Futurama
Here's what we found in Futurama. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Futurama
Futurama (1999) is an animated science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening, known for its satirical humor and futuristic setting. The series follows the adventures of Philip J. Fry, a 20th-century pizza delivery boy who is cryogenically preserved and revived in the 31st century. He finds work at Planet Express, an interplanetary delivery company, alongside a diverse crew including the cyclops captain Leela and the Bender, a foul-mouthed robot. The show explores various societal issues and pop culture references through its comedic lens, often featuring absurd and surreal storylines. While visually colorful and animated, Futurama is generally aimed at an adult audience due to its themes, suggestive content, and violence. It has received critical acclaim for its writing and character development.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
Futurama features a range of LGBTQ+ characters and themes, with several characters identified as gay, bisexual, pansexual, or agender. The show also depicts a robot character undergoing a gender transition.
The series includes a category of "LGBT characters" on its Fandom Wiki. The Advocate.com notes the show deals with LGBT issues subversively, mentioning gay characters like Randy the jewelry guy, bisexual characters such as Fry's grandfather Enid and Barbados Slim, and pansexual characters like Hedonismbot and Yivo. The episode "Bend-Her" features the robot Bender undergoing a 'robot transition to become a woman robot.' Yivo is explicitly identified as an agender pansexual character. Hermaphrobot is noted as a transgender robot, though its portrayal has received criticism regarding its name and character definition based on physical attributes.
Would these 1 concern matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Violence
The series contains a surprising amount of violence, often portrayed in a surreal, comedic, or embellished animated style. It includes gags and plot points that reference dark and intense concepts such as suicide and genocide, and features characters like Bender who are questioned to be evil.
Romance and Sexual Content
Futurama features suggestive dialogue and sexual content, including frank descriptions of sex, though explicit nudity is infrequent. Romantic situations and implied sexual activity are present, aligning with the show's adult-oriented humor.
Profanity
The show uses offensive language, indicated by its TV Parental Guidelines rating. Given its adult animated comedy genre, occasional mild to moderate profanity is present.
Substance Use
The series depicts casual substance use, particularly concerning the robot character Bender, who frequently smokes and drinks alcohol. While explicit illegal drug use is not detailed, the portrayal of characters engaging in such habits is common.
Scary & Intense Content
Futurama contains elements of scary and intense content, including graphic violence, disturbing concepts, and moments that can be actively horrifying. The show's satirical nature often juxtaposes these dark themes with comedy.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Characters in Futurama frequently exhibit disrespectful and rebellious behavior, particularly the robot Bender, who is described as selfish and callow. This behavior is often presented as comedic but can also highlight moral ambiguity.
Witchcraft & Occult
There is no evidence from the provided sources to suggest explicit witchcraft or occult themes are central or frequently depicted in Futurama. The show is primarily science fiction.
Anti-Christian Themes
The provided research does not indicate that Futurama prominently features anti-Christian themes, such as open mockery or insults towards Christian beliefs or symbols.
Futurama presents a largely relativistic and materialistic worldview, characteristic of many secular science fiction narratives. Moral accountability is often blurred, with characters frequently engaging in selfish or vice-driven behaviors, particularly Bender, who embodies many vices yet remains a central, often celebrated character. While characters face consequences, these are often situational or comedic rather than consistent moral retribution, suggesting that virtue is not consistently rewarded, nor vice consistently punished, in a biblical sense. The show's themes rarely align directly with biblical values, often lampooning societal norms and institutions without a strong moral compass. Redemption themes are not central; while characters might experience growth or moments of empathy, these are typically presented within a comedic or plot-driven context rather than a profound spiritual transformation. Family relationships are portrayed diversely, from dysfunctional to deeply caring, but traditional authority structures are frequently undermined or satirized. Faith, if depicted, is often treated with skepticism or as a quirky element of the future, rather than with reverence or as a source of transcendent meaning. Overall, the worldview presented prioritizes humor and social commentary over an exploration of spiritual truths or a transcendent view of life.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-14. This recommendation is based on the show's TV Parental Guidelines rating, which escalated from TV-PG in earlier episodes to TV-14 for later seasons and reruns, with descriptors including suggestive dialogue, offensive language, sexual content, and graphic violence. The ESRB also rates Futurama as T for Teen with comic mischief, suggestive themes, and violence. The content often includes mature humor, satirical takes on complex issues, and characters with morally ambiguous behavior, making it more suitable for teenagers and adults.
Good to Know
Futurama is an adult animated science fiction comedy. While it has colorful animation, its humor, themes, and content are geared towards a mature audience. Parents should be aware of the show's frequent use of suggestive humor, depictions of violence, and casual substance use. The show also explores various aspects of gender identity and sexual orientation, which may warrant discussion with younger viewers. Some content may be deemed inappropriate for pre-teen children due to its complex satire and mature subject matter.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families