Insight: Disney Head Discusses Future Of Adult Animation With FOX And Hulu

In a landmark move signaling a continued faith in the power of established animated hits, Disney and FOX have inked a monumental deal ensuring the return of four iconic comedy series for years to come. Eric Schrier, President of Disney Television Studios, recently shed light on the unprecedented agreement that encompasses 16 seasons of television across The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad!

This isn’t just a simple renewal; it’s a definitive statement about the enduring popularity and global reach of these animated staples. Schrier emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between Disney and FOX in the realm of adult animation, a partnership that will soon see The Simpsons surpass an astounding 40 seasons and 860 episodes.

“The power of these shows is tremendous,” Schrier stated in a recent interview with Deadline. “They’re global shows, and we have a really great partnership with FOX.” This recognition of their widespread appeal was a key driver in the early conversations between the two companies as the previous licensing window approached its end.

The resulting agreement, involving FOX Entertainment CEO Rob Wade, FOX Network President Michael Thorn, and 20th TV Animation head Marci Proietto, is nothing short of historic. A simultaneous order for 16 seasons of television is a testament to the confidence both entities have in the continued creative vitality and economic viability of these beloved series.

From FOX’s perspective, adult animation has long been a cornerstone of their Sunday night programming, a platform that continues to deliver strong premiere viewership before the shows move to their streaming home on Hulu the following day. This symbiotic relationship benefits both FOX’s linear schedule and Hulu’s extensive content library, making the massive renewal a strategic win for both companies under the larger Disney umbrella.

Interestingly, the renewal also saw American Dad! officially transition to FOX, becoming a key part of their Sunday animation lineup. This move complements the studio’s strategy of positioning other revived animated series like Futurama and the upcoming King of the Hill as Hulu Originals, demonstrating a flexible approach to distribution based on timing and scheduling needs.

While the sheer scale of the renewal might lead some to speculate about it being a final chapter for these long-running shows, Schrier offered a more open-ended perspective. “There’s no plans that those would be the final seasons,” he clarified, suggesting that the conversation about the future of these animated juggernauts will likely continue in the years to come, driven by creative ambition and economic realities.

The interview also touched on the status of The Great North, another animated comedy at FOX that remains under consideration for renewal. While its future on the network is uncertain, Schrier acknowledged its value and hinted at the possibility of a move to Hulu depending on performance and strategic alignment.

Financially, the deal reflects a modern approach to content licensing. While the episode count per season might see some adjustments, the license fees for the returning series have been maintained, partly through the creation of exclusive episodes for Disney+ and Hulu for The Simpsons and Family Guy. This strategy allows Disney to leverage the immense popularity of these brands across its streaming platforms, further solidifying their value.

Looking beyond these established hits(as well as Solar Opposites which is dropping it’s final season this fall), Schrier expressed considerable enthusiasm for the new adult animation projects being developed by Marci Proietto and her team at 20th Television Animation. Recognizing the vibrant and widely viewed nature of adult animation, Disney is keen to continue its prolific output, developing both adult-oriented content for Hulu and young adult animation for Disney+, promising an exciting future for the genre within the studio.

This massive renewal deal underscores the enduring power of quality adult animation and the strategic importance these long-running series hold for both Disney and FOX. As audiences continue to embrace these familiar yet ever-evolving worlds, the future of animated comedy looks brighter than ever.

[h/t: Deadline]