“Futurama,” Matt Groening’s animated sci-fi series about the adventures of the employees of an interplanetary delivery company, has had a lifespan almost as convoluted as that of its defrosted 20th century protagonist Philip J. Fry — and he’s his own grandfather.
The series first aired on Fox from 1999 to 2003. After Fox ended it, Adult Swim ran reruns from 2003-2007, building up enough of a fanbase that 20th Century Fox Television produced four direct-to-video movies. Then Comedy Central picked up the show, syndicated the old episodes and breaking the movies into half hours to make up a “new” fifth season, following that up with an order for a sixth and seventh seasons, both 26 episodes long but split up, for extra confusion, over two years each.
And now Comedy Central has announced that “Futurama” is being canceled again — season 7B, set to start on June 19, will be the show’s last, barring a new network or online site swooping in and saving the day. Guests for the 13-episode final run, which will kick off with back-to-back installments, include Larry Bird, Dan Castellaneta, Sarah Silverman, George Takei, Adam West and Burt Ward.
“I’m very proud of the upcoming season. If this is indeed the end of ‘Futurama,’ it’s a fantastic finish to a good, long run,” said Matt Groening in the announcement. Check out a promo for the new semi-season below.
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