Groening on Futurama the show keeps going after the finale
The Never-Ending Saga: Why Matt Groening Thinks Futurama is Immortal
In the land of animated comedy, endings are often the most anticipated—or dreaded—moments. But for the creator of one of the most beloved sci-fi comedies on television, the concept of a definitive final chapter seems to be a joke history has learned to laugh at. Matt Groening, the mastermind behind Futurama, has openly declared that despite the airing of a recent finale, he firmly believes the series is far from over, leaning into the idea that the franchise is built to resurrect itself, no matter what.
The journey of Futurama is a testament to the enduring power of its creative team. After its initial run on the Fox network from 1999 to 2003, the show found a new home with a revival on Comedy Central, which aired new episodes from 2008 to 2013. This universe continued its journey into the streaming age when it was brought back to audiences via Hulu in 2023, proving that the appeal of Bender and the rest of the crew remains endlessly potent.
The latest chapter, titled Final Ending: The Last Conclusion, has only served as another playful nod to the show’s complex history. Groening, however, is not interested in finality. He suggests that the show’s longevity has fostered a kind of celebratory attitude—a whistling-past-the-graveyard mindset—because they have faced multiple conclusions before. “They can put us in a coffin. They can nail the lid shut, but they can’t bury us. We will rise again,” he quipped. “I guess I’m not too worried.”
This philosophy reflects the creative spirit of the entire team. Groening noted that the very existence of the show’s repeated comebacks has fueled a desire to keep telling stories. He emphasized that the animators, actors, and writers all remain eager to craft more adventures for the characters. “We have lots more stories to tell,” he stated, acknowledging that the possibilities for the franchise are seemingly limitless.
The strength of the Futurama world extends beyond the screen. Groening has cultivated a vast creative ecosystem, including his work on Disenchantment for Netflix, where he also contributed to the cast and animation studio. This interconnectedness demonstrates a commitment to creating a rich, living universe rather than a finite series.
This dedication to ongoing storytelling is further evidenced by Groening’s recent revelations about other projects. He has hinted that the beloved video game, The Simpsons Hit & Run, is poised to make a return in some form, further cementing the idea that the characters and concepts are continually evolving and finding new life across various media.
Credit
