The Simpsons, already the longest-running American animated series, may not continue much past its 40th season, according to voice actor Nancy Cartwright.
Cartwright, who has voiced Bart Simpson and other characters since the show's inception, expressed her opinion during a recent episode of the "Inside Of You" podcast. When asked by host Michael Rosenbaum how long she believed the series would last, Cartwright stated, "It's my opinion" that it would not go beyond 40 seasons.
Despite this prediction, Cartwright indicated a willingness to continue with the show if it were to extend beyond season 40, provided "everyone is still alive." She confirmed she would "Absolutely" go as long as the creators wanted.
The animated sitcom, which premiered as a series in 1989 after debuting as shorts on "The Tracey Ullman Show" in 1987, has broadcast over 800 episodes. It holds the distinction of being the longest-running American scripted primetime TV series and the longest-running sitcom in the U.S. The series has earned 37 Primetime Emmy Awards.
In April of last year, "The Simpsons" was renewed through its 40th season. A sequel to "The Simpsons Movie," released in 2007, is slated for release in 2027.
Showrunner Matt Selman previously discussed the show's potential end in February, stating that if the series were to conclude, there would be no formal finale. "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 noted that the writing team had already produced a "parody" finale episode about a year and a half prior, packing "every possible series finale concept into one show."
Selman also commented on the show's unchanging nature, explaining, "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."
The 800th episode of "The Simpsons" aired on Fox on February 15 of this year. The 38th season is scheduled to premiere on September 27.
Cartwright has voiced Bart Simpson for decades, describing the role as having become "such a part of my lifestyle." She expressed in a previous interview with the Associated Press, "I'm used to doing it all the time, and I'm not looking forward to the day when we're done."
