Next season air date and current renewal status
The Simpsons returns with new episodes when a future season is announced and scheduled by Fox; as of now the show is renewed through Season 37, but no official next season premiere date has been set. New seasons typically follow a fall schedule and air in a lead-in window after major sports events, with production and writing cycles shaping the exact timing. This guide explains how to confirm any future return date, what steps precede an announcement, and how to track official news so you can plan when the show comes back.
Renewal history and current season trajectory
The Simpsons has renewed annually for decades through Fox, giving it rare longevity that makes planning future seasons predictable in pattern even when exact dates are not yet public. Each renewal has historically aligned with upfronts and midseason planning, and the pattern helps forecast when to expect a new season return.
Recent renewal timeline at a glance
| Season | Year renewed | Premiere date | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 35 | 2021 | September 26, 2021 | Press release |
| Season 36 | 2022 | September 25, 2022 | Press release |
| Season 37 | 2023 | September 24, 2023 | Press release |
| Season 38 (not yet premiered) | 2024 | TBA | Network renewal |
Fox renewed the series through Season 37 in 2023, which implies an expectation of Season 38, but as of today no premiere date is official. Season 35 and 36 both arrived in September, following a predictable fall window that The Simpsons has used since 2021.
How Fox announces new seasons
Historically, The Simpsons’ renewal announcements occur during upfront periods or in late winter/early spring, months before the season premiere. When Fox plans a new season, it typically confirms the pickup, sets a premiere window, and provides a hook such as special episodes or milestone celebrations.
Steps before a confirmed return date
- Renewal decision at network upfronts or via press release
- Production order locked and writers’ room scheduled
- Voice contracts and recording schedules confirmed
- Marketing and premiere window selection
- Public announcement with air date or slot preview
Until those steps complete and an announcement is made, no specific return date exists. When the network signals a fall return, you can generally expect new episodes within the traditional September to May broadcast window.
Typical time of year and lead-ins
The Simpsons often anchors the fall schedule and sometimes benefits from lead-ins like major sports events or awards windows. When paired with live sports or big comedy nights, the show slots into the network’s strategy for high-traffic sweeps periods.
| Season | Typical premiere month | Common lead-in |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | September | Sunday Football |
| 36 | September | Sunday Football |
| 37 | September | Sunday Football |
If Season 38 follows the pattern, expect a premiere in September with Sunday Football as a lead-in; however, until Fox announces, this remains an informed expectation rather than a locked date.
How to track the next season status and return date
To know exactly when The Simpsons comes back, monitor official channels and trusted entertainment outlets for confirmed updates.
- Fox press releases and upfront announcements
- Official Simpsons social channels and showrunner statements
- Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and trusted TV news desks
Rumors may circulate on social media, but treat unverified posts as speculative until backed by network or production confirmation. Set alerts for keywords like The Simpsons renewal and Season 38 announcement to receive timely, accurate information when available.
Why there is no official date yet
Networks schedule seasons months in advance, but production calendars, staffing, and post-release strategy influence timing. Until Fox finalizes plans, announces a premiere window, and shares a date, the next season’s return remains scheduled-in-idea rather than scheduled-in-calendar. When the network does move, announcements typically appear quickly and clearly, giving viewers a reliable date to watch for.