Is Futurama's Revival on Hulu a Nostalgia Trip or a Bold New Adventure?

Good news everyone, Futurama has made a comeback.

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Back in 1999, before Futurama hit the small screen, its creators, Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, had already collaborated with Fox on The Simpsons, one of the most successful animated series ever. However, getting Futurama on air was no easy feat, with Groening even describing it as "the worst experience of [her] grown-up life". Thankfully, Futurama eventually gained a devoted following and critical acclaim, and even received two Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Animated Program. Despite this, the show still faces its fair share of challenges.

In 2003, Futurama was unofficially canceled by Fox. However, it was later revived on Adult Swim and Comedy Central before getting canceled again in 2013. Finally, after almost ten years of waiting, Hulu announced in February 2022 that it has revived the series with a 20-episode order and it is expected to premiere in 2023. As a devoted fan of Futurama, I am thrilled about this news. The show has a special place in the hearts of many fans, including myself, but what makes it so special? Will Hulu's revival meet its fans' expectations? After watching the first two episodes, I can't help but feel concerned about this kind of questions. If you are also a fan of Futurama and would like to share your thoughts, please do not hesitate to leave your comments below.

Futurama: A Gift for the Millennials

In my view, if you are a millennial, you will be hooked on Futurama right from the start. The plot revolves around Philip J. Fry (Billy West), a pizza delivery boy from New York City who gets cryogenically frozen by accident and wakes up 1,000 years later in an amazing "New New York". There, Fry befriends a robot named Bender (John DiMaggio) and falls for a cyclops named Leela (Katey Sagal). Together, they all get hired at the Planet Express Delivery Company, which was established by Fry's aging descendant, Professor Hubert Farnsworth. Along with his accountant Hermes Conrad, assistant Amy Wong, and alien lobster Dr. John Zoidberg, they go on exciting adventures that take them to the farthest reaches of the universe.

Futurama is a science fiction animated series that takes place in the 3000s. The show is known for its clever writing, unique characters, and imaginative themes. By closely intertwining the portrayal of life in the future with the adventures of the main characters, the show creates a world that is both fun and grounded in science. From the setting of New New York, where humans, robots, and alien species coexist, to Professor Farnsworth's strange inventions and the protagonists' thrilling encounters during their interstellar travel, every aspect of life in the future is depicted in a bold and imaginative way. Futurama is a great choice for those seeking a fun and entertaining show.

Futurama is also widely known for its imaginative and humorous portrayal of the future, as well as its satirical take on contemporary society. Despite advanced technologies in the future world such as the ability to keep heads alive, there are still disparities among different species. The show draws playful comparisons to present-day society, such as the fact that Nixon (a head in a glass jar) is still elected as president. Furthermore, the people of the future remain fixated on watching TV, especially a program called Everybody Loves Hypnotoad, which features a stationary camera filming the Hypnotoad making incessant noises. These elements contribute to Futurama's distinct sense of humor.

Bender's popularity speaks to the success of Futurama's sci-fi storytelling and satire. As a robot, Bender drinks alcohol to recharge his fuel cells. Though he often comes off as someone who is selfish and insensitive and cares about no one but himself, he does have a soft side that is rarely seen and will do the right thing if it matters. His friendships with Fry and Hermes are touching. Similarly, the love between Leela and her parents, and the bond between Fry and his faithful dog, Seymour, contribute to emotional moments throughout the show. As a millennial, I consider Futurama a true gift, given its imagination, humor, and love. I often find myself getting emotional while re-watching these episodes.

Is Hulu's Reboot a Nostalgic Trip or Brand New Adventure?

On July 24th, the latest season of Futurama premiered on Hulu, featuring the full original cast, including its animators. In the last episode of Season 10 (or Season 7, depending on how you count it), Fry and Leela go about with their lives and age while time stands still. Professor Farnsworth suggest they start over, and the show ends there. Season 8's first episode picks up right where the previous season left off. Professor Farnsworth switches the universe on and off, while Bender excitedly announces their return in a familiar tone.

The series maintains its familiar style of humor, which includes self-deprecation and parodical comparisons to the present, while retaining its impressiveness. In the first episode, Leela convinces Fulu to reboot the soap opera titled All My Circuits, which had been cancelled for ten years. This storyline is a clear reference to Futurama itself. In another episode, the Planet Express crew embarks on a new adventure to witness the emergence of Amy and Kif's children from an alien swamp. These two episodes are still interesting and capture the show’s essence in its early days which its fans are familiar with. However, with the success of more complex and emotionally resonant adult animations like Rick and Morty and BoJack Horseman, it remains to be seen whether Futurama's light-hearted and whimsical formula will continue to appeal to today's viewers.

I do not have a definitive answer to this question, but as someone who greatly enjoys both Futurama and Rick and Morty, I am optimistic about the possibility of Futurama embarking on a new adventure in its storytelling and offering us more glimpses of the future. In a world where reality can often be more surreal than science fiction, I find solace in shows like Futurama that offer a hopeful vision of what is to come. As Futurama begins its new journey, it will have to reconcile its past with the present and find a way to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world of adult animations.