The Simpsons Fans’ Worst Nightmare Came True: Season 36 Won’t Be Its Last

The Simpsons is a legendary animated series, one of the longest running shows. Created in 1989, it is now in its 36th season, with new episodes still coming out. The show is beloved by many for its iconic, quirky family at the center and arguably one of the best ensemble casts of all time.

Recently, Variety has reported that the series, along with several other animated shows like Family Guy and Bob's Burgers, has received a massive four-season renewal at Fox. And frankly, while this looks like a great accomplishment, even the diehard fans are a little confused about the network's decision.

At Some Point, The Simpsons May Face a Painful Recast Problem

While executives said it was the show's enduring popularity that made them greenlight it for four seasons at once, some say there was really no need for that. Many fans were absolutely sure that the show would end after season 36, seeing this as the only reasonable way for The Simpsons to go.

The thing is, the show had its so-called "golden era", which ended around season 8. And after that the show went downhill. The stories felt forced and the humor was not as funny. It seemed like every new episode was painfully sucked out of the finger.

But a boring show is not the biggest concern that fans have. They are worried that The Simpsons will inevitably have to recast its biggest stars because of the main cast members’ age.

“I really wonder if all the cast members will stick with it, particularly Julie and Harry. They're currently 74 and 81 years old, respectively. Not that any of the main cast are spring chickens, but the others are all under 70. Obviously several minor characters have been recast or retired over the years, but I don't know how well things would do if they suddenly had to recast a major character,” Redditor bort_license_plates said.

Fox Television Network executives, however, remain pretty optimistic.

“This new deal celebrates the eternal popularity of these iconic comedies, as well as the enduring, prolific relationship we continue to enjoy with our friends at 20th Television Animation and the brilliant creators – that goes double for Seth this time around — and incredible voices behind these contemporary classics,” said Michael Thorn, president of Fox Television Network.

Some fans are now joking how The Simpsons will be with them throughout their entire lives.

“I started watching The Simpsons when I was at primary school. At this rate they will still be going when I draw my pension,” Redditor Additional-Nobody352 said.

Naturally, some people are happy that they have their favorite cartoon around for four more seasons. Many fans even suggest that if the network can get people to make peace with a potential recast, The Simpsons could go on for decades to come.

But sometimes, good things don’t have to last this long.