New Futurama series: Fry, Leela and Bender back in the 31st century

: 11 June 2009; John Howell

bender The science fiction comedy TV series Futurama has been so popular in reruns and DVD sales, especially recent direct to DVD movies, that 20th Century Fox has revived the show for 26 new half hour episodes. Set in New New York at the turn of the 31st century, Futurama was originally broadcast from 28 March 1999 to 10 August 2003.

"Futurama was another series that fans simply demanded we bring back," 20th Century Fox TV Chairmen Gary Newman and Dana Walden announced in a press release "and we couldn't have been happier when Matt and David agreed that there were many more stories yet to tell."

A new series is excellent news. Matt Groening and David X. Cohen's futuristic comedy with heads in jars, the one eyed mutant Leela, the out of touch 20th century Fry, the cranky robot thief Bender, and the pink lobster Doctor Zoidberg is an entertaining science fiction mix that in its first 4 seasons produced some magic moments. Remember Fry moving planets to express his feelings for Leela? Although at times patchy, the overall quality of the show remained high right up until its cancellation in 2003.

Four direct to DVD movies released recently, Bender's Big Score ,The Beast with a Billion Backs, Bender's Game, and Into the Wild Green Yonder have been selling well.

"We're thrilled Futurama is coming back," said co-creator Groening. "We now have only 25,766 episodes to make before we catch up with Bender and Fry in the year 3000."

The new 26 half-hour episodes of Futurama will begin airing in 2010.

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