On the eve of its Treehouse Of Horrors XXIV, Fox announced it has picked up The Simpsons for an historic 26th season. The announcement was made by Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment at Fox. Meanwhile, fate of the voice cast — almost always a bone of contention at series-pickup time, apparently is not this time — they’re all expected to return, an informed source says. Here’s the announcement:

“For more than a quarter of a century, THE SIMPSONS has captured the hearts and minds of fans in a way that transcends ages, languages and cultures,” said Reilly. “This groundbreaking series is not only the longest-running scripted show in television history, it’s one of the greatest sitcoms of our time, and I’m looking forward to yet another landmark season.”

Last Sunday’s THE SIMPSONS’ 25th season premiere ranked as the No. 1 entertainment program of the night among Adults 18-49 and was up +12% from last season’s average.

On the next all-new episode, THE SIMPSONS’ annual Halloween special, “Treehouse of Horror XXIV,” airing this Sunday, Oct. 6 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX, director, screenwriter, producer and novelist Guillermo del Toro (“Pacific Rim,” “Pan’s Labyrinth”) resurrects monsters and classic characters from horror films throughout history for the opening couch gag. Then, in the first of three spine-tingling tales, Homer travels around Springfield wreaking havoc in a rhyming spoof of a popular children’s tale. In “Dead and Shoulders” Bart is beheaded during a kite accident, his head is attached to Lisa’s body and they must live together as one. The final frightening tale, “Freaks no Geeks,” features Mr. Burns’ traveling circus, The Burnsum and Bailey Circus, which has stopped in Springfieldland in the 1930s. Trapeze artist Marge and Strong Man Homer are performers, and things go awry when circus freak Moe starts to make advances towards Marge.



The longest-running scripted show in television history, THE SIMPSONS exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. Currently in production on its record-annihilating 25th season, THE SIMPSONS has won 28 Emmy Awards, and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for the theatrical short “The Longest Daycare.” It has been the subject of a hit feature film, created a revolutionary virtual coaster ride at Universal Studios, received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been honored with five U.S. postal stamps personally designed by creator Matt Groening. Named the “Best Show of the 20th Century” by Time magazine, THE SIMPSONS was also named “Greatest American Sitcom” by Entertainment Weekly in 2013.

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman, a Starz Media Company, is the animation house.