Futurama - TV-PG

The Jetsons meet The Simpsons.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Cartoon Network Cast: Billy West, Katey Sagal, Phil LaMarr Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that because this series' content can be unpredictable, it's not meant for younger kids. The language can be crass, there are allusions to sex, characters drink and make drug references, and there is some cartoon violence. In general, characters don't cross the line when it comes to disrespecting each other, which would put the show into a more menacing sci-fi genre. Instead, this is a successful comedy that keeps you wanting more.

Families can discuss what the "future" means and why so much hope is pinned to it. The show's fictional world is diverse -- one topic to raise is how tolerant the average Joe has to be to allow this vision of society to exist. Can robots conceivably be part of human society? Teens might also have fun comparing this show to its TV "cousin," The Simpsons. How are the two shows alike? How are they different

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Joly Herman

Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, is also the mind behind FUTURAMA, which takes place in the year 3001. Though his involvement with Futurama wasn't as consistent as it was with The Simpsons, Groening's influence is undeniably felt. Homer and Bart fans will enjoy seeing characters with familiar features; also familiar are the quick wit and unique plot lines. You never really know where this show is going, but you can expect a great ride.

Futurama's premise goes like this: Philip Fry (voiced by Billy West) is a 20th-century pizza boy who makes a delivery to a cryogenic institute, gets frozen, and wakes up in the year 3001. Fry immediately falls in with his distant nephew, Professor Farnsworth (West again), one-eyed ship captain Leela (Katey Sagal), and their intergalactic delivery crew. He ends up living with kleptomaniac robot Bender (John Di Maggio) and patching together a rag-tag family.

You get the picture -- it's goofy, zany, clever Matt Groening humor. The characters have a lot of character, which can make watching this series very entertaining. Jokes are funny, ironies are ironic, and all of the peripheral details offer bonus laughs. Book covers, signs, newspaper headlines, and other bits of media: All carry witticisms. It's a very well-conceived creation that has lots of quality plotlines.

But parents should watch out: Anything and everything can happen. The series' very unpredictable nature results in a broad range of things to expect. Some episodes can contain a relatively high percentage of sexual references, while others may focus on alcohol intake or general debauchery. However, viewers can rely on the fact that Bender will be crude. Parents will want to watch a few episodes to make sure that it works for their kids.

Futurama fans might also enjoy The Simpsons and Family Guy.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Unpredictable references; not for young kids.
Violence Some cartoon violence, but nothing torturous.
Language Very unpredictable. Bender in particular has a potty mouth.
Message
	Social Behavior Some characters are lewd and bizarre. Again, the show is unpredictable. Very diverse society with strong female characters.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Bender needs to consume alcohol in order to function, so he's a steady drinker, though not having alcohol actually makes him drunk. Robots … go figure.