Nancy Cartwright, the voice behind Bart Simpson and other characters on the long-running animated series "The Simpsons," believes the show will likely end around its 40th season. Cartwright, 68, shared her prediction during an appearance on the "Inside Of You" podcast.
"It's my opinion," Cartwright stated when asked by host Michael Rosenbaum how long she thought the series would continue, suggesting that a conclusion around season 40 is probable. However, she also expressed a willingness to continue voicing her characters if the show were to extend beyond that milestone, provided "everyone is still alive."
Cartwright has been a part of "The Simpsons" since its debut on "The Tracey Ullman Show" in 1987, later transitioning to the main series when it premiered in 1989. She voices multiple characters, including Bart Simpson, Maggie Simpson, Ralph Wiggum, Todd Flanders, and Nelson Muntz.
"The Simpsons" is the longest-running American animated series, the longest-running American scripted primetime TV series, and the longest-running sitcom in the United States, having aired over 800 episodes. The show was renewed in April of last year through its 40th season.
In February, showrunner Matt Selman discussed the show's future, stating that "The Simpsons" would not have a traditional series finale if it were to end. "It would just be a regular episode that has the family in it. Probably a little Easter egg here and there, but no 'I'm going to miss this place,'" Selman told The Wrap. He explained that the creative team had already produced an episode a year and a half prior that served as a parody of potential series finale concepts, indicating their approach to avoid a definitive end.
Selman also elaborated on the show's unchanging nature, noting that the characters and setting of Springfield are designed to reset weekly, likening it to "Groundhog Day." The 800th episode of "The Simpsons" aired on February 15. The upcoming 38th season is scheduled to premiere on September 27 on Fox.
Cartwright has previously spoken about her long tenure with the show. In an interview with the Associated Press last year, she described voicing Bart Simpson for decades as having become "such a part of my lifestyle," adding, "I'm used to doing it all the time, and I'm not looking forward to the day when we're done."
"The Simpsons Movie" was released in 2007, and a sequel is anticipated in 2027. Cartwright is also known as the aunt of singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter.