Cast And Producers Comment On “The Simpsons” Longevity

 

A 32nd season of The Simpsons is currently in production on FOX, but it seems like every year there are questions about the franchise’s longevity as a viable product. Clearly Disney understood the value having shelled out big bucks for a 20th Century FOX that so far has seen a positive net return with the longest running animated series in primetime. As of yet, we haven’t seen any former FOX comic book characters make there way over to the MCU, and other than a slight name change there really hasn’t been any other news on that front.

In dueling interviews, producer Al Jean and voice Harry Shearer both appear to be upbeat about the future prospects for The Simpsons. A one-time holdout, Harry Shearer sounds happy as a duck remarking about the show’s longevity in a new interview with ABC.NET/AU where he seems perfectly content to continuing on in the litany of characters he voices every week:

“Whatever happens on that side, if the show continues, I’m delighted to continue to do it,”

Al Jean commented similarly when the topic of Danny Elfman’s controversial note about The Simpsons not moving past season 32. He tells /Film:

If it was ending, I don’t think Danny Elfman would be the first person they would call. So no, we’re definitely doing season 32. We’re reading it this year. I’m optimistic there’ll be more. I can’t say for sure but definitely nobody has said, “Shut it down.”

Further along in the aforementioned story Al talks up new episodes coming both later this season as well as well into next season including the Treehouse of Horror iteration that’s incoming.

The Simpsons returns with an all-new episode this Sunday Night @ 8 pm ET/PT only on FOX.

The longest-running primetime scripted show in television history, THE SIMPSONS exploded into popular culture in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. HOMER (Dan Castellaneta), MARGE (Julie Kavner), BART (Nancy Cartwright), LISA (Yeardley Smith) and MAGGIE are instantly identifiable television icons. Rounding out this cast of characters are many beloved Springfield residents, including tavern proprietor MOE SZYSLAK (Hank Azaria) and nuclear power plant owner MR. BURNS (Harry Shearer). The Emmy Award-, Annie Award- and Peabody Award-winning animated comedy will begin its 31st season this year.

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. The Gracie Films Worldwide Brand Division develops and produces the licensed content for the series.