Nancy Cartwright predicts 'The Simpsons' will end after Season 40
The voice of Bart Simpson suggests the long-running animated series may reach its finale by the 2028–29 broadcast year.
Nancy Cartwright, the longtime voice of Bart Simpson, believes the world's most famous animated family will finally say goodbye after its 40th season. The prediction suggests a definitive end date for a series that has defined American television for over three decades.
Speaking on the 'Inside of You' podcast with Michael Rosenbaum, Cartwright identified "40" as the likely stopping point for the show. While she characterized the timeline as her own personal opinion, the figure aligns with the show's current contractual status. The Simpsons is officially renewed through Season 40, a move that secures production through the 2028–29 broadcast year.
A Legacy of Longevity
Since its debut in 1989, The Simpsons has evolved from a subversive sketch on The Tracey Ullman Show into a global cultural institution. As the series approaches its 38th season, the conversation regarding its eventual conclusion has become more frequent. The show's structure has historically resisted the traditional narrative arcs found in prestige dramas, relying instead on an episodic "reset" format that allows characters to remain static regardless of the passage of time.
Showrunner Matt Selman has previously addressed the concept of a finale, indicating that the series would likely avoid a bombastic or traditional series ending. This preference for a low-key exit reflects the show's nature as a satirical mirror of society rather than a linear story with a predetermined destination.
Industry Implications
As one of the longest-running scripted programs in television history, any indication of a conclusion carries significant weight. The franchise is not merely a television show but a massive media ecosystem involving extensive merchandising and cinematic expansions. The potential wind-down of the series coincides with the anticipation of a second feature film, signaling a possible transition from weekly broadcasting to legacy status.
For the industry, the end of The Simpsons would mark the closing of a specific era of network television dominance. The show's ability to maintain viewership and relevance across four different decades is a rarity that few other scripted series have ever approached.
The Road to Season 40
While Cartwright's prediction provides a potential horizon, the official end date remains unconfirmed by the studio. Viewers will be watching to see if the production team leans into the milestone of a 40th season to craft a final farewell or if the show continues to defy expectations of longevity. For now, the series remains secured through 2029, leaving several years of satire and social commentary remaining before the predicted curtain call.