As Family Guy, The Simpsons, and Bob’s Burgers approach the end of their current deals with Fox, many fans are left wondering about the future of these beloved animated series. Despite the recent scheduling changes, Fox has expressed its commitment to keeping these shows on the air. Family Guy’s move to midseason after nearly two decades on the fall schedule is paving the way for new animated series like Universal Basic Guys and Krapopolis, while still making room for long-running favorites like The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers.
Fox Television Network President Michael Thorn emphasized the importance of balancing legacy series with new Fox-owned shows. He stressed that series like Family Guy are still of “crucial importance” to both the network and its audience. Thorn highlighted the shift in the approach to scheduling, focusing on the entire portfolio rather than traditional time slots. With the rise of streaming platforms like Hulu, Fox is considering how to best optimize its content for different audience preferences and viewing habits.
Confidence in Existing and New Shows
Despite speculation about the future of The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers, Fox CEO Rob Wade expressed a sense of contentment with the current lineup. He noted that while the past year’s disruptions caused some scheduling challenges, Fox remains committed to these long-standing shows and values its relationships with the creative teams behind them. Wade also emphasized the importance of the broadcast window for shows to cut through the noise of the entertainment landscape, highlighting the unique benefits of airing on Fox.
The upcoming seasons for The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, and Family Guy carry significant milestones, with Season 36, Season 15, and Season 23 respectively. All three shows are produced by Disney Television Studios’ 20th Television Animation, showcasing the continued collaboration between Fox and Disney. The longevity and success of these series demonstrate their enduring appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
As Fox prepares to navigate the evolving landscape of television programming, it remains steadfast in its support for animated series that have become cultural touchstones. The network’s commitment to balancing legacy shows with new content reflects a strategic approach to attracting diverse audiences and adapting to changing viewing habits. While the future of animated series on Fox may evolve, the enduring popularity of The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Bob’s Burgers signals a continued appreciation for the humor, wit, and charm of these iconic shows.