Show secured until 2005

The Simpsons has been secured for two more years following a new deal struck in the US.

Fox has renewed the animated comedy for two more seasons, meaning new episodes will be made until at least May 2005.

The contract will bring the total number of Simpsons episodes to around 360 in 16 series, making it the third most prolific comedy ever after My Three Sons (380 episodes) and The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet (435)

Fox has also renewed its stable-mate King Of The Hill for a year, until May 2004.

Co-creator Greg Daniels told Hollywood trade journal Variety: "I don't feel like we're an aged show at all. I view it like dog years, so I'm hoping we're in our prime."

Announcing the renewals, Fox's Gail Berman claimed her network - a sister station to the UK's Sky - was " the only broadcaster that's been able to tackle prime-time animation".

Published: 17 Jan 2003