I Just Learned The Simpsons Made A Huge Creative Change Behind The Scenes, And I’m Hoping It Involves The Movie Sequel

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Springfield is saying goodbye to a long-standing creative team behind The Simpsons, which is currently in its 37th season. While it’s sad to see them go, this change could be great news for fans hoping for The Simpsons Movie 2.

Al Jean, who has been the showrunner for over ten years – one of the longest runs in The Simpsons’ history – is leaving his position. The former producer of It’s Gary Shandling’s Show shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) for fans who have watched the series evolve from its most celebrated episodes to its current status as a pop culture icon.

Thanks for tuning in to The Simpsons tonight! Next week’s episode will be the last one I’ll be showrunning (for now), though I’m still excited to be involved with the show. We finished it about a week and a half ago with a fantastic new director and a writer who always pushes me to do better.

A new image hinted at the November 2nd episode, “Bad Boys… For Life?”, which was written by Jean and directed by Eric Koenig, a veteran of The Simpsons. Although Jean isn’t leaving the show, this marks the first time in over 13 years someone else has directed an episode completely on their own. This raises questions about what this might mean for a potential sequel to The Simpsons movie.

What This Could Mean For The Simpsons Sequel

Exciting news for fans! A sequel to The Simpsons Movie is officially happening! 20th Century Studios has confirmed the movie is in development and scheduled for release on July 23, 2027 – exactly 20 years after the original film. A first look teaser shows Homer with a donut shaped like the number 2, and it’s been approved by the show’s creator, Matt Groening – perfectly capturing the classic Simpsons style.

Jean helped write the first Simpsons Movie, and if he has more free time now, he could be heavily involved in making the next one. He’s always prioritized keeping the stories consistent within The Simpsons, and his involvement would likely give the sequel the familiar feel that dedicated fans would appreciate.

How Fans Are Reacting To The Shake Up

As a lifelong Simpsons fan, I have to say, Al Jean is basically a legend. He’s been with the show since the very beginning – writing some of those early, iconic episodes, and then becoming a co-showrunner pretty quickly. He took the reins as the showrunner way back in Season 13 and has been there ever since, for over twenty years! Honestly, he’s shaped so much of what The Simpsons is today – the way it feels, how quickly it moves, and, of course, the humor. So, when I saw the news about him, it’s no surprise fans had a lot to say. Here are some of the best reactions I’ve seen online:

  • “Great stuff Al. Would love to have you on the show to discuss your Simpsons legacy. Enjoy the well-deserved rest” – @fourfingerpod
  • “Thanks for all the years and memories. This show means so much to so many people . Visiting Springfield is my go to when I’m stressed, sad, or worried. It always allows for an escape. Thanks for interacting with us fans on here when you don’t have to.” – @DarbyD53
  • “Thanks for creating probably the single greatest comedy ever on television.. I remember at work in the late nineties, and we were talking about what is The greatest show on tv, and I said the simpsons. People looked at me weird, but twenty five years later i’m right.” – @StevenTaub1
  • “Mom is as old as The Simpsons introduced to me at 12 years old. Watch the entire show from season one to season 34 or season 35 Ish thank you for all your good episodes. Mr jean.” – @AWynn20406

For over a generation, this experienced writer has been a key creative force behind The Simpsons, and his retirement signals a major shift for the show. The enthusiastic response from dedicated fans demonstrates just how much his work and comedic style have meant to people over the years.

What’s Next for The Simpsons

After an incredible 37 seasons (and still on FOX every Sunday!), The Simpsons shows no signs of stopping. As the show prepares for its most significant project since 2007, a change in how things are made could be exactly what it needs. It’s bringing in new talent for television while relying on a seasoned professional for the big screen. Many fans have been waiting for a sequel to The Simpsons Movie for over 20 years, and Al Jean seems like the perfect person to direct it – or at least share the directing duties.

Now that the series is concluding, fans can re-enjoy all the best scenes and stories by streaming the complete show on Disney+. It’s arguably the platform’s strongest offering.

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2025-10-29 21:11