AFTER 800 EPISODES, THE SIMPSONS CREATORS REFLECT ON THE PAST AND FUTURE. (PHOTO).

 After 800 episodes, The Simpsons creators reflect on the past and future

 Eight hundred episodes, 37 seasons, and a family in Springfield that has stubbornly refused to age.

As “The Simpsons” reaches a milestone few shows ever achieve, the creative team behind the series is reflecting on how crude 1987 shorts on “The Tracey Ullman Show” evolved into a global phenomenon. Executive producer Al Jean credited the show’s episodic structure for its longevity. “We’ve done 800 episodes, and I’m really glad we didn’t do a big overarching story,” he said. “You always return to square one at the end of the show.” Showrunner Matt Selman noted the unique freedom the characters’ eternal youth provides, while also questioning whether they carry the weight of their extensive history. Series creator Matt Groening described nearly four decades of production as a triumph, adding, “We’ve got to figure out how to shift perspective and do it more cinematically, and we’re always trying to improve.” Episode 800, “Irrational Treasure,” airs Sunday on Fox.

The voice actors have become inseparable from their characters. Nancy Cartwright, who auditioned expecting to voice Lisa, instead landed Bart, a choice Groening called an immediate “switcheroo.” Cartwright said the role has become part of her daily life and she’s not looking forward to the day it ends. Lisa’s defining trait—the baritone saxophone-playing genius—emerged organically from early production meetings. The show’s path to global recognition included early controversies, like Bart being labeled a threat to classrooms, and choosing to target adult audiences. Groening recalled that the internet brought new critics, inspiring the creation of the “Comic Book Guy” character. Predictions made by the show, from pop culture to politics, are largely coincidental, according to Jean, while Selman warned that modern AI has complicated public perceptions of prophecy. Guest stars have ranged from Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga, though U.S. presidents have never participated.

The Disney+ streaming era has introduced “The Simpsons” to a new generation, allowing the creative team to experiment beyond network constraints. Selman said streaming exposure has been “a big win” for younger audiences. Jean emphasized the personal impact of the show, with viewers sharing stories of how it helped them through difficult times. Animator David Silverman described the show as fulfilling a lifelong ambition: “to be involved in some animation project that makes a difference to people.” Looking ahead, Jean sees no end in sight, planning at least a 40th season, while Groening continues to imagine untold stories still waiting to be animated.