Futurama (1999 — 2024)

Futurama (1999–2024), an American animated science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company and then later brought back by Comedy Central and Hulu, takes place in New New York during the 31st century. This futuristic world is filled with technological marvels, with the city itself having been built over the ruins of present-day New York City. The sewers of ‘Old New York’ now serve as a catacomb-like space and are home to a group of mutants. The show incorporates elements of Populuxe style in its various devices and architecture. The writers use this setting to exaggerate real-world issues such as global warming, bureaucracy, and substance abuse. Similar treatment is given to other locations on Earth, like Los Angeles being portrayed as a smog-filled apocalyptic wasteland. Many advancements have been made between the present day and the 31st century, including the creation of the Head Museum where famous historical figures and current celebrities live on in jars thanks to inventor Ron Popeil (who even makes a cameo appearance in A Big Piece of Garbage). This becomes a clever way for the writers to feature and satirize contemporary public figures on the show.

Several of the preserved heads on display belonged to individuals who had passed away long before this technology was invented. One notable example is former U.S. president Richard Nixon, who appears in numerous episodes despite his death in 1994. The Internet, with its fully immersive experience and digital world akin to Tron or The Matrix, is plagued by sluggishness and an abundance of pornography, pop-up ads, and “filthy” chat rooms (also known as Filthy Filthy). Some content has been edited to include educational material for young viewers. While television remains a popular form of entertainment, self-aware robots are a common sight and contribute greatly to global warming through their alcohol-powered exhaust emissions. The traditional wheel has become obsolete, replaced by hover cars and a network of pneumatic transportation tubes that are large and transparent. In terms of the environment, familiar animal species coexist with mutated, cross-bred, and extraterrestrial creatures (some even with human DNA). Interestingly, spotted owls have taken over the role of household pests from rats. However, rats still exist and behave like pigeons at times (despite pigeons also remaining prevalent).