Movies - TV
How A Hidden Simpsons Joke Set Futurama Up For Success
By WITNEY SEIBOLD
David X. Cohen is the co-creator of “Futurama,” but some fans might be surprised to learn that he also wrote for “The Simpsons” and included the math-centric jokes he’s known for.
In the “Geek's Guide to the Galaxy” podcast, Cohen revealed that when blackboards appeared on “The Simpsons,” he took the chance to fill them with authentic mathematical formulae.
Cohen shared that he found a book titled “The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets” by Simon Singh, which meticulously detailed every mathematical joke he wrote over the years.
While discussing the book, Cohen expanded on the concept, stating, “The reason we started putting these jokes in was that we had empty space in the background of an animated show.”
He added, “We really didn't plan for more than about eight people to see these jokes.” However, no matter how obscure the joke was, there was always a fan out there looking it up.
“Futurama” experienced three cancellations and subsequent revivals. Despite its smaller fan base, it's the dedication of these fans that consistently brings the show back to life.
Without the opportunity to insert math jokes into the empty background space of “The Simpsons,” “Futurama” might not have achieved such a strong following.