For over two decades, Matt Groening has been dedicated to keeping Futurama alive for its devoted fans. I’ve been entranced by the show since 1999, and it holds a special place in my heart. Following its previous cancellation, HULU swooped in to the rescue, making Futurama exclusive to their streaming platform and reviving the beloved series.
With that, Season 11 was the first season on Hulu and it was one wild ride. With Season 12, I got to review the first six episodes of the season and its classic silly, goofy, slapstick-style comedy is back and better than ever. With the amazing cast of John DiMaggio, Billy West, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil Lamar, and David Herman returning it is like they never left.
In the initial six episodes, the crew faces a range of daunting challenges while also delving into intricate storylines such as Bender’s family ancestry, a “stand-in” for Fry, the Professor’s pursuit of his long-held aspirations, and more.
As I immersed myself in these episodes, it dawned on me just how much I long for the timeless charm of classic TV comedy. Numerous contemporary shows are boldly pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable for television.
Futurama has always been known for its ability to tackle current issues with wit and humor. The show often pushes the boundaries with its jokes, but Matt Groening and the writers have a knack for presenting these topics in a sophisticated and clever manner that makes it appealing for everyone to engage with the humor.
There is still more to come for the crew in the next part of Season 12 (not yet dated), with the possibility of the show featuring an episode that focuses on the next life journey for Fry and Leela.
That being said, Matt and his team have shown us that though the show is set in the future, has been canceled numerous times, and has had its ups and downs, Futurama is still one of the best-animated shows around and will hopefully continue to showcase more adventures for many years to come.
