Futurama cancelled again

Futurama has been cancelled... again.

America’s Comedy Central has announced that the current series, due to resume in the States from June, will be the last.

The animated comedy was previously axed by the Fox network in 2003 after 72 episodes, but picked up by Comedy Central three years later. The cable channel initially ordered four feature-length episodes – and then the first full new series, but with a smaller, cheaper crew behind it.

By the time the seventh season ends in September, an additional 52 standard episodes will have been made for Comedy Central, as well as the longer shows.

Creator Matt Groening – who also devised The Simpsons –  said in a statement: ‘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.’

But he added that he hoped to find another new home for his creation, insisting: ‘We would love to continue. We have many more stories to tell’

Comedy Central’s Dave Bernath joked about the show’s fluctuating fortunes, saying: ‘The upcoming season promises to be the best final season of Futurama yet.’

Published: 23 Apr 2013