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00:00:00 – 00:12:26
The video delves into fascinating, lesser-known details and behind-the-scenes insights about the animated TV show "Futurama." Key themes include the creative challenges and influences that shaped the show's characters and settings. Voice actor Billy West's versatility and Ken Keeler's intellectual contributions, such as a unique mathematical theorem, highlight the talent behind the series. The show's creators drew inspiration from various sources, including Philo Farnsworth and the 1939 World's Fair for the title, and James Dean for Fry's look. Futurama's rich tapestry includes intricate references like binary codes, historical jokes, and influences from iconic sci-fi franchises like "Star Wars" and "Star Trek." Noteworthy guest stars, such as Stephen Hawking and Al Gore, added a touch of authenticity. The video also touches on fan influence, illustrated by character Qbert, and cultural impact, exemplified by Seymour's storyline, inspired by a real dog in Tokyo. The conclusion encourages viewer interaction, inviting thoughts on the facts shared, reinforcing the show's deep connection with its dedicated fanbase.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on interesting and lesser-known facts about the animated TV show Futurama. Highlights include the impressive versatility of voice actor Billy West, who has voiced multiple iconic characters across various shows and movies. The segment also reveals that Professor Farnsworth was named after Philo Farnsworth, the inventor of television, and that the show’s title was inspired by a General Motors exhibit at the 1939 World’s Fair. Additionally, it mentions the broadcast issues the show faced with networks not airing episodes in the intended order. One notable incident was when the creators were fined for including 250 characters in a single frame, which was deemed a waste of animators’ time. Finally, it touches on the intellectual prowess of the show’s team, particularly writer Ken Keeler, who developed a mathematical theorem to explain a plot involving body-swapping.
00:03:00
In this segment, it is revealed that Fry’s look in Futurama was modeled after James Dean’s iconic appearance in “Rebel Without a Cause.” Bender’s versatility is showcased as he has served numerous functions throughout the series, including as a toilet, mailbox, beer pump, and time machine. The show’s creators developed two alien languages, both of which were decoded by fans. Influences for the show included various pop culture references, notably with characters like Leela and Bender named after iconic figures and characters. Futurama is packed with detailed references and inside jokes, including binary codes that translate to meaningful symbols and historical references such as the “Bull Moose Party” and Grover Cleveland’s two heads. Additionally, Futurama incorporated sound effects from other famous sci-fi shows like “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” for added authenticity and nostalgia.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses several interesting facts about the TV show Futurama. They reveal that Hermes was almost a completely different character named Dexter and not originally Jamaican until Phil Lamarr improvised the accent, leading to a rewrite. Additionally, Fry was nearly named Curtis, and Bender’s first name was going to be “URL” pronounced as Earl. They also highlight a background joke about owls in Futurama’s futuristic setting, which were introduced to control rats but ended up dominating the environment. The speaker notes Futurama’s rocky history with its original network, its eventual cancellation, and subsequent revival due to its strong fanbase, including a unique hypnotoad-centric episode. Interestingly, Zoidberg’s famous catchphrase, “why not Zoidberg,” was never actually spoken in the show but became popular through internet memes. Lastly, they mention Bender’s humorous and exaggerated composition materials, summing up to over 300 percent.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the narrator highlights notable guest appearances on the show “Futurama.” Professor Stephen Hawking is mentioned as having voiced his own character three times. Other significant cameos include Vice President Al Gore and several cast members from “Star Trek,” such as George Takei, William Shatner, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and Jonathan Frakes. The segment also discusses the character Qbert, who was created to mirror real-life fans’ criticisms. Additionally, the iconic “30th Century Fox” logo is explained, detailing how Matt Groening initially paid for it himself before convincing Fox to adopt it. Foreshadowing in the show is emphasized, with examples like Nibbler’s shadow in the pilot and Leela’s parents appearing pre-reveal. Lastly, the emotional “Jurassic Bark” episode is noted, revealing that Fry’s dog Seymour was inspired by a real dog that waited for his deceased owner at a train station in Tokyo.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker concludes by discussing their feelings about waiting daily and the emotional reaction in the studio. They invite viewers to share their thoughts on the 25 Futurama facts presented, asking if the audience knew all of them or had additional facts to contribute. The segment ends with a thank you to the viewers for watching.