The Simpsons aired its final episode on Sky One this weekend, ending a 36-year run on the pay-television channel with little fanfare, prompting fans to call the exit 'disrespectful.'
The season 16 episode Treehouse of Horror XV marked the last time the show would air on Sky One, bringing a low-key end to what many viewers considered a cultural constant for nearly four decades.
Fans React to the Quiet Send-Off
As the credits rolled, viewers took to social media to express their dismay at the lack of pomp and circumstance. X user dacoolboy_69 credited the show with 'making' Sky, adding: 'If it wasn't for Simpsons, cable sales wouldn't have boosted.'
chrismeredith41 said: 'So that's the end of The Simpsons on Sky One is it? No fanfare, no commemoration, just a Halloween special ending with Homer screaming…' BMTredinnick asked whether the broadcaster even knew it was the final episode, remarking: 'No mention of it whatsoever.'
A 36-Year Run Comes to a Close
The Simpsons first began airing daily on Sky One in September 1990. It continued to do so over the next 36 years, even after the cartoon was picked up by the BBC for license-paying viewers. The Simpsons ran on BBC Two from November 1996 to May 2004, culminating with the mockumentary episode Behind the Laughter.
After being picked up by Channel 4, it continued to air in November that same year, with the season 12 episode A Tale of Two Springfields. It remains there, while brand new episodes continue to drop on the streaming service Disney Plus, as it's done since 2020. A second feature-length outing is expected in November 2027, titled The New Simpsons Movie.
What the Future Holds
According to Bart Simpson himself, Nancy Cartwright, the show could end after 40 seasons. Speaking to Michael Rosenbaum on his Inside of You podcast, Nancy said that she thinks the show could tap out at its 40th series. When asked whether she really believed that to be the case, she said 'yeah,' before clarifying that this was just her opinion.
New episodes of The Simpsons are streaming on Disney Plus, with older episodes also airing and streaming on Channel 4 in the UK.
