For the first time in over two decades, The Simpsons will have a new person in charge. Al Jean, the creative force behind the animated series for 25 years, is stepping down from his role as showrunner. The change marks a significant shift for the world’s longest-running scripted primetime television series.
A Major Changing of the Guard
Al Jean confirmed his departure on social media, stating that the episode airing on November 2, 2025, will be his last as showrunner. He clarified that while this chapter is closing, he is “still thrilled to work on the show,” indicating he will remain involved as a writer and producer. This move ends Jean’s tenure as the primary showrunner, a position he has held since Season 13 of the series.
The leadership of the show will now fall solely to Matt Selman, who has served as co-showrunner alongside Jean for recent seasons. This transition represents the first major change in the show’s top creative position since 2001. Jean’s direct involvement as showrunner concludes with the episode “Bad Boys…For Life?,” which he also wrote.
Al Jean’s Legacy on The Simpsons
Al Jean is a true veteran of Springfield, having been with The Simpsons since its beginning. He started as a writer in the show’s first two seasons and was later promoted to co-showrunner for the widely celebrated Seasons 3 and 4 alongside Mike Reiss. This period is often considered the show’s “Golden Age,” producing classic episodes like “Homer at the Bat” and “Marge vs. the Monorail.”
After a break to create the animated series The Critic, Jean returned to The Simpsons full-time in Season 10 and took over as the solo showrunner in Season 13. He has guided the show through monumental industry shifts, including its transition to high-definition animation in 2009 and its move to Disney following the acquisition of 20th Century Fox. Jean was also one of the many writers who contributed to the screenplay for the first The Simpsons Movie in 2007.
The New Captain of the Ship: Matt Selman
Matt Selman is no stranger to the world of The Simpsons. He joined the show’s writing staff in 1997 and has been a key creative voice ever since, rising to the position of executive producer. He has written or co-written many beloved episodes, including “Trilogy of Error,” “Behind the Laughter,” and “The Food Wife.”
Selman has a deep understanding of the show’s legacy and the challenge of maintaining it. He once noted, “The hardest thing is we have to try and make each episode as good as everything that’s come before it. We have a legacy of greatness, and you don’t want to be the person that ruins The Simpsons.” His work on the series has earned him six Primetime Emmy Awards. He also co-wrote the first Simpsons Movie and several of the show’s popular video games.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
News of Jean’s departure sparked significant reaction from long-time fans of the show on social media. Many viewers expressed their gratitude for his decades of work. One fan commented, “What a run! Thank you for all the laughs from the top,” while another stated, “Thanks for all the hard work over the years!”
The timing of this change has led to speculation about Jean’s next project. The announcement comes shortly after the official confirmation of a sequel to The Simpsons Movie, scheduled for release on July 23, 2027. While not confirmed, it is possible that Jean is stepping back from the daily demands of the TV series to focus his energy on the upcoming feature film.
The Future of The Simpsons
With this leadership change, The Simpsons is poised to begin a new creative chapter. The series is currently in the middle of its 37th season and has already been renewed through Season 40. Under Matt Selman’s sole leadership, the series is expected to continue its record-breaking run on Fox, with new episodes available to stream on Disney+ after they air.
The show continues to evolve, with recent seasons experimenting with different storytelling styles and character explorations. As the series moves forward, fans will be watching closely to see how Selman’s vision shapes the future of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and the entire town of Springfield.
Thank you for watching @TheSimpsons tonight … next week the last (Simpsons) episode I’ll showrun (at least for now) although as always I’m still thrilled to work on the show. – Al Jean on social media
Also Read: The Simpsons Movie Ending Explained: How Homer Saved Springfield
Credits: Bubbleblabber, Collider, CBR
