FOX Renews Hit Animated Series THE SIMPSONS for Two Additional Seasons

FOX has ordered two additional seasons of THE SIMPSONS, which will bring the longest-running series in primetime television history through its 22nd season. The 44-episode pickup ensures the series will reach an astounding 493 episodes. THE SIMPSONS airs Sundays (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Since its debut on January 14, 1990, THE SIMPSONS immediately struck a chord with viewers across the country as it poked fun of itself and everything in its wake. With its subversive humor and delightful wit, the series has made an indelible imprint on American pop culture and has become one of television’s most iconic families.

“Best. 20 Years. Ever.,” a year-long global celebration honoring all things THE SIMPSONS, launched in January 2009 and will culminate on January 14, 2010, the 20th anniversary of the series’ debut.

The critically praised series has been bestowed with numerous honors, including a Peabody Award, 24 Emmy Awards, 23 Annie Awards, four Genesis Awards, nine International Monitor Awards and seven Environmental Media Awards. THE SIMPSONS holds the Guinness Book of World Records titles for Longest-Running Primetime Animated Television Series and Most Guest Stars Featured in a Television Series. Recognized as a pop culture icon, Homer Simpson’s annoyed grunt – “D’oh!” – is an official word in the Oxford English Dictionary, and THE SIMPSONS has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With record-breaking retail sales, THE SIMPSONS reigns as one the best-selling TV DVD properties of all time. In 2007, THE SIMPSONS celebrated an unprecedented 400 episodes, and the long-awaited “The Simpsons Movie” was released and went on to gross $526 million worldwide to date. Additionally, “The Simpsons Ride” opened in May 2008 at Universal Studios in Orlando , FL , and Hollywood , CA .

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 is the animation house.