Have you ever watched Futurama?
Yes, I think the popularity of it really stems from the unexpected nature and the fact that it does not require a deep concentration. Why do you like it so much?
I love the characters. They are so distinctive and memorable. It's so easy to root for a lovable loser like Fry.
For sure. You know how the Simpsons characters were named after Matt Groening's family (Homer and Marge)? Apparently Fry was named after his father too - Philip was his middle name. 
Really? That's awesome. I did not know that.
I think you are right on why so many people resonated with Fry. Futurama was always made and intended as a comedy, but the way some episodes really zone into Fry's sadness and loss at being stuck in the future really adds another dimension. 
That show could hit all the emotions. I cried so hard watching Fry's dog sitting outside, waiting for Fry to return. I think it was the emotional episodes which made the show so memorable.
Definitely. I also read an article that cited all the predictions about the future that the show got "right", and there really are so many: the extent of the ebola crisis, the smell-o-scope, the hyperloop etc. Pretty interesting!
There's no way the smell-o-scope is a real invention. What scientist managed to build one?
In a loose way, of course! Nasal Ranger is a tool that is used in environmental health, landfill and police departments to track olfactory funkiness through measuring the quantity of bad smelling particulate matter in the air!
Nasal Ranger! I love that name. Now if only someone could build a Scooty-Puff, Jr. I'd spend my life savings to get one.