I know this is a horrifically old topic (and no I didn't read 6 pages) but I must say my piece:
This debate is perfect for a show called "No Right Answer" because there isn't one. The Simpsons has given us so much over the years, and - since the twentieth season - has given us more and more good episodes to bad one, albeit following the same formula. And (Replying to NRA) The Simpsons HAVE had tear jerkers.
The season 10 episode "Make Romm for Lisa" when Lisa sees herself as Homer at one of Lisa's events (a ballet) it is an emotionally heavy moment when someone who couldn't have possibally seen eye-to-eye with this "other" suddenlly sees things literally from their eyes was hardcore to me. And plenty of others like it are out there, though I don't own every season and therefore can't (or, more accurately, don't feel like) look them up. but they ARE out there! I believe the episode when the family first gets Santa's Little Helper was a bit heavy, or when Homer walks away from the corperate (assistance's)life was also emotional in an uplifting sort of way.
Futurama's best writing, meanwhile, range from "Cold Warriors" to "The Why of Fry" to Jurrassic Bark" and almost all of its episodes. Though Futurama hasn't had nearly the same chances The Simpson's had, has it? Futurama was a post-cable, post-internet show bounced around by a shitty network and only(?) had four seasons. Futurama didn't become a cultural force like the Simpsons partly because it didn't have the same oppertunities the Simpsons had.
Anyway, Futurama can be called a better show overall ecause 1.) it hasn't run as long and its general premise isn't negated nearly intirely by time, and it hasn't run as long. the simpsons were great for 11 or so seasons. Futurama has SIX. That has to count for something, right?
P.S. Sorry for the repeat areguments. I;m quite drunk and can't think too clearly.
