The Complicated Relationship Between The Simpsons and Futurama
Exploring the confusing connection between The Simpsons and Futurama and the implications for both shows.
The Canon Confusion
10 Times The Simpsons Crossed-Over With Other TV Shows
Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 35, episode 9. Past episodes of The Simpsons and Futurama implied that the two were set in the same universe, but season 35 of the former has ruined this reading by implying that one show exists as a TV series within the other. The Simpsons has a tricky relationship with canon, as the animated sitcom has been known to retcon the ages of its characters, the location of their home state, and even the death of supporting stars. As such, it is sometimes tough to get a read on what is and isn’t real within the world of the series.
Homer and Bender clinking beers in The Simpsons season 26, episode 6,
Another example is the confusion of whether The Simpsons shares a fictional universe with Futurama. Both shows were co-created by Matt Groening, and they have frequently featured shared characters. In The Simpsons season 16, episode 15, “Future-Drama,” Bender passes Bart and Homer in a tunnel, while Leela and Fry are seen in season 23, episode 18, “Beware My Cheating Bart.” In 2014, The Simpsons and Futurama had a full-blown crossover episode, but it was a failure for several reasons. Still, that failure isn't as bad as the fact that the people behind these two shows can't make up their minds about how they're canonically connected.
Fry Bender and Leela in standing together in Bart's bedroom as Homer smiles in Simpsorama The Simpsons Futurama crossover
A Fan's Influence
A Fan of Futurama’s Hedonismbot Appears in The Simpsons Season 35 Episode 9. In The Simpsons season 35, episode 9, “Murder She Boat,” one of the passengers on the Nerd Boat can be seen cosplaying as the Futurama character Hedonismbot. He also provides a couch for the character known as Comic Book Guy to faint on in a neat visual gag. However, this throwaway joke has a major implication for both shows: Futurama exists as a fictional TV show in The Simpsons.
This isn’t the first time that this bizarre contradiction has arisen. In The Simpsons season 15, episode 22, a character complained about Futurama being canceled, while, in season 14, episode 5, Comic Book Guy inexplicably owned a toy miniature of the show’s Planet Express ship. However, The Simpsons has never explained how Futurama can simultaneously be a fictional show that characters watch and a shared reality that the heroes also live in. Even the worst Simpsons episodes usually make sense, but this particular plot hole is tough to clarify.
Existential Quandary
Futurama Existing in The Simpsons Complicates Its Canon. Futurama’s characters have appeared in The Simpsons numerous times, meaning the two shows share a fictional universe. However, a fan cosplaying as Hedonismbot implies that Futurama exists as a fictional TV show within The Simpsons universe, as do the earlier nods to Futurama’s cult status within the world of the show. As such, it is unclear whether Matt Groening’s two most famous shows share a universe or not. To make matters more confusing, Netflix’s Disenchantment also featured nods to both Futurama and The Simpsons, meaning there might be another show trapped in this increasingly elaborate existential quandary.
