Wahesh
The Forefather of The Kennel
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Comparing Futurama and The Simpsons
Many of us, myself included, are lovers of Matt Groening's 2 most successful animated Sitcoms, The Simpsons and Futurama. What some people might not know is that in 1999, Matt Groening stopped working on The Simpsons to concentrate on Futurama, and even though Futurama has since been cancelled twice, he has not returned to The Simpsons, and is unlikely ever going to. This is evident as The Simpsons stories started changing dramatically during the late 90s/early 2000s, and have not returned to the same level as their golden era ever since.
However, looking back on some episodes of both shows, you may see evidence of Matt Groening's presence due to similarities between the two shows, particularly, their characters.
Homer Simpson and Bender Bending Rodriguez
Let's face it, this is perhaps the most obvious comparison. Both are arguably the funniest in their respective shows, love television, drink beer frequently, and, while lazy, both are outgoing, love adventures and are perhaps the most loved characters from either Sitcom.
Philip J. Fry and Bart Simpson
Perhaps the next most obvious, the main comparison we have with Fry and Bart is that they both act like young boys, even though Fry is technically over 1000 years older. Even without the technical age difference, Fry still hasn't matured and has the brain of a child.
Marge Simpson and Turunga Leela
Not many people would compare the shows 2 leading ladies, however, they are both the most responsible among their associates, and are usually reserved about venturing out of their comfort zone. Both are extremely mature, and are usually by-the-book, however, there will be the odd occurence where they slip out of their comfort zone and act a little out of character - such as when Marge joined the Police force, and when Leela joined Earth's Army under the guise of Lee Lemon.
Amy Wong and Lisa Simpson
This one is a little different, which is how we compare them. Lisa is a little girl who acts like an adult, whereas Amy is an adult who acts like a little girl.
Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth and Abraham Simpson
While the Professor is roughly twice the age of Abraham, they are both among the eldest in their shows, and can sometimes show signs of their age, with the Professor being frequently forgetful, and Grandpa constantly getting spooked by things.
Hermes Conrad and Apu Nahasapeemapetilon
Another unusual one, but the main link we have drawn from Apu and Hermes is that they are both foreign to the United States, and they are both responsible for running a business, even though it is not a business which they own.
Doctor Nick Riviera and Doctor Zoidberg
Both are meant to be great human doctors, however both are very unreliable.
Charles Montgomery Burns and Carol Miller
Carol Miller, better known as "Mom" and Mr. Burns are both very rich, with Burns being a millionaire, and Mom being a billionaire, and the richest person in the world at that. Both are old, both are thin, both are frail, both run successful businesses, and both are extremely ruthless and will do anything to protect their wealth, as well as use their profiles to ensure they get what they want.
Waylon Smithers and Kif Kroker
Both have shown signs of being homosexual, and while Smithers is gay, Kif is not. Both are somewhat likeable despite the fact that their superiors, Mr Burns and Zapp Brannigan, are not well liked among others in their shows.
Troy McClure and Captain Zapp Brannigan
It's more than just the style of the hair the compares these guys. Troy McClure was voiced by the now deceased Phil Hartman. However the interesting link is that Zapp Brannigan was also going to be voiced by Phil Hartman prior to his murder. He was instead voiced by Billy West. Also as a tribute to Phil, Fry's full name was as a tribute to Phil Hartman - Phillip J. Fry.
Will the future hold another reboot of Futurama, or another cross-over between the two shows? Only time will tell. Regardless of this outcome though, both with go down in history as two of the greatest animated sitcoms ever produced.
