After 26 years of keeping his sexuality very carefully hidden from his boss, erstwhile assistant Waylon Smithers may finally come out to Mr. Burns on The Simpsons.

Executive producer Al Jean said that the day may arrive in a two part episode this season, as Smithers runs out of patience with the seemingly ancient power plant owner.

Most of the fictional town of Springfield already knows about Smithers' sexuality, but Charles Montgomery Burns might be the last one to find out.

"In Springfield now, most people know he's gay, but obviously Burns doesn't," Jean said in an interview with TV Line. "We deal with that in two episodes. … We actually do a lot with Smithers this year; he gets fed up with Burns not appreciating him and considers his options."

The Simpsons has been on the air since 1989, with Smithers first appearing in its third episode, although with dark brown skin instead of his usual yellow complexion.

His attraction to his boss became a part of his character beginning with the show's eighth episode, with some noticeable hints since then.

This story will arrive as The Simpsons begins to enter its twilight years, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Jean told the publication that with the most recent round of cast salary negotiations, there may not be all that many years left to the long-running series.

"I wouldn't be stunned if we stopped at 28, but my bet is on at least 30," he said. "If you made me pick one, I'd say the likeliest is ending after 30, but I've been wrong before."

"I thought five seasons was good when I got there."

With the Smithers coming out story on the horizon though, people appear pleased that the show is developing its characters while it still has time.

I think Smithers coming out as gay is great —@creedvoice_

Smithers coming out seems like a good thing, but it's gonna be pretty uncomfortable after decades of gay jokes <a href="https://t.co/LLfgtkyydi">https://t.co/LLfgtkyydi</a> —@scottmeaney

Although there were a few that thought the story would ruin the humour behind Smithers and Burns' relationship.

im glad smithers is coming out so the joke is completely ruined —@gambling_pizza

The story was new, but no one was surprised that Smithers was gay.

Umm wait... Smithers is now "coming out as gay" in <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSimpsons">@TheSimpsons</a>? We kinda all knew he was 20+ years ago. :| <a href="http://t.co/xRpT4ffEAc">http://t.co/xRpT4ffEAc</a> —@DragonRift

Also, if you're shocked that Smithers from The Simpsons is coming out as gay, you've never watched an episode of The Simpsons. —@2hxc2care

Well, almost no one.

Man in my local cafe amazed that Smithers is coming out. He didn't see it at all. —@McKelvie

Man in my local cafe amazed that Smithers is coming out. He didn't see it at all. —@McKelvie

But for those with long memories, there are plenty of classic lines the show could use for Smithers to start the conversation with his boss.