Summary
The Disney+ announcements aboutThe Simpsonsfrom D23 have me worried about the future of the long-running series, even if it’s clear the franchise is getting more attention. During the “Animation Greats” panel at the event, which was attended by Screen Rant, it was confirmed thatThe Simpsonswill be releasing new Disney+ exclusive content. While this isn’t unfamiliar territory for the franchise, given the number of shorts they’ve released for the streaming service, what is surprising is the fact thatfour episodes ofThe Simpsonswill be released exclusivelyon the service.
This is a big change for the series, which has previously aired on their episodes on Fox. As a long-time fan ofThe Simpsons, it has me worried. TV is in the middle of a transitionary period, with broadcast and cable television falling by the wayside while streaming takes over as the primary form of home-entertainment. I was already concerned aboutThe Simpsonsnot being renewed beyond season 36, butthis Disney+ announcement gives me extra reason to be worried about the long-term future of the original series.
Disney’s The Simpsons Season 36 Release Plan Risks Alienating Its Loyalest Fans
The news of how The Simpsons season 36 will release four of its episodes risks alienating fans who have followed the series since it began in 1989.
The Simpsons' Disney+ Exclusives Could Be The Beginning Of A Major Change For The Show
The SimpsonsCould Become Increasingly Streaming Exclusive — And Leave TV Behind
It’s been formally announced thatThe Simpsonswill release episodes exclusively on Disney+ andI am worried that this might be the inevitable future of the franchise.The Simpsonshas been on the air for thirty-six seasons, with the characters debuting a few years before that as shorts onThe Tracey Ullman Show. Since then, the family has been a beloved fixture on television. I’ve also been happy with the exclusive shorts released on Disney+, which have been fun little love letters to bothThe Simpsonsand other franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Animation.
However, the announcement confirms the show will be shifting gears after season 35, releasing some new episodes exclusively on the platform going forward, including a two-part Christmas episode. On paper, this is a good thing, as it means even more ofThe Simpsons. It also makes sense from a business standpoint, asThe Simpsonsis quietly one of the most successful programs available on the streaming service. However, coupled with the fact thatThe Simpsonshas yet to be renewed beyond the upcoming season 36, I’m concerned this is a precursor toThe Simpsonsshifting away from the current format.
Why I’m Worried The Simpsons Might Be Winding Down
Why The New Formats Might Be Easier To Produce Than Traditional Seasons OfThe Simpsons
The Simpsonstypically produce over twenty episodes a season, which is an impressive commitment in an era of TV that leans more heavily towards shorter bursts of storytelling.The workload has only gotten heavier thanks to additional Disney+ specials, and could increase ifa sequel toThe Simpsons Moviefinally goes into production. With specials and episodes now coming exclusively to Disney+, it might make more sense from a financial and production standpoint to focus on those formats instead of the more traditional lengthy seasons made for broadcast television.
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Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, Mr. Smithers, Seymour Skinner
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Producing less episodes overall and shifting the franchise to a streaming exclusive would also likely be a boon for the voice cast, who’ve spent almost forty years playing these roles (and some of whom are starting to show their age in their performance). These new episodes being a perk for Disney+ subscriptions, along with the likely financial benefits of moving away from linear television,would ensure the Simpsons continue to produce new content even ifThe Simpsonsends. However, I think there’s a way both can continue to co-exist, and really hope that’s what the franchise commits to.
The Simpsons Season 36 Revives A Great Trend That Dates Back To The Very First Episode (But There’s A Catch)
The Simpsons season 36 is taking a major creative risk with its two-part Christmas special, but what is this decision and what are its implications?
I Really Don’t Want The Simpsons To End At Season 36
The SimpsonsNeeds To Keep Going
For my entire life,The Simpsonshas been a constant that I could rely on every year for entertainment. I’ve loved it since I was a little kid, and my appreciation for the craft that goes into every episode has only increased with time. On a personal level, I don’t want to see the series end yet.I believe it’s an important fixture of modern pop-culture. It’s also been genuinely solid lately, with the show going through a creative resurgence in recent years that has seenThe Simpsonsembrace their politics, experiment with animation styles, and embrace more ambitious storytelling.
The Simpsonsseries winding down, even if lives on in Disney+ exclusives, would be a shame. The show has always been solid, and has remained impressive even when failing to reach the heights of the show’s Golden Age.I want the best of both worlds, where Disney+ can continue to showcase shorts and give the creators freedom to push the envelope with new specials or movies, while the main series produces new episodes. Other long-running shows likeSouth Parkprove this approach can work. I really hopeThe Simpsonsfollows suit, and finds balance between new streaming exclusives and the classic show.
The Simpsons
Cast
The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
