The Simpsons Celebrates 800 Episodes

Creator Matt Groening says the show isn't ending anytime soon despite some critics.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The iconic animated series The Simpsons aired its 800th episode on Fox this past Sunday, nearly 40 years after the show first premiered. In a recent interview, the show's 72-year-old creator Matt Groening stated that he has no plans to end the long-running program, despite some critics claiming the show's best days are behind it.

Why it matters

The Simpsons is one of the longest-running scripted television shows in history, having aired over 800 episodes. Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement that demonstrates the show's enduring popularity and cultural impact over the past four decades.

The details

In the interview with the New York Times, Groening pushed back against the criticism that the show has declined in quality in recent years, arguing that the animators have worked hard to avoid repeating themselves and continue surprising both the creators and the audience. Groening emphasized that he has no plans to end the show, stating, "I'm not going to be the guy that says it's over."

  • The Simpsons aired its 800th episode on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Matt Groening

The 72-year-old creator of the animated series The Simpsons, which has now aired over 800 episodes.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not going to be the guy that says it's over.”

— Matt Groening, Creator, The Simpsons (New York Times)

“The thing about humor is anybody can say, 'That's not funny.' Everything isn't for everybody. It's been on an awfully long time. People who say, 'The show hasn't been good since Year X'—you're not watching the show! In recent years, and I don't know how the animators do it, we've been incredibly ambitious with our efforts not to repeat ourselves and surprise both us and the audience.”

— Matt Groening, Creator, The Simpsons (New York Times)

The takeaway

The Simpsons' remarkable longevity and continued creative ambition, even after 800 episodes, demonstrate the show's enduring appeal and cultural significance. Despite some critics' claims, the show's creator remains committed to keeping the series going for the foreseeable future.