I don’t know about you all, but I consider myself to belong in the GenX population. Most of my younger coworkers have maybe heard about Futurama but have never seen it. So many of the references and jokes relate to older pop culture. I am hoping some of the new episodes will be relatable to GenZ and beyond. What are your thoughts?
Imagine the scene where Fry is in his 20th century apartment, and having to explain to your children that you absolutely lived like that.
His apartment isn’t too archaic lol, my first apartment like 3 years ago was actually pretty similar. The only difference was that I didn’t have a CRT tv lol.
They’d be reacting like the other characters do!
My 10 year old daughter has been rewatching it for years. She found a role model in Leela and a name for her cat in Fry.
As for the references and jokes, yea many go over her head. But as time progresses, fewer and fewer. And she often asks about stuff she doesn’t understand.
Even without a complete understanding of the jokes and references, she absolutely adores the show. And is asking on a daily basis if the new episodes are out yet.
I think that a lot of stuff will likely go over people’s heads, but this show is so packed with hilarious moments that I think it is timeless.
This is maybe only semi related, but it reminds of something I was thinking the other day, which is how much Futurama (like all sci-fi taking place in the future, I suppose) is affected in thought by the technology of its own time, to the point it might look weird or confusing for us or people in the future.
The main thing I’m talking about is the internet. The show started before the internet really took off and became as ubiquitous as today. Just yesterday, I was rewatching a season 3 episode (can’t remember which) where Hermes’ son and Cubert create a newspaper delivering company, and suddenly it hit me how that’s not really something you see today, and almost certainly not something most kids now are going to be familiar with.
Anyway, it’s not exactly a big deal or even the best example, perhaps, but it got me thinking.
That is a great example.
There will always be shows where the references go over the viewers heads. Hell, I’ve had to Google so much from The Golden Girls that I didn’t understand. My 10 year old and 7 year old both love Futurama. The characters are timeless.
Don’t you worry about younger generations appreciating the best animated series ever produced, let me worry about blank!
Hiya, older GenZ here. The pop culture references mostly go over my head but the show is packed full of witty humor that is still enjoyable. I don’t think anyone should be worried for futurama being adopted by younger people, especially in STEM fields.
gen z here, futurama is god tier
My son who is 15 just started watching it and loves it. Seems like it has appeal across generations.
Some new episodes will be relatable to younger generations just based on titles like “Zapp gets Cancelled”.
Also, futurama holds up remarkably well because many of the problems we face today are the same problems people had in the early 2000s, or at the very least today’s problems are analogous to those of the past.
I certainly hope the excellent writing of the show, will allow it to have a timeless element to it (which is kinda the theme of the show, if you think about it). As a Gen X’er, I imagine some things will go over younger heads (the “Odd Couple” references in “I Robot” may not be truly appreciated, for example). Also, some eps were creatures of their time - “Three Hundred Big Boys” was inspired by the GW Bush tax rebate, for example. I doubt that little tidbit will be remembered.
One thing I wonder, will the history of the show itself - the expected cancellations, multiple “series finale” eps, FOX’s juggling of the broadcast order - be remembered?
As an older Gen Z, I thoroughly enjoyed Futurama and have rewatched it many times. I didn’t get some of the jokes referencing “old” pop culture and experiences.
I think there is a magical aspect of Futurama that is truly timeless.
Sit someone down who has never seen the show and make them watch Jurassic Bark. Every time I’ve done it the person is tearing up by the end.
Very few shows have the ability to resonate with their audience like that. Especially animated ones.
Our kids are 16, 19, and 21, and they all love it. They don’t get all the references, but they ask and enjoy learning new things. Maybe it won’t be quite the same for them, but I have a lot of hope!
I think it’s pretty timeless in its humor. As long as there are science fiction fans, it will have an appeal. My Boomer ass has always loved it.
