Nearly three decades after its debut, Futurama remains a rare gem in animation—a show that has survived cancellations, streaming shifts, and the test of time. Now airing on Hulu and Disney+, Season 14 kicked off with a bang, and fans got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look thanks to a special theatrical screening and Q&A hosted by Collider on the Walt Disney lot in Burbank.
Creator Matt Groening, showrunner David X. Cohen, and a host of voice actors—including Billy West, Maurice LaMarche, Phil LaMarr, Lauren Tom, and David Herman—joined Collider's Steven Weintraub to discuss the new season, their favorite Easter eggs, and what it's like to work with such a talented cast. The conversation also touched on the recently announced extended holiday specials and a teased crossover with Groening's other animated series, Disenchantment.
New Generations Discover Futurama
When asked about the funniest or strangest way they've learned that a new generation has discovered the show, Billy West pointed to Reddit, where younger fans often say, "I wasn't born then." David X. Cohen shared a heartwarming anecdote about a friend's daughter who drew Bender and Fry—though she'd never seen the show, she knew Bender was a robot and drew a French fry next to him. It's a testament to the show's enduring appeal.
The Nerdiest Easter Egg
Cohen proudly recounted the episode "The Prisoner of Benda," where characters swap brains, creating a complex mathematical puzzle. The writers were stuck until senior writer Ken Keeler, who holds a PhD in applied math, proved a theorem that solved the conundrum. The episode even features a brief shot of the full mathematical proof on a chalkboard—a moment Cohen calls "hardcore nerd." Groening jokingly offered to bring out the actual chalkboard.
Strange Pitches That Became Episodes
Peter Avanzino mentioned Fry eating Brocky J. as one of the strangest ideas that made it to air. Groening also revealed a pitch he had for an episode where Bender tries to steal God's treasure, which never came to fruition due to cancellation—but he later used a similar idea in Disenchantment. This crossover of ideas is a fun nod for fans of both shows.
The team also discussed the challenges of crafting episodes that balance humor with heart, and the joy of seeing the show on the big screen with a live audience. Groening noted, "It's so much fun because we watched the show, like everybody else, at home, and to see it with a crowd, laughing, is very nice."
Looking Ahead: Holiday Specials and More
Fans can look forward to movie-length holiday specials, which the team teased as an exciting new format. The upcoming season also includes a tribute to the late Coolio, who voiced Kwanzaabot, a beloved guest character. This send-off is sure to tug at heartstrings while honoring the show's tradition of memorable guest stars.
For those who want to dive deeper into the world of Futurama, the full Q&A is available to watch, offering a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, Season 14 promises more of the sharp wit and emotional depth that have made the show a classic. And if you're in the mood for more animated adventures, check out our list of beloved movie trilogies or explore emotionally devastating TV episodes for a good cry.
