Difference between revisions of "Second cancellation of Futurama"

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As of July, 2009, the '''status of ''[[Futurama]]''''' remains stable.  ''Futurama'', being renewed for a [[season 6|sixth production season]] can now be considered an active TV show.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Second cancellation of ''Futurama''}}
{{about|the second cancellation|the first cancellation|Cancellation of Futurama}}
On {{date|22 April}} [[2013]], ''{{w|Entertainment Weekly|EW}}.com'' could reveal that ''[[Futurama]]'' would not be renewed,<ref name="ew-cancelled">{{cite web |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/04/22/futurama-not-renewed-comedy-central/ |title='Futurama' to end seven-season run on Sept. 4 -- EXCLUSIVE |date=2013-04-22 |accessdate=2013-04-22 |author=Snierson, Dan |publisher=EW.com}}</ref> effectively '''cancelling ''Futurama'' for a second time'''.


However, after the upcoming 26 episodes, will there be more?
== A brief history of ''Futurama'' ==
 
== History ==
{{main|Production}}
{{main|Production}}


=== Original run ===
Despite [[Fox Network|Fox]]'s initial discontent with ''Futurama'',<ref name="com-ep1-mg">{{cite commentary |speaker={{n|Groening|Matt}} |episode=Space Pilot 3000 |volume=One |disc=1}} </ref> the show remained somewhat stable for its first three production seasons, but by [[season 4]] Fox's ultimate intentions of [[Cancellation of Futurama|cancellation]] became clear.<ref name="com-ep72-dxc">{{cite commentary |speaker={{n|Cohen|David|X.}} |episode=The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings |volume=Four |disc=4}}</ref><ref name="com-f1-mg">{{cite commentary |speaker={{n|Groening|Matt}} |film=Bender's Big Score}}</ref>


When ''Futurama'' first began airing in 1999, Fox already expressed its discontent with the showCiting claims such as they failed to understand it, being too dark and trying to conflict with already popular shows of their liking, such as ''The Jetsons''.<ref name="com-ep1-mg">{{cite commentary |speaker={{n|Groening|Matt}} |episode=Space Pilot 3000 |volume=One |disc=1}}</ref>
However, already by [[2003]], had Cartoon Network's [[Adult Swim]] line up been putting ''Futurama'' first, in great contrast to the lack of respect it was given on Fox.  And eventually, due to the successful cable syndication and [[DVD releases|DVD]] sales, [[20th Century Fox Home Entertainment]] ordered [[season 5|four Direct-to-DVD films]] in [[2006]].  Of course content with the good news, ''Futurama'' fans were at disagreement whether films were the right format for ''Futurama'', and even before ''[[Bender's Big Score]]'' did a hope linger on for a possible {{TV}} season if the films were successful.


Despite attempts to satisfy the Fox executives, already by "[[I, Roommate]]", the show runners decided that they wanted to do the show they wanted, and not what their producers wanted.<ref name="com-ep3-dxc">{{cite commentary |speaker={{n|Cohen|David|X.}} |episode=I, Roommate |volume=One |disc=1}}</ref> Interestingly, this very episode was also the first episode to begin air on the Tuesday line up instead of the Sunday line up that "[[Space Pilot 3000]]" and "[[The Series Has Landed]]" aired on.  And ever since that move, made the episodes of ''Futurama'' less viewed than its first two episodes.
And indeed [[Speculation of Futurama's return till the second run|speculation was rampant]] during [[2008]] and [[2009]] until {{June}} 2009, when [[Comedy Central]] could announce they had renewed ''Futurama'' with [[Season 6|26 episodes]].<ref name="futurama-returns">{{cite web |url=http://www.comedycentral.com/press/press_releases/2009/061009_futurama_returns.jhtml |title="Futurama" returns to production with an initial order of 26 episodes to premiere mid 2010 |publisher=Comedy Central |date=2009-06-09 |accessdate=2009-07-15}}</ref>


Fans often cite claims that Fox's original handling of the show is eventually what caused the show to be cancelled by 2003.  Not only did they move it out of the popular line up, they often fail to air it on schedule and it was often hard for viewers to figure out when the next episode would be up.  Eventually, low ratings caused the Fox network to suggest to the show runners by the [[season 4|fourth production season]] that "[[The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings]]" might be their last episode, so make it good.  Despite never getting the official word, it eventually became the last episode of the [[original run]].<ref name="com-f1-mg">{{cite commentary |speaker={{n|Groening|Matt}} |film=Bender's Big Score}}</ref>
== Re-cancellation ==


=== After cancellation ===
Around {{February}} 2013, discussions among fans began to speculate why no news of a renewal of the show had been announced, which two years prior - when [[season 6]] was halfway through its episodes - was announced.  Only scarce news and hints came out of the production office, until the news finally hit two months later.<ref name="ew-cancelled" />


When Fox sold off the show to Cartoon Network's [[Adult Swim]] by 2003, the show saw a more stable airing.  In general, fans are content that Adult Swim handled the show with more grace and gave it the support it deservedFans who came to like the show after the cancellation often cite Adult Swim as the place they first saw ''Futurama''.
Without giving a specific reason, [[Comedy Central]]'s {{acronym|EVP|executive vice president}} of Programming, Dave Bernarth felt it was a 'natural end to the show's improbable comeback'.<ref name="ew-cancelled"/>  [[Matt Groening]] expressed little surprise, highlighting that they've been concerned about them coming back four times by now, referring to "[[The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings]]", ''[[Into the Wild Green Yonder]]'' and "[[Reincarnation]]".<ref name="ew-cancelled" /> Groening went on to imply that they are now wondering whether they could find a new home for ''Futurama'', such as a theatrical feature film release or perhaps producing online only episodes,<ref name="uproxx-suggestion">{{cite web |url=http://www.uproxx.com/gammasquad/2013/04/why-futurama-should-go-exclusively-online/ |title=Why ‘Futurama’ Should Go Exclusively Online |author=Seitz, Dan  |date=2013-04-22 |accessdate=2013-04-23 |publisher=UPROXX}}</ref> but at present they were not actively looking for anything.<ref name="ew-cancelled" />
<!--
The following stuff was interesting discussing what might have been, but it should be reworded to fit that narrative, which it does not at present.


But good viewer numbers and more fans could not handle it alone.  The fans were still content that the amount of available ideas for ''Futurama'' had not been exhausted.  And focused purchases of [[DVDs]] eventually caused [[20th Century Fox]] in 2006 to order [[Films|four Direct-to-DVD films]].
== Future ==


Despite the good news, fans were a still at disagreement whether this was really the direction they wanted the shows in.  But they were content that strong purchase of the DVDs had given the show another chance, and this meant it was yet another chance to bring the show back as a TV show.
=== Return to Fox ===


=== Pushing for a sixth season ===
On {{date|6 August}}, 2009, [[Fox Network|FOX]] announced that it would consider airing ''Futurama'' again, if it does well on [[Comedy Central]].<ref name="backtofox-if">{{cite web |url=http://www.ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=8506 |title=Breaking TCA 2009 News: FOX STILL CONSIDERING AIRING 'FUTURAMA'S' NEW SEASON AFTER COMEDY CENTRAL RUN |publisher=iF Magazine |author=Cortez, Carl |date=2009-08-06 |accessdate=2009-08-06}}</ref><ref name="backtofox-tvsquad">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/08/06/more-from-fox-execs-futurama-glee-dollhouse-but-no-more-ki/ |title=More from Fox execs: Futurama, Glee, Dollhouse... but no more King of the Hill - TCA Report |publisher=TV Squad |author=Keller, Joel |date=2009-08-06 |accessdate=2009-08-06}}</ref>
{{main|Speculation of Futurama's return till the second run}}


Despite general disagreement among fans for which of the [[films]] were the best, they could easily agree that purchasing the films would increase the show's chances greatly.  And sure enough, by 9 June, 2009, [[Comedy Central]] together with 20th Century Fox announced an order of [[Season 6|26 episodes for the upcoming mid-2010 season]].<ref name="futurama-returns">{{cite web |url=http://www.comedycentral.com/press/press_releases/2009/061009_futurama_returns.jhtml |title="Futurama" returns to production with an initial order of 26 episodes to premiere mid 2010 |publisher=Comedy Central |date=2009-06-09 |accessdate=2009-07-15}}</ref>
{{quote
|1=It’s going to do its run on Comedy Central first. They really saw continued commercial business on that and fan interest and that’s what led to that order. It’s a good show, we like the show. It’s not out of the question [to pick it up on Fox], but we have not committed to picking up that option yet.
|4=Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly
}}


== Future ==
In [[2012]], [[writers and directors|writer]] [[Eric Rogers]] made two revelations concerning the [[Futurama status|''Futurama'' status]]. On {{date|31 January}}, he revealed that ''Futurama'' had doubled viewership in syndication.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/#!/Kitchelfilms/status/164409657446764544|author=[[Eric Rogers]]|date=2012-01-31|title=Kitchelfilms|site={{w|Twitter}}|accessdate=2012-01-31}}</ref> On {{date|4 April}}, he revealed that "[Comedy Central did not] have to make [the] pick up decision [until] 2013".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/#!/ERogTweets2Much/status/187628157413756928|author=Eric Rogers|date=2012-04-04|title=ERogTweets2Much|site=Twitter|accessdate=2012-04-05}}</ref>
 
=== Season 7 ===
{{main|Season 7}}
{{move content|Season 7}}


Neither Comedy Central and 20th Century Fox have as of 15 June, 2009 made any further discussion of future for ''Futurama''.  However, speculation are being to ponder fans with the material that has been released so far, such as the upcoming Comic Con 2009 exclusive [[Futurama: The Complete Collection 1999-2009]] DVD box set.
On ''{{w|Opie and Antony|The Opie & Antony Show}}'', {{date|26 August}} [[2010]], {{w|Jackie Martling}}, former writer on ''{{w|The Howard Stern Show}}'', was asked about [[Billy West]], Martling commented that during a dinner with him in Los Angeles, Billy West received a phone call from [[Matt Groening]], stating that they had been 'renewed for three years'.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peelified.com/index.php?topic=18334.msg1137817#msg1137817 |title="Futurama News - No spoilers outside spoiler tags!" (Page 19) |site=[[PEEL]] |author="Whosoldherout" |date=2010-08-31 |accessdate=2010-08-31 |quote=Billy West is the king of the voice-over guys. He does many of the voices on Futurama, that was just renewed for three years and i was with that prick when he got the call. We're sitting there eating dinner in Los Angeles and he takes a phone call and goes 'Oh good' 'What was that?' 'We just got renewed for three years' and it was what's-his-name calling him personally, you know the creator. |quote author={{w|Jackie Martling|Martling, Jackie}}}}</ref> However, no comment from [[20th Century Fox Television]], [[Comedy Central]], [[Fox Network|FOX]], [[The Curiosity Company]] and/or [[Matt Groening]] or [[Billy West]] themselves.  It is possible that Billy West might have been pulling a prank on Martling at the dinner. This speculation was later refuted by the actors.


Another notice regarding Comic Con is the the description for the ''Futurama'' panel at the Comic Con 2009 event, which contains "[...] as a top-ranking FOX executive decides live, on stage, whether ''Futurama'' will make yet another triumphant return or whether it is gone forever! The very fate of ''Futurama'' hangs in the balance!"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci09_prog_sat.php |title=Programming for Saturday, July 25 |publisher=Comic Con |accessdate=2009-07-15}}</ref>
On {{date|2 February}}, [[2011]], [[Katey Sagal]] revealed to [http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/ Vulture] that "Futurama just got ordered again for another season". After doing some research, Vulture could reveal that while nothing is settled nor official, [[20th Century Fox]] and [[Comedy Central]] are in discussion about a new season, and they are both positive to a new season.<ref>[http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/02/futurama_renewed.html Vulture: Things Are Looking Good for Another Season of Futurama]</ref>  On {{date|22 March}}, 2011, [[Maurice LaMarche]] confirmed signing a contract for season 7 on his Facebook page.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peelified.com/index.php?topic=19732.msg1179774#msg1179774 |title="Futurama News Past 6ACV13 - No spoilers outside spoiler tags!" Page 11 |author="Otis P Jivefunk" |site=[[PEEL]] |date=2011-03-22 |accessdate=2011-03-22}}</ref>


Comedy Central has already confirmed that they will be airing it the coming mid season, 2010.<ref name="futurama-returns"/> And the show is already in production, so what fate exactly is the quote referring to?  Speculation turn two parts, either it will be ''Futurama'' returning to the Fox network or the announcement of yet another season after [[season 6]].
-->


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|2}}
 
{{Futurama}}


[[Category:Futurama]]
[[Category:Futurama]]
[[Category:Production]]
[[Category:Production]]

Revision as of 16:36, 22 April 2015

This article is about the second cancellation. For the first cancellation, see Cancellation of Futurama.

On 22 April 2013, EW.com could reveal that Futurama would not be renewed,[1] effectively cancelling Futurama for a second time.

A brief history of Futurama

Main article: Production

Despite Fox's initial discontent with Futurama,[2] the show remained somewhat stable for its first three production seasons, but by season 4 Fox's ultimate intentions of cancellation became clear.[3][4]

However, already by 2003, had Cartoon Network's Adult Swim line up been putting Futurama first, in great contrast to the lack of respect it was given on Fox. And eventually, due to the successful cable syndication and DVD sales, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment ordered four Direct-to-DVD films in 2006. Of course content with the good news, Futurama fans were at disagreement whether films were the right format for Futurama, and even before Bender's Big Score did a hope linger on for a possible TV season if the films were successful.

And indeed speculation was rampant during 2008 and 2009 until June 2009, when Comedy Central could announce they had renewed Futurama with 26 episodes.[5]

Re-cancellation

Around February 2013, discussions among fans began to speculate why no news of a renewal of the show had been announced, which two years prior - when season 6 was halfway through its episodes - was announced. Only scarce news and hints came out of the production office, until the news finally hit two months later.[1]

Without giving a specific reason, Comedy Central's EVP of Programming, Dave Bernarth felt it was a 'natural end to the show's improbable comeback'.[1] Matt Groening expressed little surprise, highlighting that they've been concerned about them coming back four times by now, referring to "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings", Into the Wild Green Yonder and "Reincarnation".[1] Groening went on to imply that they are now wondering whether they could find a new home for Futurama, such as a theatrical feature film release or perhaps producing online only episodes,[6] but at present they were not actively looking for anything.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Snierson, Dan (22 April 2013). "'Futurama' to end seven-season run on Sept. 4 -- EXCLUSIVE". EW.com. Retrieved on 22 April 2013.
  2. ^ Groening, Matt. Commentary for "Space Pilot 3000" on Volume One, disc 1.
  3. ^ Cohen, David. Commentary for "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings" on Volume Four, disc 4.
  4. ^ Groening, Matt. Commentary for Bender's Big Score on the DVD.
  5. ^ ""Futurama" returns to production with an initial order of 26 episodes to premiere mid 2010". Comedy Central. 09 June 2009. Retrieved on 15 July 2009.
  6. ^ Seitz, Dan (22 April 2013). "Why ‘Futurama’ Should Go Exclusively Online". UPROXX. Retrieved on 23 April 2013.