The eternal churning of mediocre seasons notwithstanding, the impact of Matt Groening’s groundbreaking animated series The Simpsons can never be denied. However, another of his creations, Futurama, has had the opportunity to take breaks, reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and return to its original comedic roots, resulting in a level of quality that is unmatched.
When Futurama first aired in 1999, it was an instant hit, with its quirky cast of characters and clever humor charming audiences. Despite being canceled in 2003, the show’s popularity endured, and it returned in 2008 for a fourth season, dubbed Futurama: Bender’s Big Score. This season saw the show adopt a more dramatic tone, with storylines stretching across multiple episodes. While interesting, this departure from traditional sitcom structure did not resonate with fans, and the show eventually returned to its comedic roots.
Meanwhile, The Simpsons has continued to churn out seasons without interrupting its production, resulting in a recent 34th season. While the show’s early seasons were groundbreaking, its later years have struggled to recapture that magic, with many episodes feeling like a chore to watch. The Simpsons Movie, released in 2007, was a massive success, grossing over $536 million worldwide, but its success was short-lived, and the show has struggled to regain its momentum.
A Still From Futurama (Photo: Futurama)
Futurama, on the other hand, has taken breaks to reflect on its strengths and weaknesses, resulting in a more focused and hilarious show. Its recent eleventh season has seen a return to the show’s original comedic style, with laughter and fun at the forefront. The show’s creators have had the opportunity to take time off, recharge, and come back to the series with renewed passion, resulting in some of the best episodes since the original run.
While The Simpsons may have been a groundbreaking show in its early years, its relentless churning out of mediocre seasons has rendered it a chore to watch. Futurama, on the other hand, has taken breaks to reflect and refocus, resulting in a show that is once again worthy of its cult following.
