

Usually these spin-off shows get heaps of hype by the networks... like frasier for example... but not futurama. Plus they killed off the Critic, which I loved too! And we have so many Simpsons reruns on TV... surely new Futurama has to be better than that...
Spice Weasel

Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #3 on: 12-02-2002 20:13 »
« Last Edit on: 12-02-2002 20:13 »

Fox like every other network really doesn't know or care about how good or bad a show is.  The bottom line is are people watching it.  Futurama as great as it is has totally become a cult show. As we all know cult shows don't last.  Fox still airs Cops for crying out loud.  That dumbass show has been on since '89 or '90.  The fact of the matter is people tune in.  It doesn't matter what the show is about.  The World's Greatest Animal Excretions could air for decades if people continue to watch it.  Poor Futurama was given a prime spot after the Simpsons and before the X-Files back in the first season.  The Malcolm in the middle showed up and, boot, out goes Futurama.  After that Fox just left in limbo bouncing it around until they decided it would be Football Fodder.  Look at all the cult shows that failed because only a fanatic core of viewers watched.  The original Star Trek, and more recently, Twin Peaks and one of my personal faves Northern Exposure are shows that had a vocal but small following.  The Networks don't want that.  We can blame all the dumbass Football/Survivor/Cops fans for that.  Because those shows will not die.
MelBee

Professor
*
« Reply #4 on: 12-02-2002 20:20 »

I can understand that the networks want the ratings - that's what they're all about, hate it though we may. But you would expect a regular slot and some decent advertising to at least give the show a chance! From what I've heard, Fox never really gave it a chance at all. But correct me if I'm wrong. I was just wondering if anyone knew why...
TheMadCapper

Fluffy
UberMod
DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #5 on: 12-02-2002 22:00 »

Fox did a good job promoting the show before it premiered... but because it wasn't an instant smash hit, they stopped promoting it and kept on pushing the Simpsons. They already had a Groening cash cow, why bother building a fanbase for a new one when the old one does fine. I thin the only reason they let Groening make Futurama in the first place was because he insisted.
MelBee

Professor
*
« Reply #6 on: 12-02-2002 22:02 »

Ahhhh, damn those dumb Foxies.
TheMadCapper

Fluffy
UberMod
DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #7 on: 12-02-2002 22:03 »

Yeah, we get that a lot around here  :p
Gocad

Space Pope
****
« Reply #8 on: 12-03-2002 05:49 »

Also I believe, they never understood what Futurama was about. They probably thought of something like "Simpsons in the future". After all the first season had less nudity, gore and dirty jokes.
Loki

Professor
*
« Reply #9 on: 12-03-2002 08:39 »

Why does Fox hate Futurama so?
Why leaves are green, the sky is blue and the ice is cold?
Oh... no matter
Maybe they are really dumb, close-minded, lost in stereotypes...
They don't understand a new show, with smart humor (The humor in Simpsons is mostly dumb...). They need something more plain and clear. Head-asses.
Ben

Space Pope
****
« Reply #10 on: 12-03-2002 09:07 »

OK, that's taking it too far. I don't care how much of a Futurama nut you are, I object to you calling The Simpsons humour 'dumb'. The humour in 'Everybody Loves Raymond' is 'dumb', not The Simpsons'. Quite the opposite, they were a pioneering force in 'smart' humour, especially in animation terms. How many satire-based cartoons have you seen emerge as a result of The Simpsons? FOX were in the position (ie. a major network player) to do what they've done to Futurama and the like, precisely because of The Simpsons, so of course they're not going to drop their biggest show, ever, to push an unproven concept instead.
Loki

Professor
*
« Reply #11 on: 12-03-2002 09:36 »

Oh, cum on, maybe 10 or 5 years ago Simpsons were good enough, 'pioneers'. But now they are just a soapy soap. The endless agony, without a single tied plot. The parody on an American family have been washed out...
Ben

Space Pope
****
« Reply #12 on: 12-03-2002 09:39 »
« Last Edit on: 12-03-2002 09:39 »

I'll agree that in the last 3 years it hasn't been as great as it once was, but it's still better than most  of what's on television these days. But of course, as always, people won't realise what they've got until it's gone.
Loki

Professor
*
« Reply #13 on: 12-03-2002 09:50 »

 
Quote
but it's still better than most of what's on television these days.
Your truth! Simpsons and Futurama are almost all I watch on TV, except news... peace?
 :D
MelBee

Professor
*
« Reply #14 on: 12-03-2002 09:55 »

I still do love the Simpsons, and yes, it is better than most of what's on TV at the moment, but the plots are so ridiculous these days it almost makes me cringe, and no amount of their 'we know this is another silly plot' jokes is going to help!
But even if Fox does hate Futurama for said reasons, why the reluctance to release the episodes on video/DVD (especially in America??)? Surely this is another good way to squeeze money out of a show, even if they view it to be failing?
Teral

Helpy McHelphelp
DOOP Secretary
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« Reply #15 on: 12-03-2002 10:17 »

 
Quote
Originally posted by MelBee:
But even if Fox does hate Futurama for said reasons, why the reluctance to release the episodes on video/DVD (especially in America??)? Surely this is another good way to squeeze money out of a show, even if they view it to be failing?

Because FOX want to make as much money on syndication deals as possible. Episodes on region 1 DVD's seriously diminish the value of the show.
MelBee

Professor
*
« Reply #16 on: 12-03-2002 14:01 »

Wow, that sucks. Greedy Foxies.
Teral

Helpy McHelphelp
DOOP Secretary
*
« Reply #17 on: 12-03-2002 17:31 »

It's called the free market, actually not such a bad system. Afterall it was all the profit The Simpsons made them, that made them believe Matt could catch lightning in a bottle twice. He did, unfortunately the show wasn't what FOX had imagined.

Just listen to the audio commentaries on the season 1 DVD. They heard one reamark from Matt and David that some gizmo, or concept, in the show was similar to something on the Jetsons, and they emmidiately thought it was just like the Jetsons.

"Standard caution on the probe-u-lator" anyone?

Another reason why they didn't favor Futurama was that Matt told them to keep their bright ideas to themself. It was his concept or no show at all. FOX didn't take that in good mood.
Joe25

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #18 on: 12-04-2002 01:18 »

I think the only reason the show was allowed to go on as long as it did , was because the show was the most succsessful they've had on that crappy 6pm timeslot, after it was weakened by its illfated Tuesday timeslot (Da Boom, anyone?).  After more and more half-assed decisions by FOX, the premiere ratings for the show were at an all-time low, and eventually put it on its current hiatus.
Defprun

Crustacean
*
« Reply #19 on: 12-06-2002 00:46 »

I wish the Fox execs would die a horrible, horrible death.
emanon

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #20 on: 12-06-2002 07:53 »

Come on, people who dont get Futurama and The Simpsons have the attention span of a nat, they are not willing to sit down and really listen to it properly and catch all the little things that make them great. I hate ratings, its a load of shit, and can never be acurate. What we see on TV is dictated by a few households.
DBCrader

Crustacean
*
« Reply #21 on: 12-09-2002 08:33 »

    FOX hates FUTURAMA for two reasons...

    Reason The First:  It wasn't THE SIMPSONS IN SPACE, which is what they were looking for, hence, they do not understand it...

    Reason The Second:  They don't OWN it...  unlike THE SIMPSONS, which FOX owns, Matt Groening owns FURURAMA...  so, FOX can't make big bucks re-runnung FUTURAMA on all its affiliates ad infinitum...

     and of course...

     Reason The Third:  They ARE stupid!!!
Jrrr Poppler

Crustacean
*
« Reply #22 on: 12-09-2002 21:20 »

I hate Fox more than anything in the world, for what they did to Futurama and Family Guy.
Grim

Professor
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« Reply #23 on: 12-12-2002 03:36 »

Actually Crader you will find that Fox does own the rights to Futurama. Groening sold all the rights to it bar the Publishing rights which Groening's Publishing house Bongo still retains.

I believe our only hope is the Cartoon Network, if it rates well there Fox might do a back-flip and give it some good treatment.
marla_singer

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #24 on: 12-16-2002 09:32 »

is there seriously anything that can be done to bring futurama back?
we never saw family guy here in aus i don't think. and the critic is only on Foxtel, which i don't have.   :mad:
bastardos.
*weeps*

xxx
vik
PCC Fred

Space Pope
****
« Reply #25 on: 12-16-2002 11:48 »

I'm not saying anything until after FOX declare what shows they're making/cancelling for 2003/04 season.
Zed 85

Space Pope
****
« Reply #26 on: 12-16-2002 12:44 »

Knowing FOX they'll just not mention it at all, short changing us even more...  :mad:
JasonPeavey

Poppler
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« Reply #27 on: 12-16-2002 15:26 »

I think it all stems back to Season 1 when Fox's censors had suggestions for changing some things in the show, and Groening put his foot down and said he wanted to do the show his own way, just like he did for The Simpsons. That was the first nail on the coffin Fox made for the series.
blahness

Bending Unit
***
« Reply #28 on: 12-16-2002 16:37 »

 
Quote
Originally posted by Zed 85:
Knowing FOX they'll just not mention it at all, short changing us even more...   :mad:

heh this wouldnt surpise me either
Demon-Knight

Crustacean
*
« Reply #29 on: 12-16-2002 23:23 »

 
Quote
This weekend, the NFL postgame show was listed in the TV guide at 7:00 pm

This is so messed up... does ANYONE actually stay for an hour after a game to watch a freakin postgame show?!?!?!!   :finger:   :finger:

And... they REALLY need to cancel some of their other shows before futurama.  This sunday, along with the futurama rerun, they showed ANDY RICTHER (which I think is pretty damn stupid, they show the best if not ALL of the jokes on the 3-minute long commercial for the show... it's just like to get you to watch it, but while you're watching it, you've already seen the whole thing.  Also, THIRY SECONDS TO FAME.  This one has to go.  I feel the same way about this as I do about American Idol - does ANYONE give  a !@#$!#@$% about this?  I mean, think about it.  Watching other people trying to sing better than each other.  What's the point?  One person wins.  Wow.  A different one wins.  Oh my god!! it affected something!! Oh no, wait, that was my old age turning my hair gray.

Bottom line: They can't eliminate futurama! It's not fair!! Everything else is so much worse!!  The... year? 2 years?  When it was simpsons-futurama-xfiles in that order was the true 'golden age' of civilization itself, and it shall live on in my memory as "the best days of my life."
DBCrader

Crustacean
*
« Reply #30 on: 12-17-2002 13:59 »

   Always thought that was a great line-up myself...  a cartoon comedy and a sci-fi show, and right in between, a cartoon sci-fi comedy...
bartman

Starship Captain
****
« Reply #31 on: 12-17-2002 14:46 »

If you listen to the audio commentary from season 1 on DvD, there are many hints that suggest how much FOX hates futurama, like they didn'tlike the "but I am already in my pyjamas" joke and they said the third episode had to be more "down to earth".

Basically, FOX are always at futurama's throat, it's a great show and doesn't deserve it!  :(
Margarita

Space Pope
****
« Reply #32 on: 12-21-2002 13:18 »

Damn Zox!I mean Fox!dammit
SlaytanicMaggot
Professor
*
« Reply #33 on: 12-25-2002 17:55 »
« Last Edit on: 12-25-2002 17:55 »

I think it's because FOX is one of the most right-wing networks out there (Hannity and Colmes, anyone?), and Futurama is damn left-wing. FOX is full of mormons, I tell you. Mormons and morons. Mormons explain the buisiness side, and morons explain "World's Scariest *insert anything here*" and American Idol.
Gocad

Space Pope
****
« Reply #34 on: 12-25-2002 18:08 »

Well, they are morons. And there is nothing you can expect from morons, except for actions that seem to make no sense at all.
SlaytanicMaggot
Professor
*
« Reply #35 on: 12-25-2002 22:33 »

 
Quote
Originally posted by Gocad:
Well, they are morons. And there is nothing you can expect from morons, except for actions that seem to make no sense at all.

*points to the white house, then at Gocad's quote*

Need I  say more
DBCrader

Crustacean
*
« Reply #36 on: 12-26-2002 12:49 »

 
Quote
Originally posted by SlaytanicMaggot:
I think it's because FOX is one of the most right-wing networks out there (Hannity and Colmes, anyone?), and Futurama is damn left-wing. FOX is full of mormons, I tell you. Mormons and morons. Mormons explain the buisiness side, and morons explain "World's Scariest *insert anything here*" and American Idol.

    Granted, FOX News leans towards the right (not bad, considering everyone else leans toward the left), but why mention HANNITY & COLMES???  This is a balanced show... Alan Colmes is a lefty...  and I don't think any of this has anything to do with FUTURAMA...  programming execs rarely use politics as a barometer... they aren't intelligent enough for that!!!

Shadowstar

Liquid Emperor
**
« Reply #37 on: 12-26-2002 13:45 »

I think that if Futurama had stayed at its original 8:30pm Sunday timeslot, it'd have way better ratings and probably would still be alive and onto Season 6. Then Malcolm came in, stole its timeslot and Futurama flew into its craphole 7pm slot. Then no one watched, Malcolm became popular for no reason and it sucks. So now, Futurama's cancelled and this piece of sheeeeot Malcolm stays on.
SlaytanicMaggot
Professor
*
« Reply #38 on: 12-27-2002 19:18 »

 
Quote
Originally posted by Spice Weasel:
Fox like every other network really doesn't know or care about how good or bad a show is.  The bottom line is are people watching it.  Futurama as great as it is has totally become a cult show. As we all know cult shows don't last.  Fox still airs Cops for crying out loud.  That dumbass show has been on since '89 or '90.  The fact of the matter is people tune in.  It doesn't matter what the show is about.  The World's Greatest Animal Excretions could air for decades if people continue to watch it.  Poor Futurama was given a prime spot after the Simpsons and before the X-Files back in the first season.  The Malcolm in the middle showed up and, boot, out goes Futurama.  After that Fox just left in limbo bouncing it around until they decided it would be Football Fodder.  Look at all the cult shows that failed because only a fanatic core of viewers watched.  The original Star Trek, and more recently, Twin Peaks and one of my personal faves Northern Exposure are shows that had a vocal but small following.  The Networks don't want that.  We can blame all the dumbass Football/Survivor/Cops fans for that.  Because those shows will not die.

Maybe that's the reason...Fox realizes it will make more money than, say, "24," because it will be around longer...This is slightly eerie of  the original Star Trek, which got canceled after three seasons...Futurama's lasted longer, but season 3 was the first hiccup. Let's just hope that  a Futurama convention in the year 2010 convinces FOX to let them do movies...then a Futurama: the year 4000 may come around... and a Bender spinoff, etc., etc...who knows? Don't kill me for saying this, but that might be the answer to why Fox hates Futurama so.
SlaytanicMaggot
Professor
*
« Reply #39 on: 12-27-2002 19:48 »

DBCrader, it was the only FOX News show I could remember at the time.
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