‘The Simpsons’ showrunner predicts when legendary programme will end
One of the longest-running television shows of all time, complemented by theme parks, seemingly endless volumes of merchandise, and a feature-length film, it is difficult to imagine a time during which The Simpsons will not be on the air. According to co-showrunner Al Jean, the misadventures of the yellow-skinned family are set to continue for quite a while longer.
Since its humble beginnings as a segment of The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987, the animated show has produced a whopping 35 seasons, making it the longest-running television programme in American history. Although the cartoon has received some heavy criticism in recent years, leading to a widespread view that The Simpsons had jumped the shark, the latest series has shown that the show is certainly not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Admittedly, the modern era of The Simpsons is virtually unrecognisable in content from its pre-season-nine ‘Golden Age’. With characters using smartphones and social media, guest appearances from the likes of Elon Musk, and a drastic change in personnel, the show has strayed somewhat from its original manifesto. Nevertheless, Jean has suggested that The Simpsons will persevere for some time past its 35th season.
Due to hit its 800th episode during season 36, Jean has affirmed his hope that the show will eventually reach 1000. Talking to ScreenRant, he shared, “I think the show is in fantastic shape. I’m biassed, but I think that the current episodes are, whether I work on one, a lot or not, are great,” adding, “And I think that the future is bright, it’s gonna go to 800, and I hope 1000”.
The showrunner also noted that the programme was disrupted by last year’s SAG-AFTRA strike, “We did have to just take a break for four months because of the strike,” he said, “which I’m glad we did, that was what we should have done”. Despite the strike delays, season 35 of The Simpsons has been its most popular and successful season in years.
For the show to reach 1000 episodes at its current pace, that would mean the show would go on for another nine seasons. So, if that is the case, you can expect The Simpsons to be on your screens for at least another decade.
Elsewhere within the interview, Jean spoke about the possibility of another feature-length film featuring the Simpson family, saying, “I want to see the animation business completely returned to what it was before the pandemic. And then, I think if that was the case, it would make sense to do The Simpsons theatrically”.
Meanwhile, The Simpsons recently killed off Larry the Barfly, who was often found lurking in the shadows at Moe’s Tavern and appeared in the programme’s very first episode. In a recent show, Moe, Homer, Lenny, and Carl are shocked to discover their friend has passed away, which leads them to research his life. Despite consuming beer with him on a weekly basis for 35 years, the four cartoon figures soon discover they knew very little about Larry’s life outside of the bar.