2052
I'm Eric Kaplan writer for such shows as Futurama, Big Bang Theory, Love Me Cat, Ask Me Anything
Hi,
I'm a comedy writer and a philosopher. I'm working on a book about the philosophy of logic, comedy, and mysticism and Santa Claus. I also have a new puppet interview show I'm launching called "Love Me Cat" which has a kickstarter campaign: http://kck.st/160LTjR. I play a cat who wants to be loved but his problem is that he's hideous. My sidekick is Owly, an owl played by Community writer Andy Bobrow. You can also look at "Love Me Cat Trailer" on youtube to get a sense of the vibe.
I'm up to talk about anything. Shows I've written for include: David Letterman, Malcolm in the Middle, Futurama (I wrote Jurassic Bark) Flight of the Conchords and Zombie College.
I also run the animation studio Mirari Films which did the Drinky Crow Show and Hey It's Fluffy among other projects.
Also I'm qualified to teach metaphysics, philosophy of science, aesthetics and medieval philosophy and have taught courses in philosophy of personal identity, Heidegger, Nietzsche, Schopenhauer and Foucault, philosophy of language and philosophy of mind.
I am happy to be on reddit and would like to hash things out with everybody. Ask me anything you're curious about. It should be an interesting discussion!
Best, Eric Kaplan
ericlinuskaplan1182 karma
it has to do with ratings and money not the creative quality of the show
LoveYouLongThyme684 karma
It makes me really sad that Futurama is being cancelled, but the Simpsons is still on the air :'(
jdh705536 karma
do you think that futurama will get another chance? maybe on netflix or one of these new streaming sites.
instantwinner507 karma
Futurama's got to have some great viewership on Netflix. I can only speak for myself but I've watched through the whole series on Netflix 3 or 4 times.
I'm really hoping it can come back from the dead again.
ericlinuskaplan984 karma
Well I wanted to deal with the pathos of being a guy in the future who has left his life behind and everybody he cared about. I have been interested in fossilized creatures since I was a kid. Originally it was going to be Fry's Mom but David Cohen thought it would be too upsetting.
theskabus812 karma
You're the only person to ever make me cry at a cartoon.
I hope you're happy, you glorious bastard.
ericlinuskaplan1908 karma
I didn't make you cry -- you wanted to cry and you used the cartoon as an opportunity
RamsesThePigeon1094 karma
I'm going to use this excuse the next time I get in trouble with my girlfriend.
"I didn't make you angry! You wanted to get angry, and you used the fact that I didn't do the dishes as an opportunity!"
mechanate152 karma
Some science fiction cartoon writers just want to watch the world burn.
ericlinuskaplan273 karma
As somebody says "when I am dead let the world be destroyed by fire; I will not care; I will be safe." Selfish!
thepopchassid123 karma
Would there have been the same ending for the mom story? That would truly be upsetting.
theskabus263 karma
Something about Bender trying to murder Fry's fossilized mom wouldn't have quite the same comedic effect.
wordybird42129 karma
I don't know, I think the ending was pretty darn good as it was. Funny that it was changed for being "too upsetting," when that episode is considered by most of the people that I know to be the Saddest Thing Ever (TM). How does it feel knowing it's renowned for being so sad?
Breadking54544 karma
I'm glad you went with Fry's dog, and I think in a sense it makes it even sadder since the dog can never wrap his mind around Fry never coming home. It's not much of a leap for many people to imagine a beloved pet waiting for them even when they will never come home again. It was a beautifully crafted story line (in the way it worked seamlessly with the overarching story and style of Futurama) and one I never expected in this type of show. Totally caught me off guard and I had to fight back tears watching it with friends! ... thanks for that btw you bastard :P
egglestone576 karma
What is your answer to people that criticize Big Bang Theory for stereotyping geeks and nerds in a negative manner?
Btw, I am not one of them. I really like the show.
ericlinuskaplan684 karma
I think that is a good thing to think about. Basically the show is based on actual characters. It was co-created by Bill Prady based on his experience as a computer programmer and with other computer programmers. So it should not be viewed as commenting about everybody just these particular people.
purple_baron684 karma
As a meganerd myself, I've always said that the Big Bang Theory is as accurate a portrayal of being a nerd/geek as ER was of being a doctor. That is, based in reality but amped up for entertainment purposes.
rogersmith25226 karma
I have a theory of why people feel like egglestone and I am really interested to hear your feelings on the matter.
Big Bang Theory, though dissimilar in style, has a similar appeal to the show The Office (at its inception) - there are a few crazy characters (Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute) who generate humor by being extreme caricatures of real-life people we interact with on a daily basis. Then there is a character that we can identify with (Ryan Howard the "new guy", and eventually Jim/Pam); we invest ourselves into these characters and see ourselves in them as the show goes on.
On Big Bang theory, I would argue that the 4 "nerdy guys" are all, in a way, the "caricature" type in the vein of Michael Scott. Therefore, the character who people can identify with is Penny. Non-nerds are happy to put themselves in Penny's shoes the same way that people might identify with Pam Beasley on The Office - she isn't the most successful or intelligent character, but she often one-ups the nerds with her practicality. People with nerdy friends love the show because they project themselves onto Penny and their nerdy friends/family onto the 4 guys.
This is why the show is unpopular among nerds. We can't (or don't want to) identify with the 4 nerdy guys. And we can't identify with Penny because she is the anti-nerd in the group. I also think that the laugh track kills the "nerd jokes" because the audience laughs at the follow-up explanation or counter-punch rather than the joke itself.
I commend you for reading this far if you have...
TL;DR Do you think that the lack of a relatable nerd on Big Bang Theory is what causes its lack of popularity among "actual" nerds (like on reddit)?
ericlinuskaplan328 karma
I'm not sure -- I don't grok the whole "I am a nerd" meme. I feel like nerd is a hostile term. I don't view myself as a nerd. I just like to read a lot, don't care about fashion and enjoy fantasy RPGS.
Hiding_in_the_Shower127 karma
So what your saying is a bunch of computer programmer's can land a hot babe like Penny?
RamsesThePigeon5 karma
Some people have referenced this fact before, but as an argument that the show is outdated. What are your thoughts on that?
Also, how do you feel about the claim that none of the characters actually embody anything approaching real intellect?
ericlinuskaplan15 karma
1)How so? What is the argument? 2)Disagree. We have them argue about Frege and psychologism.
RamsesThePigeon6 karma
The argument goes as follows: While a tendency towards interests of a "geeky" nature was enough to make one a social pariah in the past, such is no longer the case in popular culture. As with everything, there are certain levels of involvement (or obsession) that go beyond what is socially acceptable, but none of your characters seem to showcase those levels... yet they're still portrayed as being socially awkward and/or oblivious.
In response: I may not have communicated well in my original question, and for that I apologize. As an example, however: Sheldon is portrayed as having an allegedly fast mind, and yet he tends to miss social cues and rarely (if ever) makes any sort of realization not directly related to physics. Were he portrayed as being educated but stupid, this would be understandable. However, the current dichotomy is seen by many viewers as being somewhat unrealistic. Even assigning him a social disorder such as Asperger's Syndrome seems like an inaccurate method of patching his character, as one with such an allegedly powerful mind would be able to synthesize social adeptness when necessary.
Thank you for the questions you've answered thus far! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us.
ericlinuskaplan16 karma
- They are particular characters with the level of interest that they have. I think of them more as scientists than as fans of obscure pop culture. I am sure there are real people who know more about e.g. manga than our characters. What I don't understand entirely is the source of the animus.
2.Well I know a lot of people like that -- and used to be like that a bit more myself. I used to be more interested in books and abstract theories and less good at picking up on social cues or figuring out where other people are coming from. We did not assign him a disorder -- we are just portraying a particular character. To me it seems pretty realistic as a portrait of some people. But it shouldn't be viewed as a general statement about everybody, or everybody smart, or everybody who likes fantasy RPGS.
theskabus566 karma
I just want to say I think the Futurama episode Three Hundred Big Ones is one of the most underrated. Throwing everyone into the same situation and seeing what each of them does with it was a great way to explore the characters.
And then there's the Whale Biologist. Please tell me that was your idea.
IWillNotBiteYourDog20 karma
Here is an explanation that I hope relates better to your shows.
In 1944, Niels Bohr asked: is it possible to play a game of poker without physical cards? One can play chess without pieces, but to play poker, you want to deal the cards and not reveal them until later. An even simpler question is, how can you flip a coin while on the phone with someone you don't trust?
Lots of brilliant mathematicians and cryptographers worked on these and related problems for decades. Bitcoin is one of the 'virtual currencies' - probably the most popular and widely accepted one right now. It differs from most other such currencies (like 'Borders bucks' that your characters probably still have:) in that there is no central authority to issue new bitcoins. Rather new coins are created (mined) by people who serve the bitcoin users community by verifying the transactions - confirming that no one has e.g. double-spent their coins. Any geek can become a miner, although the earning potential much less lucrative than it was a few years ago.
ericlinuskaplan18 karma
that's interesting -- so everybody is a policeman for everybody else?
ericlinuskaplan329 karma
hey, there's no call for that kind of invective. this is the internet!
matosky225 karma
When you wrote your Flight of the Conchords episode, did you have to incorporate songs that already existed, or did they get written afterward?
BoogerMcFee202 karma
What elements of the two industries in which you've worked, comedy writing and academia, would best benefit the other (ie what can profs learn from comedy writers and vice versa)?
ericlinuskaplan219 karma
an excellent thoughtful question! I think I may like them each doing their own thing to be honest -- comedy responding to the needs of the audience, academia setting its lights by a distant star of truth. maybe academia could be a little more human and comedy a little more idealistic? Good question!
Clever-Username789179 karma
A lot of people on reddit seem to really hate The Big Bang Theory for some reason and you are getting quite a bit of flack for it in this AMA. I just want to say as a Physics graduate student I am not offended by any of the 'shots' at nerd/geek culture and I actually enjoy the show and appreciate the subtle jokes that are woven into the dialogue.
I haven't been paying close attention in the latest seasons but I noticed early on that there is often a connection between the physics that is on the whiteboards in the apartment and/or office(s) and the theme of the episode. Is this an intentional planned part of each episode? Or are the equations decided after the fact by David Saltzberg.
gaygamesh178 karma
Hi, Eric, huge fan here.
I was wondering what advice you might have for someone who's looking to getting into TV comedy writing.
ericlinuskaplan324 karma
use the internet. keep writing and get stuff on the internet and connect with a fan base. kill your darlings!
pverrone173 karma
Do you think it is a coincidence that the tiny URL for your Kickstarter campaign starts with the same three letters as the initials of your Futurama colleague Ken Keeler?
ericlinuskaplan245 karma
all hail the hypno-Keeler. how's his play doing? I want to see it.
Lilah_Rose8 karma
When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all.
fbk732139 karma
Huge fan of BBT since day 1, and redditors definitely are vocal about their displeasure with it overall. Haven't seen much love for it yet, but the D&D episode had me dying, Howard nailed it. No real question, just want to say don't take too much stock in the haters, every single one of those characters feels genuine to me.
mitchdav138 karma
I am an avid Futurama fan and I have watched/listened to every commentary on every episode on every DVD... My questions are these:
What is it like watching an idea of yours become reality, in knowing all the steps that need to be completed and refined like the rough sketches, sending it to Korea, the voice actors, sound production and final touches? Do you actively keep up with how each episode is progressing or after the script is written are you pretty much out of the loop?
During the commentaries they mention that the writing staff would stay back extremely late some nights to finish a concept. Did that ever happen while you were working with them? If so, how late are we talking? 7 PM or more like 2 AM?
What is it like to work with David X Cohen? He seems like a fantastic bloke and I wish he had a more social presence, Twitter comes to mind. Any chance you could ask him to do an AMA also?
Thank you for the work you have done so far for Futurama - hopefully it won't be your last (bring it back)!
ericlinuskaplan108 karma
1)It is very heartening and humbling 2)yes involved in all steps 3)4 am 3)David COhen's is a delight as a writer and as a human being You should ask him! Sent it out on the twitter-verse!
mitchdav35 karma
Thanks for replying! That's quite late, I never would have expected that!
I will see if I can contact him, thanks for the suggestion Eric!
ajhorsburgh119 karma
How much do you incorporate your study of philosophy (especially metaphysics) into screen writing?
Is there something especially geeky that you managed to sneak in, and no-one noticed?
Great work btw. Enjoyed a lot of your shows!
ericlinuskaplan207 karma
yes -- I put in a whole discussion of Frege in the Big Bang Theory and nobody noticed
themadcatt153 karma
In Series 4 Episode 03 – The Zazzy Substitution? Not only was it my favorite episode, but I squeeled during that dialogue. Thank you for that nerdy moment.
itookabigboypoop109 karma
Can you tell me the meaning behind the lyrics to "Layla" and your inspiration for writing such a beautiful piece of music?
zagood166 karma
He's thinking of Eric Clapton. He doesn't realize you're the guy who used to play for Manchester United.
SeriousJones84 karma
One of my favorite things about Futurama are the touches of continuity and foreshadowing, e.g. Nibbler's shadow in the pilot. I don't expect you to spoil anything outright, but is there any scene or shot that fans should look more closely at?
ericlinuskaplan169 karma
I like BB more cause it feels more "real" but I have enjoyed Game of Thrones as well.
BondGirl2081 karma
Did Sheldon and Amy engage in coitus? What body part did the number 14 refer to?
SirNipply57 karma
What was the most complex script you ever had to write for Futurama?
Where did the idea for Bender come along?
Also, Futurama has been and will always be one of my favorite shows of all time. Thank you for granting the world such a great show, or contributing to it.
ericlinuskaplan82 karma
I stuck my head into the writing on the first movie which was super-complicated. Any time you leave the world of linear causation behind be ready for some late nights. Bender came from Matt Groening's dreamworld where he was menaced by homicidal robots. I do not know where Matt Groening's dreamworld came from though, so questions only lead to further questions. You're quite welcome -- thanks for watching -- it makes it all worthwhile
3BB755 karma
What is your favorite episode of Futurama and why? Futurama is my favorite, thanks for doing this!
ericlinuskaplan132 karma
I really liked "Hell is Other Robots" and the "Farnsworth Parabox". I am personally attached to Hell cause it was my first. I like Parabox cause it really stretches the mind, man.
everyonehasfaces48 karma
Would you consider a sliders reboot?
Edit:sliders the tv show about quantum tunnels and parallel worlds
JasJ00247 karma
First off, thank you for doing this, I love your work and always get excited when I know one of your episodes are coming up on a series I'm watching/rewatching
What other great television writers would you suggest current and retired?
Second question, will you keep the beard indefinitely?
JasJ00240 karma
Yes!!! P.S. Malcolm in the middle is probably my all time favorite series. Loved both of your work on that show.
rak124 karma
I should have included the word long. is there a specific reason as to why they only wear long sleeves? My girlfriend and I have been trying to figure out this mystery for too long. Thanks for the AMA I have been watching your work for over a decade now.
HonestlyLike40 karma
Big fan. You're a very unappreciated part of TV show making and I just want you to know that there are people out there, like me, who when we watch shows like this, can identify your humours and writing style anywhere.
redsoxsam9734 karma
Hi Mr. Kaplan. Ardent fan of the big bang theory here. One quick question, on the big bang theory, do you ever wish you had taken Sheldon's persona in a different direction? What would you have done with it?
ericlinuskaplan56 karma
no -- it is more organic -- Sheldon grows based upon the writing and Jim Parsons' performance
SnookSnook32 karma
As a comedy writer, do you have any kind of comic spin you can give us on this NSA situation?
ericlinuskaplan125 karma
people want to have their neighbors spied on so they feel safe but feel bad if they themselves are spied on. it's a conundrum!
unique_new_york_31 karma
Do you think your philosophical background helped you to be a better comedy writer?
What kind of metaphysics do you enjoy studying??
Thanks for doing the AMA!!
ericlinuskaplan68 karma
yes -- I think philosophy and comedy are both about holding irreconcilable perspectives in the mind at the same time. I like metaphysics that feels like an imaginative exploration of what reality could be -- I like metaphysics that present new possibilities to me that I never considered before
Astronomy122 karma
Is it likely that Futurama could live on past the final 13 episodes of the 7th season? Additionally, what was it like working with Matt Groening?
ericlinuskaplan43 karma
we can control the future. Matt Groening is a terrific guy -- very nice and an American icon. He is very down-to-earth and accessible and funny -- like a normal person despite being a world-bestriding colossus of culture.
BytownBoozer22 karma
Hey Eric, thanks for your contributions to comedy and animation! Could you speak a bit about your time working for Letterman? How much has the landscape of late-night has changed in your opinion in the decade + since you were with him? Were you able to transfer over any of the stuff you learned/did for it to your projects afterwards? Thanks again and enjoy your summer!
ericlinuskaplan30 karma
it was a very intense comedy boot camp because we did a new show every day. you really had to learn to write fast and not to be attached to your ideas. that definitely transfers to sit com writing for sure no doubt! I have no particular insight into the late night world since I left since I retire early.
Anonymous-Ninja20 karma
Just wanted to say, Jurassic Bark is one of the best Futurama episodes. Crazy enough, watched it yesterday with my little brother-in-law, telling him how good it was.
Anonymous-Ninja17 karma
Yes. Now I have a question. Would you be able to write for a new episode about how Fry later changes his mind and does clone him? or do you get picked for certain episodes and have to stick to a certain topic?
bookoisseur19 karma
Do you have any writing pet peeves?
What is your preferred method of writing - ie computer, paper and pen, lying on the floor dictating to an assistant?
ericlinuskaplan46 karma
I've been typing since I was ten so I type but there is somethig to be said for pen and paper -- it gets you out of the left hemisphere a little
Wizuhd17 karma
Wait so you wrote for Futurama (a show almost unanimously loved by the tech audience) and then Big Bang Theory (a show almost unanimously hated)
What happened?!
Wizuhd26 karma
Well I got about four episodes in before they had "Halo Night" where they then had sounds that weren't Halo, had the actors randomly mash buttons, had Penny say "whose head did I just blow up?!" which you can't do in Halo. I literally just walked over and shut off the TV after that. The show is rife with stuff like that. It tries to pretend it's for "nerds" but it's actually just for people who play angry birds and think they're 'nerds' and it's kind of just a slap in the face for the people that they are allegedly trying to pander to.
Not trying to hate on you specifically, I don't know how much Reddit you've been on but TBBT is not a popular show around here it's pretty much just scoffed at.
ericlinuskaplan68 karma
I'm not trying to pander to anybody. If you watch more recent episodes I think you will find it more accurate I don't play Halo but I do play D&D and the D&D episode is mad accurate.
ZugTheMegasaurus6 karma
Hey, love all your answers in this thread but just wanted to respond to this one in case you really would like a further answer since it seemed like you were genuinely asking why that would seem offensive.
I think "pandering" has a negative tone to it, like you're trying to make a certain group happy at the expense of others. I don't believe for a moment that's the intent.
I totally understand where /u/Wizuhd was coming from though (though I don't speak for him and he might disagree). I spent a significant portion of my childhood and adolescence being mocked, ridiculed, and even beat up for being "too smart" or "nerdy." And while part of me always wanted those jerks to just get where I was coming from, it seems insulting that those things that so negatively affected my life have become popular and desired by those same people. This has nothing to do with you or the show, of course, but I think a lot of us feel like it's unfair that those who made us feel bad get to enjoy the things they made us feel bad about.
ericlinuskaplan29 karma
I have been teased too. I feel for you. But I would say imho you shouldn't let those experience define you. You will have something in common with every human being, and something not in common with every human being. I would not let the dichotomy nerd/popular kid be the lens through which you see all people -- you will miss a lot. In my opinion. I know these are volatile issues and I appreciate your candor.
Thebearjew11516 karma
Is there any relation to Motivational speaker And NEw York Times bestseller Steve Kaplan?
Thebearjew11521 karma
I'll have you know, I'm glad you responded. This is the first time someone has responded to my AMA question. Now for the real question.
Futurama is one of my favorite shows. I was sad to see it being canceled... Again. What are your thoughts about that and do you think it'll be back on the air like before?
ericlinuskaplan37 karma
if the fans make it clear that they love the show and they are numerous then there is a strong possibility. Hollywood is a business.
BytownBoozer13 karma
Because of your zombie expertise, what are your thoughts on World War Z? Too late on cashing in on the Zombie 'fad' or will be a huge hit?
ericlinuskaplan56 karma
I didn't see it! But I think zombies are a metaphor for human life stripped of meaning and becoming only a struggle for life qua life
ericlinuskaplan15 karma
zombies are cool what you got to watch out for is djumbies -- that's a zombie possessed by an evil demon spirit. WAAH
Iplaymeinreallife13 karma
How does one get into that business? Do you need connections to the studios? Or do you just send in scripts hoping to get picked up?
ericlinuskaplan21 karma
there's no one size fits all answer -- basically you have to be an opportunist and use all the opportunities you have and make opportunities -- I think the main thing these days is to get your stuff out there on the internet and connect with fans and with other creators
ericlinuskaplan24 karma
I wrote comedy in elementary school -- little plays and stuff like that. my friend Andrew encouraged me in college to try it profesisonally.
gmoneyshot6910 karma
What is your favourite sitcom to watch? (That isn't something you write for!)
ampap7 karma
Eric, I've heard rumors and speculation as to why Comedy Central ended Futurama. Some say it's due to declining ratings, others say it's due to FOX's ownership of the show.
If you have any knowledge, could you answer?
And is there a chance Futurama could be picked up for new episodes by another network, like Adult Swim, or possibly Netflix?
ericlinuskaplan15 karma
well sure it could be picked up anywhere. for these networks it's all about the bottom line so if the fans make it clear to netflix or anybody else that they are really committed to the show it will make it more possible. the means of distribution are getting much more democratized.
elky215 karma
Hello Eric, i am a huge fan of BBT and i must say you writers still keep the high standard of the show. My first question - during first season, Sheldon did not appear to me as a pure asexual being(which he is now, well until latest episodes) and from the dialogs i thought of him just as a shy boy. Have you switched to his asexuality because of the humorous potential or was he supposed to be that way from the very beginning? Second question, what female character is most fun to write?
Minifig815 karma
Welcome to reddit, Mr. Kaplan!
I am /u/Minifig81, I have decided to ask every person who is an announced AMA a few simple questions:
What are you currently reading?
Is it non-fiction or fiction?
What books do you recommend to everyone that they should read or what books have changed your life?
These books will be compiled in to a spreadsheet with your name and the date you did your AMA, so that if you revisit us on a future date, I can remind you of what you were reading the last time you visited our fair site.
Thank you for time!
As per Mod request, I am to ask you one personal question on top of my Reddit AMA Books Project, so I have decided to ask you; How can we get Futurama back... again? :)
Reddit AMA Readers who wish to see the Reddit Books AMA Project will have to wait, as I'm still compiling information. I don't know how long I should wait to share it (I've been thinking a month), but I have promised the AMA Mods that I'm going to share the data eventually.
ericlinuskaplan7 karma
I am currently reading "Bringing up the Bodies" by Hillary Mantel -- it is fiction. I recommend "Fads and Fallacies" by Marvin Gardner.
KngNothing4 karma
You're a cruel, cruel individual for Jurassic Bark.........
....it gets posted and reposted often, and everytime everyone here suffers the feels....
Angrymanspokane3 karma
Big Bang Theory is very well written, great job. Malcom in the Middle, also extremely creative. Thanks for all the great entertainment!
Abeds_BananaStand3 karma
Despite Big Bang Theory being one of the most highly watched and rated comedy shows it also has a very vocal group of detractors. How do you feel about that? Is it ever frustrating knowing that the show is so well received by most but loudly disliked by a strong minority as well?
ericlinuskaplan7 karma
sure -- I want everybody to love me. They should come on the AMA and we can finally work this out.
Westerli3 karma
I think this is really Eric Kaplan. Reddit screens people before they do an AMA so that it's all verified.
Does Chuck Lorre have a tattoo? When did BBT wrap the last episode?
dr_peeper1951 karma
Futurama good
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