When Futurama premiered on Fox in March 1999, it did so almost a decade after Matt Groening had broken open the gates of modern mainstream TV animation with The Simpsons. The intervening 10 years had seen more mature animated fare on the small screen, from the edgy Ren and Stimpy to the cult favorite The Critic. Though The Critic was created by two longtime Simpsons writers (and led to a moderately controversial crossover between the two), Futurama marked Groening’s first new series since The Simpsons.
- 3/28/2024
- by Josh Spiegel
- Primetimer
The millions of people who've seen the recent Dune movies without having read Frank Herbert's book beforehand probably noticed an overwhelming number of similarities to other storied franchises. That's not a coincidence. The 1965 novel isn't the origin point of sci-fi or fantasy literature, but it's arguably the most successful and influential in its category.
Dune represented a huge step up in terms of epic worldbuilding and episodic storytelling, and it introduced plot arcs, character archetypes, and genre elements that are so common today, that Herbert's originality can easily be taken for granted. Countless books, TV series, and films have been inspired by Dune, including Star Trek, The Chronicles of Riddick, Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and even Futurama. The following five franchises, however, did more than riff on Herbert's ideas or parody the tropes he created. Each one has such strong parallels to Dune that without it,...
Dune represented a huge step up in terms of epic worldbuilding and episodic storytelling, and it introduced plot arcs, character archetypes, and genre elements that are so common today, that Herbert's originality can easily be taken for granted. Countless books, TV series, and films have been inspired by Dune, including Star Trek, The Chronicles of Riddick, Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, and even Futurama. The following five franchises, however, did more than riff on Herbert's ideas or parody the tropes he created. Each one has such strong parallels to Dune that without it,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Rita Dorsch, Robert Vaux
- Comic Book Resources
Sitcom pilots set the tone for the entire series, introducing key characters and establishing the show's comedic voice. Exceptional pilots, like those of 30 Rock and Futurama, leave a lasting impression with rapid-fire jokes and memorable moments. Balancing exposition and humor, standout pilots like those of Abbott Elementary and The Mary Tyler Moore Show tackle societal issues with wit.
TV Show and Pilot Episode
IMDb Rating
30 Rock "Pilot"
7.3/10
The Other Two "Pilot"
7.6/10
Abbott Elementary "Pilot"
7.6/10
Hacks "There Is No Line"
7.8/10
Curb Your Enthusiasm "The Pants Tent"
7.9/10
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia "The Gang Gets Racist"
8.1/10
Barry "Make Your Mark"
8.1/10
Cheers "Give Me a Ring Sometime"
8.1/10
Arrested Development "Pilot"
8.1/10
Malcolm in the Middle "Pilot"
8.2/10
Mary Tyler Moore Show "Love Is All Around"
8.3/10
How I Met Your Mother "Pilot"
8.4/10
Futurama "Space Pilot 3000"
8.6/10
The pilot episode of a sitcom serves as the show's initial chance to engage viewers, showcasing the level of comedy expected each week.
TV Show and Pilot Episode
IMDb Rating
30 Rock "Pilot"
7.3/10
The Other Two "Pilot"
7.6/10
Abbott Elementary "Pilot"
7.6/10
Hacks "There Is No Line"
7.8/10
Curb Your Enthusiasm "The Pants Tent"
7.9/10
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia "The Gang Gets Racist"
8.1/10
Barry "Make Your Mark"
8.1/10
Cheers "Give Me a Ring Sometime"
8.1/10
Arrested Development "Pilot"
8.1/10
Malcolm in the Middle "Pilot"
8.2/10
Mary Tyler Moore Show "Love Is All Around"
8.3/10
How I Met Your Mother "Pilot"
8.4/10
Futurama "Space Pilot 3000"
8.6/10
The pilot episode of a sitcom serves as the show's initial chance to engage viewers, showcasing the level of comedy expected each week.
- 3/25/2024
- by Kayla Turner
- ScreenRant.com
Mark Hamill's voice roles in various franchises far outnumber his in-person appearances, showcasing his versatile and recognizable voice talent. Hamill's voice acting spans across TV shows and movies, proving his passion and skill in the field. His portrayal of iconic characters like the Joker, Ev-9D9, and Skeletor in different franchises highlight his ability to excel in voice acting.
Mark Hamill's most famous live-action character is Luke Skywalker, but his voice roles hugely outweigh his in-person appearances across his various franchises. Hamill has a recognizable versatile voice, and his animated characters tend to stray from textbook heroic figures, unlike his main Star Wars persona. His most iconic voice role is arguably Batman: The Animated Series' version of the Joker, a role he reprised for the Batman: Arkham video game trilogy and various other cameos. Even when compared with every actor to play the Joker in live-action, Hamill's talents...
Mark Hamill's most famous live-action character is Luke Skywalker, but his voice roles hugely outweigh his in-person appearances across his various franchises. Hamill has a recognizable versatile voice, and his animated characters tend to stray from textbook heroic figures, unlike his main Star Wars persona. His most iconic voice role is arguably Batman: The Animated Series' version of the Joker, a role he reprised for the Batman: Arkham video game trilogy and various other cameos. Even when compared with every actor to play the Joker in live-action, Hamill's talents...
- 3/25/2024
- by Daniel Bibby
- ScreenRant.com
Helldivers 2 keeps things going with new content every day. The community of the title is very active, always trying to improve how it spreads democracy across the galaxy. Arrowhead Game Studios constantly introduces new menacing enemies, requiring the Helldivers 2 players to prepare for each one.
But the game is always looking for new ways to make reference for the players; there is even a planet called Omicron, like in Matt Groening’s animated series, Futurama. In the TV show, this planet has some terrible aliens that just hate monuments.
A Futurama Reference in Helldivers 2 Lrrr, ruler of the planet Omicron Persei 8. This Futurama reference is on a similar-named planet from Helldivers 2.
The team behind Helldivers 2 has its own way of paying homage to different pop culture things. The game has a ton of similar things, like the movie Starship Troopers, and it also has some armor that looks like Battlestar Galactica.
But the game is always looking for new ways to make reference for the players; there is even a planet called Omicron, like in Matt Groening’s animated series, Futurama. In the TV show, this planet has some terrible aliens that just hate monuments.
A Futurama Reference in Helldivers 2 Lrrr, ruler of the planet Omicron Persei 8. This Futurama reference is on a similar-named planet from Helldivers 2.
The team behind Helldivers 2 has its own way of paying homage to different pop culture things. The game has a ton of similar things, like the movie Starship Troopers, and it also has some armor that looks like Battlestar Galactica.
- 3/24/2024
- by Lucas Lapetina
- FandomWire
"Futurama" is, at least on one level, a workplace show. The main characters all met because they are co-workers at Planet Express, an interplanetary delivery company. Planet Express, however, is more of a background setting and an excuse to have the characters organically occupy the same space. "Futurama" stories either tend to reach deep into weird sci-fi or involve the characters' personal lives. Plots rarely surround the business and its inner workings.
The biggest reminder that "Futurama" does indeed take place in an office is the presence of Hermes Conrad (Phil Lamarr), the company bureaucrat. Hermes takes care of all the paperwork and accounting and does so with gusto. He's a freewheeling limbo champion who is also weirdly fastidious and obsessed with red tape and organization. In the episode "How Hermes Requisitioned His Groove Back", Hermes sings an upbeat calypso number about how great it is to be a bureaucrat.
The biggest reminder that "Futurama" does indeed take place in an office is the presence of Hermes Conrad (Phil Lamarr), the company bureaucrat. Hermes takes care of all the paperwork and accounting and does so with gusto. He's a freewheeling limbo champion who is also weirdly fastidious and obsessed with red tape and organization. In the episode "How Hermes Requisitioned His Groove Back", Hermes sings an upbeat calypso number about how great it is to be a bureaucrat.
- 3/24/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
In the third episode of "Futurama," called "I, Roommate," Fry (Billy West) is still sleeping at Planet Express, not yet having found a place to live. Fry is a slob, however, and his filthy detritus and unsanitary lifestyle become a nuisance for his coworkers. "Someone's been leaving food around," Hermes (Phil Lamarr) says at a company meeting, "and it's attracting owls. And I, for one, am tired of cleaning those owl traps."
Owls? Yes, it seems that by the year 3000, owls will have replaced rats as New York City's most prolific species of warm-blooded vermin. The owls are rarely addressed directly on "Futurama," but filthy alleyways and garbage-strewn streets are always lousy with owls. From the looks of the animation, they are northern saw-whet owls, although their precise species has never been clarified. Weirdly, the owls are a joke unto themselves, and no one ever makes puns or gags at their expense.
Owls? Yes, it seems that by the year 3000, owls will have replaced rats as New York City's most prolific species of warm-blooded vermin. The owls are rarely addressed directly on "Futurama," but filthy alleyways and garbage-strewn streets are always lousy with owls. From the looks of the animation, they are northern saw-whet owls, although their precise species has never been clarified. Weirdly, the owls are a joke unto themselves, and no one ever makes puns or gags at their expense.
- 3/23/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Season 1 of "The Simpsons" is a whole different beast. You've got brown Mr. Smithers, character designs out of a Dr. Seuss book, and Homer inexplicably sounding like Walter Matthau. It's a charming affair, but it also hasn't yet turned into "The Simpsons" we've come to know and love.
What complicates the first season even more is the way that Fox aired certain episodes out of order. This was famously a much bigger problem with the classic era of "Futurama," but it also led to some inconsistencies in early "Simpsons." While the animation, character designs, and voices were all slowly evolving in the right direction throughout the first three seasons, the out-of-order episodes meant the show would sometimes take a seemingly random, large step back in animation quality. A case in point was the season 1 finale, "Some Enchanted Evening," which inexplicably looked closer to the old bumpers on "The Tracey Ullman Show...
What complicates the first season even more is the way that Fox aired certain episodes out of order. This was famously a much bigger problem with the classic era of "Futurama," but it also led to some inconsistencies in early "Simpsons." While the animation, character designs, and voices were all slowly evolving in the right direction throughout the first three seasons, the out-of-order episodes meant the show would sometimes take a seemingly random, large step back in animation quality. A case in point was the season 1 finale, "Some Enchanted Evening," which inexplicably looked closer to the old bumpers on "The Tracey Ullman Show...
- 3/23/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Futurama, a beloved sci-fi comedy, features the unforgettable Calculon voiced by Maurice Lamarche with inspiration from various "cheeseball" actors. Lamarche has cited Seinfeld's J. Peterman, Lyle Waggoner, and Roger Ramjet's Gary Owens as influences for Calculon. Lamarche's vocal talents shine not only through Calculon but also as The Brain in Pinky and the Brain, showcasing his depth and humor.
Futurama has been a staple of science fiction and comedy for over two decades, with Calculon encompassing exactly that. Set in the 31st century, the show follows the adventures of a hapless delivery boy, Philip J. Fry, who is cryogenically frozen and wakes up 1,000 years in the future. The series is celebrated for its witty humor, clever writing, and the depth of its characters, ranging from a booze-fueled robot, Bender, to the one-eyed, competent spaceship captain, Leela. But what really brings Futurama to life is its voice cast.
Maurice...
Futurama has been a staple of science fiction and comedy for over two decades, with Calculon encompassing exactly that. Set in the 31st century, the show follows the adventures of a hapless delivery boy, Philip J. Fry, who is cryogenically frozen and wakes up 1,000 years in the future. The series is celebrated for its witty humor, clever writing, and the depth of its characters, ranging from a booze-fueled robot, Bender, to the one-eyed, competent spaceship captain, Leela. But what really brings Futurama to life is its voice cast.
Maurice...
- 3/22/2024
- by Stephen Barker
- ScreenRant.com
Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom contains a Dune Easter egg, discovered 12 years later. Moonrise Kingdom star Jared Gilman was surprised by the reveal of the hidden Dune reference. Dune's renewed popularity may lead to more franchise references in future media.
A Dune Easter egg has been found in a Wes Anderson movie 12 years later, with even the star of the film surprised to see it was there. The sci-fi franchise has seen renewed interest as of late thanks to the critical and commercial reception of Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two movie. His adaptation is the second attempt on the big screen, the first of which was a 1984 film by David Lynch.
Now, ecto_fun has discovered a reference to Dune in Anderson's 2012 film Moonrise Kingdom.
rw moonrise kingdom and tried look up this book and it isn’t real but i found out the back is a...
A Dune Easter egg has been found in a Wes Anderson movie 12 years later, with even the star of the film surprised to see it was there. The sci-fi franchise has seen renewed interest as of late thanks to the critical and commercial reception of Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two movie. His adaptation is the second attempt on the big screen, the first of which was a 1984 film by David Lynch.
Now, ecto_fun has discovered a reference to Dune in Anderson's 2012 film Moonrise Kingdom.
rw moonrise kingdom and tried look up this book and it isn’t real but i found out the back is a...
- 3/19/2024
- by Nick Bythrow
- ScreenRant.com
Seven times in its history, "Futurama" has presented anthology episodes that exist outside of the show's normal continuity. Sometimes these episodes will be bookended with recognizable in-continuity material that binds the disparate anthology segments together, but just as often they are offered without context. In "Anthology of Interest II", the Professor (Billy West) reveals that he has repaired his What-If Machine, a prognosticating TV screen that displays short films as answers to what-if questions. The What-if Machine was also responsible for the segments seen in "Anthology of Interest I."
The alcoholic robot Bender (John Dimaggio) steps forward and reveals that he has always wondered what it would be like to be a human. The Professor puts that question to the What-If Machine, and out pops the hypothetical short "I, Meatbag." Within "I, Meatbag," the Professor uses a scientific process he calls reverse-fossilization to instantly turn Bender into a flesh-and-blood person.
The alcoholic robot Bender (John Dimaggio) steps forward and reveals that he has always wondered what it would be like to be a human. The Professor puts that question to the What-If Machine, and out pops the hypothetical short "I, Meatbag." Within "I, Meatbag," the Professor uses a scientific process he calls reverse-fossilization to instantly turn Bender into a flesh-and-blood person.
- 3/18/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
In the "The Simpsons" episode "Future-Drama", Bart (Nancy Cartwright) and Lisa (Yeardley Smith) visit the mad scientist Professor Frink (Hank Azaria) to get a glimpse into their future. Frink has invented a future-predicting computer, and the Simpson children ask to see what they might look like as teenagers. In the year 2013, Bart is dating a cool skateboarder named Jenda (Amy Poehler) and Lisa, on her way to medical school, has had an on-again-off-again relationship with Milhouse (Pamela Hayden). Marge has been dating Krusty the Clown (Dan Castellaneta) after leaving Homer for committing a flagrant financial crime.
To ensure the episode is sufficiently surreal, there is a scene wherein the teenage Bart and the older Homer (Castellaneta) pass through a quantum tunnel and emerge on the other side with a robot they mysteriously accumulated. The robot is Bender (John Dimaggio), the drunken droid from Matt Groening's "Futurama," a series that,...
To ensure the episode is sufficiently surreal, there is a scene wherein the teenage Bart and the older Homer (Castellaneta) pass through a quantum tunnel and emerge on the other side with a robot they mysteriously accumulated. The robot is Bender (John Dimaggio), the drunken droid from Matt Groening's "Futurama," a series that,...
- 3/17/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
In the very first "Futurama" episode, "Space Pilot 3000" (which is full of hidden clues), the dim-witted Fry (Billy West) awakens in the year 2999 after being cryogenically frozen for a millennium. Fry immediately encounters a bizarre future world he doesn't understand. He is informed that, in the 30th century, human beings are implanted with career chips that will determine their professional fate for the rest of their lives. Fry is told that he has been selected by the computer to be a delivery boy -- the same profession he held back in 1999. Fry, terrified by the prospect, flees into the streets of New New York, the city built on the ruins of Old New York.
Fry is disoriented by what he sees. Aliens and robots stroll the sidewalks, and spacecraft whiz past overhead. He spots a few suicide booths on street corners. Most impressively, he sees a vast, tall network of...
Fry is disoriented by what he sees. Aliens and robots stroll the sidewalks, and spacecraft whiz past overhead. He spots a few suicide booths on street corners. Most impressively, he sees a vast, tall network of...
- 3/17/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Much has been made of the 1989 pilot for "The Simpsons," which told the bittersweet story of how the dog Santa's Little Helper joined the family, but it's clear that "Futurama" delivered an even stronger first impression ten years later. "Space Pilot 3000," which begins with pizza delivery guy Fry falling into a cryogenic chamber and waking up a thousand years later, introduces us to a new futuristic world that has a lot of cool technology, sure, but is definitely not a utopia. There are suicide booths on every corner, angry drunken talking robots, and no shortage of delivery jobs that still don't pay as much as they should. Fry still finds a better life in the fourth millennium, but it's a major adjustment.
In one of the early drafts for the pilot, Fry's adjustment to this new world (and this new cast of characters) was made even harder, because the circumstances...
In one of the early drafts for the pilot, Fry's adjustment to this new world (and this new cast of characters) was made even harder, because the circumstances...
- 3/11/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
The King of the Hill sequel series is still moving forward despite the difficulties associated with the passing of Johnny Hardwick.
In all 13 seasons of King of the Hill, Johnny Hardwick provided the voice of the fan favorite character Dale Gribble. He was involved with a planned sequel series in the works at Hulu, but Hardwick passed away in 2023 shortly after the new show began development. In a new interview with Variety, Bobby Hill's voice actor, Pamela Adlon, revealed the latest update on the revival. She praised the quality of the writing, and though she acknowledged that it was "hard" to move forward after Hardwick's passing, Adlon said it still felt like he was there with everyone else in spirit.
Pamela Adlon teases how the #KingOfTheHill reboot is coming along at Variety #PowerOfComedy https://t.co/WVJ53N1IC4 pic.twitter.com/Gcnl3fVdOY — Variety (@Variety) March 9, 2024
Related Puma Unveils Beavis and Butt-Head Sneakers,...
In all 13 seasons of King of the Hill, Johnny Hardwick provided the voice of the fan favorite character Dale Gribble. He was involved with a planned sequel series in the works at Hulu, but Hardwick passed away in 2023 shortly after the new show began development. In a new interview with Variety, Bobby Hill's voice actor, Pamela Adlon, revealed the latest update on the revival. She praised the quality of the writing, and though she acknowledged that it was "hard" to move forward after Hardwick's passing, Adlon said it still felt like he was there with everyone else in spirit.
Pamela Adlon teases how the #KingOfTheHill reboot is coming along at Variety #PowerOfComedy https://t.co/WVJ53N1IC4 pic.twitter.com/Gcnl3fVdOY — Variety (@Variety) March 9, 2024
Related Puma Unveils Beavis and Butt-Head Sneakers,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Jeremy Dick
- Comic Book Resources
It’s 2023, and the television landscape has experienced a dramatic shift from what it was ten years ago. With all the changes in streaming services and how we take in our favorite shows, one thing that is comforting is that Futurama is back with new episodes as part of Hulu's lineup of original content. With all the changes since Futurama was last on the air in 2013, the show is still consistently great. While Season 11 of Futurama kicks off with most of the status quo largely restored, one of the biggest changes involves the status of Fry (Billy West) and Leela's (Katey Sagal) relationship. Season 11 thankfully begins by opting not to reset Fry and Leela's relationship back to square one. Their fulfilled romance has provided excellent progression for the series and the two characters. With that in mind, let's take a look at how Fry and Leela's relationship has...
- 3/9/2024
- by Jeffrey Harris
- Collider.com
In this brave new world of "Star Wars" fandom, it's almost unfathomable that there exist elements within the various films, novels, comics, and TV shows that don't have some sort of backstory or origin point. While obviously this stems from the huge fanbase for "Star Wars" loving the fictional universe so much that they wish to study and know absolutely everything that's in it, this trend also originated out of an inherent idea popularized by creator George Lucas with the very first movie in the franchise back in 1977 -- the implication that we're seeing a small part of a larger world, and every planet, ship, and creature we see (whether in the foreground or background) has its own history and story.
It's a powerful implication, and one that's essential to constructing a wholly fictional universe. Yet, of course, it's mostly hogwash -- or at least it used to be. While...
It's a powerful implication, and one that's essential to constructing a wholly fictional universe. Yet, of course, it's mostly hogwash -- or at least it used to be. While...
- 3/9/2024
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
Nibbler the Nibblonian first appeared on "Futurama" in the episode "Love's Labours Lost in Space", wherein Leela (Katey Sagal) assumed he was a poor, lost animal that merely needed a home. She put an adorable red cape on him and outfitted him with a diaper. Nibbler had a voracious appetite and could consume many, many, many times his own body weight in pork products in a single day. Nibbler would then poop out perfectly round spheres of solidified dark matter that, quite conveniently, could serve as starship fuel.
It was later revealed that Nibbler was, in fact, Lord Nibbler, an impossibly ancient being -- born around 274 Bce -- who could speak in a clear, deep voice. He belonged to a species that possessed fleets of tiny, adorable warships and who were occasionally kidnapped and farmed for their fuel-pooping abilities. For years, whenever someone saw Nibbler speak, he could activate his...
It was later revealed that Nibbler was, in fact, Lord Nibbler, an impossibly ancient being -- born around 274 Bce -- who could speak in a clear, deep voice. He belonged to a species that possessed fleets of tiny, adorable warships and who were occasionally kidnapped and farmed for their fuel-pooping abilities. For years, whenever someone saw Nibbler speak, he could activate his...
- 3/7/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Although it may not be actively sold in the markets today, Sony’s PlayStation 2 still holds its dominance as the best-selling video game console of all time, selling over 155 million units in its 13-year life cycle.
In spite of being discontinued back in 2013, PlayStation 2 popularity continues, thanks to its impressive library of titles. Needless to say, these titles have become extremely rare to find now.
Sony PlayStation 2
Among the several other rare titles from the PlayStation 2 library is a horror hit that no horror game genre fan can afford to miss.
Kuon: A Japanese horror treat
Kuon is a Japanese horror game developed by the famous game studio FromSoftware. The studio is well-known for its fan-favorite and challenging games. Kuon was released in 2004 and is set during the Heian period of Japan, which lasted from 794 to 1185.
The game features several characters and narratives of Japanese folklore. Players get to explore...
In spite of being discontinued back in 2013, PlayStation 2 popularity continues, thanks to its impressive library of titles. Needless to say, these titles have become extremely rare to find now.
Sony PlayStation 2
Among the several other rare titles from the PlayStation 2 library is a horror hit that no horror game genre fan can afford to miss.
Kuon: A Japanese horror treat
Kuon is a Japanese horror game developed by the famous game studio FromSoftware. The studio is well-known for its fan-favorite and challenging games. Kuon was released in 2004 and is set during the Heian period of Japan, which lasted from 794 to 1185.
The game features several characters and narratives of Japanese folklore. Players get to explore...
- 3/6/2024
- by Amarylisa Gonsalves
- FandomWire
Denis Villeneuve's long-awaited Dune: Part Two has finally hit cinemas, telling the story of the second half of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel Dune; as a result, many casual fans will likely be looking to remind themselves of 2021's Dune: Part One in preparation for seeing this next big-screen installment. One thing that's easy to remember, however, is its enormous runtime which, despite only covering half of the novel's story, reached a whopping 155 minutes. Some might opt for YouTube video recaps to get them back up to speed, but for those looking for laughs along the way, look no further than this episode of Futurama.
- 3/5/2024
- by Aled Owen
- Collider.com
"Futurama" is set a thousand years from our present. The show begins in the year 2999, as the world of tomorrow celebrates a happy New Year, and has since moved forward to correspond to the year the episode was aired — the latest, semi-satisfying season 11, reviewed by /Film here, was set in 3023.
This means that the show is set in New New York City (in the state of New New York). In "Space Pilot 3000," while our everyman hero Philip J. Fry slumbers in cryogenic suspension for a millennium, the metropolis outside is destroyed twice by alien invaders. Late in the pilot, Fry, Bender, and Leela find themselves underground in the ruins of old New York City; the place Fry once called home is the foundation upon which his new one rests.
Despite the thousand years of destruction and rebuilding, New New York still has a Statue of Liberty (though who knows if...
This means that the show is set in New New York City (in the state of New New York). In "Space Pilot 3000," while our everyman hero Philip J. Fry slumbers in cryogenic suspension for a millennium, the metropolis outside is destroyed twice by alien invaders. Late in the pilot, Fry, Bender, and Leela find themselves underground in the ruins of old New York City; the place Fry once called home is the foundation upon which his new one rests.
Despite the thousand years of destruction and rebuilding, New New York still has a Statue of Liberty (though who knows if...
- 3/3/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
The alcoholic robot Bender (John Dimaggio) drinks a lot. And he doesn't seem to have much of a preference when it comes to his alcohol consumption. He will happily down classy cocktails, girly drinks like Fuzzy Navels, cheapo beers, or jugs of XXX rotgut moonshine. The alcohol gets him drunk but also keeps his fuel cells charged. Bender, as his name implies, is always a little tipsy. He only becomes erratic when he becomes sober. Although when drunk (i.e. in a normal state), Bender is hardly a model of poise; he's a kleptomaniac who has taken hostages on live TV more than once, all while waving around guns, smoking cigars, and encouraging viewers to beat their children.
Naturally, Bender is a lovable friend.
In what is likely a design flaw, all the robots in "Futurama" belch fire. When they need to expel dangerous exhaust, they simply burp it out of their mouths.
Naturally, Bender is a lovable friend.
In what is likely a design flaw, all the robots in "Futurama" belch fire. When they need to expel dangerous exhaust, they simply burp it out of their mouths.
- 3/3/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Futurama" is first and foremost a comedy, but by setting events a thousand years in the future, it invited itself to have the kind of worldbuilding you'd see in more straight-laced science fiction. The writers aren't just out to make their audience laugh, but to invest them in a futuristic world.
The "Futurama" writers are learned science-fiction nerds themselves. Series co-creator David X. Cohen has degrees in physics and computer science, while David A. Goodman, who wrote the "Futurama" episode "Where No Fan Has Gone Before," (which featured most of the original "Star Trek" cast) went on to write for "Star Trek: Enterprise." Since the writers are nerds, they know how obsessive nerds think and engage with media by overanalyzing it.
The creators of "Futurama" admit they've even relied on fans to preserve the series' continuity, checking the "Futurama" wiki rather than rewatching episodes themselves. An audio commentary track for the series premiere,...
The "Futurama" writers are learned science-fiction nerds themselves. Series co-creator David X. Cohen has degrees in physics and computer science, while David A. Goodman, who wrote the "Futurama" episode "Where No Fan Has Gone Before," (which featured most of the original "Star Trek" cast) went on to write for "Star Trek: Enterprise." Since the writers are nerds, they know how obsessive nerds think and engage with media by overanalyzing it.
The creators of "Futurama" admit they've even relied on fans to preserve the series' continuity, checking the "Futurama" wiki rather than rewatching episodes themselves. An audio commentary track for the series premiere,...
- 3/2/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Bender (John Dimaggio), the drunken alcoholic robot on Matt Groening and David X. Cohen's sci-fi sitcom "Futurama" is fueled by alcohol. Indeed, if Bender doesn't have a cocktail once or twice a day, he begins to rust, his batteries begin to run down, and he behaves as if he's drunk. Of course, consuming too much booze also makes Bender behave like he's drunk, so it's a careful balance to ensure he's functional. If that seems unclear, don't worry. The characters on "Futurama" don't quite have a grasp of it either. When Bender claims to have seen a werewolf car (!), Fry (Billy West) responds by saying "You've been drinking too much, or too little. I forget how it works with you. Anyway, you haven't drunk exactly the right amount."
Early in the series, Bender had more of a "drunken" voice, with actor Dimaggio giving the character a slightly raspier effect as well as a slight,...
Early in the series, Bender had more of a "drunken" voice, with actor Dimaggio giving the character a slightly raspier effect as well as a slight,...
- 3/2/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The late 1980s and early 1990s were a wild time for censorship in television, as parents' interest groups protested anything they deemed was immoral and might have a negative impact on young viewers. This was before the Parental Guidance system that we have on TV today, which was implemented as a part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and some folks were worried about the impact of certain kinds of television on impressionable viewers. One especially vocal critic was Terry Rakolta, a mom from Michigan, who led an anti-obscenity boycott campaign against the Fox family sitcom "Married... With Children." Rakolta was especially upset after seeing the season 3 episode "Her Cups Runneth Over," which featured shoe salesman Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) shopping at a lingerie store for his wife, Peg ("Futurama" star Katey Sagal). Outraged that the episode showed implied nudity and had a number of raunchy jokes, she wrote to Fox and started her boycott campaign,...
- 3/2/2024
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
Welcome to our weekly rundown of the best new music — featuring big new singles, key tracks from our favorite albums, and more. This week, Cardi B returns with her first single of 2024, Miley Cyrus delivers a salve with a funky Bangerz B-side, and Charli Xcx is at the top of her game in glitzy new track. Plus, new music from Schoolboy Q, Fred Again.. , Kacey Musgraves, and more.
Cardi B, “Like What (Freestyle)” (YouTube)
Miley Cyrus feat. Pharrell, “Doctor (Work It Out)” (YouTube)
Charli Xcx, “Von Dutch” (YouTube)
Schoolboy Q,...
Cardi B, “Like What (Freestyle)” (YouTube)
Miley Cyrus feat. Pharrell, “Doctor (Work It Out)” (YouTube)
Charli Xcx, “Von Dutch” (YouTube)
Schoolboy Q,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Rolling Stone
- Rollingstone.com
Only 2 Actors Have Voiced Themselves In Both The Simpsons & Futurama (& They Have A Cool Connection)
The Simpsons and Futurama have many celebrity cameos, but only Leonard Nimoy and George Takei voice themselves in both shows. Nimoy and Takei's special achievement is unique, as other guest stars in both shows did not play themselves, only original characters. While Nimoy only played himself, Takei voiced four original characters in The Simpsons, expanding his role beyond his Star Trek background.
The Simpsons and Futurama are both very fond of celebrity cameos, but the list of figures who have voiced themselves in both of these two Matt Groening animated shows is minimal. Famous guest stars tend to take one of two approaches when they make an appearance in a Groening property. The person in question will either voice an original character, or just bring a 2D version of themselves to life. However, only two famous figures have stepped into their own animated shoes in both The Simpsons and Futurama.
The Simpsons and Futurama are both very fond of celebrity cameos, but the list of figures who have voiced themselves in both of these two Matt Groening animated shows is minimal. Famous guest stars tend to take one of two approaches when they make an appearance in a Groening property. The person in question will either voice an original character, or just bring a 2D version of themselves to life. However, only two famous figures have stepped into their own animated shoes in both The Simpsons and Futurama.
- 2/25/2024
- by Daniel Bibby
- ScreenRant.com
The 2009 "Futurama" movie "Into the Wild Green Yonder" -- the show's fourth and final -- was, one might recall, supposed to the be definite end of the series. "Futurama" was notoriously canceled in 2004 thanks to flagging ratings, but gained new life through DVD sales. The series was initially resurrected in the form of four straight-to-video movies released in 2008 and 2009, a quartet that was intended to signal the franchise's farewell. Of course, when those four films also sold well, Comedy Central stepped in and resurrected the series for a second time. As of this writing, the show has been canceled and resurrected a third time. New episodes are currently on Hulu.
Of course, the makers of "Futurama" didn't know in 2009 that they would come back, leading them to give the finale of "Green Yonder" an appropriately epic feel. The story of "Green Yonder" deals with cosmic energies, extinction, and the mass...
Of course, the makers of "Futurama" didn't know in 2009 that they would come back, leading them to give the finale of "Green Yonder" an appropriately epic feel. The story of "Green Yonder" deals with cosmic energies, extinction, and the mass...
- 2/25/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Epic Games made a revolution in gaming with Fortnite. The battle royale title went beyond just the collaboration and is forming its own universe within the actual game. Various very popular franchises have been in Fortnite, like Marvel, Star Wars, other videogame characters, and even music stars like Ariana Grande and recently Lady Gaga.
But new leaks are pointing to what will be coming next in Fortnite. It appears that a Greek-themed season is near with the popular gods of this mythology as protagonists; this could also mean a famous Homer to be in the game and not the one from the odyssey.
The Odyssey, Homer of The Simpsons, and Greek-themed Season Could be Coming to Fortnite Artwork of the next season has reportedly leaked.
Fortnite leaks are a common thing; several new seasons were completely leaking weeks before they were released. The community is used to this kind of...
But new leaks are pointing to what will be coming next in Fortnite. It appears that a Greek-themed season is near with the popular gods of this mythology as protagonists; this could also mean a famous Homer to be in the game and not the one from the odyssey.
The Odyssey, Homer of The Simpsons, and Greek-themed Season Could be Coming to Fortnite Artwork of the next season has reportedly leaked.
Fortnite leaks are a common thing; several new seasons were completely leaking weeks before they were released. The community is used to this kind of...
- 2/23/2024
- by Lucas Lapetina
- FandomWire
The fourth "Futurama" movie, "Into the Wild Green Yonder," was released on DVD on February 24, 2009, and it was intended to be the final word on the series ... again. The initial run of "Futurama" ended in 2002 after encountering poor ratings. DVD sales of the show remained robust, however, and Fox agreed to make four straight-to-video "Futurama" movies as a way of resurrecting the series for what was essentially one final season. The four movies did better than expected, and Comedy Central picked up "Futurama" for a third run, starting in 2010. "Futurama" is the brain that wouldn't die.
But for a while, it looked like "Into the Wild Green Yonder" was going to be the last time audiences would ever see "Futurama," and the makers wanted the story to be appropriately epic. The story of "Green Yonder" involves a sudden cosmic surge of Chi, or life-giving energy, that spontaneously pulsates into the galaxy.
But for a while, it looked like "Into the Wild Green Yonder" was going to be the last time audiences would ever see "Futurama," and the makers wanted the story to be appropriately epic. The story of "Green Yonder" involves a sudden cosmic surge of Chi, or life-giving energy, that spontaneously pulsates into the galaxy.
- 2/23/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Periodically throughout the animated sci-fi sitcom "Futurama," the couch potato characters will sit in front of their 31st-century TV and take in an episode of "The Scary Door." "The Scary Door" is the future's take on "The Twilight Zone," complete with a Rod Serling-like announcer (played by Maurice Lamarche) explaining the weird ironies about to be witnessed. Naturally, the twist endings in "The Scary Door" go beyond irony and dive headfirst into absurdity.
In one episode, a gambler dies and awakens in an afterlife casino. He wins once and figures it must be Heaven. He wins twice and figures that it must be Hell; what gambler wants to win every time? But then he realizes that his afterlife casino is actually on a plane ... and there's a monster on the wing of the plane. When he calls someone for help, he realizes that he is also Adolf Hitler. He...
In one episode, a gambler dies and awakens in an afterlife casino. He wins once and figures it must be Heaven. He wins twice and figures that it must be Hell; what gambler wants to win every time? But then he realizes that his afterlife casino is actually on a plane ... and there's a monster on the wing of the plane. When he calls someone for help, he realizes that he is also Adolf Hitler. He...
- 2/22/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
When it's time to sit back, relax, and be frightened, Hulu has lots of TV shows that fall into the horror genre. The horror shows on Hulu span decades, from shows as old as Rose Red and Death Note from the early 2000s to new movies like Blood Curse. For a quiet night in, there is so much available to watch.
The horror genre, of course, is quite diverse. There are disturbing, gruesome, cerebral, and sometimes even humorous horror movies. Run through the options and you're sure to find something that fits.
Updated on January 25, 2024 by Christine Persaud: To keep you consistently up to date on what's available on Hulu in the horror TV show genre, this list is always tended to. Everything here is available to stream right now with a subscription, either with ads or without, depending on which tier you have. Buckle up and have fun watching!
The horror genre, of course, is quite diverse. There are disturbing, gruesome, cerebral, and sometimes even humorous horror movies. Run through the options and you're sure to find something that fits.
Updated on January 25, 2024 by Christine Persaud: To keep you consistently up to date on what's available on Hulu in the horror TV show genre, this list is always tended to. Everything here is available to stream right now with a subscription, either with ads or without, depending on which tier you have. Buckle up and have fun watching!
- 2/22/2024
- by Christine Persaud
- Comic Book Resources
Nominees have been announced for the 76th annual Writers Guild Awards, and Star Trek: Picard squeaked in just under the wire.
The concluded Paramount+ quasi-revival saw its series finale nominated in the Episodic Drama category. Other first-time nominees include freshman shows Shrinking, The Last of Us, The Curse and The Diplomat.
More from TVLineThe Last of Us: Catherine O'Hara Confirmed for Season 2 Mystery RoleThe Diplomat Season 2: The West Wing's Allison Janney Elected Vice PresidentThe Last of Us Casts 100 Things to Do Before High School's Isabela Merced as Someone Very Important to Ellie
Of course, usual suspects like Succession,...
The concluded Paramount+ quasi-revival saw its series finale nominated in the Episodic Drama category. Other first-time nominees include freshman shows Shrinking, The Last of Us, The Curse and The Diplomat.
More from TVLineThe Last of Us: Catherine O'Hara Confirmed for Season 2 Mystery RoleThe Diplomat Season 2: The West Wing's Allison Janney Elected Vice PresidentThe Last of Us Casts 100 Things to Do Before High School's Isabela Merced as Someone Very Important to Ellie
Of course, usual suspects like Succession,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Dr. Sleech and Dr. Klak tackle dangerous cases while navigating personal trauma and relationships in The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy. The potential cure for anxiety comes at a high cost, impacting both the duo and potential patients in the show. Exec produced by Cirocco Dunlap, Maya Rudolph, and Natasha Lyonne, the star-studded cast includes Stephanie Hsu, Keke Palmer, and more.
Dr. Sleech and Dr. Klak are best friends and renowned surgeons throughout the galaxies in The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy. The pair take on dangerous cases as they attempt to navigate their complicated personal lives, including intense childhood trauma, mental health, and messy relationships. The duo may have stumbled across a potential cure for anxiety, but at a high cost for both themselves and any potential patient as well.
The Second Best Hospital In The Galaxy was created by Cirocco Dunlap. Dunlap serves as an executive...
Dr. Sleech and Dr. Klak are best friends and renowned surgeons throughout the galaxies in The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy. The pair take on dangerous cases as they attempt to navigate their complicated personal lives, including intense childhood trauma, mental health, and messy relationships. The duo may have stumbled across a potential cure for anxiety, but at a high cost for both themselves and any potential patient as well.
The Second Best Hospital In The Galaxy was created by Cirocco Dunlap. Dunlap serves as an executive...
- 2/19/2024
- by Caitlin Tyrrell
- ScreenRant.com
The "Futurama" character Randy (John Dimaggio) has appeared in 17 episodes of the series to date and in three of the four movies. Randy is enthused, catty, and seen throughout the series holding down a wide variety of jobs. In one episode, he is the proprietor of a jewelry store (Dr. Zoidberg spits expensive gems at him). In another, he is seen teaching a prenatal swim class (Dr. Zoidberg froths lobster drool on him). In a third, he builds an ark to save Earth's animals during a great deluge (Dr. Zoidberg remains mercifully absent). In the latter scenario, Randy's husband points out that Randy filled the ark with same-sex couples, which he is quite proud of. "There are some parts of the Bible I like," Randy says, "and some parts I don't like."
Dimaggio has been quite outspoken on "Futurama" DVD commentaries about how much he loves Randy. Randy never emerged...
Dimaggio has been quite outspoken on "Futurama" DVD commentaries about how much he loves Randy. Randy never emerged...
- 2/18/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Watch any American cartoons (and/or play some video games) made in the 2000s-2010s and you'll notice some familiar voices across the shows. One voice you're bound to hear is that of John Dimaggio.
Born and raised in New Jersey, with the accent to prove it, the 6'4 Dimaggio has a deep voice that's as imposing as his frame. Don't think that he lacks range, though. He can play lovable heroes (Jake the Dog in "Adventure Time" or Aquaman in "Batman: The Brave and the Bold") and tough guys who are more emotional than they let on (Marcus Fenix in "Gears of War" or the short-tempered humanoid tiger alien Rath in "Ben 10"). He's just as good at playing villains, if not more so due to his baritone. Dimaggio's bad guys range from serious bad news to incompetent comic relief (Dr. Drakken in "Kim Possible").
He's also been in most of the "Transformers" films,...
Born and raised in New Jersey, with the accent to prove it, the 6'4 Dimaggio has a deep voice that's as imposing as his frame. Don't think that he lacks range, though. He can play lovable heroes (Jake the Dog in "Adventure Time" or Aquaman in "Batman: The Brave and the Bold") and tough guys who are more emotional than they let on (Marcus Fenix in "Gears of War" or the short-tempered humanoid tiger alien Rath in "Ben 10"). He's just as good at playing villains, if not more so due to his baritone. Dimaggio's bad guys range from serious bad news to incompetent comic relief (Dr. Drakken in "Kim Possible").
He's also been in most of the "Transformers" films,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
One of the best (and silliest) qualities of "Futurama" is just how much the world of the future hasn't changed from the present. Yes, there are alcoholic robots and aliens all around, but the characters are always just so happening to deal with the same basic social issues of the audience's time, from global warming to corporate greed to bitcoin. History repeats itself, it seems, and according to "Futurama" it repeats itself in thousand-year cycles.
Case in point was the 2010 episode "Proposition Infinity," an episode that was clearly inspired by California's Proposition 8, in which California voters in the 2008 election voted to effectively ban gay marriage in the state. The controversial proposition is so infamous in part because of how quickly voters' views on gay marriage would change; if the proposition had been on the ballot just a year later, it's likely most Californians would've voted against it. If it had...
Case in point was the 2010 episode "Proposition Infinity," an episode that was clearly inspired by California's Proposition 8, in which California voters in the 2008 election voted to effectively ban gay marriage in the state. The controversial proposition is so infamous in part because of how quickly voters' views on gay marriage would change; if the proposition had been on the ballot just a year later, it's likely most Californians would've voted against it. If it had...
- 2/17/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Voice actor Billy West plays several of the lead characters on Matt Groening and David X. Cohen's 31st-century sitcom "Futurama." His voice for Fry, he has said, is essentially how he sounded when he was in his 20s. He also voices the elderly Professor Farnsworth, the incompetent lobster Dr. Zoidberg, the blow-hard Shatnerian space captain Zapp Brannigan, and the severed head of Richard Nixon. He's also played a wide variety of store clerks, alien slugs, terrifying robots, and North Pole elves in his tenure on "Futurama." There is nothing, it seems, he can't do.
It also takes a great deal of professionalism to be so silly. Voice actors, especially prolific ones, have to recall how dozens of characters sound in a split second, able to call up whatever voices a scene needs. In West's case, he likely has to have conversations with himself, using two or more unique voices in a single scene.
It also takes a great deal of professionalism to be so silly. Voice actors, especially prolific ones, have to recall how dozens of characters sound in a split second, able to call up whatever voices a scene needs. In West's case, he likely has to have conversations with himself, using two or more unique voices in a single scene.
- 2/15/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Bill Bryson bestseller A Short History of Nearly Everything is being reimagined as an animated TV series by former The Simpsons showrunner Josh Weinstein and Paddington scribe Jason Hazeley, with Richard Ayoade narrating.
Altitude and Brouhaha Entertainment are forging the series version of a book that has sold 15 million copies worldwide and been translated into 50 languages, with a view to turning it into a long-running entertainment franchise.
Published two decades ago, the book sees celebrated writer Bryson take on popular science by tackling issues such as the size of the universe and the development of the human race, and setting them out in layman’s terms. A large part of the book is devoted to relating humorous stories about the scientists behind the research and their sometimes eccentric behaviours. Narrated by Ayoade, the animation will tell these stories spanning centuries and continents, time and space, and the abstract and the real,...
Altitude and Brouhaha Entertainment are forging the series version of a book that has sold 15 million copies worldwide and been translated into 50 languages, with a view to turning it into a long-running entertainment franchise.
Published two decades ago, the book sees celebrated writer Bryson take on popular science by tackling issues such as the size of the universe and the development of the human race, and setting them out in layman’s terms. A large part of the book is devoted to relating humorous stories about the scientists behind the research and their sometimes eccentric behaviours. Narrated by Ayoade, the animation will tell these stories spanning centuries and continents, time and space, and the abstract and the real,...
- 2/12/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
When you're making a show that lasts over 25 years, there will inevitably be some material from early seasons that don't age as well as expected. Comedy is the quickest to age and the quickest to age poorly, they say, so we should probably go easy on older sitcoms when they can't fully escape being products of their time. While early "Futurama" has aged better than most sitcoms from 1999 — thanks to how most of the woes it satirizes are still around today, but worse — there are plenty of moments that the creators regret. Case in point: "In-a-Gadda-Da-Leela," the 2010 episode where Leela and Zapp find themselves alone, naked, in an unknown planet.
"That one didn't age well," co-creator David X. Cohen said in a 2023 interview. "But we failed to avoid it. I would say it's a better description than that we didn't avoid it." He doesn't clarify exactly what "it" is here,...
"That one didn't age well," co-creator David X. Cohen said in a 2023 interview. "But we failed to avoid it. I would say it's a better description than that we didn't avoid it." He doesn't clarify exactly what "it" is here,...
- 2/11/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
On David X. Cohen and Matt Groening's 31st-century sci-fi sitcom "Futurama," the world's citizens are hooked on a high-octane ultra-soap-opera called "All My Circuits," a long-running TV series starring a cast of mostly robots. The main character in "All My Circuits" is a tall, egocentric blowhard named Calculon who is constantly discovering evil twins, engaging in robotic infidelities, and discovering multiple personalities. In a strange metanarrative twist, the Calculon on "All My Circuits" is played by a robot ... that also happens to be named Calculon, and also happens to be an egocentric blowhard.
In reality, Calculon is played by veteran voice actor Maurice Lamarche, one of the best voice actors currently working. Maurice Lamarche plays Calculon with a bloviating confidence that only seems to infect famous actors. Calculon eventually reveals that he is many hundreds of years old, and changes his identity every few decades. In previous lives, he...
In reality, Calculon is played by veteran voice actor Maurice Lamarche, one of the best voice actors currently working. Maurice Lamarche plays Calculon with a bloviating confidence that only seems to infect famous actors. Calculon eventually reveals that he is many hundreds of years old, and changes his identity every few decades. In previous lives, he...
- 2/10/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Billy West's versatile voice talents allow him to portray both human and non-human characters in Futurama, making him a key member of the cast. The demand from devoted fans has contributed to Futurama's repeated returns, despite battling numerous cancelations throughout its run. Among Billy West's many Futurama characters, some of the most popular are Judge Ron Whitey, President Nixon's Head, and Professor John A. Zoidberg.
Futurama is filled with a whole host of eccentric characters, and Billy West lends his voice to a great number of them. As a key member of the Futurama cast, West's versatility allows him to play human roles as well as voice some of Futurama's best non-human characters. While Billy West's work is not limited to Futurama, it's the show with which he's most closely associated due to its prolonged yet intermittent run.
The Matt Groening animated sci-fi sitcom has battled numerous cancelations during its time.
Futurama is filled with a whole host of eccentric characters, and Billy West lends his voice to a great number of them. As a key member of the Futurama cast, West's versatility allows him to play human roles as well as voice some of Futurama's best non-human characters. While Billy West's work is not limited to Futurama, it's the show with which he's most closely associated due to its prolonged yet intermittent run.
The Matt Groening animated sci-fi sitcom has battled numerous cancelations during its time.
- 2/10/2024
- by Daniel Bibby
- ScreenRant.com
In the "Futurama" episode "War is the H-Word," Fry (Billy West) and Bender (John Dimaggio) discover that they can get a 5% discount on ham-flavored chewing gum if they have a military I.D. Feeling that they would never be drafted into any kind of foolish military conflict, the two sign up for the armed services and absquatulate with their gum.
And then the war came.
Fry and Bender are immediately drafted into a bizarre battlefield excursion they're told very little about. They are trained to fire guns and be generally boorish and sexist, as their commanding officer is the irrepressible misogynist Zapp Brannigan (West). Fry's and Bender's much more capable friend Leela (Katey Sagal) joins the army in disguise (she puts on a beard) just so she can make sure the two dopes don't get blown up on day one of combat. It won't be until they are shipped to...
And then the war came.
Fry and Bender are immediately drafted into a bizarre battlefield excursion they're told very little about. They are trained to fire guns and be generally boorish and sexist, as their commanding officer is the irrepressible misogynist Zapp Brannigan (West). Fry's and Bender's much more capable friend Leela (Katey Sagal) joins the army in disguise (she puts on a beard) just so she can make sure the two dopes don't get blown up on day one of combat. It won't be until they are shipped to...
- 2/10/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
A great character introduction can completely change the course of a TV show, establishing iconic status and creating unforgettable moments. Different shows use various methods to introduce characters, from ratcheting up suspense to introducing major players with an iconic quip or catchphrase. Keeping a character in the background can sometimes be even more effective, building suspense and establishing the character as a driving force for the drama to come.
A great character introduction can completely change the course of a TV show. If handled properly, a new TV character can transform the tone, direction, and even the legacy of any series, creating unforgettable moments that live long with the audience. Irrespective of whether a show is already established or just starting, introducing characters is a key tool in getting viewers onboard quickly and adding to the drama.
There are many different ways for a TV show to introduce characters. In some cases,...
A great character introduction can completely change the course of a TV show. If handled properly, a new TV character can transform the tone, direction, and even the legacy of any series, creating unforgettable moments that live long with the audience. Irrespective of whether a show is already established or just starting, introducing characters is a key tool in getting viewers onboard quickly and adding to the drama.
There are many different ways for a TV show to introduce characters. In some cases,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Tommy Lethbridge
- ScreenRant.com
At the start of Matt Groening's and David X. Cohen's 31st-century sci-fi sitcom "Futurama," the alcoholic robot Bender (John Dimaggio) sounded a little bit more like a drunken vagrant. He slurred his speech more and seemed less able to concentrate. As the show progressed, Bender became more self-assured, like the guy at the bar who — after his fourth shot of Jim Beam — is 100% confident he could thrash the bouncer. Bender became egotistical in addition to being a drunken criminal. On DVD commentary tracks, the makers of "Futurama" have said that Bender, in being a robot, allowed them more explicit depictions of violence and vice; a human character cannot drink a gallon of rotgut whiskey and smoke four cigars simultaneously, but a robot can. The Fox censors are weird.
Prior to "Futurama," Dimaggio only had a few credits to his name. His first gig was playing ancillary voices in...
Prior to "Futurama," Dimaggio only had a few credits to his name. His first gig was playing ancillary voices in...
- 2/9/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"If there's one thing America needs, it's more lawyers." Lionel Hutz, defense attorney
There may not be a setting more suited to English language television than the courtroom.
Applying the real world rule of law to hypothetical cases dreamed up by the writers, from the tragic to the preposterous, underlines the drama in ways unique to the courtroom genre and makes champions of those who defend the wrongly (or not so wrongly) accused.
Right or wrong, innocent or guilty, these are the law talkin' guys and gals we'd want to have on our side in a court of law.
Ben Matlock, Matlock
If you're counting down TV's best defense lawyers, this one's obligatory. Ben Matlock, portrayed by TV legend Andy Griffith, wrote the playbook on dramatic reveals and turnarounds in front of the jury.
Matlock blurred the line between detective show and courtroom procedural as he would clear his clients...
There may not be a setting more suited to English language television than the courtroom.
Applying the real world rule of law to hypothetical cases dreamed up by the writers, from the tragic to the preposterous, underlines the drama in ways unique to the courtroom genre and makes champions of those who defend the wrongly (or not so wrongly) accused.
Right or wrong, innocent or guilty, these are the law talkin' guys and gals we'd want to have on our side in a court of law.
Ben Matlock, Matlock
If you're counting down TV's best defense lawyers, this one's obligatory. Ben Matlock, portrayed by TV legend Andy Griffith, wrote the playbook on dramatic reveals and turnarounds in front of the jury.
Matlock blurred the line between detective show and courtroom procedural as he would clear his clients...
- 2/8/2024
- by Gilbert Smith
- TVfanatic
Family Guy, an iconic animated comedy, is moving its premiere from Sundays to Wednesdays after 18 years on the Sunday night block. This scheduling change raises concerns about the future of the show and whether it will face cancelation after 25 years. Although Family Guy's ratings have declined, and it may be past its prime, there is still uncertainty about its future as it is renewed for the 2024-25 season, and creator Seth MacFarlane is in demand elsewhere.
When one thinks of this century's iconic animated programs, Family Guy is typically one of the first that comes to mind. Since its debut 25 years ago, Seth MacFarlane's animated masterpiece has both entertained and polarized audiences of all ages for over 400 episodes. It's been a staple of Fox's Sunday night animation lineup for nearly two decades, though that will soon come to an end.
This spring, Family Guy will move premieres to Wednesdays,...
When one thinks of this century's iconic animated programs, Family Guy is typically one of the first that comes to mind. Since its debut 25 years ago, Seth MacFarlane's animated masterpiece has both entertained and polarized audiences of all ages for over 400 episodes. It's been a staple of Fox's Sunday night animation lineup for nearly two decades, though that will soon come to an end.
This spring, Family Guy will move premieres to Wednesdays,...
- 2/7/2024
- by Adam Brown
- MovieWeb
TV shows have featured memorable Valentine's Day episodes, showcasing both romantic and disastrous moments for characters. Favorite shows like The Office, The Simpsons, 30 Rock, Futurama, Parks and Recreation, and Grey's Anatomy have all tackled Valentine's Day themes. These Valentine's Day episodes offer a mix of romance, comedy, and relatable relationship moments, making them a great watch for the romantic period.
With Valentine's Day approaching, there are plenty of brilliant TV episodes to curl up and watch, whether you're spending the day with someone or not. Over the years, various TV shows have delved into the lives of their characters on the most romantic day of the year. Of course, a day of love and passion can result in a great episode, but for some of these characters, Valentine's Day can be a disaster.
Although Valentine's Day isn't to everyone's tastes, with many finding the holiday to be more of a gimmick than anything else,...
With Valentine's Day approaching, there are plenty of brilliant TV episodes to curl up and watch, whether you're spending the day with someone or not. Over the years, various TV shows have delved into the lives of their characters on the most romantic day of the year. Of course, a day of love and passion can result in a great episode, but for some of these characters, Valentine's Day can be a disaster.
Although Valentine's Day isn't to everyone's tastes, with many finding the holiday to be more of a gimmick than anything else,...
- 2/7/2024
- by Rebecca Sargeant
- ScreenRant.com
Voice actor Maurice Lamarche is one of the preeminent elder statesmen of his craft. He started his career in stand up, finding he was a talented mimic, moving into animation in 1980. He appeared in hit shows like "Inspector Gadget" and "Transformers," really hitting his stride in 1985 playing Ego Spengler in "The Real Ghostbusters." He cycled through the KidsWB canon aggressively in the late '80s and early '90s, appearing in "Taz-Mania," "Batman: The Animated Series," "Tiny Toon Adventures," "Freakazoid!," and "Animaniacs" wherein he employed his spot-on Orson Welles impersonation to voice the power-hungry mouse the Brain. His largest sampling of voice caricatures came from his work on the 1994 series "The Critic," where he voiced celebrities ranging from William Shatner to Elizabeth Taylor (but only when she was belching).
In 1999, Lamarche became one of the regulars on Mat Groening's and David X. Cohen's sci-fi sitcom "Futurama" where he played Kif,...
In 1999, Lamarche became one of the regulars on Mat Groening's and David X. Cohen's sci-fi sitcom "Futurama" where he played Kif,...
- 2/4/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Who doesn't love Dr. Zoidberg? Everyone! Everyone doesn't love Dr. Zoidberg. At least that's one of the running gags of "Futurama," the undying sci-fi sitcom created by Matt Groening and David X. Cohen. Dr. Zoidberg, voiced by Billy West, is a pathetic dumpster-dwelling lobster monster whose body is lousy with parasites and who sprays his peers with ink when startled. He's grievously awkward and doesn't have any friends. What's more, he's a terrible doctor, completely baffled by the anatomy of the mammals he works with; his diagnoses tend to be for fish-related ailments like fungi.
Naturally, the "Futurama" writers love writing Zoidberg scenes. It's actually astonishing how much humor the "Futurama" writing staff has been able to mine from having a big lobster on the show. There are more gags and jokes about sea life than one might think. For example, when Zoidberg vomits, he ejects liquid from both his...
Naturally, the "Futurama" writers love writing Zoidberg scenes. It's actually astonishing how much humor the "Futurama" writing staff has been able to mine from having a big lobster on the show. There are more gags and jokes about sea life than one might think. For example, when Zoidberg vomits, he ejects liquid from both his...
- 2/4/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.