John DiMaggio Reflects On The Rollercoaster Journey Of Futurama's Cancellations

Futurama star John DiMaggio has recently opened up about the animated show's tumultuous history of cancellations, expressing his belief that this beloved series has always received "the short end of the stick." Created by Matt Groening of The Simpsons fame and writer David X. Cohen, Futurama first aired on Fox back in 1999. Despite its dedicated fanbase and impressive viewership, the show has faced numerous challenges over the years.

While Futurama has officially been canceled only twice, it has encountered a lack of consistent support from networks, contributing to its uncertain future. The erratic scheduling has left both the cast and crew feeling uneasy about their prospects, despite the show's cult status and acclaim. Hulu's recent revival of the series in 2023 marks the third time the series has returned, showcasing the show's resilience.

DiMaggio shared his thoughts ahead of the release of the twelfth season on July 26. He reminisced about the many times the show has faced cancellation, stating, "I don't know how many times we've been canceled, I've lost count." He expressed his excitement about returning but also remarked that the show could have continued without such interruptions. "It's like riding a bike, really," he noted, emphasizing that the cast remains as talented as ever.

Biography of John DiMaggio

John DiMaggio is renowned for his versatile voice acting skills, most famously portraying the lovable yet cynical robot Bender in Futurama. His career spans over two decades, and he has lent his voice to numerous characters across various animated series. DiMaggio's work extends beyond just voice acting; he has also made appearances in live-action shows and films, showcasing his broad range of talents.

Key Takeaways from John DiMaggio's Insights

As DiMaggio and fellow cast member David Herman revealed, Fox never fully embraced Futurama, despite its connection to The Simpsons. Herman humorously recounted how, while both shows aired back-to-back, Fox's slogan implied that the real programming began at 8 PM, leaving Futurama in a precarious position. The show's time slot was constantly shuffled, leading to its first cancellation in 2003 after winning an Emmy for Best Animated Show.

Despite these setbacks, reruns on Adult Swim and renewals from Comedy Central revived Futurama, allowing the show to continue evolving. The recent order of 20 episodes from Hulu indicates that audiences are still hungry for more adventures from Fry, Bender, and the rest of the Planet Express crew. The show's ability to return time and again is a testament to its unique charm and enduring appeal.

DiMaggio's candid remarks highlight the uncertainty surrounding animated series, but he remains hopeful for the future. "We've been getting the short end of the stick for a while, but it's always great," he said, conveying a sense of optimism despite the challenges. As fans await the latest episodes, the journey of Futurama continues to inspire, entertain, and provoke laughter.