The Calculus of Comedy: Math in The Simpsons, Futurama, and The Big Bang Theory

While there is no mathematical formula for writing television comedy, for the writers of The Simpsons, Futurama, and The Big Bang Theory, mathematical formulas (along with classic equations and cutting-edge theorems) can sometimes be an integral part of those shows. In a lively and nerdy discussion, six of these writers (who have advanced degrees in math, physics, and computer science) will share their love of numbers and talent for producing laughter. Mathematician Sarah Greenwald, who teaches and writes about math in popular culture, will moderate the panel.

Panelists:
- J. Stewart Burns: The Simpsons & Futurama (Writer); B.A. Mathematics (Harvard University), M.A. Mathematics (UC Berkeley)

- David X. Cohen: Futurama (Head Writer & Executive Producer), The Simpsons (Writer); B.A. Physics (Harvard University), M.S. Computer Science (UC Berkeley)

- Al Jean: The Simpsons (Writer); B.A. Mathematics (Harvard University)

- Eric Kaplan: The Big Bang Theory (Executive Producer & Writer), Futurama (Writer); PhD Philosophy (UC Berkeley)

- Ken Keeler: Futurama (Writer & Executive Producer), The Simpsons (Writer); M.S. Electrical Engineering (Stanford University), PhD Applied Mathematics (Harvard University)

- Jeff Westbrook: The Simpsons & Futurama (Writer); Physics & History of Science (Harvard University), PhD Computer Science (Princeton University)

Moderator:
- Sarah Greenwald: Professor of Mathematics & Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies Faculty Affiliate (Appalachian State University); PhD Mathematics (University of Pennsylvania)

Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, UCLA
October 25, 2017

[abraham]

Dude has been graduated with a PhD degree from Harvard and has earned his reputation from his theorem and the plots he has written and produced for Futurama and the Simpsons; and now he is enjoying his retirement by making a coffee roaster in his backyard?!

[leif]

Who is Frega? He mentions at 12:00 from, TBBT..

[simetry]

I think some fans and detractors tend to think or assume that these writer don't know when they are making mistakes. Pointed out clearly here is that they now expect the audience can use Google and those tha t can't comprehend will find a community of fans that can explain it to them. A 20 min run time show will not give you the an explanation of these ideas. For some the fact that they have an appreciation while not knowing it's full proof is a source of human camaraderie, friendship, the source of joy in comedy.

[lalalala]

Dude. Everyone in the room including the listeners are super serious in the beginning and by the end of it i felt like i was watching stand up comedy.

[raymiejed]

Ken Keeler is literally the greatest human being ever. What a genius. “It turns out one person -can- make a difference - but most of the time, they probably shouldn’t.” Iconic, and I don’t know how they thought of that.

Remember the Simpsons episode where they did a crossover with The Critic? They have a film contest with Krusty as the judge who is bribed into voting for an emotionless, inferior film entry. When asked why, he states quietly “let’s just say it moved me... TO A BIGGER HOUSE! Uh-oh, I said the loud part quiet and the quiet part loud!”

I’ve been laughing at that joke for twenty years. I think Ken Keeler even wrote that joke. He’s right. When the joke is perfect, and you have no idea how they thought of it... it’s hilarious beyond all time and replays.

(Ken if you’re reading this, I love Fry and Leela and the ‘Dial L for Leela’ section of ‘Anthology of Interest 1’ broke my brain forever. In a good way. So, uh, thanks <3)