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>


Due to Fox's first discontent with ''Futurama'',<ref name="com-ep1-mg">{{cite commentary |speaker={{n|Groening|Matt}} |episode=Space Pilot 3000 |volume=One |disc=1}}</ref> attempts were made to satisfy them, but 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>
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.


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 &ndash; only "[[Space Pilot 3000]]" and "[[The Series Has Landed]]" was in the Sunday line up &ndash; they'd 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 cancel the show by [[season 4]], simply by not calling.<ref name="com-f1-mg">{{cite commentary |speaker={{n|Groening|Matt}} |film=Bender's Big Score}}</ref>
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>


=== After cancellation ===
== Re-cancellation ==


When Fox sold off the show to Cartoon Network's [[Adult Swim]] by 2003, the show saw a more stable airingIn general, fans are content that Adult Swim handled the show with more grace and gave it the support it deserved.  Fans who came to like the show after the cancellation often cite Adult Swim as the place they first saw ''Futurama''.
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 announcedOnly scarce news and hints came out of the production office, until the news finally hit two months later.<ref name="ew-cancelled" />


But good viewer numbers and more fans could not handle it aloneThe 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]].
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.


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.
== Future ==
 
=== Pushing for a sixth season ===
{{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>


== Future ==
=== Return to Fox ===


On 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>
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>


{{quote
{{quote
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|4=Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly
|4=Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly
}}
}}
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}}
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.
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>
-->


== 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.