As the longest running scripted television show of all time, The Simpson’s has been one of the most iconic franchises ever created. It has known only one home: Fox, who has aired every episode on their network after spinning off from The Tracy Ullman Show. With the impending purchase by Disney, it is clear that Fox will fight to keep the long running animated series.
CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman revealed their plans to keep The Simpsons on the network after the Disney purchase of Fox is completed.
“Simpsons is so much a part of the brand,” Walden said. “There’s been such an incredible halo effect of that show and the other animated series that are on our Sunday night. There are no plans for them to go anywhere other than FOX.”
“We have a couple years of episodes already in progress on The Simpsons. So down the line, what kind of decision is made I can’t really speak to. But for the foreseeable future, there’s so much upside and benefit to having a great Emmy Award winning, smart, provocative, quality show, that there’s no consideration of not ordering more Simpsons.”
As principle owner, Disney could try to move the long-running animated series to another network they own, such as ABC. As such, they should expect that Fox will not let that happen without a fight on their hands.
“As long as we’ve all been in the business, networks have licensed shows they don’t have ownership of.” Walden continued. “The Simpsons generates lots of revenue and opportunities off network through consumer products and otherwise, and I feel confident that Disney and FOX are going to find a way to both have an interest in that show, and I anticipate it continuing to stay on the FOX network.”
Would it be unacceptable for the Simpson’s to be on another network? Would Disney try to tinker with something that has worked for over 30 years? It remains to be seen. How would you at the GVNation feel about it? Let us know.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.