...and King Of The Hill returns, too

Two more series of the The Simpsons have been commissioned, taking the show through to 2008 at least.

The new deal with US network Fox will be for series 18 and 19, during which the show will clock up its 400th episode, tentatively scheduled for May 20 next year.

Cast members including Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith and Hank Azaria, have all been locked into the new run. Two years ago, they threatened to strike over pay.

Executive producer Al Jean said: ‘I'm especially proud because in its 18th year, The Simpsons has grown from a surly, unpleasant teenager into a responsible adult.’

Fox has also commissioned an 11th series of King Of The Hill, due to air in January 2007.

The news comes as something as a surprise as production wound up production a year ago when Fox stopped ordering new episodes. Cast and writers had been released and even the offices had been given up.

However, co-creator Mike Judge, who also provides the voice of Hank Hill, was persuaded to return.

Fox TV president told Hollywood trade magazine Variety: ‘The network had made its peace with King Of The Hill wrapping up, but lo and behold, it showed incredible resilience in terms of ratings. The network realized that the show could still work.’

 

Published: 20 Mar 2006