Fox gives ‘The Simpsons’ ‘unprecedented’ renewal deal

"The Simpsons"

Fox has announced that "The Simpsons" is being given a four-season renewal, keeping it on the air through the 2028-2029 season. © 2019 by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. Artwork © 2019 by Fox Media LLC.

“The Simpsons” is apparently the TV show that will run forever. Not only have its 36 seasons made the animated comedy the longest-running American scripted primetime series in history, but today, Fox Entertainment announced an “unprecedented” vote of confidence in the show, created by former Portlander Matt Groening.

In a press release, Fox TV network president Michael Thorn announced “unprecedented, early four-season renewals for 20th Television Animation’s hit series ‘The Simpsons, ‘Family Guy’ and ‘Bob’s Burgers,‘” in addition to announcing the return of “American Dad!” to Fox.

Viewers have definitely had the chance to get to know these series, which are now guaranteed to continue on Fox through the 2028-2029 broadcast cycle.

As the release says, “The renewals encompass the 16th through 19th Seasons of ‘Bob’s Burgers,’ the 24th through 27th Seasons of ‘Family Guy’ and the record-setting 37th through 40th Seasons of ‘The Simpsons.‘“

Fox renewals and return

Fox Entertainment today announced the renewal and return of some of the most popular animated series on TV.Fox Entertainment

“American Dad!” isn’t a newcomer, either, in that the series, co-created by Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman, debuted on Fox in 2005 and ran on the network until 2014, when it moved to TBS, and ran on that channel for another 10 years, as The Hollywood Reporter notes. Its return to Fox will extend it through Season 23.

The four series that got four-year renewal deals stream on Hulu and Disney Plus, and are consistently strong performers for the streaming platforms.

Last year, “Family Guy” and “Bob’s Burgers” were two of the top 10 most-streamed shows in the U.S., according to the Fox announcement.

“The Simpsons,” “Bob’s Burgers” and “Family Guy” are all produced by 20th Television Animation, part of Disney Television Studios. Disney also owns Hulu.

“The longevity of this agreement reaffirms our commitment to the successful partnership we’ve built with the incredible team at Disney,” said Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment said in the announcement. “This collaboration has and will continue to generate meaningful long-term value and strategically build audiences from FOX to Hulu to fans worldwide.”

You can stream Fox animated series on Hulu and on Fubo (which offers a free trial).

Stories by Kristi Turnquist

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