Does Disney Own Futurama?
Futurama, the animated science fiction sitcom, has been a beloved favorite among fans for decades. The show, created by Matt Groening, has undergone several changes in ownership over the years, leaving many to wonder: does Disney own Futurama?
A Brief History of Futurama’s Ownership
Futurama was first aired on March 28, 1999, by FOX, a broadcasting giant, and ran for five seasons until it was cancelled in 2003. After its initial run, the show disappeared from the airwaves, leaving fans in limbo. However, in 2008, Comedy Central (not to be confused with the music channel) acquired the rights to the show and produced four direct-to-video movies between 2009 and 2013. These movies, Futurama: Bender’s Big Score, The Beast with a Billion Back, Bender’s Game, and Into the Wild , were a huge success, reviving the series and leading to new episodes.
**[Table: Timeline of Futurama’s Ownership]
| Year | Ownership | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-2003 | FOX | Original airings |
| 2008-2013 | Comedy Central | Direct-to-video movies |
| 2013-present | Hulu | New episodes and streaming rights |
The Current State of Futurama’s Ownership
In 2013, Hulu, a popular video streaming service, acquired the rights to Futurama, and the show returned to the air in 2012. Since then, Hulu has produced new episodes, and the show has been available exclusively on the platform. In 2019, Hulu and Disney announced a merger, with Disney acquiring full control of the streaming service. This raised questions about the future of Futurama’s ownership.
[Subtitle:] The Disney Connection
Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, completed in 2019, meant that Disney inherited a significant portion of 20th Century Fox’s assets, including the Fox Broadcasting Company. As a result, Disney gained control of other Fox assets, such as the 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 production studios. However, Futurama, which was already under Hulu’s control, was not part of this deal.
[Important Point: Futurama was not directly sold to Disney as part of the 2019 acquisition deal, and its ownership remains with Hulu.]
What About the Voice Actors and Crew?
Many fans might wonder what happens to the voice cast and crew behind Futurama. Billy West, the talented voice actor behind Philip J. Fry, Jenkins, and others, signed a new deal with Hulu in 2018 for the show’s continuation. Matt Groening, the show’s creator, has also remained involved, serving as an executive producer and writer for the new seasons. The same goes for David X. Cohen, the show’s former writer and showrunner, who has continued to work on new episodes.
Conclusion: Does Disney Own Futurama?
To answer the initial question: no, Disney does not own Futurama. The show is currently owned by Hulu, which acquired the rights in 2013. Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox’s assets did not include Futurama, and the show remains an exclusive property of the streaming service. While Disney’s influence in the entertainment industry has grown significantly, Futurama remains a separate entity under Hulu’s control.
Additional Resources
- "Futurama" Wikipedia page: [Link]
- Disney’s Acquisition of 21st Century Fox: [Link]
- Hulu’s Futurama Page: [Link]
Final
In conclusion, while Disney’s influence in the entertainment industry continues to grow, Futurama remains under the control of Hulu. For now, fans can continue to enjoy new episodes and the show’s full catalog on the popular streaming service.