The much-beloved animated series, Futurama, is embarking on its third return within a span of 24 years, eliciting immense joy from fans across the globe. The show boasts an ardent and devoted following and has garnered critical acclaim for its seamless fusion of science fiction, satire, and wit. Building upon its previous triumphs and loyal audience, the series embarks on yet another thrilling and captivating journey with its latest revival on the Hulu/Disney+ platform.
Futurama, the brainchild of renowned animator Matt Groening, is a critically acclaimed animated series that has left an indelible mark on television history. Bursting onto screens in 1999, this sci-fi spectacle takes viewers on a thrilling journey through time and space, exploring a futuristic world filled with wit, humor, and adventure. Here are 10 facts and easter eggs you don’t know about Futurama:
Bender’s Apartment Door: A Binary Easter Egg
One of the intriguing secrets in the animated series Futurama lies within Bender’s apartment door. The numeric code on his door reads 00100100, which may seem meaningless at first glance. However, it holds a clever reference in the world of binary code. When translated, this binary sequence equates to the number 36. Even more interestingly, in the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) table, the decimal number 36 represents the dollar sign ($). This creative Easter egg adds a touch of brilliance to Bender’s character and showcases the show’s attention to detail.
The Hypnotoad’s Enigmatic Sound
Among the many peculiar creatures in Futurama, the Hypnotoad stands out with its unique and mesmerizing abilities. But the mystery of its distinctive sound is a fascinating one. Surprisingly, the sound of the Hypnotoad is not an original creation but a cleverly edited recording. The creators used a turbine engine sound, which was then played backward to achieve the iconic Hypnotoad sound effect. The sound, initially titled “Angry Machine,” was only intended as a temporary placeholder. However, the team behind Futurama loved it so much that they decided to keep it, giving the Hypnotoad its characteristic auditory allure.
Decoding the Alien Language
The creators of Futurama delightfully included an alien language that occasionally appears in the background of certain scenes. Interestingly, fans managed to decipher this mysterious language as early as the pilot episode’s air date. The only clue provided in that episode was a sign with the words “Drink Slurm” written in both plain English and the alien code. This intriguing revelation prompted the producers to develop a more complex alien language for later episodes. As a result, the show’s world became even richer, offering attentive viewers a chance to unravel the hidden linguistic wonders of the Futurama universe.
Zapp Brannigan: A Role with a Tragic Twist
Zapp Brannigan, the charismatic and often clueless captain, holds a poignant secret behind his creation. The character was originally written with the brilliant Phil Hartman in mind. However, tragedy struck when Hartman was tragically murdered, leaving the role without its intended actor. In a remarkable turn of events, Billy West stepped in to fill the void and assumed the role of Zapp Brannigan. To pay tribute to the late Phil Hartman, Billy West impersonated Hartman when voicing the character, ensuring that Hartman’s spirit lived on in the show. Zapp Brannigan’s journey thus became a bittersweet one, forever intertwined with the memory of the talented actor who inspired his inception.
General Motors and Futurama
One of the highlights of the 1939 New York World’s Fair was the General Motors exhibit, aptly named “Futurama.” Designed by Norman Bel Geddes, a renowned industrial designer and visionary, Futurama aimed to present a futuristic landscape and envision how the world might look in the coming decades.
5. Nibbler’s Secret Identity
Among the adorable and seemingly innocent creatures in the show, Nibbler stands out. Despite his small size, Nibbler is far more than just a pet. In a jaw-dropping revelation, it is unveiled that Nibbler is an intelligent being and the mastermind behind many events in the series. From freezing Fry in the future to ensuring his destiny as the universe’s savior, Nibbler’s true identity adds depth and complexity to the show’s narrative.
6. Paying Homage to Star Trek
As a show deeply rooted in science fiction, Futurama frequently pays homage to classic works, with Star Trek being a notable inspiration. Viewers can spot various references, parodies of iconic characters, and even guest appearances by Star Trek actors. This connection adds a delightful touch for fans of both Futurama and Star Trek.
7. The Mathematical Easter Eggs
Futurama embraces mathematics and often incorporates complex equations and mathematical references into the show. Collaborating with mathematicians, including David X. Cohen, the series offers intricate mathematical jokes and hidden references that engage the minds of attentive viewers and celebrate the diversity of interests among the show’s creators.
Unique FAQs
- Is Futurama a spin-off of The Simpsons? No, Futurama is a separate series created by Matt Groening. While both shows share his signature humor, they have distinct storylines and settings.
- Did Futurama win any awards? Yes, Futurama received critical acclaim and won several awards, including Emmys for Outstanding Animated Program and Outstanding Voice-Over Performance.
- Are there any plans for a Futurama movie? As of now, there are no official plans for a Futurama movie. However, with the show’s enduring popularity, fans continue to hope for future projects.
- Which famous guest stars appeared on the show? Futurama featured numerous guest stars, including Stephen Hawking
In conclusion, Futurama, with its hidden gems and captivating secrets, continues to be a beloved series cherished by fans worldwide. The show’s attention to detail, clever references, and imaginative world-building contribute to its enduring popularity. From binary Easter eggs to enigmatic alien languages, Futurama’s allure lies not only in its humor and characters but also in the subtle layers of discovery it offers to those who explore its universe.