While so many other shows on other networks and streaming services have been getting axed, the long-running animated sitcom The Simpsons is not going anywhere. The series, now in its 34th season, has been officially renewed by Fox through season 36. Also renewed with their own 2-season renewal orders are fellow animated shows Bob’s Burgers and Family Guy, and this guarantees that all three shows will continue to air new episodes on Fox through the 2024-25 TV season.
“With this trio of renewals, we celebrate excellence in animation on Fox, our wonderful, long-time partnership with 20th Television and the brilliant creators and incredible voices behind these forever favorites,” Fox Entertainment’s president of scripted programming, Michael Thorn, said in a statement, per Variety. “Three-plus decades of The Simpsons, more than two decades of Family Guy and over a decade of Bob’s Burgers proves the enduring power of the animation genre on our network and the infinite fan affinity for these outrageously funny comedy classics."
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20th Television Animation EVP Marci Proietto continues, “Across 750 episodes of The Simpsons, 400 episodes of Family Guy, and 250 episodes of Bob’s Burgers, we couldn’t be more proud to continue delivering these three animated hits with the most brilliant teams in animation. Our relationship with Fox over the past three decades has allowed this trio of shows to thrive, grow and deliver immeasurable moments of hilarious and irreverent entertainment for fans, and we are absolutely thrilled that Fox is doubling down on each of these iconic shows.”
The Simpsons Extends Its Ongoing Record
Fox
As it already stands, The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted TV show in history. Another renewal will just keep building on the record, making it that much harder for other shows to potentially surpass one day. Shows like Family Guy and Bob’s Barkers do have potential, given that the former’s renewal puts it up to 23 seasons guaranteed while Bob’s Burgers will have at least 15 seasons. Even so, 36 is particularly impressive, and that’s still going to be a high number for those other shows to try to reach.
Matt Groening created The Simpsons, which originally began as a series of animated shorts featured on The Tracey Ullman Show in the 1980s. The show premiered its first episode as its own series in 1989 and was an instant hit, though perhaps no one could have predicted just how successful the show was destined to become. 740 episodes have already aired at this point, and the new 2-season renewal will push it past the 800 episode mark. While some of the show’s notable voice talents have passed away over the years, many longtime voice actors have been there since the very start, including those voicing each of the titular family members. The series stars Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Yeardley Smith, Nancy Cartwright, Hank Azaria, and Harry Shearer.
Meanwhile, the series’ classic episodes remain just as popular as ever as well. They can be streamed on Disney+, with the show currently serving as the most popular TV series on the streaming platform.
