Major figure of the American small screen, the series The Simpsons is now a property of the Disney group since the acquisition of Fox in 2019. But the Hollywood major has just announced a decision which could prove catastrophic for the series.
A whole ritual for millions of viewers
On January 3, 2025, Disney announced a major change regarding The Simpsons. From February 2025, the series will no longer be broadcast on Sunday evenings, a historic slot for more than 30 years. Instead, the show will be scheduled for Wednesday evenings. A bold but risky decision, which could well mark the end of the most iconic series on American television.
Indeed; since its first broadcast in 1989, The Simpsons has always been synonymous with Sunday evening. This meeting was a long-awaited moment, a ritual for millions of viewers. In addition, Sunday evening is a suitable time slot for family audiences. After a long week of work and school, it’s a perfect time to relax in the company of Homer, Marge and the others.
Wednesday evening, on the other hand, does not seem as favorable. Right in the middle of the week, many viewers may not be availableespecially young people who are at school or at work. This change could therefore lead to a drastic drop in audience numbers.
The series The Simpsons is it in decline?
The Simpsons is not just a show, it’s an entire institution. During more than three decades, the series has built its success on its Sunday slot. By moving it, Disney could give the impression that The Simpsons is in decline.
To make the situation worse, the series also loses one of its iconic voices. Pamela Haydenwho played several key characters, including Milhouse and Rod Flanders. She is retiring after more than 30 years of service. Even if a new actor will take over these roles, this loss will not fail to mark a turning point in the history of the series.
A difficult context and strong competition
The timing of this decision is also concerning. In 2025, The Simpsons enters its thirty-seventh seasonand the series is starting to show signs of running out of steam. Critics are intensifying and some believe it is time to close the story of Springfield.
Many think that instead of outsourcing The Simpsons At such a late point in its career, Disney could have chosen to give the series an ending worthy of its legacy. Many fans would have preferred to see the series end on a positive note rather than risk a period of decline. Some believe thata final episode, broadcast during the historic Sunday slotwould perhaps have allowed the adventure to end in style.
The change of niche will allow Family Guy to take the place of The Simpsons on Sunday evening. This series, also a Fox productrisks capitalizing on the legacy of The Simpsons and capture a large part of the usual audience. Family GuyWho already enjoys strong popularity and a loyal audiencecould quickly establish itself in this niche.
