The UK’s favourite animated family, “The Simpsons,” are moving from their traditional weeknight slot on Channel 4 to E4, with season 32 of the animated comedy franchise airing on E4 beginning in January 2025. The move comes as Channel 4 and Disney Entertainment announce a deal renewal, which will bring new seasons of “The Simpsons” to homes across the UK and Ireland.
As part of the collaboration, the newest episodes of the hit series, starting with season 36, will premiere exclusively on Disney+ in the spring of next year prior to airing on E4 and becoming available on Channel 4’s streaming platform. Disney+ is the exclusive streaming home of complete seasons 1 – 35, “The Simpsons Movie” and 10 shorts featuring the Simpsons family. All these and more can be found in “The Simpsons” collection on the streaming service.
Aligning with Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy, the collaboration embraces the generational shift that is taking place in TV viewing to reach younger viewers, who engage with both the popular entertainment channel E4, and streaming platforms.
As part of the latest deal, new seasons of “The Simpsons” will be made available on Channel 4’s streaming platform as a boxset for a limited time after they have their initial broadcast on E4. Alongside this, a selection of library episodes will also be available to stream.
The longest-running primetime scripted show in television history, “The Simpsons” exploded into popular culture in 1989 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. The show, featuring television icons Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, has been on Channel 4 since 2004.
Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions, at Channel 4 highlighted the deep connection with the beloved yellow family: “The Simpsons' and Channel 4 have a historic relationship, and I’m delighted that we will continue to bring this much loved and iconic series to our audience. In an evolving market, collaboration has never felt more important, and it’s been a pleasure working with Disney Entertainment to bring the latest seasons to UK viewers, who can now watch the show on E4 and C4 Streaming once it has aired on Disney +;" commented.
Dayna Donaldson, VP, Content Sales (UK & Nordics) at The Walt Disney Company emphasized the show's status as a classic: “The Simpsons' stands the test of time, and they continue to be one of the most beloved and well-known families in the world. We are delighted that Channel 4, along with Disney +, will be bringing these larger-than-life characters and the comedy of Springfield to UK audiences, introducing the series to the next generation and new audiences for years to come," noted.
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