Second cancellation of Futurama

On 22 April 2013, EW.com could reveal that Futurama would not be renewed, effectively cancelling Futurama for a second time.

A brief history of Futurama
Despite Fox's initial discontent with Futurama, the show remained somewhat stable for its first three production seasons, but by season 4 Fox's ultimate intentions of cancellation became clear.

However, already by 2003, had Cartoon Network's Adult Swim line up been putting Futurama first, in great contrast to the lack of respect it was given on Fox. And eventually, due to the successful cable syndication and DVD sales, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment ordered four Direct-to-DVD films in 2006. Of course content with the good news, Futurama fans were at disagreement whether films were the right format for Futurama, and even before Bender's Big Score did a hope linger on for a possible TV season if the films were successful.

And indeed speculation was rampant during 2008 and 2009 until June 2009, when Comedy Central could announce they had renewed Futurama with 26 episodes.

Re-cancellation
Around February 2013, discussions among fans began to speculate why no news of a renewal of the show had been announced, which two years ago - when season 6 was half way through its episodes - was announced. Only scarce news and hints came out of the production office, until the news finally hit two months later.

Without giving a specific reason, Comedy Central's EVP of Programming, Dave Bernarth felt it was 'natural end to the show's improbable comeback'. Matt Groening expressed little surprise, highlighting that they've been concerned about them coming back four times by now, referring to "The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings", Into the Wild Green Yonder and "Reincarnation". Groening went on to imply that they are now wondering whether they could find a new home for Futurama, such as a theatrical feature film release or perhaps producing online only episodes, but at present they were not actively looking for anything. <!-- The following stuff was interesting discussing what might have been, but it should be reworded to fit that narrative, which it does not at present.

Return to Fox
On 6 August, 2009, FOX announced that it would consider airing Futurama again, if it does well on Comedy Central.

"It’s going to do its run on Comedy Central first. They really saw continued commercial business on that and fan interest and that’s what led to that order. It’s a good show, we like the show. It’s not out of the question [to pick it up on Fox], but we have not committed to picking up that option yet."

In 2012, writer Eric Rogers made two revelations concerning the Futurama status. On 31 January, he revealed that Futurama had doubled viewership in syndication. On 4 April, he revealed that "[Comedy Central did not] have to make [the] pick up decision [until] 2013".

Season 7
On Opie and Antony Show, 26 August 2010,, former writer on , was asked about Billy West, Martling commented that during a dinner with him in Los Angeles, Billy West received a phone call from Matt Groening, stating that they had been 'renewed for three years'. However, no comment from 20th Century Fox Television, Comedy Central, FOX, The Curiosity Company and/or Matt Groening or Billy West themselves. It is possible that Billy West might have been pulling a prank on Martling at the dinner. This speculation was later refuted by the actors.

On 2 February, 2011, Katey Sagal revealed to Vulture that "Futurama just got ordered again for another season". After doing some research, Vulture could reveal that while nothing is settled nor official, 20th Century Fox and Comedy Central are in discussion about a new season, and they are both positive to a new season. On 22 March, 2011, Maurice LaMarche confirmed signing a contract for season 7 on his Facebook page.

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