After a ten-year break, 20th Animation has brought back “Futurama” is back for its eleventh season and picks up exactly where it left off, without skipping a beat.   It’s been almost 25 years since the first episode was released, and over its 140 seasons, it has dealt with many different topics, and this new season is no different.

Each episode generally focuses on a single theme, which represents some of the most recent issues facing the world today, including modern issues like Amazon, streaming platforms, and Bitcoin.   While also dealing with other topics like the mysterious contents of Nibbler’s litter box, the secret history of evil Robot Santa, and the whereabouts of Kif and Amy’s tadpoles.

I’ve watched the first six episodes of this new season and have really enjoyed just jumping back into the show.  I used to watch the show when it first came out in the 90s, but as with most shows that are cancelled, resurrected, cancelled and resurrected again, I kinda drifted away from the franchise.  It’s been refreshing to just drop into these new episodes, and with the modern topics, it just feels right.   As with most great animated shows from 20th Animation, you can kind of jump into any episode, since they are stand-alone stories.  But if you can catch up on some old episodes on Hulu in the US or on Disney+ internationally, it might help. But its certainly not essential, but it will help give some background info to make certain episodes’ core storylines make more sense.  But generally, while if you haven’t watched the previous episodes or just can’t remember them (it’s been ten years!), while there are a few in-jokes that newcomers might miss, it’s not going to matter too much.

There are a few standout episodes.  One takes a look at the world of streaming and binge-watching, with plenty of jabs being thrown at Hulu along the way.   While an episode about a version of Amazon, which slowly takes over the world through its cheap shipping and smart home devices.

The revival of “Futurama” feels completely at home in the 2020s streaming world.  The craziness of being set a thousand years in the future gives the writers so much leeway to explore so many different topics, while also being relevant to today’s issues   The animation style hasn’t changed since the original show, and when compared to some of the more recent animated shows from 20th Animation, personally, I just think the new season of “Futurama” looks so much better.

If you’ve never watched “Futurama” before, I’d recommend starting with the earlier seasons first before jumping into the modern season, since the previous seasons are also available to stream now on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ around the world.

The latest “Futurama” revival is able to capture all the joy and fun of the original series, while dealing with modern issues.  It felt like the show has never been away.  If you used to like watching “Futurama”, jump back in with this new season. It’ll soon feel like it’s never been away!

The series hasn’t changed too much since it’s been away.  But as with previous seasons, not every episode hits perfectly (like the Evil Santa episode), and your own sense of humour might not click with this show.    “Futurama” is an enjoyable easy-going comedy series. It’s not going to blow your socks off, it’s very much exactly how it used to be, just with some modern storylines, but that adds to the charm of “Futurama”, it’s not trying to reinvent itself into something different, and I think the show is better because of that.  Much like the “Simpsons”, it’s a comfort-food type show, and I’m glad it’s back for more.

Rating:   3.5 Out Of 5

The first two episodes of the new season of “Futurama” is coming to Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ around the world on Monday, 24th July 2023, with new episodes being released weekly.

Are you looking forward to the return of “Futurama”?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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