Fans raise issue as The Simpsons secures renewal for four more seasons
The Simpsons has been renewed for four more seasons, but some fans of the long-running animated sitcom are hopeful that the show will be ending soon
The announcement that The Simpsons will continue until its 40th season has received a varied response from its fanbase.
Since its premiere in December 1989, Matt Groening's creation has broadcast over 800 episodes, securing its place as the longest-running animated series and sitcom on American TV. Fox Broadcasting Company has given the green light to give The Simpsons an additional four seasons, each with 15 episodes, raising the total episode count from 801 to 861.
Streaming on Disney+, The Simpsons shared news of its renewal earlier this week: "Woo-Hoo! Four more years of your favorite animated family! And donuts. Mmm... donuts."
However, some fans feel the show has surpassed its prime. A disenchanted viewer implored, "Please end. Please. You had a great run but your best days are so far in the past Just finish. Please."
Another added their voice, asking, "Why can't they just make a sequel to the movie and just end it already? That's the only thing the people are asking for is a final movie and then just end it already!"
A different X user expressed a desire for closure: "I want them gone. Like I want them to finally end their show that should have ended 20 years ago."
Another commented, "Unfortunately, the best seasons are from 1 to 13-14. Rest feels weird. Jokes aren't the same anymore." Similarly, one more concurred: "You had a good run. A cultural force in the 90s. But it's been a long time since then. Hang it up."
While some users referenced the famous Simpsons meme saying, "Stop! Stop! He's already dead!" from a 1995 episode where Homer, dressed as Krusty the Clown, clobbers The Krusty Burgler mascot in front of astounded kids.
But reactions to The Simpsons' newest season announcement varied widely, as some were overjoyed about the news. Excitement overflowed when another devotee proclaimed, "So excited for 4 more years 40 seasons of the Simpsons here we go and at this rate we will end up getting 50 seasons before they end."
Meanwhile, yet another fan celebrated: "Yay! Four more additional seasons! The Simpsons. I've been watching them every week since l was 14. Now l'm 48." And another die-hard fan declared, "Best best best best BEST news. In an unlovely and broken world, this is something to truly look forward to."
Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment, weighed in with a statement: "The longevity of this agreement reaffirms our commitment to the successful partnership we've built with the incredible team at Disney. This collaboration has and will continue to generate meaningful long-term value and strategically build audiences from Fox to Hulu to fans worldwide."