For as much trouble as “Futurama” had in its original run, it has phenomenal lasting power. The sci-fi comedy by creator Matt Groening has certainly had its share of ups and downs. First, it’s cancelled on Fox due to scheduling mismanagement. Then, it revives itself through a movie trilogy that tumbled it into the release of three more seasons. But of course it quietly sunk back into obscurity until recently when Hulu released a new season. It was Clearly a success as Hulu has renewed the series for two more seasons.
What started as an initial pick-up for two seasons has now increased to a total of four. Taking the series from season 12 up to season 14. Hopefully they will be enough to satisfy old fans and new watchers. There’s a self-referential humor in the new season that could get old quickly if the writers aren’t careful. But it’s a huge boost to Hulu’s adult animation category so far, making the top 10 list of the Nielsen ratings six times since the release of season 11.
The series has ended twice before. The original series left Fry and Leela’s relationship open-ended. But it was wrapped up by the end of season 10. And while the current season has focused a little on their lives as a couple, it does feel a bit like there’s something missing. Their attraction and will-they-won’t-they relationship was the subject of a decent portion of the show’s humor and sentiment in the past. Hopefully the coming seasons can find more material to work with. No revived series is going to feel exactly the same, we’ll grant you. But we just hope it finds its footing in season 12. Otherwise two more seasons past that are going to feel a bit sad.
Catch all seasons of “Futurama” on Hulu now.
