After surviving two cancellations and featuring four distinct series finale episodes over its long run, Futurama has proven to be one of the most resilient and beloved animated comedies in television history. Created by Matt Groening, who also gave the world The Simpsons, the series has maintained a devoted cult following. While it may not have enjoyed the unbroken broadcast run of shows like Family Guy or Bob's Burgers, Futurama possesses a rare pluckiness and heart. From laugh-out-loud sci-fi gags to emotionally devastating moments like the iconic episode centered on Fry's loyal dog, the series holds a special place in pop culture. For fans searching for similar high-concept science fiction silliness or simply building a watchlist in case Futurama faces another hiatus, these 10 genre-defining comedies deliver outstanding entertainment.
1. Rick and Morty (2013 – Present)
While noticeably more cynical than Futurama, Rick and Morty thrives in the exact same sandbox of ambitious, high-concept science fiction. Both series excel at a masterclass blend of highbrow intellectual satire and unadulterated absurdity. The narrative centers on Rick Sanchez, an eccentric and heavily intoxicated genius scientist who mirrors a unhinged version of Doc Brown. Rick continuously drags his anxious and well-meaning grandson, Morty, on perilous journeys across outer space, alternative timelines, and strange dimensions.
Combining elements reminiscent of Back to the Future and Doctor Who with far cruder humor, the show explores existential cosmic horrors alongside hilarious multiverse antics. Packed with inventive gadgets and bizarre alien worlds, Rick and Morty is currently available to stream on both Hulu and HBO Max.
2. Star Trek: Lower Decks (2021 – 2024)
Rather than spotlighting the heroic captains and senior officers of Starfleet, Star Trek: Lower Decks turns its attention to the unsung support crew working behind the scenes. Operating aboard the USS Cerritos, a second-rate starship assigned to handles mundane tasks like 'Second Contact' paperwork after major galactic events occur, the crew faces hilarious daily struggles.
The animated series functions as an authentic workplace sitcom in deep space while remaining deeply faithful to the Star Trek mythos. Over its five-season run, the series balances cartoon slapstick with genuine character growth, making the crew of the Cerritos feel just as essential as any live-action crew in the franchise. The complete series can be streamed on Paramount+.
3. Gintama (Japanese Anime Series)
One of the most compelling parallels to Futurama originates from a historic yet sci-fi twist on Japan's late Edo period in the 1800s. In this alternate history, alien forces have invaded Earth, forcing the shogun to surrender and making samurai swords illegal. The story follows Gintoki Sakata, an eccentric former samurai who operates a freelance odd-jobs and delivery business alongside his teenage assistant and an alien girl.
Gintama seamlessly balances epic, multi-episode story arcs with chaotic, boundary-pushing comedy. The show frequently breaks the fourth wall, addressing the audience directly while relentlessly parodying anime tropes and global pop culture. Fans can catch this legendary series streaming on Hulu and Netflix.
4. Solar Opposites (2020 – 2025)
Hailing from the creators of Rick and Morty and sharing a home on Hulu alongside Futurama, Solar Opposites follows a family of four aliens Korvo (voiced by Dan Stevens), Terry (Thomas Middleditch), Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone), and Jesse (Mary Mack). After an asteroid destroys their advanced homeworld, the group crash-lands on Earth and is forced to blend into American suburban life.
The series features sharp satirical humor, complemented by iconic recurring subplots including a miniature society of shrunken humans living inside a bedroom wall. Beyond the sci-fi hijinks, the show offers a surprisingly sincere look at human culture through the eyes of reluctant alien refugees. Solar Opposites is available on Hulu and Netflix.
5. Gravity Falls (2012 – 2016)
Created by Alex Hirsch, this critically acclaimed animated mystery series follows twin siblings Mabel and Dipper Pines (voiced by Kristen Schaal and Jason Ritter). Sent to spend their summer vacation with their eccentric great-uncle 'Grunkle' Stan in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, the kids help run his tourist trap, the Mystery Shack.
Beneath the town's quiet exterior lies a web of supernatural occurrences, cryptic puzzles, and ominous threats tied to the sinister dream demon Bill Cipher. Inspired heavily by mystery classics like The X-Files, Gravity Falls delivers brilliant writing, heartwarming family dynamics, and clever comedy. The series is streaming in full on Disney+.
6. The Orville (Live-Action Sci-Fi Comedy)
Conceived by Seth MacFarlane, The Orville began as a humorous homage to classic Star Trek: The Next Generation era television. However, what started with lighthearted space parodies quickly evolved into an ambitious, high-budget science fiction series capable of tackling complex philosophical and moral themes.
By its third season, which aired on Hulu, the show earned widespread praise for its impressive visual effects, rich world-building, and compelling character development while preserving its signature sense of humor. Viewers looking for nostalgic space exploration can stream all seasons of The Orville on Hulu.
7. Avenue 5 (Dark Space Comedy Series)
Created by Armando Iannucci, the mastermind behind Veep, Avenue 5 presents a chaotic vision of luxury space travel. The story takes place aboard an opulent interplanetary cruise ship helmed by Captain Ryan Clark (Hugh Laurie) and owned by self-absorbed billionaire Herman Judd (Josh Gad). When a minor technical glitch knocks the ship off course, a brief trip is extended into a agonizing three-year journey with limited food supplies.
As panic sets in, social order aboard the ship quickly unravels, leading to hilarious power struggles between passengers and crew. The series delivers a biting satire on corporate incompetence and human behavior under extreme pressure. Avenue 5 is available for streaming on HBO Max.
8. Cowboy Bebop (1998 – 1999)
For viewers who love ragtag space crews navigating odd jobs across the solar system, Cowboy Bebop stands as an absolute masterpiece. Set in a near-future where Earth has become uninhabitable, bounty hunters known as 'cowboys' travel through space aboard the ship Bebop to capture galactic criminals.
Led by former syndicate enforcer Spike Spiegel and featuring Faye Valentine, a woman awakened from long-term cryogenic sleep without her memories, the series blends jazz, film noir, westerns, and sci-fi action into an unforgettable narrative. Widely considered one of the greatest anime series ever created, Cowboy Bebop is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Prime Video.
9. Disenchantment (2018 – 2023)
While set in a medieval fantasy realm rather than outer space, Disenchantment shares its creative DNA directly with Futurama through creator Matt Groening. The series features the same iconic animation style, comedic timing, and voice talents, including John DiMaggio and Lauren Tom.
The story follows Princess Bean (voiced by Abbi Jacobson), an rebellious, alcohol-loving royal of Dreamland who embarks on wild misadventures alongside her elf companion Elfo and her personal demon Luci. Featuring serialized storytelling and subtle easter eggs linking it to Futurama, Disenchantment can be streamed exclusively on Netflix.
10. Red Dwarf (Classic British Sci-Fi)
As one of Britain's most legendary sci-fi sitcoms, Red Dwarf shares Futurama's scrappy resilience and love for space absurdity. Dave Lister (played by Craig Charles) is a low-ranking technician on the massive mining ship Red Dwarf who gets placed into stasis as punishment for smuggling a cat aboard.
When Lister awakes, three million years have passed, humanity is extinct, and the ship's senile computer has resurrected his annoying roomate Arnold Rimmer (Chris Barrie) as a hologram. Joined by a evolved feline humanoid and a polite android, the crew wanders deep space in search of answers and Lister's lost love, Kristine Kochanski. The classic series is available to stream on Britbox.
