Four times cartoon shows anticipated the future

Screen directors or secret oracles?

By EG Manilag, Staff Writer

There are many times the folks behind popular media predicted the future. While some of those predictions were seemingly horrifying—like deaths or series of violent attacks—some predictions were actually quite amazing, for example technologies that are so unique, it is still unbelievable to think that they even exist!

However, one thing is for sure about those multitalented screen writers: they are not capable of seeing the future. They just have a super keen insight into human nature! So, without further ado, here are some handpicked cartoon show episodes that predicted future events:

1) Family Guy predicted Caitlyn Jenner’s transition: Season 10, Episode 1

Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, was the subject of a joke made by Stewie in a 2009 Family Guy episode. The line started when Stewie expressed his disgust upon seeing Brody Jenner—Caitlyn’s son—saying, “I can’t believe that came out of Bruce Jenner’s vagina.” Brian immediately answered, “Bruce Jenner is a man.” Stewie then replied, “No, Brian, that’s what the press would have you believe, but he’s not. Bruce Jenner is a woman, an elegant, beautiful Dutch woman.”

Six long years later in 2015, Caitlyn announced her transition to the public. Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy, did a really good job in anticipating Caitlyn’s transition up to the end result, but I guess he was wrong about Caitlyn being Dutch. Or maybe he wasn’t?

2) SpongeBob SquarePants predicted chrome: Season 1, Episode 14

In this 1999 episode, SpongeBob’s co-worker Squidward was accidentally locked inside a freezer only to find out he would be awoken 2000 years into the future where everything was chromed. Literally chromed! Squidward was later defrosted by Sponge-Tron—who is SpongeBob from the future—using an ironic laser-shooting hammer.

Although, our world today is physically far from being all-chrome, but in context, chrome is everywhere! Silver shiny chrome jackets are super popular now! Additionally, if we’re just speaking about the term “chrome,” Google Chrome is everywhere! We know how prevalent it is… even iPhone users commonly use it as their default browser!

3) The Simpsons predicted Trump’s presidency: Season 11, Episode 11

This Simpsons episode is undeniably one of the most controversial ones in terms of predicting the future. Sure, the TV show predicted many future events, but they are all nothing compared to predicting a future president.

The prophecy all started when Bart imagined Lisa to be the new president replacing Trump’s presidency. According to President Lisa’s team, “We’ve inherited quite a budget crunch from President Trump.” The good thing about this episode, however, is Lisa being the first female president of the United States.

4) Futurama predicted beer as fuel: Season 1, Episode 3

Beer! Cheers! Toast! In an episode entitled “I, Roommate,” Bender the robot was revealed to be fueled by beer. Ironically, not drinking would make him display the characteristics of being a drunk. You may be left confused as to thinking how this predicted the future… but guess what! The dream of beer as fuel has been realized!

New Zealand’s bright innovators has made it possible. These scientists, coming from DB Export brewery, introduced “Brewtroleum,” an ethanol made from leftovers found after the brewing process. This could be the future of biofuels!