Cartoon Network Acquires Futurama

In a deal with Twentieth Television, Cartoon Network has picked up exclusive cable rights for all 72 episodes of Matt Groening’s hit animated series Futurama. Beginning in Jan. 2003, the irreverent comedy from the creator of The Simpsons will anchor Cartoon Network’s weekend late night Adult Swim block. The announcement was jointly made by Bob Cook, president and COO, Twentieth Television and Jim Samples, GM and exec VP, Cartoon Network.

Futurama, chronicling the adventures of Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy accidentally frozen in 1999 and thawed out in the year 3000, was recently named one of five 2002 Emmy Award nominees for Outstanding Animated Program (less than one hour).