'The Simpsons' to Earn Record for Most Episodes of Any Scripted TV Show
“Take that ‘Gunsmoke!’ You lost a race you didn’t even know you were running!”
The Simpsons has already earned several spots in the record books for accolades such as “longest-running animated TV series” and the animated TV Series with the most Emmy awards, and now the iconic cartoon stands to rack up yet another major accomplishment. As Variety notes, a newly-announced renewal for The Simpsons seasons 29 and 30 will bring the series’ number of episodes to a history-making 669, earning the Matt Groening-created series the honor of being the scripted TV show with the most episodes. Prior to this latest announcement, popular Western drama Gunsmoke held the record for the scripted program with the most episodes, having ran for 635 shows during its 20-year lifespan on TV. Fox celebrated with a fictional “statement” from Homer Simpson, whose quote reads: “Take that Gunsmoke! You lost a race you didn’t even know you were running!” For the official company statement, FOX CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman share: “This is yet another record-setting moment for what is truly a landmark series. The Simpsons has meant so much to the network, the studio and everyone at Fox, and its continued cultural impact around the globe is a testament to the combined brilliance of Matt, Jim and Al.” The Simpsons crew initially inked a “four-season deal” with Fox last year, and the next Simpsons episode “There Will Be Buds” will air this Sunday, November 6.
