After 800 Episodes, 'The Simpsons' Creators Look Back — and Ahead

The long-running animated series reaches a major milestone, thanks to its ability to reset and stay fresh.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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After 800 episodes, the creators of 'The Simpsons' say the show has lasted because it always resets, allowing every story to end back at square one. Executive producer Al Jean says they avoid an overarching plot, while creator Matt Groening says the team still tries to improve the animation. Producers credit early outrage, famous guest stars, and a streaming-era boost on Disney+ as keys to the show's success and longevity.

Why it matters

As one of the longest-running scripted television series of all time, 'The Simpsons' has become a cultural institution, influencing comedy, animation, and social commentary for decades. The show's ability to continually reinvent itself while maintaining its core characters and themes is a testament to the creativity and resilience of its creators.

The details

The 800th episode of 'The Simpsons' will air on Sunday on Fox. Executive producer Al Jean says the show lasts because it always resets, allowing every story to end back at square one. Creator Matt Groening adds that the team still tries to improve the animation, even after all these years. Producers credit early outrage, famous guest stars, and a streaming-era boost on Disney+ as keys to the show's success and longevity.

  • The 800th episode of 'The Simpsons' will air on Sunday.

The players

Al Jean

Executive producer of 'The Simpsons'.

Matt Groening

Creator of 'The Simpsons'.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

After 800 episodes, 'The Simpsons' has proven its ability to stay relevant and engaging by constantly reinventing itself, while maintaining its core characters and themes. The show's longevity is a testament to the creativity and resilience of its creators, who have navigated changing times and technologies to keep the series fresh and entertaining for audiences.