The Simpsons Will Never Get a Series Finale, Says Showrunner

Matt Selman confirms the long-running animated series will simply stop airing rather than have a traditional finale.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Simpsons showrunner Matt Selman says the iconic animated series will not get a grand series finale when it eventually ends. Instead, Selman says the show will simply stop airing one day with little fanfare, similar to how it has operated for over 800 episodes by resetting the status quo each week without long-term narrative arcs. Selman notes the show already did a parody of a series finale concept in a previous episode, and that any final episode would likely just be a regular installment of the family's adventures in Springfield.

Why it matters

The Simpsons has been a groundbreaking and long-running television series, redefining the sitcom format since its debut in 1989. The decision to forgo a traditional series finale speaks to the show's commitment to its episodic, status quo-driven storytelling approach, which has allowed it to continue for over 800 episodes. This unconventional approach to ending the series is in keeping with The Simpsons' legacy of defying television norms.

The details

Showrunner Matt Selman says The Simpsons will not get a big, emotional series finale when the show eventually ends. Instead, Selman says the series will simply stop airing one day, similar to how it has operated for over 800 episodes by resetting the status quo each week without long-term narrative arcs. Selman notes the show already did a parody of a series finale concept in a previous episode, and that any final episode would likely just be a regular installment of the family's adventures in Springfield.

  • The Simpsons crossed the 800-episode milestone in 2026.
  • The 800th episode, titled "Irrational Treasure", aired on February 15, 2026.

The players

Matt Selman

The showrunner of The Simpsons, who has confirmed the long-running animated series will not get a traditional series finale when it eventually ends.

The Simpsons

The iconic animated sitcom that has been airing new episodes since 1989 and recently crossed the 800-episode milestone, defying television norms with its commitment to episodic, status quo-driven storytelling.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We jammed every possible series finale concept into one show.”

— Matt Selman, Showrunner (scorpiolikeyou.com)

“If the show ever did end, there is no finale, it would just be a regular episode that has the family in it. Probably a little Easter egg here and there, but no 'I am going to miss this place.'”

— Matt Selman, Showrunner (scorpiolikeyou.com)

What’s next

A new Simpsons movie is planned for release in 2027, continuing the long-running franchise.

The takeaway

The Simpsons' decision to forgo a traditional series finale when the show eventually ends is in keeping with the series' innovative approach to episodic, status quo-driven storytelling that has allowed it to defy television norms and remain on the air for over 800 episodes. This unconventional approach to ending the series speaks to The Simpsons' legacy as a groundbreaking and long-running television institution.