End of an Era: Al Jean Steps Down as The Simpsons Showrunner After 25 Years

Al Jean, a foundational figure in the history of The Simpsons, is stepping down from his post as the animated sitcom’s showrunner and co-showrunner, marking a major changing of the guard for the first time since 2001.

Jean announced the departure on social media, stating that the episode airing on November 2nd will be his last as showrunner “for now.” While he is expected to remain involved with the show as a writer and producer, the move officially leaves Matt Selman as the sole showrunner for the foreseeable future.

A Golden Age Legacy

Jean is a true Simpsons veteran, having been with the series since its first two seasons as a writer. He was later promoted to co-showrunner for Seasons 3 and 4 alongside Mike Reiss, a period widely regarded as the show’s “Golden Age,” which delivered classic episodes like “Homer at the Bat” and “Marge vs. the Monorail.”

After a stint creating their own animated series, The Critic, Jean returned to The Simpsons full-time in Season 10 and took the solo reins in Season 13, guiding the show through monumental shifts, including its transition to HD in 2009 and its subsequent move under Disney ownership following the acquisition of 20th Century Fox.

A Focus on the Future: The Simpsons Movie Sequel?

The timing of Jean’s exit is particularly notable as it follows the recent announcement of a long-awaited sequel to The Simpsons Movie, which is scheduled for release on July 23, 2027.

While unconfirmed, speculation suggests that Jean may be stepping back from the day-to-day demands of the TV series to focus his energy on the feature film project. Jean was previously one of the many writers who contributed to the screenplay for the first Simpsons Movie.

With The Simpsons secured through Season 40, the series continues its record-breaking run under the leadership of Matt Selman.