Fox has locked down its big animated hitters for the next four years in a “meganimation deal” with Disney TV Studios and 20th Television Animation which has seen The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers and the returning American Dad receiving a four-season order apiece.
The deal will run through to the 2028-29 TV season and covers four seasons of 15 episodes apiece for each of the four shows, which is expected to be complemented by additional specials as we’ve seen with Family Guy on Hulu and The Simpsons on Disney+ over the past few years. It will extend The Simpsons’ record-setting run as the longest-running scripted primetime series to a whopping 40 seasons, with Family Guy reaching 27 seasons, American Dad 23 and Bob’s Burgers 19.
The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers all ranked among Nielsen’s top 10 comedy series for the 2023-24 broadcast season in the key 18-49 demo, while Family Guy and Bob’s Burgers were both among the top 10 streamed shows in the US last year. American Dad meanwhile will return to the Fox line-up for the first time since it shifted to TBS in 2014.
“This historic four-season order from our longtime partners at Fox is truly monumental for these iconic animated series,” said Marci Proietto, head of 20th Television Animation. “We are so proud that these legendary shows will continue for hundreds of more episodes, allowing new and longstanding fans to watch, rewatch and experience more of The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad and Bob’s Burgers for years to come.”