Fans have been wondering for decades when The Simpsons might come to an end, and now Nancy Cartwright, the voice actress behind Bart Simpson, thinks she could have an idea. During an appearance on Michael Rosenbaum’s “Inside of You” podcast, Cartwright, who’s been a part of the animated sitcom since its 1989 premiere, commented on when she could see the beloved TV series take its final bow.
Cartwright predicts the end of a cultural touchstone
When Rosenbaum asked Cartwright, “How long do you think ‘The Simpsons’ will go?” The Simpsons vet bluntly said, “40 [seasons].” Perhaps shocked by the direct answer, Rosenbaum tried to investigate further. He asked Cartwright if she was sure, and she said, “Yeah… It’s my opinion.”
Despite thinking the series could end with Season 40, Cartwright clarified that she’s happy to continue working on the show for as long as they want to keep going. Who could blame her? There’s still a crazy amount of money to be made with The Simpsons, and her attachments and sense of ownership of the Bart Simpson character must be deep after all these years.
Cartwright’s comments come a year after The Simpsons confirmed a four-season renewal, bringing the time-honored animated series through its 40th season.
The Golden Era and the Road Ahead
Hearing a milestone like 40 seasons thrown around makes it hard not to trace the journey back to where it all began. Do you remember where you were when The Simpsons premiered on Fox on December 17, 1989? My family and I were visiting a family friend in Long Island, New York, and we were all huddled around the TV for the big premiere. After that first hilarious episode, The Simpsons quickly became a weekly event in our household. I still remember watching episodes with my mom in particular. Her favorite episode is still “Marge vs. the Monorail,” which premiered on January 14, 1993. Growing up, I was one of those kids running around in Bart Simpson t-shirts, listening to The Simpsons Sing the Blues, an album released in 1990 that featured songs like “Do the Bartman,” “Deep Deep Trouble,” “Sibling Rivalry,” and more.
For me, those early memories kicked off a lifelong obsession. Seasons 4 through 8 represent the absolute peak of The Simpsons, though the good times roll into the early teens. I don’t know when the show will end, but when it does, it will likely be a cultural event that brings many old-school Simpsons fans out of the woodwork. That day feels like it’s still years away, but maybe it’s closer than we think.
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