Fox has confirmed multiseason renewals for its popular adult animated showsThe Simpsons,Family Guy,Bob’s Burgers, andAmerican Dad!The longest-running show renewed isThe Simpsons, which premiered on Fox in 1989.Family Guydebuted in 1999, and returned to Fox after its initial cancellation in 2005.Bob’s Burgersis the newest show, premiering on the network in 2011.American Dad!will return to Fox after 11 years on TBS for its upcoming season.
In a report fromDeadline, it has been confirmed that theanimated shows have all been renewed for four seasons. This would take them through 2028-29. Each season will consist of 15 episodes, a decrease from the traditional 22 episodes per season. However,The Simpsons, Family GuyandBob’s Burgershave already dropped below that number in recent years.
What This Means For The Animated Shows
They’ll Never Stop The Simpsons
Fox’s animation lineup has been a staple of the network for decades.The Simpsonsis the longest-running sitcom of all timeand will be on the air until at least season 40 with this renewal. This meansthe show will have been on the air longer than Homer’s generally accepted age of 39, although this has varied depending on the season. The only major change that will alter the series going forward is the retirement of Pamela Hayden, who voiced Milhouse among other characters.
Why Family Guy Was Canceled After Season 3 (& Why It Came Back)
Family Guy has been a mainstay of FOX for over 20 years, and that makes it all the more surprising that it was canceled for a brief time.
Both Seth MacFarlane created shows,Family GuyandAmerican Dad!will now both have survived cancellation from the network. Although MacFarlane stepped down as a writer on both series years ago, he still provides numerous voices on the animated programs.Bob’s Burgersis another impressive long-running program, winning Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Animated Program in 2014 and 2017. With how beloved all of these shows are, and with dedicated fan bases, it’s a welcome surprise to see them all guaranteed to return for multiple years.
Our Take On The Renewals
Hopefully, This Isn’t The Last One
Despite their longevity,The Simpsonsand the other animated programs can constantly reinvent themselves as the characters never age. Admittedly, the age of the voice actors can be heard as all of these shows have been on the air for an impressively long time.
The Simpsonsseason 36poked fun of itself with its premiere being a faux series finale hosted by former writer Conan O’Brien. How and when these shows will end remains unknown. As long as the quality remains high, there is no reasonThe Simpsons,Family Guy,Bob’s Burgers, andAmerican Dad!cannot continue beyond their renewals.
The Simpsons
Cast
The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
Family Guy
Family Guy is an animated series following the eccentric Griffin family. Led by bumbling patriarch Peter and long-suffering Lois, the family includes the sadistic baby Stewie, unpopular teenager Meg, dim-witted Chris, and Brian, their talking dog. The show explores their outlandish adventures in the fictional town of Quahog.
American Dad!
From the creators of Family Guy comes American Dad!, an animated series that follows the exploits of the Smith family. Stan Smith is the average American father, except his job at the CIA sees him made privy to all manner of national secrets. The Smith family is relatively normal, with Stan’s wife Francine, children Haley and Steve, talking pet goldfish Klaus (who has the personality of a German Olympic skier), and the eccentric and sociopathic alien Roger who lives in their attic.
Bob’s Burgers
Bob’s Burgers: Premiering in 2011, Bob’s Burgers follows Bob Belcher, a third-generation restaurateur, as he manages his burger restaurant alongside his wife and three children. Despite operational challenges including poor location, they remain committed to their business’s success.
