The team behind the world’s longest-running animated sitcom is packing up their desks. After more than three decades, The Simpsons is moving out of its well-known production offices at the Fox Studio lot in Los Angeles. Al Jean, the writer and producer who has been with the show for most of its run, shared the news on social media, confirming that the series is leaving the space it has called home since the early days of production.
The announcement has drawn attention from fans who have followed the show’s journey from its debut in 1989. While the office change marks the end of an era for the production team, the series itself is not ending. The Simpsons has already been renewed for Season 40, ensuring that Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie will continue to appear on screens for years to come.
Al Jean Confirms Office Move on Social Media
Jean took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to break the news to followers. His post read simply, “After 35 years,” confirming that the production team is moving offices. He added the hashtag “#toosoon” to the caption, which added an emotional layer to the departure. The post included two photos—one showing members of the team and another showing the office space itself.
Jean did not share specific details about where the production will relocate. However, the post makes it clear that this is a significant shift for the team that has produced hundreds of episodes from that location. The office has been the workspace for writers, animators, and voice actors who have brought Springfield to life for nearly four decades.
The move comes as part of broader changes at the Fox lot. Disney, which now owns the studio, has been transitioning production operations to its Burbank lot. The lease for the Fox lot was set to end in March 2026, and Disney has been moving its 20th Television and FX studios to the Burbank location. The Simpsons production is part of this larger shift.
Show Renewed Through Season 40
For fans who might worry that an office move signals the end of the show, the producers have made it clear that The Simpsons is not going anywhere. The series has been renewed through Season 40. This means the show will continue to produce new episodes for the foreseeable future.
Matt Selman, the showrunner, previously told TheWrap that the series is “never going to do a series finale”. This statement reflects the creative team’s approach to keeping the show alive without a planned end point. The episodes are designed in a way that allows the characters to reset each week, which contributes to the show’s longevity.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Al Jean added that at the end of each episode, there is always the possibility of returning to “square one,” which has been a big influence in keeping the series going for so many years.
A Long History at the Fox Lot
The Simpsons first aired on December 17, 1989. The show started as a series of shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show before being developed into a half-hour sitcom. Since then, it has become the longest-running prime-time sitcom in US history.
The production office at the Fox lot has been the backdrop for much of that history. The space has seen the creation of over 760 episodes, numerous awards, and the development of a global franchise. The show has also produced a feature film, The Simpsons Movie, which was released in 2007 and became a box office success.
The office move is part of a larger transition for the studio lot. Disney has been consolidating its operations, and the Fox lot is being vacated by several production units. While the physical space is changing, the production team will continue its work at a new location.
Cast and Crew Remain Intact
The voice cast of The Simpsons has remained remarkably consistent over the years. Dan Castellaneta voices Homer Simpson and has been with the show since the beginning. Julie Kavner voices Marge, Nancy Cartwright voices Bart, and Yeardley Smith voices Lisa. These actors have been central to the show’s identity and continue to record new episodes.
The show has also seen changes in its voice cast over the years. Pamela Hayden, who voiced Milhouse, Jimbo Jones, and Rod Flanders, announced her retirement after 35 years on the series. Despite these changes, the core cast remains in place.
The creative team has also discussed how they envision the show ending, should that day ever come. Mike Price, the executive producer, told Collider that he would prefer the series to end with a “regular episode” rather than a special finale. Selman echoed this sentiment, saying that the show is not “supposed to change” and that the ending would be a regular episode with the family in it.
Changes to the Sunday Night Schedule
The office move is not the only change affecting The Simpsons. Fox recently announced changes to its Sunday night schedule, which has been home to the show for decades. The network has moved the live-action sitcom Animal Control to Sundays, right after The Simpsons. This marks the end of the “Animation Domination” block that Fox introduced in May 2005.
The Sunday night block originally featured The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy, and American Dad. Over the years, the lineup has changed, but The Simpsons has remained a constant presence. The new schedule reflects a shift in how Fox is programming its Sunday nights.
Fox unveiled its fall 2026 schedule on July 15, with the new season beginning the week of September 21. The Sunday lineup will start at 8 p.m. ET with The Simpsons, followed by Animal Control at 8:30 p.m.. Two other animated sitcoms, Universal Basic Guys and Grimsburg, will follow later in the evening.
Episode Count Changes
Another shift for the series has been the reduction in episode counts per season. For 33 years, from Season 2 through Season 34, The Simpsons consistently released seasons with 20 to 25 episodes. However, Season 35 included only 18 episodes. This change reflects broader trends in television production, where shorter seasons have become more common.
The show’s producers have adapted to these changes while maintaining the quality that fans expect. The shorter seasons have not affected the show’s renewal prospects, as it continues to be a strong performer for Fox and on streaming platforms.
Also Read:
What the Move Means for the Show’s Future
The office move is a logistical change rather than a creative one. The production team will continue to write, animate, and record episodes at a new location. The show’s renewal through Season 40 guarantees that new episodes will be coming for years.
For fans, the move may feel like the end of an era, but the show’s producers have emphasized that The Simpsons will continue. The series has become a cultural institution, and its influence on animation and comedy is undeniable. It paved the way for other adult animated shows like South Park, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty.
As the team settles into a new workspace, the production of new episodes will continue. The show’s 800th episode has already aired, and with Season 40 on the horizon, there is plenty more to come from Springfield’s most famous family.
Also Read: Jessica Henwick Explains Why Colleen Wing Won’t Join Daredevil: Born Again Season 3
Stay connected with VvipTimes for more updates on your favorite shows and the latest entertainment news from around the world.
Leave a Reply