The Simpsons is a part of us all, a part of us all, a part of us all, and it’s not going anywhere for awhile. The longest-running primetime series in American television history is now in its dreamy 27th season, and it’s already been renewed for season 28. That’s more than 600 episodes, or nearly 10 times the amount of American cheese it takes to make you blind. Fox is going to keep sounding like The Yes Guy when asked if they want more episodes, because although ratings aren’t what they used to be, The Simpsons remains steady in the all-important 18-to-40 demographic and will continue to be a merchandise machine long after our great-great-great grandkids are dead.
But showrunner Al Jean does have an end date in mind. When asked by the Hollywood Reporter about going beyond season 30, he replied:
“It’s quite possible that we don’t have to go through the whole negotiation for 30. I wouldn’t be stunned if we stopped at 28, but my bet is on at least 30. But then you’d have to resign them again. If you made me pick one, I’d say the likeliest is ending after 30, but I’ve been wrong before. I thought five seasons was good when I got there.” (Via)
Homer is generally considered to be 38 years old (his age fluctuates, depending on the season). That means if The Simpsons does indeed end after 30 seasons, in 2019, everyone born before 1981 will be older than him. That’s horrifying. We’re already five years beyond the events of “Lisa’s Wedding!”
Meanwhile, another dump truck full of money is being driven to Matt Groening’s house.
(Via the Hollywood Reporter and Splitsider)