In the early ‘90s, “The Simpsons” entered syndication with a deal that kept the show off of cable networks until it was finished. At the time, no one could have predicted that “The Simpsons” would run for 25 seasons, with a 26th season to come next fall. Subsequent “Simpsons” contracts have amended that initial agreement.
Now with over 500 episodes since its debut in 1989, “The Simpsons” is finally coming to cable courtesy of FXX. In what may be one of the biggest off-network deals in TV history, FXX is reportedly shelling out $750 million for the exclusive rights for the entire library of “The Simpsons” episodes and streaming rights through FXNOW, an upcoming mobile app.
In a statement, FX COO Chuck Saftler said “The Simpsons is the crown jewel of television and the longest-running, most successful comedy series in television history, which is testament to the amazing talents of Jim Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, and the Gracie Films team. This is a historic deal for FXX and FX Networks and I don’t believe there will ever be another one like it.”
FXX was recently spun out of FX as a new home for several of its comedy series including “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia,” “The League” and the upcoming fourth season of “Wilfred.” “The Simpsons” is the first major syndicated addition to the network.
One of the downsides of the new deal is that “The Simpsons” won’t be going to Netflix or Hulu Plus any time soon, although new episodes of the series from Fox should still show up on Hulu during the current season.
FXX’s will begin running “The Simpsons” in August 2014.
