'The Simpsons' cancelled? Show may end after 30 seasons

"The Simpsons" is one of the longest running series on US television, and the series has just premiered its 27th season with a contract that guarantees it will also get a 28th. The cast members are also signed on to keep working for the show until it reaches season 30, leading many fans to believe the show will never stop..

However, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Al Jean explained when the series might actually end, and according to his statements, the series may have at least three more seasons in.

"It's quite possible that we don't have to go through the whole negotiation for 30," he explained. "I wouldn't be stunned if we stopped at 28, but my bet is on at least 30. But then you'd have to resign them again. 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"

When asked how he would want the series to end, Al Jean explained that he had an idea for the last episode to showcase the Simpsons getting ready for the Christmas pageant that was in the very first episode back in 1989, "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire."

This would create an endless loop where the series would have no real beginning or end. However, according to a report from Cinema Blend, this is now unlikely to happen because Al Jean has already spoiled it to the public. This doesn't necessarily rule it out, however, and the report does concede that when the show does end it will go out "with a bang."

"The Simpsons" has been home to numerous couch cags, celebrity cameos, and its own takes on social commentaries on real-world events. There have been numerous video game adaptations, comic books, and also a ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. A movie was also released in 2007.