Contract Delays May Mean Shorter Simpsons Season

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Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Animation, Comedy, Prime Time, The CW, News

Fans can usually come to expect at least one of two things from any long-running program:

1. A constantly-changing list of cast members. (You can refer to the Law & Order franchise for examples.)
2. Periodic contract negotiations.

So it should come as no surprise that America’s longest-running sitcom is once again dealing with matters of the financial kind.

Read More | Variety

Although production on The Simpsons should have begun months ago, an agreement with the show’s voice talent has not yet been reached. This delay could eventually mean a shortened run for the program next fall. Fans were originally scheduled to get get 22 episodes of the comedy in 2008-09; now the FOX series will most likely celebrate its 20th season with only 20 originals.

Right now the lead actors of the animated program - Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Hank Azaria, Yeardley Smith, Nancy Cartwright and Harry Shearer - reportedly earn around $360,000 per episode. While this amount is definitely not something to scoff at, its a small chunk of the larger Simpsons pie. Sources say the key players are now seeking to up their take to approximately $500,000 a show.

If a deal is not reached soon, fans may see the number of original episodes dwindle even further. Fortunately, some do believe this matter can be resolved very soon.