Nancy Cartwright, the voice actress behind Bart Simpson on the Fox animated sitcom, believes the iconic series has a definitive endpoint in sight, predicting that the show will conclude its iconic run with Season 40. Cartwright, who has breathed life into Springfield’s premier troublemaker since the show debuted in 1989, shared her personal assessment regarding the longevity of the animated comedy during a Tuesday appearance on Michael Rosenbaum’s “Inside of You” podcast.
The conversation turned toward the future of the animated powerhouse when Rosenbaum asked Cartwright point-blank how much longer the series would continue on television. Cartwright offered a concise response, predicting forty seasons total. When the podcast host pressed further to confirm whether she genuinely expected the sitcom to wrap up at that specific milestone, Cartwright reiterated her perspective, stating that it was simply her personal outlook on the matter.
Representatives for “The Simpsons” and studio 20th Television declined to comment on the voice actress’s remarks. Despite her prediction for Season 40, Cartwright clarified during the interview that she would gladly continue working on the series if it managed to push past that benchmark, provided that the core voice cast remained alive and able to perform. When asked if she would stay with the production for as long as network executives wanted it to run, Cartwright answered affirmatively.
Production Timeline and Multi-Season Renewals
Cartwright’s remarks arrive roughly a year after “The Simpsons” secured a substantial four-season renewal from Fox, a multi-year pickup that guarantees the animated institution will remain on the air through Season 40. That formal commitment from the network ensures that the residents of Springfield will continue airing new episodes for several more broadcast years.
In addition to its ongoing television schedule, the franchise is expanding back to the big screen. The studio is preparing to release a second theatrical feature film, titled “The Simpsons Movie 2,” slated for a September 2027 premiere. The upcoming movie marks the first cinematic return for the family since the original 2007 film grossed over $527 million worldwide.
Why the Showrunner Plans to Skip a Traditional Series Finale
Speaking with industry press in February, Selman explained that the creative team deliberately produced an episode that parodied the very concept of a series finale roughly a year and a half prior. By cramming every conceivable ending trope into a single storyline, the showrunner signaled that a formal, emotional sign-off is fundamentally contrary to the premise of the show.
“The show isn’t supposed to change. The characters reset every week. It’s like Groundhog Day but they don’t know it — and they don’t die that much,” Selman said in February. He added that if the animated comedy ever does cease production, it would likely conclude with a standard episode featuring subtle nods rather than a tearful farewell address.
Upcoming Broadcast Schedule
As production continues under the multi-season renewal agreement, audiences prepare for the next phase of the animated comedy. Season 38 of “The Simpsons” is scheduled to premiere on Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, keeping the animated comedy anchored firmly in its Sunday night television slot.
Viewers can catch full interview segments and podcast discussions across digital platforms as the cast and crew promote the upcoming television season and the long-term roadmap for America’s favorite animated family.
Keep reading