Comedy Central orders more 'Futurama'

NEW YORK, March 29 (UPI) -- Comedy Central and Twentieth Century Fox Television say they have picked up 26 new episodes of the U.S. animated comedy series, "Futurama."

The sci-fi show was created by Matt Groening and David X. Cohen. Its renewal was announced Monday by Twentieth Century Fox Television Chairmen Gary Newman and Dana Walden, and David Bernath, executive vice president of program strategy and multi-platform programming for Comedy Central.

The first of 13 new episodes is to air in summer 2012, with the additional 13 new episodes to air the following summer.

The show's Season 6 premiere on Comedy Central last June came seven years after its last original episode aired on Fox.

"Successfully bringing the show back last summer was gratifying enough," Bernath said in a statement. "Now, being able to extend the series for two more years is beyond our expectations! The dedicated fans have spoken and we are excited to bring them 'Futurama' for the foreseeable future."

The show's entire original voice cast will be returning, including stars Billy West, Katey Sagal, and John DiMaggio, Comedy Central said.

"It is my great honor to be back with all my friends and colleagues," West added. "There's nothing better."