The Simpsons Get Two More Season On Fox

Fox has ordered two more seasons of The Simpsons that will make the animated hit the longest-running series in primetime TV history. The show is currently in its 20th season. The 44-episode pickup will bring the show to 493 episodes.

Gunsmoke has held the record as the longest-running series and was on the air for 20 years (airing on CBS from 1955 to 1975 with 635 episodes). The Simpsons and NBC’s Law and Order have been closing in on the Western classic, with Fox’s comedy tying Gunsmoke this year and Law and Order currently airing its 19th season. With this renewal, The Simpsons will easily take the lead. And with NBC shedding its 10 p.m. hour and the “L&O” flagship pulling modest numbers, the chances of the crime drama outlasting The Simpsons seems unlikely.

The Simpsons pickup came after 20th TV closed a new deal with James L. Brooks’ company Gracie Films on Wednesday. The voice cast was already secured for two more years as part of their most recent contract negotiations.