The Simpsons could be ending soon.

[Veganpunk]

http://www.thedailybeast.com/article...nning-hit.html


Not cool. To live in a world with no new Simpsons would be surreal.

[Veganpunk]

STATEMENT FROM HARRY SHEARER

For many years now, the cast of "The Simpsons" has been trying to get Fox to agree that, like so many other people who've contributed significantly to the show's success, we be allowed a tiny share of the billions of dollars in profits the show has earned. Fox has consistently refused to even consider the matter. Instead, it's paid us salaries that, while ridiculous by any normal standard, pale in comparison to what the show's profit participants have been taking home.

Now, as the show enters its twenty-third season, we are engaged in what will probably be our last contract negotiation with Fox. As you may have heard, the network has taken the position that "The Simpsons" no longer makes enough money and that unless we in the cast accept a 45% pay cut, they are not going to bring the show back for a twenty-fourth season.

Obviously, there are a lot more important things going on in the world right now, in the streets of New York and elsewhere. But given how many people seem to care about what happens to our show - and how much misinformation has been flying around - I thought it might make sense for at least one member of the cast to speak out directly. I should note that I am speaking only for myself, and not for any of the other actors on the show.

Fox wants to cut our salaries in half because it says it can't afford to continue making the show under what it calls the existing business model. Fox hasn't explained what kind of new business model it has formulated to keep the show on the air, but clearly the less money they have to pay us in salary, the more they're able to afford to continue broadcasting the show. And to this I say, fine - if pay cuts are what it will take to keep the show on the air, then cut my pay. In fact, to make it as easy as possible for Fox to keep new episodes of "The Simpsons" coming, I'm willing to let them cut my salary not just 45% but more than 70% - down to half of what they said they would be willing to pay us. All I would ask in return is that I be allowed a small share of the eventual profits.

My representatives broached this idea to Fox yesterday, asking the network how low a salary number I would have to accept to make a profit participation feasible. My representatives were told there was no such number. There were, the Fox people said, simply no circumstances under which the network would consider allowing me or any of the actors to share in the show's success.

As a member of the "Simpsons" cast for 23 years, I think it's fair to say that we've had a great run and no one should feel sorry for any of us. But given how much joy the show has given so many people over the years - and given how many billions of dollars in profits News Corp. has earned and will earn from it - I find it hard to believe that this is Fox's final word on the subject. At least I certainly hope it isn't, because the alternative is to cancel the show or fire me for having the gall to try to save the show by helping Fox with its new business model. Neither would be a fair result - either to those of us who have committed so many years to the show or to its loyal fans who make our effort worthwhile.

[AtreyuKun]

I haven't known a time without Simpson's since I was in middle school. I don't want to live in that kind of world.

[sirloot]

Meh i havent watched the Simpsons in over 10 yrs .. no loss to me

[Crow]

Harry Shearer will always have the political talk shows to participate in. Not sure what the rest of the voice cast will be doing once the show is over...

I think it's probably for the best. The show lost its edge years ago, and the ratings have been declining season after season.

I say it's time to close the book. It definitely made its mark on television, and I think Matt should start shifting his focus on the other show: Futurama.

[deadohsky]

I understand where the cast is coming from, they have invested decades of their lives into the show, why not share the profits with the people that make it what it is? It has declined over the years but it is still far better and consistent than the wave of Macfarlane that fox has been pushing.

I grew up watching The Simpsons, and like others, it'd be a strange feeling knowing that it's gone. This has happened before, although this sounds a little more final, i'm hoping they will compromise as they have in the past.

Futurama is a highly underrated show. It's fantastic.

[EricHill78]

23 seasons? Wow.. put it in retrospect I was 10 when it came out. Hell I remembered when I first saw it on Tracy Ulman. I'll be sad if this comes to be. One positive is you know it'll be in syndication for my grand kids even.

Seems they are running out of ideas though. A chalmers episode? Ha

[deadohsky]

23 seasons? Wow.. put it in retrospect I was 10 when it came out. Hell I remembered when I first saw it on Tracy Ulman. I'll be sad if this comes to be. One positive is you know it'll be in syndication for my grand kids even.

Seems they are running out of ideas though. A chalmers episode? Ha

I was three when it came out lol. There will always be reruns on, it'd just be sad to lose a pioneer.


http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/10/07/the-simpsons-renewed-details-on-the-deal.html

Good news, everyone! It's been renewed for at least two more seasons.

[wadetheblade]

I agree i would rather watch futurama, best cartoon ever