FUTURAMA revival ordered at Hulu

Animated SF sitcom Futurama is returning with new episodes for Hulu. The streamer has ordered a 20-episode eighth season of the show, which last aired new episodes in 2013 (although a Simpsons/Futurama crossover episode aired in 2014).

Created by Simpsons creator Matt Groening, Futurama debuted in March 1999 and ran for four seasons on Fox. Although critically acclaimed, the show never attracted audience figures close to that of The Simpsons and was cancelled in 2003. Comedy Central subsequently resurrected the show with four feature-length episodes in 2008, which were later split into four episodes apiece to make up fifth season. Comedy Central then commissioned two more seasons which aired from 2010 to 2013 before cancelling the show again. The show won six Emmy Awards during its time on the air.

Groening has subsequently created the animated fantasy comedy Disenchantment for Netflix, which released its fourth set of episodes today.

Groening and Futurama producer/developer David X. Cohen are producing the revival. Most of the original cast will return, with the only outstanding actor currently being John DiMaggio, who voiced sarcastic, alcoholic robot Bender. Hulu are currently negotiating with DiMaggio, but are willing to recast if necessary.

Production of the new season will begin this month, to air in 2023.