Futurama Season 12 Arrives on ITVX for Free Viewing
New episodes of the beloved animated series Futurama have been added to ITVX, offering fans the chance to stream the latest season without any additional subscription fees. This marks the first time that recent instalments from the show's reboot have been made available for free, providing a significant treat for long-time enthusiasts and new viewers alike.
A Storied History of Cancellations and Comebacks
Originally debuting in 1999, Futurama has experienced a tumultuous journey, being cancelled twice only to make triumphant returns. The series, co-created by Matt Groening of The Simpsons fame, follows the adventures of pizza-delivery boy Fry, who accidentally freezes himself on New Year's Eve 1999 and awakens a millennium later.
In this futuristic setting, Fry joins a quirky cargo delivery crew, including:
- Captain Leela
- The obnoxious robot Bender
- Accountant Hermes
- Intern Amy
- Janitor Scruffy
- The hapless crustacean medical officer Dr Zoidberg
After its initial cancellation in 2003, the series revived with feature-length specials released directly to DVD and later broadcast on television between 2008 and 2009. In 2010, Hulu commissioned brand new seasons exclusively for its streaming platform, which is now part of Disney+.
Season 12 Highlights and Critical Reception
The newly added Season 12 on ITVX includes episodes that explore diverse storylines, such as Bender visiting his ancestral village in Mexico, a mysterious temp worker taking over Fry's job, and Leela forming a friendship with a jealous chat bot. While this season may not boast the highest ratings on Rotten Tomatoes compared to earlier instalments, it has garnered praise from fans and critics for retaining the show's signature humour and innovative storytelling.
One critic noted that the season features "one of the most unsettling Futurama episodes ever, and speaks to the effective ways the show can embrace horror while still retaining its silly elements." Another reviewer highlighted the return of the classic comedic style, stating, "its classic silly, goofy, slapstick-style comedy is back and better than ever." The voice cast, including John DiMaggio, Billy West, and Katey Sagal, has been commended for seamlessly reprising their roles.
A dedicated fan expressed enthusiasm, saying, "This is an iconic show. So smart and funny and genius. Futurama is the dignity of the TV industry. Many people grew up with this and it keeps getting better. I loved this season."
Streaming Availability and Future Access
For those eager to dive into the entire Futurama catalogue, including all 13 broadcast seasons and specials, a subscription to Disney+ is required. However, the addition of Season 12 to ITVX provides a valuable opportunity for viewers to experience recent adventures at no cost, celebrating the series' enduring appeal and its latest chapter in a long-running legacy of spacefaring comedy.
