"The Simpsons" will continue its amazing twenty-plus-year run through the Spring of 2012.
Fox and "Simpsons" producer Gracie Films have mutually agreed to proceed with a 23rd season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The series was previously renewed in 2009 with an option for an additional season, which was just activated.
“Like many 22-year-olds, 'The Simpsons' is extremely happy remaining at home, on Fox, and hopes it doesn't have to go out into the real world for many years to come,” said "Simpsons" executive producer, Al Jean.
"The Simpsons" was originally created by Matt Groening back in 1987 for a series of animated shorts on "The Tracy Ullman Show" before spinning off into its own series in 1989. The series was developed by Groening, James L. Brooks and Sam Simon. Over the course of twenty two seasons, "The Simpsons" has become an international sensation, which has spun off into various merchandise items, video games and even a feature film.
The series has also become the longest-running sitcom, the longest-running animated series and even the longest running primetime series by eclipsing the twenty seasons of "Gunsmoke." The final milestone to fall will be the most episodes in television history. "Gunsmoke" and "Lassie"are currently in first and second place, with 635 and 588 episodes, respectively. However, "The Simpsons" will reach its milestone 500th episode during the 23rd season.
Since the very beginning, "The Simpsons" has starred Dan Castellaneta as Homer, Julie Kavner as Marge, Yeardley Smith as Lisa and Nancy Cartwright as Bart and other assorted voices. Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer portray several of the other eccentric residents of Springfield. Under the terms of their most recent contract, the voice actors receive $400,000 per episode.
"The Simpsons" movie will have its broadcast debut on Fox this Thanksgiving.
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