Ever since its inception back in 1999, Futurama has faced multiple cancelations and renewals over the years. This has no doubt surprised and baffled longtime fans. As such, newer fans of the show are wondering how many times Futurama was canceled. They also want to know if the show is still running. Futurama is currently in Season 12 (Season 9 in production order) and sees Fry and Leela deal with a growing romance. It also sees Bender revisit his past and introduces viewers to his origins at an ancestral robot village.
So why was Futurama canceled multiple times? Is It still running? Here is everything you need to know about the show’s previous messy cancelation-renewal situation.
Why was Futurama canceled multiple times?
Futurama’s first cancelation after four seasons was due to Fox’s lack of support for the show.
This was revealed by creator Matt Groening in an interview with the Calgary Sun. Here, he blasted Fox by saying, “They’re out of their minds.” Moreover, Groening also opined how Fox was frustrated with their lack of creative control over the series and Groening’s other show, The Simpsons. (via Chortle)
Furthermore, Fox also kept shuffling the show’s time slots on a constant basis shifting the time slot from Sunday night to Tuesday night and then back to 8:30 PM on Sunday to again 7:00 PM on Tuesday. (via Looper)
Groening and Fox have constantly feuded over Futurama’s direction since it began. In an interview with Mother Nature, the Futurama creator criticized Fox’s behavior and, by extension, Hollywood, calling them “babies.” He also addressed Fox’s intent to mess with projects and cause their failure instead of allowing creators freedom and letting projects succeed. Here, he also revealed how Fox executives did not like The Simpsons.
Comedy Central picked up the series in 2008 and produced the fifth, sixth, and seventh seasons. The network simply did not renew it after the final episode of Season 7 aired in 2013. An official reason for this second cancelation is unknown. However, poor ratings may have contributed to this second cancelation.
Is Futurama still running?
Yes, following its revival on Hulu in 2022, Futurama is still running. The show is currently in its 12th season (broadcast order)/9th season (production order).
Moreover, the show has been renewed for two more seasons. Given the recent yearly release pattern since Futurama Season 11, which aired in 2023, this would make the show run until 2026.
Matt Groening created Futurama. The voice cast comprises Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Lauren Tom, Phil LaMarr, David Herman, and Frank Welker.
