FOX network renewed its classic Sunday primetime animated staple "The Simpsons" for two more seasons, assuring it 30 seasons on television. The pick up by FOX will mean that Homer and his entire family will now be seen in 669 episodes, surpassing the record previously held by "Gunsmoke", which has 635. "The Simpsons" will now be the holder of the record for the most number of episodes for a scripted television series.
TV Line reported that "The Simpsons" is currently in its 28th season and will formally surpass the episode total of "Gunsmoke" in Season 29. In a statement released by FOX, Homer, the lovable father of the family topbilling the animated series, bragged about the renewal and quipped, “Take that Gunsmoke! You lost a race you didn’t even know you were running!”
This momentous event was also praised by the top honcho of FOX network. “This is yet another record-setting moment for what is truly a landmark series,” said Dana Walden and Gary Newman, the Chairmen and CEOs of FOX Television Group.
“The Simpsons has meant so much to the network, the studio and everyone at Fox, and its continued cultural impact around the globe is a testament to the combined brilliance of [executive producers] Matt, Jim and Al.”
"The Simpsons" is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the FOX Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical depiction of working-class life epitomized by the Simpson family, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. The show is set in the fictional town of Springfield and parodies American culture, society, television, and the human condition.